On September 3, 2024, we celebrate a decade since the discovery of the wreck of HMS Erebus, one of the ill-fated ships of the famed 1845 Franklin Expedition. Guided by the invaluable knowledge of Inuit oral history, the wreck was located in 2014, sparking a wave of underwater archaeological expeditions that have unveiled the mysteries of the lost expedition.
The discovery of the HMS Erebus, followed by the discovery of its sister ship HMS Terror in 2016, has led to the recovery of over 1,500 artifacts and extensive research in the surrounding area. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Inuit communities, Parks Canada, and other organizations.
At the Umiyaqtutt Festival in Gjoa Haven, Andrew Campbell, Senior Vice-President of Operations for Parks Canada, along with Allen Aglukkaq, President of the Nattilik Heritage Society, acknowledged the profound contributions of the Inuit community to this historic undertaking. The unwavering support and expertise of Inuit individuals in Gjoa Haven and across Nunavut have been instrumental in this remarkable journey.
The partnership between Parks Canada and the Inuit communities has yielded significant achievements. Notably, the establishment of the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site in 2015 marked the first national historic site in Nunavut to be co-managed by Inuit through the Nattilik Heritage Society. This collaboration further solidified in 2019 with a co-ownership agreement with the Inuit Heritage Trust concerning the recovered artifacts.
Most recently, a ten-year Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) was signed in 2023 with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, strengthening the commitment to ensure benefits to the Inuit community.
The enduring partnership between Parks Canada and Nunavut Inuit continues to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of the region, ensuring the preservation and sharing of the stories of these cherished sites. The Nattilik Heritage Society, based in Gjoa Haven, plays a vital role in protecting and presenting this internationally renowned site through the Wrecks Guardian Program.
The discovery and ongoing exploration of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror have not only illuminated the tragic fate of the Franklin Expedition but also highlighted the crucial role of Inuit knowledge and the strength of collaboration in preserving our shared history.
