Indigenous Knowledge Leads to Discovery of HMS Terror
An Inuit hunter’s story has led to one of the most significant Arctic discoveries in recent history: the HMS Terror, a ship lost for almost 200 years as part of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition.
Sammy Kogvik, a local hunter from the Arctic community of Gjoa Haven, first spotted a mast sticking out of the ice in an Arctic Bay at the shore of King William Island in the Northwest Passage, during a hunting trip around 20 years ago.
Despite his attempts to revisit the site, the mast had mysteriously disappeared. His story, rooted in oral history and personal experience, remained untold until he several years later met Adrian Schimnowski, one of the expedition leaders of a multi-faceted collaborative government agency, not for profit, and Inuit communities.
During a research mission in 2016, Adrian Schimnowski listened intently as Kogvik recounted his experience. Trusting the hunter’s knowledge, Schimnowski made the bold decision to divert their ship to the bay that Kogvik once saw the mast. Guided by Kogvik’s memory and expertise, the team stumbled upon the HMS Terror, perfectly preserved in the icy waters of the Northwest Passage.
Kogvik and Schimnowski talked about the discovery to the students who attended the Arctic Future Pathfinders course in Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay).
Here you can see video from the finding (photo: Arctic Research Foundation):
Missing for nearly Two Centuries
The discovery was a groundbreaking moment in Arctic exploration, highlighting the critical role of Indigenous oral histories in uncovering historical mysteries. Sammy Kogvik’s story, combined with modern sonar technology, led to the unearthing of the shipwreck, which had been missing for nearly two centuries.
“This discovery wouldn’t have been possible without Sammy’s guidance,” Schimnowski said.
“It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of listening to the people who know the land.”
The HMS Terror, part of Sir John Franklin’s doomed 1845 expedition to find the Northwest Passage, was found in pristine condition, with its anchors deployed and hatches sealed. Researchers believe the ship sank slowly as ice melted, preserving it in near-perfect form.
A Call for Action for Collaboration
However, the journey to the discovery was not without challenges. The team faced lost cameras, murky waters, and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite these obstacles, the discovery has sparked global interest and reignited discussions about the importance of respecting Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
The find has also raised questions about ownership and the ethical handling of historical artifacts. While the ship is technically owned by the British Crown, many believe it should belong to the Inuit people, whose oral histories played a pivotal role in its discovery.
Sammy Kogvik, reflecting on the experience, said, “I just wanted to find the mast again. I’m glad we could show the world what was hidden in the bay.”
The HMS Terror’s discovery is a powerful reminder of the Arctic’s mysteries and the value of blending Indigenous wisdom with western exploration. It also serves as a call to action for researchers to collaborate with local communities and honor the stories that have been passed down through generations.