CA-K444Indigenous peoples & reconciliation

Ipirvik and Taqulittuq, Inuit guides of Arctic expeditions

Ipirvik (Ebierbing) and Taqulittuq (Tookoolito), tintype from before 1876 (Mystic Seaport Museum). Tintype of Ebierbing (Joe) and Tookoolito (Hannah) · Unknown author · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.

Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

No recorded challenge is not proof of accuracy. A challenge under review is not a finding that the item is false.

Ipirvik and Taqulittuq, an Inuit couple from Baffin Island, helped several important Arctic expeditions in the 1860s and 1870s: Ipirvik hunted and drove dog teams, and Taqulittuq made Arctic clothing and interpreted. In 1872–1873 they were indispensable to the survival of a group of American explorers stranded all winter on an ice floe, showing the value of the Inuit way of travelling light and living off the land.

Scope & context

The couple’s role as described in their designation.

Sources behind this record

Ipirvik and Taqulittuq (Ebierbing and Tookoolito) National Historic Persons ↗

Parks Canada (Directory of Federal Heritage Designations)

Importance; plaque text