Moravian Expedition to Ungava Bay Set in Motion by Inuit Guidance

The Moravian missionary expedition to Ungava Bay commenced with the guidance of local Inuit, paving the way for a significant venture in 1811. Led by Benjamin Kohlmeister, who had already established a deep connection with the Inuit community, the mission aimed to explore the region’s potential for future missionary work. Armed with invaluable insights from Inuit traders Arnauyak and Uttakiyok, Kohlmeister recognized the necessity of Inuit collaboration for the success of the expedition.

Recruitment and Preparations

In 1910, Kohlmeister traveled to Hopedale, where he recruited Jonathan, a respected Inuk, to lead the expedition. Jonathan, along with his wife Sybilla, had been among the first Inuit baptized in Hopedale and were well-regarded within their community. Kohlmeister described Jonathan as a man of exceptional capability and wisdom, noting his “uncommon presence of mind in difficulties and dangers.”

Jonathan owned a sturdy 45-foot two-masted boat, which he had acquired from traders in Chateau Bay. He was considered one of the most skilled navigators along the coast of Labrador. As the expedition took shape, Jonathan assembled a diverse crew, including his son Jonas, his cousin Paul, and others, including a young orphan named Okkiksuk whom Jonathan had adopted.

As preparations unfolded, another missionary, George Kmoch, was added to the team. The group faced warnings about potential hostility from Inuit in Ungava, with Atsugarsuk, an angakkuq, sharing alarming reports. Many in Okkak feared for the safety of their missionaries, predicting they could perish in the perilous waters around Killinek—known today as Port Burwell.

Setting Sail and Inuit Guidance

On June 24, 1811, the expedition departed from Okkak aboard Jonathan’s boat, accompanied by a traditional umiak commanded by Thukkekina. This approach allowed the deeper-drafted vessel to remain safely offshore while still reaching the coastal Inuit camps. Their journey towards Killinek included stops at various camps, reinforcing their connections with the local communities.

Upon reaching the northern peninsula of Labrador, the group reunited with Uttakiyok, whose previous insights had greatly influenced Kohlmeister’s desire to explore Ungava. Described as a man of superior intellect and skill in traditional Inuit practices, Uttakiyok had waited for the party’s arrival along with several Ungava Inuit. Despite not being a Christian, he received high praise from the missionaries for his guidance and expertise.

“We had indeed the greatest reason to thank God, that he had sent us this man, to conduct us on our way to an unknown country, and through unfrequented seas,” noted Kohlmeister.

The expedition illustrates the collaborative efforts between Moravian missionaries and the Inuit, showcasing a significant moment in the history of cross-cultural interaction in the region. As Kohlmeister and Kmoch’s journey unfolds, it promises to reveal more about the dynamics of their mission and the Inuit communities they encountered. In the next part of this series, further details will emerge about their experiences and challenges in navigating the complexities of their mission.

This article is part of an occasional column that highlights historically significant events. The author, Kenn Harper, is a historian with over 50 years of experience in the Arctic, and has written extensively on the region’s history and culture.