Minik Wallace

Minik Wallace (c1890 ? October 29, 1918) was an Inuit who was brought to the US from Greenland along with five other Inuit in 1897 by Robert Peary

Return to Greenland

After eventually giving up on attempts to change the Museum's mind, Minik placed his trust in a campaign to get Peary to at least return him to his home. Peary and his camp eventually made the arrangements for Minik to be returned to Greenland. Although they represented themselves as having sent him back "laden with gifts", Kenn Harper found clear evidence that on the contrary, Minik was returned to Greenland with little more than the clothes on his back.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Minik had forgotten his language and much of his culture, and his life in Greenland was fraught with new difficulties. His people took him back, and taught him the skills he needed to know; he even became a fine hunter. He also acted as a guide and translator for visitors, playing a key role in the otherwise misguided Crocker Land Expedition of 1913. This latest acquaintance with American visitors proved another turning point and Minik resolved to return to the United States, and did so in 1916.

Related Topics:
Crocker Land Expedition - 1913 - United States - 1916

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~