We just spent two incredible days in Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuq)! The name Gjoa Haven refers to the explorer Roald Amundsen’s ship. This Norwegian expeditioner came to Gjoa Haven in 1903 as part of his attempt to cross the Northwest Passage. Amundsen learned many skills from the local Inuit including igloo construction, traditional caribou clothing and how to lead a sled dog team. This knowledge enabled Amundsen to become the first European to successfully cross the Northwest Passage and the leader of the first expedition to reach the South Pole. In our time in Gjoa Haven, we encountered the same generous hospitality that Amundsen wrote about over a hundred years ago.
