Inuit oral history and archaeology led researchers to the site of the world-famous Franklin Expedition wreck

September 2, 2024                    Gjoa Haven, Nunavut                      Parks Canada

Today marks the 10^th anniversary of the locating of the wreck of HMS Erebus – one of the two vessels linked to the legendary 1845 Franklin Expedition. Guided with the help of Inuit oral history, the locating of the wreck of HMS Erebus in 2014 launched a series of underwater archaeological expeditions. This resulted in significant research missions at the site and surrounding area including the subsequent locating of the wreck of HMS Terror in 2016 and recovery of over 1,500 Erebus artifacts. 

During the Umiyaqtutt Festival in Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuq), Andrew Campbell, Senior Vice-President of Operations, on behalf of Ron Hallman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada and Allen Aglukkaq, President of the Nattilik Heritage Society and board member of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, joined in celebrating the anniversary of the locating this renowned wreck. The initial locating and ongoing archaeological research at the site of HMS Erebus would not be possible without the knowledge and contributions of Inuit community members in Gjoa Haven and throughout Nunavut, as well as the contributions of numerous public, private, and non-profit organizations.

The relationships built with Inuit partners over the years have contributed to several milestones including: the creation of the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site in 2015 – the first national historic site in Nunavut to be cooperatively managed by Inuit through the Nattilik Heritage Society and Parks Canada, the 2019 signature of a landmark co-ownership agreement with Inuit Heritage Trust related to the recovered artifacts, and the signature of a ten-year Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association in 2023.

Parks Canada and Nunavut Inuit are partners in conserving natural and cultural heritage and sharing the stories of treasured places like the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site. The Nattilik Heritage Society, based in Gjoa Haven, administers the Wrecks Guardian Program and works in close partnership with Parks Canada to protect and present this internationally recognized site.

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