Ada Blackjack
Ada Blackjack was born in 1898 in Alaska. She was Inupiat, part of an indigenous people in northern Alaska. From a young age, she learned to survive in harsh Arctic conditions, hunting, fishing, building shelters, and travelling across ice and snow.
In 1921, Ada joined an expedition to Wrangel Island, a small frozen island north of Siberia. She was hired as a cook and seamstress, and there were four men on the expedition with her. The goal was to explore the island and claim it for Canada.
The expedition quickly ran into problems. The men were poorly prepared for the extreme Arctic conditions. Food and supplies ran out, and the men became weak and sick. One by one, they either died or left the island, leaving Ada completely alone.
Ada used all her survival skills to stay alive. She hunted small animals, fished, and found edible plants. She built shelters from stones, wood, and animal skins, protecting herself from storms and freezing temperatures. She faced extreme cold, hunger, and complete loneliness, but she refused to give up. Her knowledge of the Arctic and careful planning allowed her to survive for almost two years.
In 1923, rescuers finally arrived on Wrangel Island. They were astonished to find Ada alive, healthy, and strong. She returned to Alaska, married, and had children. Although she never became famous during her life, her story is remembered today as an extraordinary example of courage, intelligence, and perseverance in one of the most dangerous places on Earth.