Artifact 1: A painting of Mikak and her son, Tukuak.

Mikak was an Inuit from Labrador who was an important figure in exchanges between the Inuit and Moravian missionaries wanting to permanently settle in Labrador. In 1767, Mikak and her son Tukuak, were captured and held in York Fort, where she learned English. This painting by John Russell signifies her importance to the British, when she was helping the Moravians settle their mission.

Mikak lived a life with much turmoil. The Moravians disapproved of her traditions, straining their relationship over time. Her husband, Tliglavina, kept leaving her for another man’s wife. The husband of Tliglavina’s mistress, Pualo, became her partner. Much of the Inuit community perished in 1783, including Pualo, as they travelled from Nain to Chateau Bay.

Mikak distanced herself from the Moravians and ignored their disapproval of her lifestyle. She remained independent afterwards, choosing to travel and trade. While her relationship with the Moravians became strained, Mikak’s efforts brought about a new culture in Labrador. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of European demands and the chaos filling her life, Mikak continued her traditional lifestyle until her last breath, representing independence and resiliency in times of uncertainty.

Bibliography:

Stoppe, Marrianne P. “Eighteenth Century Labrador Inuit in England.” Arctic 62, no. 1 (2009): 45-64. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40513264