CONTENTS

Decolonisation 

In researching exploration there are multiple factors to consider, one of these is the impacts of colonisation as a result of travel and expedition. 

Society  today has been working towards undoing some of the damage done through decolonisation, a vital stage for human social and cultural development to reflect upon the horrors enflicted upon millions since the 1700's, once upon a time this era was known as the age of 'enlightenment'. 

Decolonisation is the process of reversing the impacts of colonialism, where Western European countries, England in particular, gained political governance over another land, enforcing their ideologies, religions and social expectations on indigenous places populations thus dismantling unique culture and societies. The British Empire was the largest coveting country, taking nearly a quarter of the world's land area.

Much effort is now in place to restore these lands to their rightful peoples, reintegrating indigenous knowledge, returning land, and shifting power away from the Global North, however there is still much to be done as ingrained animosity towards the 'other' is still rife. 

Another key factor of exploration is  male supremacy.  Patriarchal dominance and only celebrating male achievement has been another common theme. Much like the efforts in decolonisation, de-patriarchalism has its own set of issues. 

Once brought to light and uncensored, it seems that history, once written by men, for men, is obsolete.  Whereby the overturning of gender norms that favor male achievement needs to be revisited and the belief in male superiority rejected. This is the acknowledgement that women have been consciously and purposely omitted or had their roles belittled for the fear of supersceding a man. The female narrative is now being recognised and celebrated, such as Ada Blackjack, Katherine Johnston and Annie Maunder. The truth of Mrs Emma Darwins plight has also brought much controversy to her famous husbands reputation. 

Most significantly in this narrative is Sacagawea (Lewis and Clark Expedition) a prime example of how male, colonial supremacy took credit for her leadership and navigation skills. Recognised as Lemhi Shoshone Native American peoples who were removed from their ancestral lands to the Fort Hall Reservation in 1907 and whom still lack federal recognition 

WOMEN IN THE ARCTIC FIELD

whilst celebrating the achievements of female exploration it is important to remember that Indigenous women had been involved in Arctic travel long before the arrival any explorers, male or female.

As well as traditional and nomadic travel, many women assisted expeditions through harsh terrains, for example Ipirvik and Taqulittuq from Iqaluit, Nunavut, an Inuit couple, who assisted Arctic expeditions in 1860s and 1870s.

The wives of explorers 

Many women accompanied their husbands on expedition but are not noted, yet they played crucial roles in supporting their husbands' expeditions, whilst facing their own hardships and adventures. However 'wife duty' is generally not accounted for, despite extreme experiences.

To name but a few... 

Kathleen Scott, wife of Robert Falcon Scott, Emily Shackleton, wife of Ernest Shackleton, who seemingly only participated in the expedition to impress her. These wives were both inspirations and avid supporters for their explorer husbands. 

Jo Peary, The wife of Robert Peary, the man credited for (almost) discovering the geographic North Pole in April 1909 with Matthew Henson and four Inuit supporters to assist. Jo was the first white woman to give birth in the High Arctic. No credit is given to the Inuit peoples who assisted the expedition. 

Lady Jane Franklin 1791 - 1875, The wife of Sir John Franklin, she was an eccentric traveller and instrumental in Arctic research with her husband John Franklin. 

Ingrid Christensen, accompanied her husband to Antarctica in 1931, becoming one of the first women to see the continent. 

References

Herbert, K. (2012)  Polar Wives: The Remarkable Women behind the World's Most Daring Explorers, Greystone Books 

Further research: