Moravian Missionaries Prepare for Historic Voyage to Ungava

In a notable expedition, Moravian missionaries are set to explore the possibilities of establishing a mission in Ungava Bay, a location in northern Canada. The initiative is spearheaded by Benjamin Kohlmeister, who has gained valuable insights about the region from two Inuit traders, Arnauyak and Uttakiyok. With authorization from church authorities in Europe, Kohlmeister aims to assess the area’s potential and secure Inuit support for the venture.

Kohlmeister, who has extensive experience in Labrador, having spent 17 years there, understands the critical role of local knowledge in ensuring the expedition’s success. His proficiency in the Inuktitut language, evidenced by his translation of the Gospel of John published in 1810, underscores his commitment to effectively communicating with the Inuit. To facilitate this mission, he travels to Hopedale in 1910 and recruits Jonathan, a Christian Inuk who has shown remarkable leadership qualities.

Jonathan, along with his wife Sybilla, represents the first Inuit to be baptized at Hopedale. Described by Kohlmeister as a man of “superior understanding and skill,” Jonathan is well-respected among his peers. He owns a 45-foot two-masted boat, purchased from traders at Chateau Bay in southern Labrador, which will be crucial for the journey. His recruitment of a diverse crew—including his son Jonas, his cousin Paul, and others—demonstrates his commitment to a collaborative effort.

As preparations unfold, concerns arise about the potential dangers of the journey. An angakkuq named Atsugarsuk raises alarms about the hostility of the Inuit in Ungava, leading some at Okkak to question the wisdom of the expedition. Despite these warnings, Jonathan expresses a resolute faith, stating, “When I hear people talking about the danger of being killed, I think: Jesus went to death out of love for us…”

The departure is scheduled for June 24, 1811. Jonathan’s boat will be accompanied by a traditional umiak, a skin boat helmed by Thukkekina, designed to navigate the treacherous waters without risking the larger vessel. The group will head north towards Killinek, taking time to connect with several Inuit camps along the route.

Upon reaching the tip of the Labrador peninsula, the expedition reunites with Uttakiyok, who had previously provided crucial information about Ungava’s geography and its inhabitants. His presence is vital, as he is tasked with guiding the missionaries through the challenging strait at Killinek and along the coast of Ungava. Despite not being a Christian, Uttakiyok is highly regarded for his skills and knowledge, as noted by the missionaries: “We had indeed the greatest reason to thank God, that he had sent us this man, to conduct us on our way to an unknown country.”

As the expedition gears up for this historic journey, the blend of faith, courage, and community involvement signals a significant chapter in the interaction between the Moravian missionaries and the Inuit. In the forthcoming segments, the exploration of Kohlmeister and Kmoch’s experiences in Ungava will continue to unfold, illustrating the complexities and challenges faced during this pivotal moment in history.