A British adventurer who claimed to be the first woman to solo traverse Canada‘s largest island has been slammed by an Inuit for her ‘privilege and ignorance’.
Camilla Hempleman-Adams, daughter of legendary explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams, completed the 150-mile journey across Baffin Island, Nunavut, on March 27.
Hempleman-Adams’ journey saw her battle temperatures as low as -40C and wind speeds of up to 46mph.
While she initially planned to complete the journey in 14 days, she finished a day early.
Ahead of her journey, the 32-year-old wrote: ‘Parks Canada has confirmed that there are no historical records of a female solo attempt from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung.’
But Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona, an Inuit woman based in Ottawa, said Hempleman-Adams’ claim was incorrect as her ancestors had travelled the same route for generation, and came from a ‘dangerous colonial attitude.’
She said in an Instagram post: ‘There is no way in hell a British colonizer is coming to Inuit Nunaat in 2025 and claiming any firsts… Every inch of this continent has indigenous history and stories like this.’
Kabloona told the BBC: ‘The article hit people really hard in a very sensitive spot, because of our history and the difficulties we face every day in combatting Western colonialism.
‘This woman is coming here from such a place of privilege and ignorance that it seems dangerous.
Camilla Hempleman-Adams (pictured) completed the 150-mile journey across Baffin Island, Nunavut, on March 27
Hempleman-Adams’ journey saw her battle temperatures as low as -40C and wind speeds of up to 46mph
‘It was almost like she was bringing back news of a new continent to Europe and saying “There’s nobody here!”. We were and still are.
‘It’s such a clear example of how colonialism benefits from dispossessing indigenous people of their land and writing us out of history.’
Kabloona said that while she was happy for visitors to enjoy the harsh region, she cautioned people who wanted to claim glories that they did not deserve.
‘If you want to come and enjoy the outdoors, please do so,’ she said.
‘The danger is going back with this colonial attitude and disseminating information like the Inuit don’t have history there.
‘Saying you’re the “first person” to do anything in an indigenous country is insulting.
‘Show respect to the land and the people who have kept it pristine for your adventures.’
She added that such trips were ‘part of their normal life’.
Following the outcry, Hempleman-Adams apologised for the offence caused by her expedition claim.
‘I have deep respect for the land, its people, and their history,’ she said in a statement.
Her father, Sir David Hempleman-Adams (pictured, right) said of his daughter’s expedition: ‘What she’s achieved is quite extraordinary
Kabloona said that while she was happy for visitors to enjoy the harsh region, she cautioned people who wanted to claim glories that they did not deserve (File image of the terrain on Baffin Island)
She completed the journey a day earlier than she had planned
‘I have travelled in this region multiple times and hold immense admiration for its nature, culture and traditions.
‘I am truly saddened that the coverage of my journey may have caused concern or upset, and I remain committed to learning from this experience and engaging with the community with the utmost respect.’
She has since taken down her Instagram page.
Hempleman-Adams said following her journey: ‘It’s been a really tough two weeks, but an incredible two weeks.
‘I’m feeling pretty exhausted, I have very sore feet, but it’s nice to be back in civilisation.’
Her father, who flew out to Canada to meet her at the finish line, said: ‘What she’s achieved is quite extraordinary.
‘Being solo, you’ve got to be really on top of your game the whole time. If you just lose concentration for five minutes, it’s a real problem.
‘I’m immensely proud of her.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .