The Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913-18 was one of the most significant scientific journeys into Canada’s Arctic.
The mission mapped tracks of land in the Arctic that were never seen before and led to the discovery of four major islands that were eventually added to Canada’s territory.
During the mission 17 people on the expedition lost their lives.
The story of the explorers and their scientific discoveries is the subject of a new exhibit being displayed at the Nanaimo Museum.
Expedition Arctic, was created by the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canadian Museum of Nature and is at the Nanaimo Museum Aug. 15 to Nov. 7.
“This is a timely exhibit. Climate change, Arctic sovereignty and First Nations issues are very important to Canadians today,” said Aimee Greenaway, Nanaimo Museum program coordinator.
The stories of expedition members are woven throughout the exhibit.
“Visitors take on the role of a crew member when they enter the exhibit,” said Greenaway. “They adopt the explorer’s persona to see the expedition through that person’s eyes and find out if they were on of the 17 people that tragically died before the journey was over.”
The Junior Archeologists kids program runs Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Children will learn about archeology and First Nations History.
For more information please call 250-753-1821.