The Diary of Abraham Ulrikab: Text and Context

David M. Quiring teaches history at the University of Saskatchewan. He
is the author of CCF Colonialism in Northern Saskatchewan: Battling
Parish Priests, Bootleggers, and Fur Sharks.

Europeans who visited northern Canada sometimes took Aboriginal people
back to Europe with them. Few historical records provide details about
the experiences of the participants. One notable exception exists: The
Diary of Abraham Ulrikab documents the visit of an Inuit group to
Europe. In 1880, Abraham Ulrikab voluntarily participated in a trip to
northwestern Europe. Seven other Inuit from Labrador, including
Ulrikab’s wife and two young children, accompanied him. The promise of
financial rewards, as well as curiosity about Europe, motivated their
participation. Ulrikab knew how to read and write; during his time in
Europe, he kept a diary and wrote letters.

Although Moravians had introduced the Ulrikabs to European ways, those
missionaries strongly discouraged the family from travelling to Europe.
Ignoring that advice, the Inuit enthusiastically participated in the
great adventure. Once in Germany, the family lived in the Hamburg Zoo,
next to exotic animals. Travels also took Ulrikab as far as Paris. But
during the long, gloomy European winter, the spirits of the participants
fell; Abraham soon regretted coming to Europe. All eight Inuit died of
smallpox before they could return to Labrador.

Along with Ulrikab’s diary, Hartmut Lutz includes various letters and
newspaper excerpts about the Inuit group’s experiences. Alootook
Ipellie contributes artwork and the foreword. Hans-Ludwig Blohm adds
interest with his photographs of Inuit life and the Labrador
environment. These elements provide necessary contextual information to
supplement Ulrikab’s short writings.

This work brings to life the experiences of the Inuit participants. It
demonstrates their considerable acculturation to European ways;
Ulrikab’s voluntary participation, his literacy, and his desire to
earn European currency demonstrate substantial adoption of European
influences. Unfortunately, the Inuit did not understand the hazards that
awaited them, as demonstrated by their naive refusal to listen to the
warnings of the Moravians. This book makes a valuable contribution to
the literature on this sad chapter in Aboriginal–newcomer history.