Kikkik facts for kids

Kikkik was an Inuit woman who faced incredibly tough times in the Arctic. Her story shows how strong people can be when they are trying to survive. It also highlights the challenges faced by the Inuit people during a period of big changes.

Life in the Arctic

Kikkik belonged to the Ihalmiut people. They were a group of Caribou Inuit who traditionally lived near Ennadai Lake. The Ihalmiut relied on caribou for food, clothing, and shelter. Their way of life was closely connected to the land and the animals.

In 1949, the Government of Canada moved the Ihalmiut to Nueltin Lake. However, there wasn't enough caribou there. Because of this, many people eventually moved back to their original home near Ennadai.

By 1957, the government moved the Ihalmiut again. This time, 59 people were taken to the Henik Lake area. This spot was about 45 miles from Padlei, which was the closest trading post. The group soon split into two smaller camps.

Facing Extreme Challenges

The winter of 1957 was very harsh for the Ihalmiut at Henik Lake. The caribou, their main food source, did not appear. This meant the people began to suffer from extreme hunger.

Kikkik lived with her husband, Hallow, and their children. Their names were Karlak, Ailoyoak, Annecatha, Nesha, and baby Nokahhak (Elisapee). Their igloo was near her half-brother Ootek and his family. Ootek was also struggling to find food for his family.

One day, Ootek went to visit Hallow. Hallow then left to go fishing. Soon after, Ootek followed him. A very difficult event happened, and Hallow died.

Ootek then returned to Kikkik's igloo. Kikkik became worried and followed him. She had to make a very hard choice to protect her family. During this struggle, Ootek also died.

Kikkik found her husband and placed his rifle next to him. This was a custom of her people. She then gathered her few supplies onto a sled. With her baby on her back, she began the long walk to Padlei with her children. It was about 40 miles away.

After a few days, Kikkik met Yahah, who was Hallow's brother. She followed him to his camp. Yahah went to Padlei for help. Kikkik and her children waited for five days without food. When Yahah did not return, they continued their difficult journey.

After a few more days, Kikkik could not carry all the children. She had to make another heartbreaking decision. She left Annecatha and Nesha, who were both under 10, in an igloo she quickly built. She wrapped them in caribou skins to keep them warm.

A Difficult Rescue

Kikkik, Karlak, Ailoyoak, and baby Nokahhak were eventually found and rescued. A Royal Canadian Mounted Police aircraft spotted them. The aircraft also found the two girls Kikkik had left behind. Sadly, one of the girls had passed away.

Kikkik's story became known, and she had to go to court. The court was held in Rankin Inlet. Judge John Sissons was in charge of the trial. Kikkik was found not responsible for the deaths or for leaving her children. Judge Sissons explained that her actions had to be understood within her culture and the extreme survival situation she faced.

Kikkik's Legacy

Kikkik's incredible story of survival was shared in a book. It was called The Desperate People and was written by Farley Mowat in 1959. Kikkik herself rarely spoke about these difficult times. Even her children did not learn the full details until Annecatha read Mowat's book.

Kikkik's story has also been featured in two documentaries. Her daughter, Elisapee (Nokahhak) Karetak, appeared in these films. One was made in 2000 in English, and another in 2002 in Inuktitut. Her story reminds us of the strength of the human spirit.