Naukane facts for kids
Naukane (born around 1779 – died February 2, 1850) was an important Hawaiian leader. He was also known as John Coxe, Edward Cox, and Coxe. Naukane traveled widely across North America in the early 1800s. He was either a member of the royal family of Kamehameha I or a trusted helper. Some believe he was Noukana, the son of High Chief Kamanawa, who was the King's uncle and advisor.
Contents
Life and Journeys
Joining the Tonquin
In 1811, a ship called the Tonquin visited Oahu. This ship belonged to an American company called the Pacific Fur Company. They were looking for workers. The company hired twenty Hawaiians to work as laborers in the Pacific Northwest. These workers were known as kanakas.
King Kamehameha I chose Naukane to go with them. Naukane's job was to make sure the Hawaiian workers were treated fairly.
Traveling to Fort Astoria
On the journey to Fort Astoria on the Columbia River, Naukane was given a new name: John Coxe. He got this name because he looked like another sailor on the Tonquin.
Soon after Naukane arrived at Fort Astoria, David Thompson also arrived. Thompson was from a Canadian fur trading company called the North West Company.
Adventures with David Thompson
In July 1811, Thompson and some workers from Fort Astoria began a trip up the Columbia River. The two groups traveled together for a while. When they reached the Columbia River Gorge, Thompson went ahead. Before they separated, some workers were traded. Thompson allowed his worker, Michel Boulard, to join the Pacific Fur Company. In return, Naukane joined Thompson's group. Thompson found Naukane very strong and helpful.
Naukane traveled with Thompson as far as Spokane House. Thompson then continued his journey quickly. Soon, Naukane was also traveling east. He crossed the entire continent to Fort William (which is now Thunder Bay, Ontario) on Lake Superior. From there, he traveled by water to Quebec.
In 1812, Naukane sailed to England on a ship called the Isaac Todd. In 1813, he returned to the Pacific Northwest on a ship called the HMS Racoon.
Return to Hawaii and New Work
After the American Pacific Fur Company stopped operating during the War of 1812, Naukane returned to the Hawaiian Islands in 1815.
However, he soon went back to the Pacific Northwest. He became an employee of the North West Company. He worked as a laborer at Fort George. This was the new name for Fort Astoria under the North West Company.
In 1821, the North West Company joined with another big company called the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC). Naukane continued to work at Fort George as an HBC employee.
Later Life at Fort Vancouver
In 1823, Naukane traveled with King Kamehameha II to England. They went to visit King George IV.
Naukane spent most of the rest of his life near Fort Vancouver. He continued to work for the Hudson's Bay Company. He had a wife in 1825. He also had a Native servant named Marie, whom he likely inherited from a previous Native wife.
Naukane probably retired from work in 1843 or 1844. He likely continued to live in Kanaka Village, which was near Fort Vancouver. He passed away on February 2, 1850, at Fort Vancouver.
See also
In Spanish: Naukane para niños
