This is quite a story. She deserves to be better known than she is.

Ada Blackjack Johnson

BTTT
I don't have time right now but will read this story later.
It looks pretty cool.
It is sometimes weird to think that a few generationas ago everyone was a survivor and how much ability and knowledge we have lost as a society.
Being interested in self reliance is a way of connecting with this lost knowkedge and keeping some minor part of it alive.

Oh wow, thanks for posting! That was a great story!

How times seem to change. I wonder how many of today's "high-achieving" women could match up. For that matter, I wonder how many of today's men could do what she did. I'm greatly in admiration of this woman. Matter of fact, I'm pretty sure that in some ancient language, Siberia means "seriously nasty place." <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Just goes to show, when the best laid plans go awry....bad things can happen.
Keep it safe out there.
-Kyle

OMG! I read her story in Kodiak in 1973. Ada was a respected Elder both among her people and Knowledgable Alaskans. I missed meeting her by one day too :O( I suppose her story might vindicate those needles in Dougs kit too ;o)

I agree. According to a couple of other articles I've found about her, at the time she evidently knew next to nothing about the native traditions of the Inuit, including hunting and fishing. What sets her apart first and foremost is her mindset--she not only was evidently determined to survive but was willing to learn whatever it took to do so, including hunting, fishing, and even tangling with hungry polar bears <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />! After her rescue she used these same skills to make a living and provide for her family.

I think, if done right, her story would make one hell of a movie. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If interested in reading more about this compelling story, you might want to read this book:

Ada Blackjack

It's a very worthwhile read.