That too proved perilous, with their way blocked by the ice pack during the summer, and myriad problems with the boats, so that it was October before they finally reached the DEW-Line station on King William Island. Several of the people who made this five-month journey have passed away. Those who survived to tell their stories in Gjoa Haven, for the most part, look back upon their struggle philosophically. At the time, said Annie Magaknak, “We didn’t think anything of it.” They managed on country food, and took the difficulties of travel in stride. It seems that the emotional wrenching, out of their familiar country, away from family and friends, was the most difficult of all to endure. “I start thinking of what we went through sometimes,” Annie adds, with tears forming in her warm eyes. “It was extremely difficult coming from Perry River, when I think back about it.” Nonetheless, they now have the satisfaction of knowing the story of their flight for survival is recorded for posterity.
© David F. Pelly
www.davidpelly.com
