British adventurer triggers colonialism row over historic Canadian island trek
A British adventurer has been accused of having a 'dangerous colonial attitude' after she claimed to be the first woman to cross Canada's largest island solo.
Camilla Hempleman-Adams, the daughter of explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams, traversed the 150-mile width of Baffin Island on foot and by ski in 13 days last month.
But the 32-year-old has been criticised by Inuits for displaying 'privilege and ignorance' because she claimed she is the first woman in history to do so.
Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona, an Inuit who lives in Ottawa, Ontario, said Canada's indigenous population had been criss-crossing the island for generations.
'If you want to come and enjoy the outdoors, please do so,' she said. 'The danger is going back with this colonial attitude and disseminating information like the Inuit don't have history there.
'Saying you're the 'first person' to do anything in an indigenous country is insulting. Show respect to the land and the people who have kept it pristine for your adventures.'
Ms Kabloona added: 'This woman is coming here from such a place of privilege and ignorance that it seems dangerous. It was almost like she was bringing back news of a new continent to Europe and saying 'there's nobody here!' We were and still are.'
Ms Hempleman-Adams, who is from Wiltshire but lives in London, had previously claimed that her expedition along the Akshayuk Pass from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung would be the first 'female solo attempt'.
Following the backlash, her website has been changed to instead claim that she was attempting to become 'the first British woman' to traverse the route.
Ms Hempleman-Adams said: 'I want to express my apologies for any offence caused by recent articles regarding my solo winter traverse from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung through the Akshayuk Pass. It was never my intention to misrepresent any historical achievements or cause distress to local communities.
'Before undertaking the expedition, I researched and verified the accuracy of my claim with Parks Canada and local outfitters in both towns who confirmed that there was no known female solo winter crossing from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung. However, if this information is incorrect, I apologise unreservedly for making an incorrect claim and for causing offence.
'I have deep respect for the land, its people, and their history. I have travelled in this region multiple times and hold immense admiration for its nature, culture and traditions. I am truly saddened that the coverage of my journey may have caused concern or upset, and I remain committed to learning from this experience and engaging with the community with the utmost respect.'
Ms Hempleman-Adams battled temperatures as low as minus 104F (40C) and winds of up to 45mph on the expedition.
After she finished the journey, she said: 'When you go in by yourself, you just have a mindset to keep going. You adapt, you have the mindset that you can't give up. There is no giving up in those conditions. I was firmly just, keep going, one step in front of the other.'
Her father Sir David flew out to see her complete the expedition.
He said: 'What she's achieved is quite extraordinary. I was really, really worried. She was right on the edge. It was wind speeds of 30 knots [34mph], and that's just dangerous in these temperatures.
'Being solo, you've got to be really on top of your game the whole time. If you just lose concentration for five minutes, it's a real problem. I'm immensely proud of her.'
In 2008, Ms Hempleman-Adams became the youngest person to ski to the North Pole at the age of 15.
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