Natkusiak (Billie Banksland) Travels with Stefansson

1911AD

1900–1950

William Natkusiak (also known as Billie Banksland), an Inupiaq from Alaska, and Canadian born explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson, explored vast areas of the Canadian Arctic (see Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913). In May, 1911 they visited Inuinnait at snow house camps around Prince Albert Sound on Victoria Island, this community's first encounter with a Tanik/Tan'ngit, or ‘white person’.

William Natkusiak and Vilhjalmur Stefansson. Left: William Natkusiak (Billy Banksland). Right: Vilhjalmur Stefansson. Originally from Alaska, after working with Stefansson on two expeditions Natkusiak stayed in the Canadian Arctic and was instrumental in establishing the fur trade on Banks and Victoria Islands. Photo credit: Library and Archives Canada/Canadian Arctic Expedition.