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Photographs


The men of the Expedition, primarily the official photographer, George Wilkins, made about 4,000 photographs and exposed 9,000 feet of movie film, covering all aspects of the expedition and its objectives.

The Index to the Canadian Arctic Expedition Supplies, the "Karluk" Index, lists these cameras as part of the CAE equipment (Canadian Museum of Nature Archives 92-001 RMA):

  • Polyscope Stereoscopic - 1
  • Vest Pocket Kodak - 6
  • Special Kodak. 3A - 6
  • Stereo Hawkeye - 2
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CMC CD95-926-11

Diamond Jenness shot a number of photographs as part of his ethnological field work, such as this man and wife in full dress, Bernard Harbor, Alaska; 1916. (later colourized for a lantern slide). Source: Canadian Museum of Civilization


Although Wilkins' original movie camera was lost when Karluk sank, he was able to purchase another from a photographer in northern Alaska for $1,000. The inventory lists for Mary Sachs on 4 July 1914 include: "Cinemetograph [sic] camera, tripod 4000 feet film, 3A camera 400 exposures, developing outfit and supplies" (Canadian Museum of Nature Archives, RMA CAE lists).

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CMC CD96-653-022

Seven interested Copper Inuit spectators around Wilkins' tripod-mounted movie camera, Berens Islands, Coronation Gulf, Nunavut. May 28, 1915. GHW 50913. Source: Canadian Museum of Civilization