“Cold Recall – Roald Amundsen’s Reflections from the Northwest Passage”

This exhibition of Roald Amundsen’s photos from Canada reflects the close and excellent relations between Norway and Canada and, more specifically, the polar history our two countries share.

Polar explorers and polar history are an important part of the Norwegian identity. On 14 December 1911 Amundsen reached the South Pole as the first person ever to do so. His success in this endeavour was largely due to the time he had spent with the Canadian Inuit some years before learning how to survive in such a harsh climate.

Amundsen was the first to navigate the Northwest Passage. During his voyage, which lasted from 1903 to 1906, Amundsen and his small crew stayed for two years at Gjoa Haven, in what is called Nunavut today. They developed a close relationship with the Inuit people in the area, who taught them how to survive in a cold climate. This knowledge later proved to be of great help in enabling them to endure the Antarctic climate.

The High North is Norway’s number one foreign policy priority. Our goal is to ensure peaceful, sustainable and prosperous development in this region – through increased activity, presence and knowledge.

This is the part of Norway’s neighbouring areas where most change is taking place and where we have the most interests to safeguard.

We will continue our active dialogue on High North issues with Canada and our other neighbours, partners and allies. Strengthened international cooperation in the North will benefit all of us.

I invite you to share our enthusiasm for the polar regions and hope that you enjoy Roald Amundsen’s captivating photos from the Canadian North.

Jonas Gahr Støre Oslo,
January 2010

More information: Vancouver Maritime Museum