Camilla Hempleman-Adams faces Inuit backlash over her Baffin Island claims

In late March 2025, British adventurer Camilla Hempleman-Adams completed a two-week solo trek across Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada, covering a distance of 150 miles. She claimed on her website that she was the first woman to accomplish this journey, a statement that spurred criticism from the local Inuit community. Inuit representatives argued that not only have indigenous women traversed these paths for generations, but they have also done so under conditions that would surpass those faced by modern explorers. Members of the community highlighted that this claim reflects a dangerous colonial attitude towards Indigenous histories, which have often been marginalized or disregarded in favor of Western narratives. Following her claims, Camilla issued an apology, expressing her respect for the land and its people, stating that she did not intend to upset or concern the community. Despite her apology, many Inuit felt the implications of her narrative undermined their heritage, pointing out the historical context wherein our Indigenous rights and identities have been overlooked or invalidated. Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona, an Inuit spokesperson, expressed concern about the long-term effects of being portrayed as devoid of a historical connection to the land. These conversations have highlighted deeper issues regarding colonialism and the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities in preserving their way of life, history, and culture against the backdrop of modern exploration narratives. The Inuit community is welcoming to visitors who respect their traditions and way of life, but they oppose labeling outsiders as "explorers", which evokes imperialist connotations. Kabloona emphasized that statements about being the "first" to achieve something in an Indigenous country are not only inaccurate but also demeaning. Many within the community share a fear that cultural practices may soon dwindle, particularly as traditional nomadic lifestyles are less practiced today. The expedition, while intended as an adventure, has raised significant discourse on the importance of recognizing the real history and ongoing presence of Indigenous people in places that are often treated as empty wilderness by those from outside, which can have broader ramifications in how history is recorded and represented in the future.