Lydia Campbell

“You must please excuse my writing and spelling, for I have never been to school, neither had I a spelling book in my young days….”

So begins Lydia Campbell’s (1818-1905) remarkable autobiography, a rare and invaluable firsthand account of life in Labrador during a time of profound change. Born in Labrador, she became the first Inuit woman to have her writings published, leaving behind an enduring legacy of resilience, knowledge, and storytelling.

Her Sketches of Labrador by a Labrador Woman was originally published in 13 installments between 1894 and 1895, providing a rare glimpse into 19th-century Labrador and the transformations brought about by European colonization. It also serves as an exceptional first-person narrative of Indigenous women’s experiences during this era. In 1980, these installments were finally compiled and published as a book, ensuring that Lydia’s voice and perspective remained accessible to future generations.

Born to an English father and an Inuit mother, Lydia inherited a deep understanding of both cultures. Her mother taught her essential survival skills, while her father introduced her to reading and writing in English – an invaluable skill that later enabled her to document her experiences. Known affectionately as ‘Aunt Lydia’ in her community, she was highly respected as a matriarch and a custodian of traditional knowledge.

Sketches of Labrador is more than just a memoir; it is a window into the daily lives of Labrador’s Indigenous and settler populations. Lydia recorded stories of her family and community, chronicling not only personal histories but also crucial survival techniques. Her writings detail the intricacies of trapping, hunting, and fishing, as well as medical knowledge, food preparation, and the traditional crafting of skin-clothing.

Lydia married William Blake at the young age of 16, and together they had five children before his passing in 1845. After living alone for three years, she remarried in 1848 to Daniel Campbell, a Hudson’s Bay Company employee from South Ronaldsay, Orkney. Together, they had six children and raised two foster children, expanding her already strong ties within the community.

Lydia Campbell’s life and work exemplify the crucial role Inuit women played in Canada’s northern colonial history. These women were not only knowledge-keepers and caregivers but also instrumental in ensuring the survival of their European partners. They taught settlers how to navigate the harsh environment, construct suitable homes, fish, trap, and travel efficiently. Lydia’s legacy is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and strength of Inuit women, whose contributions to history have often been overlooked but remain invaluable.

Reference:

Inuit Literatures

https://inuit.uqam.ca/en/person/campbell-lydia

Image:
Book cover
Campbell, Lydia. 1894. Sketches of Labrador Life by a Labrador Woman. Memorial University of Newfoundland, Digital Collection. https://dai.mun.ca/PDFs/cns/SketchesOfLabradorLife.pdf