Since discovering this song and learning the lyrics I have become obsessed with all that I can learn about the explorers and territory of the formidable North. I had to familiarize myself with the landmarks Davis Straight and Beaufort Sea.
I had to learn about explorers David Thompson, Alexander McKinzie, Henry Kelsey, and Sir John Franklin. The more I dug into this subject the more fascinating history and people came into my realm of knowledge. I still have so much more to delve into and study.
So far I have learned very much from the podcast The Other States Of America. The Other States of America goes into a lot of detail about how the Native Peoples' ran their societies, as well as the various European enterprises in the New World. The segments about Champlain are a good place to start.
My children and I enjoyed this old educational video made for TV about the French Voyageurs. The singing highlighted in this video is very jolly and the original account that is narrated makes the experience immersive.
I found this documentary style YouTube video made by Geodiode has some really helpful maps.
I have read this small book about Sir Franklin's expedition. (First book that I read in 2026!)
And I started this audiobook called Realm of Ice and Sky not because it sounded interesting to me but it kept coming across my screen and I was desperate to find a book to listen to and I wasn't coming up with anything better. To my surprise one of the first topics this book covered had to do with Roald Amundsen and his successful journey through the Northwest Passage!
All this learning is a testament to the powerful influence of music and poetry and I guess ultimately of beauty. In my wildest dreams I would never have been interested in learning about cold places yet I find the lyrics of the Northwest Passage inspiring and so poignant. The way Rogers conveys the excitement of discovery, the awesomeness of nature, and the spirit of those brave men who went into the unknown and untamed is beautiful to me. He was a real poet. He had a gift for putting emotion into words. Not to mention the tune, which I just love! And should I fawn about the fact that it is sung acapella? Acapella music is my favorite type of music!
Are you the kind of person that once your interest is piqued you just go all out after a subject? About what was the last thing you were really excited to learn?
4 comments:
I really enjoyed the Northwest Passage song and the videos. The song reminds me of an old-time sea chantey. I admit to knowing almost nothing about the explorers of the North, but watching the videos gave me a little knowledge.
A few years ago, I randomly came across some videos on YouTube about one of the coldest places on earth, The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in Siberia. The channel is called Kiun B, and we took a deep dive on learning about Yakutia and the Yakutsk people in our homeschool. We even cooked a traditional Yakutian breakfast of what the Yakutsk call "fatty pancakes", with berries and whipped cream. I find it so fascinating that these extreme cold temperatures are just a way of life there. If you watch the videos, just be aware that there is one that would not be appropriate for young children (it's about being homeless in Yakutia and talks about alcoholism).
One of my favorite things about being a homeschool mom is that I am always learning. I love learning new things!
-Alyssa
Thank you for sharing with me what you learned about Yakutia, Alyssa! I have never heard of the place before. I, too, find it fascinating that people groups survive in such brutally cold places. I will try to look up that channel sometime. (Thank you for he warning about alcohol consumption.)
You are right, as homeschool moms we are always learning!
This does look very interesting. I am glad to have seen this today.
Thank you for the comment, Mama to 12! I am happy to have shared.
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