On a mapping expedition in 1826, explorer John Franklin was the first European to see Herschel Island and its inhabitants. He name the island for his friend, Sir John Herschel, a noted English scientist.

Since then, Herschel has been a landmark, stopping place and sanctuary for those travelling and working in the Western Arctic.

It was a center for commercial whaling, police headquarters, Anglican mission to the people of the area, trading centre and scene of various government and institutional activities.

But none of them stayed. Like waves from the Beaufort Sea, the people of Herschel Island have washed onto its beaches, left their mark, and returned to the sea.