Dundor-Heikka

Henrik Andersen (1828-1917) – Dundor-Heikka – was a famous bear hunter who is still remembered. The Dundor family belonged to both sides of the border, both in Jukkasjärvi on the Swedish side and Northern Nordland and Southern-Troms on the Norwegian side. The family eventually settled on Husjord, where they continued reindeer husbandry. Bear hunting also belonged to the family:» as far back as one can count, the men have been bold bear killers. Strong, powerful fellows, it is said, and thoroughly healthy. Some of them lived to be 100 years or more.» (Bjørnson 1916) In the census of 1910, Dundor-Heikka is listed as «bear shooter, federal councillor«. He was then 82 years old.

Dundor-Heikka was 16 when he shot his first bear. Eventually, the number would rise to 55 bears. He mainly used rifle, but he also talked about situations where the bear’s spleen was used. Dundor-Heikka took out bears both in Ballangsmarka, Kanstadfjorden and in Skånlandsmarka.

Being a bear hunter required courage, cunning and prudence. Dundor-Heikka is remembered as a skilled and fearless bear hunter, with a twinkle in his eye and always a good story to tell: «the bear caught sight of me and stood on its hind legs. Then I said: ‘you must be upset now because you haven’t had your morning coffee yet.’ And then I shot him between the ears, so he rolled» (Bjørnson 1916).

People must have had confidence in Dundor-Heikka and his knowledge. In 1872, the sheriff of Trondenes writes a report on reindeer grazing in the Hinnøy area. It is mainly based on Dundor-Heikka’s information. The following year, he is an interpreter for King Oscar II when he meets Sami reindeer herders at Sandtorgholmen. It wasn’t just anyone who was entrusted with such tasks.

Source: Inga Bjørnson (1916): Dundor-Heikka og flere lappers historier fortalt av dem selv: optegnelser fra Ofoten