 |
|
 |
Inukshuk - A tradition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The Inukshuk - A tradition
In
inuktituk, the word inukshuk means "image of man".
The inukshuk is a sculpture generally built with stones placed in such a
way that it looks like a human being.
Inukshuiit (plural of inukshuk) are found in
the Canadian Great North, some as old as a thousand years. They are
statues made by the natives of these territories. Inukshuiit serve many
purposes such as a signal, a marker of food cache and a helpful tool in
caribou hunting.
Over the years, the inukshuk has become a symbol representing, among others, the Nunavut territory flag and the 0.47$ Canadian stamp. Furthermore, an inukshuk has been erected in the Canadian Ambassy hall in Washington D.C., U.S.A. Members of the Canadian Forces also built one in memory of their fellow soldiers who died accidentally in Afghanistan.
For Canadians as well as the rest of the world, the inukshuk now symbolizes fraternity, mutual help and solidarity. From now on, the inukshuk is associated internationally to Canada as much as the maple leaf is.
|
Inushuk of Nunavut |
