A symbol of Canada

I just thought I would tell you a little bit more about the inuksuit. These are stone landmarks used by the native North Americans from Alaska to Greenland. It is believed that because the area has so few natural landmarks these were placed at areas to mark hunting grounds, good fishing bays, for herding markers, and as navigational tools. Historically most are single stone markers positioned in an upright manner, but the ones we have noticed are multiple stones of various sizes. The word inuksuk translated means, "something that acts or performs the function of a person". A structure similar to the inuksuk, but meant to look more like a human figure is called an inunnguaq.

The Inuksuk is a symbol of the Inuit culture. It is on the flag and coat of arms of the Canadian territory of Nunavut. They are increasingly becoming a more mainstream symbol of Canada, as more markers have been erected across the country including the 9 meter high inuksuk in Toronto on the shore of Lake Ontario. An inunnguaq was the inspiration for the logo of the 2010 Olympics which is going to be held in Vancouver! There are four authentic inuksuik around the world which have been donated by Canada. They are in Monterrey Mexico, Oslo Norway, Guatemala City Guatemala and Washington D.C.

We are enjoying spotting them along the way...