Inukshuk: A Canadian Icon
Since inukshuk–man-made markers made of rock or stone stacked in the shape of a human form–became the official symbol of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, this ancient form of marking trails, identifying reference points or communicating messages to others has gained lots of time in the spotlight. And now, thanks to an unprecedented partnership between indigenous peoples and the Vancouver Organizing Committee, hundreds of inukshuit (the plural of inukshuk) are being commissioned from Inuit carvers in the remote province of Nunavut to be sold as official Olympic souvenirs.
No two will be the same though they will all be carved from the traditional green or black stone and each sold in special 2010 Winter Games tin along with the name and short bio of the carver who crafted that particular inukshuk. The items will not only generate business for carvers in remote communities that don’t typically see this much demand, but will also benefit the Aboriginal Youth Legacy Fund, which will receive one-third of the sales proceeds for education, sports and cultural initiatives across Canada.
For more information on inukshuit, please visit http://www.destination2010.ca/content/finishedarticles/inuksuk
September 30, 2009
Posted in: Canada