Inukshuk

Inukshuk (in'-ook-shook) or inuksuk, is an Inuktitut¹ word.

A type of archaeological feature consisting of rocks piled in the shape of, or to indicate, a human form. Inuksuit are a common feature on the land, assume many forms and sizes, and serve a variety of different purposes.

The government of the new Canadian Territory of Nunavut uses the inukshuk as the central symbol of the territorial flag and as a prominent part of the territorial coat of arms. The government describes inuksuit as:

... stone monuments which guide people on the land and mark sacred and other special places.

The inukshuk has become a familiar symbol of the north throughout Canada and modern examples are now found scattered across the country.'Sacred and Other Special Places'

In June 2002, Canadian soldiers in Kandahar, Afghanistan (far from the north) constructed an Inukshuk from local stone as a memorial to their four comrades who had been killed the previous April.

Corporal Ainsworth Dyer, Sergeant Marc Leger, Private Richard Green and Private Nathan Smith, died that night. Eight other Canadian soldiers were wounded. Their Inukshuk points home.

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