Inukshuk

So, what is an Inukshuk anyway?    Here's a pretty good video that explains the traditional meanings:



It turns out that what we would normally call an Inukshuk, is actually an Inunnguaq (an InukShuk built in human form).  So how did this end up becoming the symbol of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics? 

"An inunnguaq forms the basis of the logo of the 2010 Winter Olympics designed by Vancouver artist Elena Rivera MacGregor. Its use in this context has been controversial, both among the Inuit and the First Nations of British Columbia. Although the design is under question, it is widely acknowledged that it pays tribute to the inuksuk that stands at Vancouver's English Bay, which was created by artisan Alvin Kanak of Rankin Inlet, Northwest Territories (which is now in the territory of Nunavut that separated from the Northwest Territories in 1999.) It was given as a gift to the city for Expo 86. The land has since been donated to the city and it is now a protected site. Friendship and the welcoming of the world are the meanings of both the English Bay structure and the 2010 Winter Olympics emblem, with Kanak's creation having the additional representation of the strength of his people and the modes of communication and technology before modern Canada." - from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inukshuk

I didn't take the photo above, I just wanted to show you what a difference lighting (and time of day) can make to a photograph!  There are Inuksuit everywhere in Vancouver these days, on T-Shirts, in Jade statues and jewelry, and even in chocolate...

It has become common practice in Canada for cottagers and campers to build Inuksuit as direction markers, waypoints, and symbols of welcome.   Down at the park near BC Place, on the rocky shoreline, people have been building their own Inuksuit...

There are literally hundreds of these all along the shore, making an impressive display of welcome for all Olympic visitors...

I think that's pretty cool!