In recent years, the rounded, stony profile of the inukshuk has gained popularity around the world. However, they have been a prominent feature of Canada’s Arctic for thousands of years. They stand strong and eternal – sharing wisdom, knowledge and hope.

Depicted on the Nunavut flag, it’s a symbol that guides people on the land and marks sacred and significant places.  Spelled without the letter ‘h’ in Inuktitut, when translated inuksuk means “something which acts for or performs the function of a person.” Or more simply put ‘something that looks like a person’. However, not all inuksuit look like a person – an inuksuk can simply be just one rock positioned in such a manner to make it obvious that it was deliberately set as a marker.  Across the Tundra, they are often used for navigation – providing reference points for travelers to help guide them safely. Inuit will also use them to mark favorite hunting and fishing spots or locations of food caches.

Inuit also have a strong spiritual connection to inukshuk.  Even though we may not know the reason why a person or a family built an inukshuk, we feel a bond to those people when in the presence of their efforts.  Many say this connection derives from being in a remote landscape and knowing simply that another person has come and gone from there before.

Because of the significant contributions inukshuk make to the landscape, Inuit tradition forbids their destruction.

Many companies now use the inukshuk when marketing their product for the strength and direction it stands for. For example, the official mascot of the 2010 Vancouver-Whistler Olympics is an inukshuk. Ilanaaq is said to represent friendship and hospitality.

Regardless of how other societies use the inukshuk, the Inuit will always value the power and position inukshuk hold in their own culture. The guidance of these stone, man-like markers maybe silent, but it is more trusted and respected than any other.