Inuit Inukshuk

These models were given to my family by Jack, the Rotarian Canadian curler who stayed with us a few months back. Inukshuk are stone monuments found across the Artic, placed by the nomadic Inuit as a means of communication in the harsh landscape of the far north.  Made in the image of humans, the Inukshuk were used as a means of providing direction.  They were, with subtle alterations in design, used to mark safe trails, warn of impending danger, marked caches of food and indicated the location of nearby settlements and good places to hunt and fish. As such they were a tool for survival, and symbolic of the unselfish behaviour of nomadic people who built them to make the way easier and safer for those who followed. 

The hands of many and the efforts of an entire group were required to build these massive stone sculptures.  The Inukshuk are the product of co-operation, of focused action by a group united in its goal and labour.

The Inuit Inukshuk has become a symbol of leadership, co-operation and the human spirit.  Each stone is a separate entity, chosen for how well it fits together with other stones.  The stones are secured through balance.  Each one supports the one above and is supported by the one below.  Together, the stones achieve strength through unity.  This effect is applied to a philosophy for people where a group, such as Rotary, can achieve greater success with co-operation and team effort rather than individually. The Inukshuk stands for the importance of friendship and reminds us of our dependence on one another and celebrates working together.