Inukshuk of Newcastle Island

An Inukshuk is a Native American/Inuit word that literally translated means "stone man that points the way." Inukshuks are stone cairns that were erected by Inuit at prominent locations throughout the barrens to serve as guideposts or markers. They were also erected to help herd caribou during their annual migration towards where they could be more easily hunted by the ancient Inuit.

Lifelike figures of rock, they are erected by the people and stand along Canada's most western, eastern, and northern shores. They are the guiding Inukshuk (In-OOK-Shook).

Guiding you home... the Inukshuk has always felt special to me every time I see them. They are awesome, as the size can be rather small to what many is overwhelming. The Inukshuk symbolism is far reaching – beacons to those looking for the right direction and a safe passage.

Inukshuks can now be seen in people's gardens and yards, on the shores of cottages, out front of condominiums, in boardrooms across the country. There are stunning creations and pieces of art in all shapes & sizes, from silver coins to mini rock figurines, to gorgeous oil paintings.

The Inukshuk that I choose to write on are found on Newcastle Island across from our Nanaimo on the far or eastern side of the island. These "likenesses of persons" was first used by the Inuit People to mark trails, indicate caches of food, locate nearby settlements as well as good places to hunt or fish – mine were facing the mainland which was how I more or less felt on that day’s sojourn. That is why Inukshuk are used as directional markers; those many little stone people somehow knew that I so wanted to be back on the road traveling, or perhaps be somewhere else for awhile.

The rock used by Inukshuk embodies the spirit and persistence of the Native populations who live and flourish in Canada. Inukshuks represent strength, leadership, and motivation. The Inukshuk recognize our ability to succeed with others, where alone we would fail. Remind us of our need to belong to something greater than ourselves. Prompt us to reconnect with our individual responsibility to invest our efforts today so we may all have a better tomorrow. Ask us to heed the knowledge of our inner ‘knowingness’; to hear the voice of intuition; move with the harmony and music that resides within each of us, and the Inukshuk convey the importance of personal sacrifice and contribution reinforcing each of our ability to commit to a greater common good. They whisper to us all to share in the fruition of our learning; our wisdom with one another.

The Inukshuk is a reminder that our efforts from shore to shore to shore that are directed toward the common good of our community are appreciated; they are made for what really matters in life. Made from smooth stones that have been carefully collected and placed on an overlooking base stone, this Inukshuk is an important part of Canadian Native heritage. Each figure is as different as we are because, like us, there are no two stones alike. This natural work of art is also a symbol representing friendship and well intended relations.

Each stone is a separate entity. Each supports, and is equally supported by the stone above as well as the stone below, and no one stone is any more or less important than another – representative of true equality. Its strength lies in its unity. Its significance comes from its meaning as a whole. Today the Inukshuk are a tangible symbol of communication on a universal level of language that addresses our concerns for one another, and our dependence on one another. Because of its history, the Inukshuk offers itself as a vessel willing to accept and convey enlightenment and human resources practices, the importance of personal contribution, responsible environmental leadership and an invitation to speak with one another on a higher level about what really matters. As the stone is eternal, for this reason I can well see why it is an essential component of the indigenous peoples and their cultural history. I also picture this stone as, at night, a stargazer. Its perpetual presence able to witness all the mysteries and changes that comes with time.

At this time I would like to mention that there are other inukshuk-like structures in the world. For examples, the Apashektas of the Andes, the Chortens of Nepal, the Seid of western Russia, the Seita of Finland, the Sieidi of Norway, and the Dorazy Chaloveka of Siberia. And, of course, there is the Chinese tower.([1])

The hands of many and the efforts of an entire group were required to build these massive stone sculptures.  They are the result of a consensus of purpose, of focused purpose executed by a group unified in its goal and labour.  The Inukshuk are the product of cooperation, teaching us that as good as our individual efforts may be, together we can do even greater things. Each individual entity alone has significance, and, as part of a team, each of us supports and is supported by one another. The stones which make up an Inukshuk are secure by their balance.  They are chosen for how well they fit together.  Looking at these structures I could easily see that the removal of even one stone could and would destroy the integrity of the whole being – each Inukshuk is as fragile as each life on this planet; life of every form. Each individual in a team is necessary for the realization of the team's purpose.  The removal of even one person will result in the of integrity for the structure as a whole. What holds the team together is the balance - the complementary nature of the individual skills. The Inukshuk act as a reminder to all of us that our efforts are appreciated, and the difference we make today, does count in all our tomorrows. The Inukshuk are truly one of the greatest and least recognized architectural masterpieces in humankind’s history.

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[1] [1] Reference to be found at http://www.pinnaclefarms.ca/ORIANAsite/AboutNameandLogo/InuksukNew.html