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.
