The Inukshuk
The inukshuk (pronounced IN-OOK-SHOOK) means “in the image of man.” These magnificent lifelike figures of stone erected by the Inuit people are unique to the Canadian Arctic.
The traditional purpose of an Inukshuk was to act as a guide for a safe journey through the wilderness. An Inukshuk on land with two arms and legs means there is a valley, and at the end of the valley you will be able to go in two directions.
What is true about the Inukshuk is true about people.
Inukshuks in themselves are the product of cooperation. The hands of an entire group are required to build these massive stone sculptures. The Inukshuk reminds us that as good as our individual efforts may be, together we can do even greater things.
Standing along Canada’s most northern shores, they endure as eternal symbols of leadership, encouraging the importance of friendship and reminding us of our dependence on one another.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans.
Location. 43° 6.782′ N, 79° 3.721′ W. Marker is in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in Niagara Region. Marker is at the intersection of Niagara Parkway and Elgin Street, on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pastimes and Parkways (approx. 0.4 kilometers away in the U.S.); First Niagara Suspension Bridge (approx. 0.6 kilometers away in the U.S.); United States Custom House (approx. 0.6 kilometers away in the U.S.); Escape Prevented (approx. 0.6 kilometers away in the U.S.); A Bridge to Freedom (approx. 0.7 kilometers away in the U.S.); Great Gorge Railway Trail (approx. 0.7 kilometers away in the U.S.); To The River (approx. 0.7 kilometers away in the U.S.); About the year 1600 B.C. ... (approx. 0.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara Falls.
Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for Inuksuk. “These structures are found from Alaska to Greenland. This region, above the Arctic Circle, is dominated by the tundra biome and has areas with few natural landmarks. The inuksuk may have been used for navigation, as a point of reference, a marker for travel routes, fishing places, camps, hunting grounds, places of veneration, drift fences used in hunting or to mark a food cache.The Inupiat in northern Alaska used inuksuit to assist in the herding of caribou into contained areas for slaughter. Varying in shape and size, the inuksuit have ancient roots in Inuit culture.” (Submitted on November 20, 2014.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 595 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 20, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
