Welcome to Vancouver: place where women have been swept out to sea

Organizers of the Vancouver Winter Olympics have chosen a logo -- the ubiquitous inukshuk, a symbol that has nothing to do with Vancouver, or winter, or the Olympics, or ... well, much, really. Whatever it means, or may once have meant, to the Inuit -- apparently they had a Vancouver chapter -- it has become little more than a politically correct happy face. No, on second thoughts, it's a perfect symbol of present-day Canada... But in fact the logo is not even an inukshuk, as Joe Brean's story tells us. An inukshuk is just a marker left to indicate directions, or to warn of thin ice, and so on. It's not unique to the Inuit, or to Canada. The more elaborate, humanoid version of so much pop-cult cliche is actually called an inunnguaq. Distressingly, this may not even be unimpeachably indigenous:

A well known collection of inunnguait (plural of inunnguaq) were at Pelley Bay, and were built under the direction of a missionary priest, which makes their resemblance to a cross no mere coincidence. There is even strong debate over whether Inuit made humanoid rock piles before the arrival of Christian Europeans. Mr. Hallendy [Norman Hallendy, "an arctic ethnogeographer who wrote the first academic paper on the inukshuk"] also pointed to the use of inunnguait to inform European whalers, known among Inuit as "men of spring," that an Inuit village was nearby, or to mark the place where women had been swept out to sea.

Some other interpretations: From the National Post -

The Olympic press release said the humanoid stone structure "has become a representation of hope" and "a uniquely Canadian symbol of friendship, hospitality, strength, teamwork and the vast Canadian landscape."

From the Vancouver Sun -

"This smiling, confident, common figure reflects our sheer joy for winter sport and draws its strength from the true spirit of teamwork," said John Furlong, CEO of Vanoc, the organizing committee for the Vancouver games... Furlong called the emblem a protector, a friend and a compass for the journey ahead. "It speaks to the possible, of what can be done when we work as one," Furlong said. "It helps remind us to be true to our hearts, to give, to be wise, to have courage and, if we fail, it inspires us to get back up and to never ever quit."

From the Globe and Mail -

"Jock Langlois, an Ojibwa soapstone sculptor who works every day in Stanley Park, said that the inukshuk is also symbolic of balance or a state of being in the moment." "It reminds us what this whole thing is all about, a country that acknowledges multiculturally, a country that acknowledges diversity." (former Olympic wrestler Daniel Igali) "It tells you that there are people around, there is food available, that you are welcome there." (Elena Rivera McGregor, the designer.) "It's not a Maple Leaf, so it's got that going for it." (Steve Podborski)

MORE CREATIVE INTERPRETATIONS: "The Inukshuk is a symbol of the human spirit. In the Inukshuk, each stone is a separate entity. But each supports, and is supported by the one above and the one below it. No one piece is any more or less important than another. The stones are secured through balance. An Inukshuk is the result of a consensus of purpose, of focused action by a group united in its goal and labor. It recognizes our ability to succeed with others, where we would fail alone. It reminds us of our need to belong to something greater than ourselves. It reinforces our ability to create, communicate and commit to common goals. The Inukshuk reminds us of our interdependent responsibilities to invest our efforts today to direct a better way for all of us tomorrow." (Unitarian Universalist Peace Fellowship, Raleigh, NC) "The Inukshuk guided people across the frozen tundra and gave them hope in barren places to handle hardships they encountered. These primitive, stone images showed the way ahead... pointing you in the direction you wanted to go. Had they been able to speak, I am certain they would have said... "Here is the road. It is safe. You can meet the demands that this path holds. You can reach your goals and attain your vision of where you want to be..."  The Inukshuk are a symbol of the human spirit. They 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, hear the voice of our intuition and move to the harmonious music in our heart and spirit. Inukshuk convey the importance of personal contribution and reinforce our ability to commit to common goals. They implore us to share the fruits of our learning, our wisdom with one another.  The Inukshuk is a reminder for all of us that our efforts towards the common good of our earth community are appreciated. It is an enduring symbol that invites us to speak with one another on a higher level, from our hearts and spirit, about what really matters in life." (Dr. Sharon House, Master Certified Coach) "Its significance comes from its meaning as a whole. The stones, which make up the Inukshuk, are secured through balance. They are chosen for how well they fit together. This is a fitting analogy for how Wayne works with his clients to build a portfolio suited to their particular requirements and that is why the Inukshuk was chosen as the icon for this web site. (Financial adviser Wayne Lang) "Made from smooth natural river stones that have been carefully collected in Canada, this unique figure is an important part of Canada's Native history. Each figure is different as there are no two stones alike. This natural work of art is a symbol of friendship and good relationships." (Idea Incentives: Canadian Gifts Made Easy. The site also features a Build Your Own Inukshuk Kit.) "Today, the Inukshuk are a tangible symbol of communication - a universal means of speaking about our concerns for one another, and our dependence on one another. Because of its history, the Inukshuk is an effective vehicle to acknowledge and convey enlightened management and human resource 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." (The Inukshuk Corporate Store: "How can rocks piled together deliberately into the image of a human, communicate that the difference we make each day, counts in all our tomorrows?") "The word Inukshuk means "Looks like a man when viewed from a distance." The Inuit used the Inukshuk to herd caribou, and to guide people when travelling on the land. The symbol of the Inukshuk was chosen for our bed & breakfast to represent a guide to the northern hospitality offered to you during your stay." (Inukshuk Manor Bed & Breakfast) "The Inukshuk is a tangible symbol of guidance, coordination and communication. At NHI the Inukshuk symbolizes our role as a company and community of experts, offering direction, and to act on behalf of our clients as a guide in the often challenging environments of Human Potential, Risk, Management, and Technology. As a navigational aid, coordination point, and message centre, the Inukshuk parallels in many ways the philosophy of NHI. As the product of cooperation, the Inukshuk assures us that as good as our individual efforts may be, as a community of experts NHI can offer the client even greater levels of quality and commitment. Managing a community of experts allows NHI to ensure each member supports and is supported by, others. We become united by our common goal to the client, and together we are able to deliver a complete solution rather than a fragmented project. At NHI, the Inukshuk remains a majestic symbol of initiative, perseverance and planning inspiring us to remain steadfast in our philosophy and commitment of excellence to the client." (Noble House International, a "managed business solution provider.") "For thousands of years, the Inuit people have built small stone sculptures known as "Inukshuk" to serve as directional landmarks on the featureless horizon of the Arctic. Today, the Inukshuk has become an eternal symbol of the importance of teamwork, cooperation and shared vision. Its meaningful message makes the Inukshuk an inspiring and popular theme for corporate recognition and incentive programs." (Studiocrafts Corporate Gift Service) "Inukshuks were created to show clear direction ... They stand as symbols of leadership, encouraging the importance of cooperation/companionship ... The Inukshuk embodies a sense of presence of ASMG in the environment and community, with our clients at the canter of our corporate vision ... The Inukshuk does in some cases appear to resemble a UML actor. The actor/User being an important component of a successful and complete system. This fits our product and professional services mind set." (Advanced Systems Management Group) PLAY THE HOME GAME VERSION: Can you construct the boulders to match the shape of the ghostly inukshuk stone spirit? Try your luck here. THIS JUST IN:

"Canadian professionals honor PPAI centennial with Inukshuk sculpture LAS VEGAS — Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) was recently honored with the gift of a handmade sculpture from the Promotional Products Association of Canada (PPAC), in recognition of PPAI's 100th anniversary. The presentation was made in Las Vegas as part of The PPAI Expo, the oldest and largest trade show in the promotional products industry. The sculpture is an “Inukshuk,” an Inuit word meaning “image of man's spirit.” Kurt Reckziegel, president of PPAC, who made the presentation to PPAI President Steve Slagle, CAE, explained the meaning: “Inukshuks rise from the landscape, always in human form. They are solid guardians, keeping the vigil to direct the lonely traveler along the best and safest passage. To build an Inukshuk you must find the perfect balance for each rock. No one rock is more important than another, and each creation is unique. It is the symbol of human emotion and connectivity.” Using the symbolism of the sculpture, Reckziegel thanked PPAI for its work in the industry. “This Inukshuk reminds us of our dependence on one another and the importance of strong relationships. We, at PPACanada, wish to acknowledge the connectivity between our two great Associations sharing this immense continent and we are thankful for almost a half-century of friendship and cooperation.”

COUNTDOWN TO THE FIRST LAWSUIT: "Images of the Inuit inukshuk are displayed everywhere, it seems, from keychains to beer bottles. But is this a violation of Inuit intellectual property rights?" (From The Nunatsiaq News) COUNTDOWN TO THE SECOND LAWSUIT: To show how far the inukshuk now permeates Canadian culture, I offer the following priceless artefact of Canadiana, a symbol of our way of life that will light the way for generations to come...

STAFF REPORT March 11, 2005 To: Toronto and East York Community Council From: Manager, Right of Way Management, Transportation Services South District Subject: Installation of Inukshuk Sculpture - Traffic Island Opposite 14 Vaughan Road (St. Paul's - Ward 21) Purpose: To report on a request to install an Inukshuk structure on the traffic island at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Vaughan Road, opposite 14 Vaughan Road. As the former City of Toronto Municipal Code does not make provisions for these types of encroachments, we are required to report on this matter. Financial Implications and Impact Statement: There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report. Recommendations: It is recommended that: (1) Should Economic Development, Culture & Tourism not accept the Inukshuk sculpture on the traffic island opposite 14 Vaughan Road as public art, that City Council approve the installation and maintenance of the Inukshuk sculpture on the traffic island opposite 14 Vaughan Road, subject to the sculptor entering into an encroachment agreement with the City of Toronto, agreeing to but not limited to the following: (a) indemnify the City from and against all actions, suits, claims or demands and from all loss, costs, damages and expenses that may result from such permission granted and providing of an insurance policy for such liability for the lifetime of the Agreement in a form approved by the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer and in an amount not less than $2,000,000.00 or such greater amount as the Chief Financial Officer may require; (b) maintain the Inukshuk sculpture at their own expense in good repair and a condition satisfactory to the Acting Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and will not make any additions or modifications to the encroachment beyond what is allowed under the terms of the Agreement; and (c) accept such additional conditions as the City Solicitor or the Acting Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services may deem necessary in the interest of the City; and (2) Legal Services be requested to prepare and execute the Encroachment Agreement. Comments: An application has been submitted requesting permission to construct and maintain an Inukshuk sculpture directly opposite the Na-Me-Res, or Native Men's Residence at 14 Vaughan Road. The sculptor for this project is creating the Inukshuk sculpture in honour of the founder of the native residence and wishes to donate it to the City of Toronto as public art. In this regard, the Ward Councillor's office is assisting the applicant from the community perspective. The installation will be constructed out of precast concrete and will simply sit on the surface with minor "shimming" to level it on the existing precast paving stones. There will be no subsurface intrusion. A copy of the property data map is shown on Appendix "A". The proposed location is situated at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Vaughan Road on the traffic island opposite 14 Vaughan Road. The proposed encroachment (Inukshuk sculpture) will sit on a triangular shaped base with each side measuring 4.6 m in length. The sculpture will be 2.24 m high and comprised of rectangular blocks of concrete stacked on top of one another in the shape of a person as shown in Appendix "B". Kurt Reckziegel, president of the PPAC (Promotional Products Association of Canada) explained the importance of the Inukshuk in the following: "Inukshuk is an Inuit word meaning 'image of man's spirit.' Inukshuks rise from the landscape, always in human form. They are solid guardians, keeping the vigil to direct the lonely traveller along the best and safest passage. To build an Inukshuk you must find the perfect balance for each rock. No one rock is more important than another and each creation is unique. It is a symbol of human emotion and connectivity. This Inukshuk reminds us of our dependence on one another and the importance of strong relationships". It is the applicant's responsibility to complete the necessary paperwork and obtain approval from the Economic Development, Culture & Tourism Department before the City of Toronto can accept the Inukshuk sculpture as public art. As indicated, Councillor Mihevcâ's office is assisting the applicant in this process. The paperwork remains outstanding and the donation has not been finalized at the time of preparing this report. Given the potential impact of this project on existing utility/telecommunication services, it is the applicant's responsibility to undergo a public utility/telecommunication review with a view of obtaining clearances from the affected utility/telecommunication agencies or satisfying their requirements prior to the issuance of a construction permit authorizing work within the public right of way. The clearances from Toronto Hydro, Enbridge, Hydro One and the Toronto Transit Commission remain outstanding. Furthermore, the applicant has been informed that a Professional Engineer must review and stamp the design of the proposed Inukshuk sculpture for structural soundness before a permit can be issued authorizing the construction. This matter remains outstanding. If the applicant is not successful in satisfying Economic Development, Culture & Tourism's requirements in accepting the donation of the Inukshuk sculpture as a piece of public art, and the applicant still wishes to proceed with the installation, the applicant will be required to enter into an encroachment agreement. In allowing an encroachment to be installed within the public right of way, the City exposes itself to liability in relation to accidents and injuries that may arise from the encroachment. As the encroachment creates liabilities to the City, the City seeks to protect itself through the signing of encroachment agreements that contain indemnification provisions and various other clauses that govern the existence, maintenance and removal of encroachments. The encroachment agreement attempts to balance the need to protect the City and at the same time allow individuals (usually abutting property owners) to install and maintain structures and objects upon City property that would not otherwise be permitted to remain. Although the clearances and stamped drawings have not been received by the Department to date, we are recommending that approval be given in principle to allow for the construction of the Inukshuk sculpture within the public right of way of Vaughan Road, subject to any requirements by the affected utilities, the Professional Engineer and together with any approvals of the Acting Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services or the City Solicitor. As there are no provisions in Chapter 313 of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, Streets and Sidewalk, to permit such installations, we are required to report on this matter. Details of this proposal are on file with this Department. Conclusions: If the applicant is unsuccessful in having the City accept the Inukshuk sculpture as an art donation, the applicant will have to enter into an encroachment agreement accepting liability and the ongoing maintenance of the Inukshuk sculpture. Contact: Ken McGuire, Supervisor, Right of Way Management