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Inukshuk

Inukshuk is a stone figure created by Alvin Kanak on the shore of English Bay in Vancouver, British Columbia. Built from gray granite, it was originally commissioned by the government of the Northwest Territories for Expo 86 and later gifted to the people of Vancouver. In 1987, it was moved to its present site and designated a landmark of local significance. A memorial plaque in front of the sculpture explains its role as a traditional Inuit navigational symbol that now represents hospitality and friendliness. The sculpture also became the conceptual prototype for the 2010 Winter Olympics emblem, which led to debate among contemporary Inuit and Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.

Inukshuk stone monument beside a grassy shoreline with water and distant ships under a clear blue sky.
An Inukshuk stands near the seawall in Vancouver, overlooking the water.
December 2009 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
An Inukshuk stone sculpture stands on a grassy waterfront lawn under an overcast sky.
The Inukshuk sculpture stands near the water in Vancouver, framed by a cloudy sky and nearby benches.
July 2011 © · CC BY 3.0
Inukshuk sculpture silhouetted at sunset beside calm water and distant mountains
The Inukshuk at English Bay stands against a colorful dusk sky in Vancouver.
July 2009 © · CC BY 2.0
An Inukshuk stands in a grassy park overlooking the water, with distant mountains and ships under a cloudy sky.
The Inukshuk stands above English Bay with mountains and ships visible in the distance.
© · CC BY 3.0
An Inukshuk stands near a rocky shoreline beside calm water at twilight, with mountains and ships in the distance.
The Inukshuk overlooks English Bay at twilight, with a rocky shoreline and distant ships on the horizon.
February 2013 © · CC BY-SA 3.0

Identification

TitleInukshuk
Alternative titleInukshuk Kanak (Інуксук Канака)
TypeOutdoor inuksuk

Creator

Logo designerElena Rivera MacGregor
Artist origin on plaqueAlvin Kanak of Rankin Inlet
ArtistAlvin Kanak

Physical characteristics

WeightApproximately 31,500 kilograms
Height6 metres

Materials

MaterialGrey granite

Historical context

Created forEXPO 86
Commissioned byGovernment of the Northwest Territories
Commissioned forIts pavilion at Expo 86

Discovery and provenance

Gifted toCity of Vancouver
Gift recipientThe residents of Vancouver
Transported to current site1987
Sponsored byCoast Hotels & Resorts through the Vancouver Legacies program

Location and ownership

LocationEnglish Bay, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Original siteExpo 86 pavilion

History and restoration

Protected statusLocal monument status
Installed in current location1987

Appearance

Base inscriptionTablet recording that it was constructed in grey granite, commissioned by the Government of the Northwest Territories for Expo 86, and later given to the City of Vancouver
Plaque locationNear the work

Iconography and meaning

Symbolic meaningEmbodiment of hospitality and friendliness; traditionally used as a landmark and navigational aid
Cultural significanceAn ancient symbol of Inuit culture
Style/basisInunnguaq

Significance

Olympic associationBelieved to have inspired the logo of the 2010 Winter Olympics
Reception of Olympic useControversial among Inuit and First Nations in British Columbia
InterpretationFriendship and welcoming the world are meanings of both the sculpture and the 2010 Winter Olympics emblem