Sacred Objects: Inukshuk Sacred objects are most often considered `sacred' because they are associated with

a higher power. For example, the first entry for `sacred' in the Oxford Dictionary (2 013) states that something sacred is `connected with God or a god or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration.' The Canadian Inukshuk, however, is not sacred in that sense. The fourth entry in the dictionary states that some thing sacred is `regarded with great respect and reverence by a particular religio n, group, or individual.' The Inukshuk is most definitely sacred in this way- so m uch so, that it has become a symbol for the entire Canadian people. The Inukshuit were traditionally used by Inuits in Canada as markers to guide ca ribou to an area where they could be more easily harvested (Lindsay, 2012). Thes e Inukshuit were simple pillars constructed from flat rocks. Later on, the Inuk shuit changed form to represent a standing man- the reason for this is not known , but is speculated to be because it was more easily distinguishable to European s who may have wanted to trade (McGhee, 2004). Practicality is not the only reason for the existence of the Inukshuit. The Inuk shuk is also a symbol balance, unselfishness, and unity for the Inuit people. In ukshuk artist, Rick Wilton (2008), writes: `Each stone is a separate entity, yet each supports, and is supported by the one a bove and the one below it. No one piece is any more or any less important than t he other- its strength lies in its unity. Its significance comes from its meanin g as a whole. The Inukshuk reminds us of our interdependent responsibilities to invest our efforts today, to direct a better way for all of us tomorrow.' Considering that unity in diversity is the hallmark of the Canadian people, it i s understandable why the Inukshuk has remained so important to Canadians for so many years. In fact, it represents Canadians so well that the Inukshuk was chose n as the symbol for the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010-which launched the Inu kshuk to further stardom and appreciation.

The Inukshuk stylised for the Winter Olympics logo, a traditional Inukshuk, and the newer man shaped Inukshuk. DICTIONARY, OXFORD, sacred: definition of sacred 2013-last update [Homepage of O xford Dictionaries Online], [Online]. Available: http://oxforddictionaries.com/d efinition/english/sacred [10/10, 2013]. LINDSAY, W.G., 2013-last update, The Inuit Inukshuk [Homepage of Simon Fraser Un iversity], [Online]. Available: http://www.sfu.ca/aboriginalpeoples/inukshuk.htm l [10/10, 2013]. MCGHEE, R., 2004-last update, inukshuk in The Oxford Companion to Canadian His tory [Homepage of Oxford University Press], [Online]. Available: http://www.oxfo rdreference.com.ezproxy.library.uq.edu.au/view/10.1093/acref/9780195415599.001.0 001/acref-9780195415599-e-802?rskey=qha6Dc&result=1 [10/10, 2013]. WILTON, R., 2008-last update, Inukshuk Card [Homepage of The Inukshuk Store], [O nline]. Available: http://www.theinukshukstore.com/inukshuk%20card.htm [10/10, 2 013].