Exploring Our World: People, Places, and Cultures

Sharing a Story: The Inuksuk

Introduction
In this chapter, you read about the diversity of Canada’s people and their culture. The Inuit, Canada’s indigenous people, have lived in the Arctic for over 4,000 years and have used the land’s natural resources to carve out a comfortable and productive lifestyle. Inuit art, music, and stories contribute significantly to Canada’s rich, colorful history and culture.

Destination Title: The Government of Canada Website

Directions
On the left side of the page, click on Kids’ Zone.
Under Kids’ Zone, scroll down and click on Indian and Northern Affairs Canada – Kid’s Stop
Under Features, scroll down and click on Sharing a Story – The Inuksuk
Watch the video and listen to the story. A transcript of the story is included on the page.

Use what you learned watching the video to answer the following questions:

1			What does the word, Inuksuk, mean in the Inuit language?
2			What type of materials were used to build Inuksuk?
3			How did the Inuit traditionally use Inuksuk?
4			An Inuksuk is displayed on the official flag of the Territory of Nunavut and has become a symbol of what human quality?
5			If time permits, use stones, Legos, Lincoln logs, or any other material that you have available to build your own Inuksuk.