Valerie Blab
"Inukshuk Sentinel of the North"

The inukshuk, a commonly seen feature along our highways, originated in the far north where vast expanses of snow meant travelers could easily lose their way in the “endless white” which could be fatal given the harsh climate and lack of shelter. The position of the “arms” pointed the way to community, to shelter, to safety—the significance spanning the gamut from simply “finding your way” to quite literally “saving your life”.

Along the juxtaposition of the “traditional” with the “modern”, depicted by the symbol of the inukshuk directing highway traffic, there is also the pairing of the “practical” with the “spiritual” in the image of the highway and the “upward” pathway through stormy skies.  The imagery implies that this “Spirit of the North” is safeguarding wayfarers on a “spiritual” as well as a “practical” journey.

The image of the Inukshuk seems to engender hope and protection in its function of safeguarding the journey of the traveler. It also indicates that someone desired to leave evidence that they passed this way...that someone was here and that I was here—am here– on this spot. Finding one, seeing one, implies companionship on the journey; I am not alone and I am linked to the past, the present and the future.