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inuksuk, inuksuit, inukshuk, inukshuks

The Inuktitut term inuksuk (plural inuksuit)refers to a pile of stones in any of various shapes, created to convey a meaning to travellers. The anglicized spelling inukshuk (plural inukshuks) is also accepted. These terms are not italicized or capitalized.

  • The flag of Nunavut bears the image of an inuksuk (or inukshuk).
  • Inuksuit serve as markers or signposts to guide Inuit across the tundra of the Canadian Arctic.
  • A line of inukshuks can be used to channel caribou into areas where they can be harvested.