Medium: Basalt

Credit(s): Moses Peech

Art ID: 124

Year: 2010

Inukshuk (Inunngnaq)

he Vancouver Organizing Committee of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). selected the Inukshuk as the basis for the 2010 Winter Games logo. This traditional icon of the Inuit people is symbolic of openness, welcoming and strength. The human form inukshuk is inunngnaq. The inukshuk became a popular symbol in this region during the Games period. Several were created in communities along the Sea to Sky corridor, notably on Whistler Mountain by the Roundhouse and one created by Inuit children at the pre-Games Information building (formerly located where the Olympic Rings now stand at Whistler Olympic Plaza). The children’s inukshuk is now located at Whistler Public Library.

The municipality commissioned a Squamish-based artist and company to create an inukshuk landmark for entry to Whistler Village. This large figure has been a popular photo opportunity since the day it was unveiled. An LED lighting feature casts different colour lights onto the stone, changing its appearance through the night.
 

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