The Story of the Inukshuk

Inuksuk, pronounced in-ook-shook, are stone monuments erected in the image of humans.

One of their purposes was to communicate direction in the harsh and desolate Arctic. As such they were a tool for survival, and symbolic of the unselfish act of a nomadic people - the Inuit - who built them as signposts to make the way easier and safer for those who followed.

The hands of many and the efforts of an entire group were required to build these massive stone sculptures. They are the result of a consensus of purpose, of focused action by a group united in its goal and labour. The Inukshuk are the product of cooperation, teaching us that as good as our individual efforts may be, together we can do even greater things.

Each stone is a separate entity. Each supports, and is supported by, the one above and the one below it. No one piece is any more or less important than another. Its strength lies in its unity. Its significance comes from its meaning as a whole. What is true about the Inukshuk is true about people. Each individual entity alone has significance. As part of a team each of us supports, and is supported by, another. We are united by our common goals, and together we are part of a greater whole.

The stones which make up the Inukshuk are secured through balance. They are chosen for how well they fit together. Looking at the structure it can be easily seen that the removal of even one stone will destroy the integrity of the whole. So, too, with a team. Each individual in a team is necessary for the realization of the team's purpose. The removal of even one person will result in the weakening of the structure. What holds the team together is the balance - the complementary nature of the individual skills.

The Inukshuk is a symbol of the human spirit. It recognizes our ability to succeed with others, where we would fail alone. It reminds us of our need to belong to something greater than ourselves. It reinforces our ability to create, communicate and commit to common goals.

The Inukshuk celebrates our 'working together'. It continues to remind us of our interdependent responsibilities to invest our efforts today, to direct a better way for all of us tomorrow.

The difference we make today counts in all tomorrows.

We look forward to seeing you all again this summer at our beautiful North Bay Waterfront!!

Activities and Events

New Botanical Gardens! A familiar adage says that from a little acorn grows the mighty oak. That's the feeling the 50+ volunteers of North Bay Heritage Gardeners & Nipissing Botanical Gardens have, along with stiff muscles and dirty fingers! We've just planted over 6,000 trees and shrubs to start Canada's newest botanical garden right here in North Bay.

The "Tree People Teams", known as the Green Berets and the Outlanders, will be caring for the nursery as we move steps closer to achieving our plans for the "Community Waterfront Park".

Mayor Vic Fedeli among the guests at the tree nursery launch.

Harriet Madigan opening remarks at the tree nursery launch.

This nursery will produce larger trees and shrubs for planting in the Community Waterfront Park, saving tens of thousands of dollars for the project. Partners include North Bay Heritage Gardeners, Mattawa Conservation Authority, Community Waterfront Friends, and the City of North Bay.

Rod Johnston, Chair of Heritage North Bay looks to the future of the Community Waterfront Park.

MP Anthony Rota addresses the guests.

Funding partners gratefully acknowledged are Wal-Mart Canada Corporation Evergreen Green Grants and NECO Communities Future Development Corporation.

We look forward to seeing you all again this summer at our beautiful North Bay Waterfront!

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