The inukshuk is Inuit property

I want to say something about the article “who can protect the inukshuk? Maybe Canada?,” published in the Sept. 24 issue of Nunatsiaq News.

Shortly after I joined the Office of the Interim Commissioner as designated Deputy Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Coca Cola and Owl Children’s Books asked for the permission of the OIC to see if they could use the inuksuk symbol.

This was done out of respect for Inuit culture by both companies. OIC agreed that Coca Cola could use the Inuksuk to display on their products, providing they promoted Nunavut, and they did. Owl Children’s Books wanted to write an inuksuk book for the purpose of better understanding and promoting Inuit culture for children in Canada and elsewhere. Later on, Owl Books contributed $1,000 to the Nunavut Literacy Council.

It’s like this. The inuksuk is Inuit property and it does not mix with beer. Inuksuk represents pride for us Inuit. It also represents history and knowledge. Magnotta Brewery never asked for Inuit permission. Magnotta Brewery should drop the inuksuk label from their beer cans.

Peter Irniq
Iqaluit