Inukshuks Appearing On West Pier In Cobourg

In Local

A number of inukshuks are on display on the west pier in Cobourg on April 10, 2020.

The inukshuks were made over the last several days with one having a pair of sunglasses at the top and another beside it with one simple word – smile.

The Canadian Encyclopedia definition says, Inuksuk (also spelled inukshuk, plural inuksuit) is a figure made of piled stones or boulders constructed to communicate with humans throughout the Arctic. Traditionally constructed by the Inuit, inuksuit are integral to Inuit culture and are often intertwined with representations of Canada and the North. A red inuksuk adorns the flag of Nunavut. In Inuktitut, the term inuksuk means “to act in the capacity of a human.” It is an extension of the word inuk meaning “a human being.” Inuksuit have been found adjacent to archaeological sites dating from 2400 to 1800 BCE (see Prehistory) in the Mingo Lake region of southwest Baffin Island. While stone figures resembling human forms are often referred to as inuksuk, such figures are actually known as inunnguaq.

The figures were made from stones dumped at the south end of the pier.

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Video – Salmon Is A Big Draw for Both Port Hope and Cobourg for Different Reasons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt6faWTnvas If you're ever along the waterways of Cobourg and Port Hope this time of year the main word you're

Read More...

Video – Not A Quiet Time for Anglers (and Residents) In Peace Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve9BFqOfcag It likely wasn’t your usual evening fishing near the mouth of Cobourg Creek on Friday, September 12, 2025. Around 9

Read More...

Video – Suspect Walks Away with Hundreds of Dollars of Lottery Tickets from Cobourg Gas Station

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P--BxYW_TBU A local gas station was recently the site of a lottery theft to the sum of hundreds of dollars

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu