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Nunavut (Canada)

ᓄᓇᕗᑦ

image by Arnaud Palac, 1 April 1999

ISO 3166-2 Code: CA-NU
MARC Code: nuc

This page is best displayed with a Unicode implementation that includes the Unified Canadian Aboriginal Syllabics glyphs.

See also:

Nunavut

This flag was established by a Warrant from the Governor General of Canada dated 31 March 1999, and subsequently confirmed by the Provisional Parliament on 1 April 1999.
Christopher Southworth, 14 March 2003

Formerly the eastern part of the Northwest Territories which has received a separate status on 1 April 1999.

From a Canadian Government publication:

The colours blue and gold are the ones preferred by the Nunavut Implementation Commissioners to symbolize the riches of the land, and sky. Red is a reference to Canada. The inukshuk symbolizes the stone monuments which guide the people on the land an mark sacred and other special places. The star is Nitirqsuituq, the North Star and the traditional guide for navigation and more broadly, forever remains unchanged as the leadership of the elders in the community.

An inukshuk is a man-like figure made of stones used by the Inuit when they go hunting to find their way and also to frighten caribous and lead them into a trap. Many of the flag propositions use this symbol.

Luc-Vartan Baronian 26 January 1998

Coat of Arms

image by Pascal Gross

The dominant colours, blue and gold, are the ones preferred by the Nunavut Implementation Commissioners to symbolize the riches of the land, sea and sky.

In the base of the shield, the inuksuk symbolizes the stone monuments which guide the people on the land and mark sacred and other special places. The qulliq, or Inuit stone lamp, represents light and the warmth of family and the community.

Above, the concave arc of five gold circles refers to the life-giving properties of the sun arching above and below the horizon, the unique part of the Nunavut year. The star is the Niqirtsuituq, the North Star and the traditional guide for navigation and more broadly, forever remains unchanged as the leadership of the elders in the community.

In the c