INAC Internet Site Splash Page: Description
As our Web site's opening image shows, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is all about people. Our mandate is to serve First Nations people, Inuit and all residents of Canada's North.
The Portraits
The three portraits in our image depict an Aboriginal Elder, a young man and a young girl. The Elder represents the importance of remembering the past, and valuing the traditional wisdom preserved by the Elders in Aboriginal cultures. The young man symbolizes the efforts and strength of Aboriginal people today, dedicated to building strong communities and diverse economies. The young girl represents our focus on a future of opportunity and fulfilment for all Aboriginal children and their families. Together, the three portraits also symbolize the great diversity of Aboriginal people in Canada.
The Northern Images
The igloo symbolizes Canada's North, and INAC's commitment to work with northerners to bring about the kinds of changes they want. INAC is also Canada's lead federal department responsible for managing lands and resources in the North, including protecting the fragile system of the Arctic. The image of the Inuit woman lighting the traditional oil lamp symbolizes the people's pride in the survival of their unique culture and life ways, protected and passed down from generation to generation.
The Drum
The image of the drum symbolizes the human heartbeat, and the vital connection between Aboriginal cultures and ancestral teachings, and respect for all living creatures and the natural world. As a circle - a powerful image in many Aboriginal cultures - the drum also evokes the spirit of coming together to share ideas and responsibilities in an atmosphere of mutual recognition and respect. The artwork on the drum symbolizes the superb creative and artistic powers of Aboriginal people in Canada.
The Colours
The image's three background colours of blue, green, and yellow represent water, land, and sun. These colours evoke the idea of Aboriginal people's intimate connection with the earth, and the need for us to work together to respect, preserve and share our natural environment.
The Title Script
The title script, "Working Together," refers to INAC's Mission Statement - "Working together to make Canada a better place for First Nations and Northern Peoples." Our mission statement is also embodied in the guiding principles of Gathering Strength: Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan, dedicated to working together to renew partnerships and strengthen Aboriginal governments, communities and economies.
Copyright
All rights reserved. No part of this page may be reproduced.
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (2000)
- This is a portrait of Little Bear (1851-1921), second son of Big Bear.
- Artist: Archie Beaulieu (1952-); Date: 1982; Title: Summer Caribou; Materials: drum, hide, oil, acrylic.
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