Nunavut at a Glance
About the Flag and Coat of Arms
Symbolism of the flag
The colours, blue and gold, symbolize the riches of the land,
sea and sky. Red is a reference to Canada. The inuksuk symbolizes
stone monuments which guide people on the land and mark sacred
and other special places.
The star is the Niqirtsuituq, the North Star and the traditional
guide for navigation. The North Star is also symbolic of the
leadership of elders in the community.
Symbolism of the coat of arms
The dominant colours of blue and gold 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 warm of family and
the community.
The concave arc of the five gold circles refers to the life-giving
properties of the sun arching above and below the horizon.
The star is the Niqirtsuituq, the North Star, which is the
traditional guide for navigation.
In the crest, the iglu represents the traditional life of the
people and the means of survival.
The Royal Crown symbolizes public government for all people
of Nunavut and establishes Nunavut as a partner in Confederation.
The tuktu (caribou) and qilalugaq tugaalik (narwhal) refer
to land and sea animals which are part of the natural heritage
of Nunavut.
The base of the crest is composed of land and sea and features
three species of Arctic wild flowers.
The motto in Inuktitut – Nunavut Sanginivut – means "Nunavut,
our strength."
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