A five-meter-tall stone giant stands before us. This is the Inukshuk a remarkable sculpture in Brisbane. It’s a gift from Canada. A symbol of friendship marking Australia’s bicentenary.
The Inukshuk commemorates 200 years of European settlement in Australia. It arrived in Brisbane during Expo 88. For 15 years it stood outside the Queensland State Library. Library extensions forced a move. Now it graces this pedestrian bridge in Victoria Park.
Think of the journey this Inukshuk took. From the hands of Nunavut artists. Across the ocean as a symbol of friendship. A 19-tonne testament to collaboration. The Inukshuk’s Inuit name means “likeness of a person”. Inuit people used similar structures for navigation. They also marked hunting grounds and places of respect.
The Inukshuk is more than a sculpture. It’s a story. A story of international friendship. A story of cultural exchange. It represents the enduring connection between Canada and Australia. It also silently observes the daily lives of the 800 cyclists and pedestrians who pass by each weekday.
Its new home on this bridge makes it accessible to many. High Commissioner Michael Leir rededicated it in 2006. He envisioned it as a stop for the many Canadians who visit Australia each year. This stone cairn is a lasting reminder. A lasting reminder of the shared history between our two nations. It’s a tribute to human ingenuity. It’s a beacon of friendship across continents. Let this majestic Inukshuk inspire you. Inspire you to embrace diverse cultures and celebrate our shared world.