- Nunavut means "our land" in Inuktitut.
- It became Canada's newest territory on April 1, 1999.
- Nunavut stretches far north and includes many Arctic Islands.
THE FLAG OF NUNAVUT
- The white, blue and gold represent the land, sea and sky.
- Red is one of Canada's official colours.
- The inuksuk is a stone marker.
- The marker and the North Star are guides to help people find their way.
COAT OF ARMS
- The shield is at the centre of the coat of arms.
- The colours blue and gold represent the riches of the land, sea and sky.
- On the shield is a traditional Inuit stone lamp and the inuksuk.
- The inuksuk guides the people on the land and also marks sacred places.
- The qulliq (stone lamp) represents light and the warmth of family and community.
- Above are the North Star and gold circles representing the sun.
- A caribou and a narwhal are standing on either side of the shield.
- These animals represent the land and sea animals of Nunavut.
- Above the shield is an igloo and a crown.
- The igloo is a reminder of the traditional life of the Inuit.
- The crown stands for the government.
- The shield is on a base of sea and land and three species of Arctic wild flowers.
- The motto means "Nunavut, our strength".
THE PURPLE SAXIFRAGE
- On May 1, 2000 this flower was chosen as the floral emblem.
- It grows in cracks in rocks and in gravel.
- This plant is usually the first flower to appear in the spring.
- It blooms from April to July.
- The blossoms are purplish-red in colour.
- It grows close to the ground in clumps which look like cushions or mats.
OTHER EMBLEMS
- bird - Rock Ptarmigan
- animal - Canadian Inuit Dog
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