Posted by marcos on July 17, 2002 at 14:53:30:
In Reply to: Nunavut posted by giveawayboy on July 17, 2002 at 11:46:20:
: Let me ask you now: why did St. Pierre et Miquelon interest you? And why did you select this place in the world to share w us? I would be interested in knowing that.
: : : See you later, Bill
: : Because of the fact these islands are not known to most people here, even though they right here in North America, to show there's more to N.A. than the 3, USA, Canada, and Mexico. I'm intrigued by the North Atlantic area there. As it said on the links, there's descendants of French Basques and
: : Bretons there, pretty cool.
: I agree, it's important that we become aware of the world around us. For instance the way the Canadians and French have to share fishing waters, well, or the way 7000 people have to share island space. What about this? The way we share the border with Mexico, and the dynamics that surround that border relationship. There are all kinds of cultural and ecomnomic issues here. Actually, I would love to learn more about the relationship of the U.S. to Canada. Cultural things particularly interest me. I find Canada more and more intriguing: the Yukon and Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Victoria Island, Baffin Island, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and lots of islands in the east and north that I didn't mention. I guess I'll guess I'll start by introducing the board to Nunavut, a northern area whose flag and seal are very telling about the region. I particularly liked reading more about Nunavut. Guys, I think what Marcos is trying to do is introduce us to new and interesting information about our local world and eventually a larger one. But, we have these whole nations right at our doorstep and many of us may know nothing about them. So, I'm hoping this will help us. Here is a special tip. Don't feel like you have to mecome an expert on St. Pierre et Miquelon or Nunavut--it's more important to be aware of these places and then enjoy the learning process. perhaps you will really stay interested in these places, or perhaps it will strike a chord in you for other kids of learning. at any rate, allow these little posts begun by Marcos to expand your foggy conceptions of the North. We perceive of it as a barren wasteland with a few igloos and perhaps if we are lucky and Rankin Bass was right, a little barbershop pole and toy shop somewhere, but when we see that there are full countries with histories and presences of their own, suddenly the north looks a little less vast and a little more intersting. It's not just a field of white.
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: taken from www.nunavut.com/misc/english/flag.html
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: Symbolism of the arms
: 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 crest, the iglu represents the traditional life of the people and the means of survival. It also symbolizes the assembled members of the Legislature meeting together for the good of Nunavut; with the Royal Crown symbolizing public government for all the people of Nunavut and the equivalent status of Nunavut
: with other territories and provinces in Canadian Confederation.
: The tuktu (caribou) and qilalugaq tugaalik (narwhal) refer to land and sea animals which are part of the rich natural heritage of Nunavut and provide sustenance for people.
: The compartment at the base is composed of land and sea and features three important species of Arctic wild flowers. The motto, in Inuktitut (kNK5 n`QiK5 ) - NUNAVUT SANGINIVUT - means "Nunavut, our strength."
: - Government of Canada
~Wow! I didn't know that Nunavut had separated from the Northwest Territories to become its own
territory. It's like a fresh new start for the Inuit there, through them gaining self-government.
I like a lot the concept of 'isuma' - the innermost thoughts and feelings
I love the seal.