The flag of Nunavut, Canada's largest and newest territory, was adopted on 1 April 1999, the day the territory was created. Its two central symbols, a red inuksuk and a blue star, come from Inuit life and the Arctic landscape.
The inuksuk
The inuksuk is a stone figure built by Inuit on the land. According to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, it guides people on the land and also marks sacred and other special places. On the flag, the inuksuk is red, a reference to Canada.
The North Star
The blue star is Niqirtsuituq, the North Star, the traditional guide for navigation. The Legislative Assembly explains that it also symbolises the leadership of elders in the community.
Blue and gold
The flag's colours, blue and gold, symbolise the riches of the land, the sea and the sky.
The artist
The flag and the territory's coat of arms were designed by Andrew Qappik, an Inuk artist and printmaker from Pangnirtung, following a Canada-wide call for ideas and consultation with communities and elders. Qappik was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017 for his contribution to the visual culture of Nunavut.
The Nunavut flag in jewellery
A Nunavut design celebrates the Arctic, Inuit culture and the young territory's symbols. You can see the AURYN Nunavut charm.
