July 1 is Canada Day, when our northern neighbor turns 149. No doubt you’re thinking: how can I celebrate?

We suggest you build something very Canadian: an inuksuk (sometimes spelled inukshuk.) It’s a stone structure found in the Arctic, made up of stones piled on top of each other. Inuit travellers have built them for thousands of years to mark their way, point out a good hunting or fishing area, or show where food is stored.

But the forms themselves are beautiful. Some (called inunnguaq in the Inuktitut language) resemble a person, with arms, legs and a head.

INUKSUK FACTS.

The word Inuksuk means “likeness of a person.’’

Every inuksuk is unique, made from the stones at hand.

Stones are carefully chosen so they can rest on one another without falling in a storm.

Some have been standing in the Arctic for hundreds of years.

Inuit are taught to respect inuksuit. A traditional law prohibits damaging or destroying them.

Text by Linda Matchan

-Sources: Peter Irniq, Inuit cultural activist and inukshuk builder; “The Inuksuk Book’’ by Mary Wallace.

1. Place the 2 large stones which will form the legs on a flat stone platform. They should be the same height.

2. Balance a large flat stone on top of the leg stones.

3. If you need to, wedge in a small stone to keep it steady.

4. Place the next largest flat stone on top. Gently shift until it feels secure.

5. Us 2 small flat stones for arms. The lighter ends should extend over the edges.

6. Secure the arm stones by putting a flat stone on top.

7. Place a small round stone on top, as the head. If it wobbles, turn it so the flattest side is down.