Facts about Nunavut

About the Flag and Coat of Arms

Symbolism of the flag

The Flag of Nunavut was officially adopted on April 1, 1999.

The colours, blue and gold, symbolize the riches of the land, sea and sky. Red is a reference to Canada. The inuksuk symbolizes stone monuments which guide people on the land and mark sacred and other special places.

The star is the Niqirtsuituq, the North Star and the traditional guide for navigation. The North Star is also symbolic of the leadership of elders in the community.

The Flag of Nunavut was designed by Andrew Karpik from Pangnirtung.

Symbolism of the Coat of Arms

The domain colors of blue and gold symbolizes 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 warm of family and the community.

Above, the concave arc of the 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 ramains unchanged as the leadship of hte elders inteh community.

In the crest, the iglu (igloo) represents the traditional life of the people and the means of survival. It also symbolizes the assembled members of the Legislative meeting together for the good of Nunavut, with the Royal Crown symbolizes public government for all people of Nunavut and 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 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 – Nunavut Sanginivut – means Nunavut, our strength.

The Coat of Arms was designed by Andrew Karpik from Pangnirtung.

*The Mace and the Coat of Arms of Nunavut are copyrighted symbols reserved for the official use of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, and may not be used without the express permission of the Clerk's Office.