The Embassy of Canada invites you to a special celebration at Ilisia Grove, as part of the This is Athens City Festival! We’re coming together to mark one year since the unveiling of the Inuksuk—a powerful symbol of friendship that connects Canada and Greece in the heart of Athens. Dedicated to the Indigenous cultures of Canada, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore the story behind this landmark. We’ll be joined by Inuksuk artist Heather Carroll and a representative of the Inuit community, who will share personal insights into the meaning and creation of the monument. The Inuksuk—a traditional stone marker used by the Inuit peoples of northern Canada to guide travellers and mark sacred places—was gifted to Athens in 2022 by the Embassy of Canada to celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations. Designed by Heather Carroll, who is of Inuit and European heritage, the sculpture embodies both authenticity and a distinctly Athenian character. Unlike traditional Inuksuit made of irregular stones, the Athenian Inuksuk is crafted from Pentelic marble—the same stone used for the Parthenon—paying tribute to classical Greek art. This material choice symbolises a rich encounter between Greek and Indigenous Canadian heritage. It also resonates with the meaning of the word Inuksuk: “in the likeness of a human.” Its presence in Athens honours both the city’s immense contribution to Western culture and the ancestral cultures of Canada. Join us in celebrating the first anniversary of this modern urban landmark, officially unveiled in May 2023. Come hear the stories behind the Inuksuk from the artist herself and a member of the Inuit community, as we renew the bonds of friendship that this symbol represents.