Part of the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway was inside the Donald Kuptana Sr. Memorial Arena in Tuktoyaktuk during celebrations for its opening Wednesday, Nov. 15.

A giant mural, made out of the same material that is below the gravel on the highway itself, spanned the entire arena.

It was painted by Tuk-born Joe Nasogaluak, who completed the project in only six days: three to paint it, and three for touchups.

The piece displays the scenery along the drive between the two communities.

SA国际影视传媒淭he reason we used (this material) is because it was under the road,SA国际影视传媒� said Nasogaluak. SA国际影视传媒淚 decided that weSA国际影视传媒檇 put it on and ISA国际影视传媒檇 make the road too, eh?SA国际影视传媒�

He used white paint to recreate the drive on canvas, making sure to include the mountains near Aklavik.

SA国际影视传媒淲ithout saying or writing it down, you include (Aklavik) by heart,SA国际影视传媒� said Nasogaluak.

He was also commissioned to create a sculpture for Governor General Julie Payette to present at the celebration.

Nasogaluak made Taimani, a carving of an Inuvialuit dancer with a number of ideas and meanings represented.

SA国际影视传媒淭hat one took a little while,SA国际影视传媒� said Nasogaluak, who made it from Norman Wells stone. SA国际影视传媒淚 try to teach kids and young people that we have local stone and we donSA国际影视传媒檛 have to buy it from (elsewhere).SA国际影视传媒�

A mantle on the back of the carving tells a story about traditions, culture and history of the Inuvialuit people as it passes from generation to generation. The bottom of the mantle depicts that history through traditional images of a whale, gyrfalcon, bear and caribou.

Next, three hills symbolize traditional beliefs of shamanism and spirits that occupy vast lands, while crosses mark a change when missionaries came and when the Inuvialuit population declined as a result of epidemics, changing lifestyles and new institutions.

Six flowers on the piece represent the six Inuvialuit communities, symbolizing regrowth and renewal of life with the promise of a new beginning.

Stars at the top represent a positive future vision with the new road connecting Tuktoyaktuk to the south.

The dancer depicted in the carving holds two caribou antlers, which represent Inuvialuit tools one one hand and commitment to continue to manage traditional lands on the other. When viewed together, the caribou antlers cross to show youth that there is a right path in life for them to follow.

While on the phone talking about how great the road was the morning before the celebration, Nasogaluak saw the significance of the new highway when his brother- and sister-in-law showed up unexpectedly.

SA国际影视传媒淚 said, this is what the road is all about,SA国际影视传媒� said Nasogaluak, speaking about the connection to family. SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 a really proud Inuvialuk, but ISA国际影视传媒檓 more proud to be from Tuk today.SA国际影视传媒�

He hopes the road can become a gateway for future generations to resources in the sea.

SA国际影视传媒淭hatSA国际影视传媒檚 an open door, a stepping stone for our kids to see if we can get access to work with the oil up here,SA国际影视传媒� he said, adding that Northerners are resilient people even in economic downturns.

SA国际影视传媒淲e get by. We hunt, we live. We donSA国际影视传媒檛 need the oil company. We can still get by. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 what we do. We find ways. If thereSA国际影视传媒檚 no caribou, we get more geese and fish. But the oil companies, for the younger people, can maybe make (them) a living and start businesses.SA国际影视传媒�

The Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway cost $300 million and is the first road to connect Canada coast to coast to coast.