When acclaimed Mînî Thnî metal artist Andrew Holloway was invited to create a unique lapel pin for world leaders at the G7 Summit, he wanted the design to carry a lasting, positive message to guide their deliberations—now and into the future.
Twenty-five finance ministers and 25 central bank governors each received one of the handcrafted pins after Finance Canada’s G7 Logistics Secretariat commissioned Holloway for the project.
With global tensions at their highest in years, Holloway said he hoped to offer a symbol of unity and inspiration.
“I wanted to make a pin that would help them make the right decisions and help them work together,” said Holloway. “I hope it helps them make the right decisions and keep the world moving in a positive way.”
Each pin was forged from copper and bronze and inlaid with beadwork created by his sister, Margaret. The central theme of the design is the round dance—an Indigenous tradition that symbolizes community, celebration, and connection.
“When there’s a celebration or a get-together, we usually have a round dance, and that’s where the idea began,” he said. “I pictured them coming together to celebrate.”
The round dance holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning in Indigenous cultures. It’s used to honour loved ones, build unity, and celebrate identity. It also represents connection to the land, to ancestors, and to the Creator.
The pins also feature a large ‘M’, representing both the Kananaskis mountains and Mînî Thnî. At the centre is a beadwork design that includes the North Star—a symbol Holloway chose because many leaders may never have seen it in person, yet it serves as a guide.
The beadwork, created by Margaret, who served as the Calgary Stampede’s Indian Princess last year, is rarely combined with metalwork. Holloway embraced the challenge, believing it was important to give world leaders something they’d likely never seen—an authentic representation of Indigenous culture in a new form.
“These aren’t just pins—they’re works of art,” he said. “Like all my art, they’re handmade. I just love what I do. I like to create, form, and shape metal into art.”
Holloway is known for his tireless dedication. He spends long hours in his Calgary studio—a creative space where his thoughtful designs have left a lasting mark, including on the new BMO Centre, where his large-scale metalwork is viewed by hundreds of thousands, if not millions.
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After finalizing the design, each pin took about six hours to meticulously assemble, with assistance from his long-time mentor Jeff de Boer, a former University of Alberta arts instructor.
He also praises his sister for her beadwork.
“I had some help, and that’s always the way,” said Holloway. “That’s the wonderful part of the creative journey.”
Holloway also made additional pins for himself and his sister. As the rights holder to the design, he is now making them available for purchase.
People can arrange to purchase their own copy of the pin by connecting with him through his Instagram page, yethkametalworks.