The Royal Canadian Mint has announced that their new $2 commemorative circulation coin will begin circulation today, and will be celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day as well as the Summer Solstice - both events which are culminating today. For the first time on a Canadian circulation coin, three different artists have collaborated on a single reverse design.
"Together, they have fused personal visions of their respective cultures to create a unique perspective of First Nations, Inuit and Métis heritage that all people living in Canada can honour and celebrate on National Indigenous Peoples Day," stated The Royal Canadian Mint in a press release.
The artwork appearing on the reverse of 2023 $2 circulation coin celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day is the creation of three women artists, each one representing the First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities residing in Canada. The artists include Megan Currie, English River First Nation, Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak), Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Jennine Krauchi, Red River Métis.
Krauchi underlined that the Métis symbols used on this coin are images that the Métis, have come to identify with.
"There are unique to our distinct culture. The sash, the wheel of a Red River cart, the Infinite flag and the five-petalled flower or Wild Rose."
Currie said that her design was a visual reflection of her thoughts on National Indigenous People's Day.
"National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) is a time for both reflection and celebration. A day to honour those who have come before us and acknowledge there is hope for those who will come after. NIPD takes place during the summer solstice, the day of the year that Grandfather Sun provides us with the longest light. It symbolizes a new season of life, a chance to start fresh and leave past burdens behind. My design is a visual reflection of these thoughts," Currie said when discussing the artwork on the twoonie.
"National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to both celebrate and honour the diverse cultures of Métis, Inuit and First Nations. This new coin designed by Indigenous artists does an excellent job of recognizing and celebrating our respective cultures," said Cassidy Caron, President of the Métis National Council. "The Métis Nation is one nation of many stories, and on National Indigenous Peoples Day, I encourage Canadians to take the time to learn more about Métis culture."
Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami added that although each two-dollar coin is only 28 millimetres in diameter, the coin will have an immeasurable impact on Indigenous Peoples and other Canadians.
"At Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, unity is the foundation of our work, and we hope that all Canadians can feel united with us on National Indigenous Peoples Day in celebrating these artists, our distinct cultures and histories, and our efforts in building better futures for our children."
The coin is limited to a mintage of three million coins, of which two million will be coloured. It will reach Canadians through their change as bank branches and businesses replenish their inventories of $2 coins.
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