An Artistic Journey: Discovering The Stories Behind First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Artists' Designs
- Sep 18, 2023
- History
- 5 minute read
Everyone has a story to tell. But how that story is told can take many different shapes.
At the Mint, we have the honour of sharing stories from every corner of Canada. Stories from the present, past, and hopeful future are etched on coins that captivate the beholder with their stunning designs and use of innovative technology.
Some of the most powerful stories have been shared with us through the work of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. Their distinct experiences and identity are expressed through striking visuals that provide a glimpse into the deep cultural significance they hold.
Journey into a few of these stories as we look back upon some of our most recent coins to feature the work of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists.
Everyone has a story to tell. But how that story is told can take many different shapes.
At the Mint, we have the honour of sharing stories from every corner of Canada. Stories from the present, past, and hopeful future are etched on coins that captivate the beholder with their stunning designs and use of innovative technology.
Some of the most powerful stories have been shared with us through the work of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. Their distinct experiences and identity are expressed through striking visuals that provide a glimpse into the deep cultural significance they hold.
Journey into a few of these stories as we look back upon some of our most recent coins to feature the work of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists.
2018 Fine Silver Coin – The Thirteen Teachings From Grandmother Moon – Bear Moon
Algonquin artist Frank Polson created an enchanting image of a full moon filling the sky as it sits low on the horizon behind a leafless tree. To the left, a bear stands on its hind legs like a human as it stretches after its long hibernation and reaches for its dreams. Bear Moon teaches us patience and to honour the vision quest that began in the fall.
It’s the second teaching from Grandmother Moon in Anishnabe tradition that views the moon as a living relation who makes 13 appearances throughout the year as she watches over Mother Earth’s children and lights up their paths with her gentle wisdom.
2019 Fine Silver Coin – Feather
Designed by Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw/K'omoks artist Andy Everson, this was the first-ever feather shaped Canadian coin. The engraved side profile view of an eagle head is presented in the Northwest Coast formline style. Framed by the contours of the coin, the eagle’s ovoid eye and downward-curving beak are surrounded by variations of split-U forms that re-create the eagle’s facial features and feathers.
The eagle represents the noblest qualities a person can have; strength, peace, wisdom, and honour. As a messenger to the Creator, its wing feathers deliver thoughts and prayers to the spirit world whenever the eagle takes to the skies. Its feather, which inspired the shape of this coin, commands great respect; whether worn, held high or held close to one’s heart, an eagle feather is a privileged gift that transmits strength and love while representing the highest honour.
2020 Bill Reid Commemorative Circulation Coin – Bill Reid: Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear
In honour of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Haida artist Iljuwas (Bill Reid), this 2020 $2 commemorative circulation coin celebrates his legacy and Haida culture. The reverse design features Bill Reid’s Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear, which first appeared on a ceremonial drum crafted by the Sam family of Ahousat, B.C. Later, Reid adapted the design for reproduction as silkscreen prints, with proceeds benefitting the Artists for Kids Trust.
Xuu.ajii (Grizzly Bear) was a favourite character of Bill Reid’s and he often used it in his jewelry designs and sculpture. Xuu.ajii is an important crest among the Haida Nation and plays a significant role in ancient Haida narratives.
The Skidegate Haida spelling for Grizzly Bear has evolved since Reid created Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear in 1988. Today, the word for Grizzly Bear is spelled Xuu.ajii. This is because in recent decades, the spelling and phonetic structure of the Haida language have been refined through the efforts to revitalise the language by community members, particularly Elders, via the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program (SHIP).
2021 Pure Gold Coin – Ramming Bighorn Sheep
The raw power of the bighorn sheep reverberates from this original coin design by Kwakiutl artist Richard Hunt. He created this by utilizing the lines and forms of traditional Northwest Coast art while enriching them with new interpretations.
It depicts a shining sun surrounded by two engraved pairs of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) — one is enhanced with multiple finishes, the other with colour. The battling sheep are set against the backdrop of triangular mountain peaks, and bear the eagle crest of the Richard’s village (Fort Rupert, B.C.) on their back and the raven crest of his father on their hooves.
2022 Fine Silver Coin - Generations - The Red River Métis
The second coin in our Generations series features an engraved rendering of an original floral beadwork pattern by Métis artist Jennine Krauchi, who has weaved together traditional beading elements to tell the story of the Red River Métis. At the base of this design, roots are intertwined with the Red River (“LA RIVYEER ROOZH” in Michif) to represent the Red River Métis homeland and ancestry, while the infinity symbol embodies the Red River Métis’ eternal and unbreakable spirit.
Placed within the river are the Michif words “TAAPWEEYIMISHO” and “TAAPWEEYIMIK LII MICHIF”, which mean, “Believe in yourself” and “Believe in (the) Métis”. The central portion of the design speaks to a period of repression and loss, but the prairie rose—a classic Métis motif—represents the survival of the Red River Métis and a cultural resurgence. Long stems adorned with “mouse tracks,” leaves and flower buds fill the pattern with a sense of love and joy.
2023 Commemorative Circulation Coin – National Indigenous Peoples Day
A first for a Canadian circulation coin, the National Indigenous Peoples Day $2 commemorative circulation coin features the combined work of three artists: Megan Currie, English River First Nation, Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak), Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Jennine Krauchi, Red River Métis.
An exceptional fusion of distinct artistic visions, the joint creation stunningly unites the artists’ expressions of their cultures, art and traditions. This commemorative circulation coin is an open invitation to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, and to learn about and honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their histories and heritages.
This is but a small sample of the wondrous works by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists that we have had the privilege of sharing through our medium, coins. To discover many other stories and the coins that have featured them, click on the articles below.
