OTTAWA,
ON, June 20, 2023 /CNW/ - On the eve of
the Summer Solstice, a day of great significance for First Nations,
Inuit and Métis people across Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint is honouring
their rich and diverse cultural heritages with a $2 commemorative circulation coin celebrating
National Indigenous Peoples Day. 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. This inspiring coin will enter
circulation on June 21, 2023.
"Since 1996, National Indigenous Peoples Day has been an
opportunity to celebrate First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people,"
said The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Finance. "Our government is proud to honour the
history, art, traditions, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples as we
continue walking the path of reconciliation together."
"Creating coins that tell diverse and inclusive stories is a
priority for the Royal Canadian Mint the sharing of Indigenous
stories is key to that effort," said Marie
Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "We are
delighted that we could collaborate with First Nations, Inuit and
Métis artists on a single circulation coin that will inspire
millions to discover the wonderful knowledge and experiences that
National Indigenous Peoples Day is meant to celebrate."
The artwork appearing on the reverse of the 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. They are:
Megan Currie, English River First
Nation, Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak),
Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Jennine
Krauchi, Red River Métis. It is the first time that multiple
artists have collaborated on the design of a single Canadian coin.
The creative intent behind each artist's personal choice of
symbolism is explained in their own words at www.mint.ca/nipd.
"Though each two-dollar coin is
only 28 millimeters in diameter, this coin will have an
immeasurable impact on Indigenous Peoples and other Canadians today
and beyond. Congratulations to Myrna, Megan, and Jennine on making
their indelible marks on Canadian history," said Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit
Kanatami. "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."
"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."
"Truth and Reconciliation must include Economic Reconciliation,"
said National Chief RoseAnne
Archibald. "I've raised this in my conversations with our
Canadian federal partners, member states at the United Nations, and
His Majesty King Charles III. First Nations must move from
intergenerational poverty to multi-generational wealth and
prosperity. Meegwetch to the Royal Canadian Mint for this symbolic
gesture by commemorating our partnership on the healing path
forward with this inspiring new $2
circulation coin."
Limited to a mintage of three million coins, of which two
million will be coloured, this new $2
circulation coin will begin circulating on June 21, to correspond with National Indigenous
Peoples Day. It will reach Canadians through their change as bank
branches and businesses replenish their inventories of $2 coins.
The coloured and uncoloured circulation coin are also available
as collectibles in a six-piece Collector Keepsake coin set. They
are packaged in a richly illustrated collector card that contains
uncirculated versions of classic 2023-dated circulation coins, from
five cents to one dollar. Other collector products adding to
the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day include:
- Special Wrap Rolls of 25 two-dollar circulation coins, in coloured and
uncoloured versions;
- a Special Wrap Roll Set featuring a coloured and uncoloured
coin roll; and
- a 1 oz. fine silver version of the circulation coin
design.
These collectibles can be ordered as of today by contacting the
Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada,
1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca/nipd.They are
also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's Winnipeg boutique, as well as through the
Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including
participating Canada Post outlets.
About the Royal Canadian
Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for
the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of
the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing
award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as
well as Canada's prestigious
military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the
Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver
refining services. As an organization that strives to take better
care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces
and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates,
the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices
in every aspect of its operations.
For more information on the Mint, its products and services,
visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on Twitter, Facebook and
Instagram.
Images of the circulation coin and collector products are
available here.
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint