National Indigenous Peoples Day
A Celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Art and Cultures
National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) celebrates the heritages, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.
To contribute to this important celebration, we are honoured to introduce the National Indigenous Peoples Day $2 commemorative circulation coin.
A Cooperative Approach
A first for a Canadian circulation coin, the design 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 and is an open invitation to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Bring the Celebration to Your Collection
Artist Expressions
First Nations
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.
– Megan Currie (English River First Nation – Artist and Creative Director of X-ing Design)
Inuit
My ancestors modeled perseverance, my girls gifted me with pride, and I celebrate cultural identity on Indigenous day under the Midnight Sun. I treasure my memories living on Inuvialuit land and sea through seasonal changes and challenges. My cultural experiences have inspired my art, illustrating the honor and responsibility I hold upon myself to make our ancestors proud, while achieving dreams (like having my art on a circulation Toonie) that make my heart dance, as many will do on Indigenous day.
– Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak; Inuvialuk from Tuktoyaktuk in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region)
Métis
Our roots run deep in this land. We have fought hard for our rights as a mixed people and we celebrate our culture with great pride.
The Métis symbols used on this coin are images that we, the Métis, have come to identify with and these 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.
We celebrate our heritage as ancestors of the First Peoples and the Europeans. On National Indigenous Peoples Day we hope that all peoples will celebrate with us.
– Jennine Krauchi (Red River Métis)
Coin Design
Behind the Design: A Celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Art and Cultures
Delve even deeper into the design details that are featured on the National Indigenous Peoples Day commemorative circulation coin and learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis art and traditions.
A Special Occasion
For generations, many Indigenous peoples have celebrated the summer solstice. In 1996, in cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Governor General announced June 21st as National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Thank You
The 2023 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.
It was a great privilege for the Mint to facilitate the design’s creation and to provide a cooperative space for the artists to combine their individual expressions and identities.
Thank you to the incredible artists who have shared their art through these coins, and to the numerous individuals and organizations who shared their time with us to help bring such an important and meaningful coin to life.
Thank You
The 2023 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.
It was a great privilege for the Mint to facilitate the design’s creation and to provide a cooperative space for the artists to combine their individual expressions and identities.
Thank you to the incredible artists who have shared their art through these coins, and to the numerous individuals and organizations who shared their time with us to help bring such an important and meaningful coin to life.