2023 Canadian $20 National Indigenous Peoples Day - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin

2023 Canadian $20 National Indigenous Peoples Day - 1 oz Fine Silver Coin

National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) celebrates the heritages, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. It is celebrated on the 2023 National Indigenous Peoples Day commemorative $2 circulation coin, which lends its reverse design to this 99.99% pure silver coin.

Taking a cooperative approach, the three artists – Megan Currie, English River First Nation, Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak), Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Jennine Krauchi, Red River Métis – actively developed the design together, weaving together their individual expressions to form a powerful ode to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures and heritages, and an open invitation to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

A fine silver collector’s edition of the National Indigenous Peoples Day $2 circulation coin.

Features:

A beautiful celebration. While National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) celebrates the diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada, this coin is an open-ended invitation to learn about and honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and their histories and heritages.
A unique collaboration. As the creative voices of their distinct identities and experiences, three artists worked together to create a powerful, combined design – a first for a circulation coin.
A fine silver celebration. Crafted in 99.99% pure silver with a dazzling proof finish that reflects light onto the crisply engraved details.
A powerful theme and a captivating design. A great addition, this fine silver National Indigenous Peoples Day coin brings the celebration to your collection.
Low mintage. Only 6,500 coins are available to collectors worldwide.

Design

In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the coin’s reverse combines the art of Megan Currie, English River First Nation, Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak), Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Jennine Krauchi, Red River Métis. The rich expressions of cultures,  traditions, and heritages that make up the design are drawn from a variety of inspirational sources, each unique to the artist. The artists have each shared their sources of inspiration, their connection to National Indigenous Peoples Day, and their objective for the design:

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)

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)

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)

The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.

Packaging:

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a black clamshell with graphic beauty box.

Specifications:

Face Value: $20
Mintage: 6,500
Composition: 99.99% Silver
Weight (g): 31.39
Diameter(mm): 38
Finish: Proof