About the $2 coin
The $2 coin’s reverse features a collection of visual elements on the inner core and outer ring, where they form expressions of Indigenous identities and cultures, as designed by Megan Currie, English River First Nation, Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak), Inuvialuit Settlement Region and 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.
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:
The seven phases of Grandmother Moon, represents our past, present and future. The central flower contains a figure raising a child, honouring our children. The forget-me-not flowers’ five petals hold space for: our peoples’ genocide, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Residential Day and Boarding Schools, Sixties Scoop survivors, and our veterans. The outside flowers contain a rising sun, signifying a new day. The four berries remind us to honour and thank Mother Earth for her gifts of medicine and food. The butterflies symbolize transformation, metamorphosis and balance, a reminder that we need to live a balanced life.
Megan Currie (English River First Nation) – Artist and Creative Director of X-ing Design
One of my favourite days of the year is June 21ˢᵗ, which is a day to celebrate Indigenous peoples under the 24-hour sun. It is a day of celebration for Dene, Métis and Inuit who can drum and dance freely, laugh amongst family, friends, and strangers, enjoy traditional foods from the land, sea and sky, while feeling proud, reflecting, and feeling hope for our future. My three girls are Inuvialuit, Gwich’in (Dene) and Métis, and like my girls, the overall design is symbolic of being stronger together, which is what National Indigenous Peoples Day means to me.
Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak) – Inuvialuk Artist from Tuktoyaktuk in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region
These symbols encapsulate the culture and heritage of the Red River Métis. The Red River cart proudly flying our Infinity flag, carrying people to a community gathering to the sounds of laughter and fiddlers playing. Everyone dressed in their finest attire; beautifully beaded jackets with sashes of many colours wrapped around their waists. And that special pair of moccasins, which would be worn out from jigging before the festivities were done. In this, one finds a great sense of pride, of joy, of celebration for the Métis people who love embracing such occasions as National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Jennine Krauchi – Red River Métis Artist
