Fancy dancer featured on newest Canadian coin
- EFN Staff | September 26, 2018
A new Royal Canadian Mint coin was unveiled that features an Indigenous fancy dancer to embrace Indigenous culture. The recent unveiling was made at McGill University’s First Peoples’ House 17th Annual Pow Wow. The silver coin is a vividly coloured silver collector coin that celebrates and embraces a modern Indigenous art form that is a powerful and captivating expression of Indigenous pride and heritage.
“The Royal Canadian Mint prides itself on telling the fascinating story of Canada through coins and celebrating First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures is fundamental to achieving that goal,” said Jennifer Camelon, Interim President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint in a media release. “Our beautifully coloured coin celebrating the dazzling art of the Fancy Dance is yet another opportunity for Indigenous artists from across Canada to share their talent, traditions and cultures.”
The image was done by Kanien’kehá:ka artist Garrison Garrow where he captured a fast-paced male fancy dancer. The image of the fancy dancer is finely detailed with an application of colour highlights the intricate nature of his regalia. From the Thunderbird of the Plains peoples to the Iroquois design on the apron, the array of motifs, textures and traditional elements which features the sacred eagle feathers strongly evokes the pow wow’s cultural importance. On the reverse side of the coin features an image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
“This land’s cultural heritage began with the art, music, dance, and traditions of Indigenous peoples, and it is exciting to see these traditions reflected in a new coin from the Royal Canadian Mint,” said Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary for Crown-Indigenous Relations. “As we work toward meaningful reconciliation and a future where all Indigenous peoples have a real and fair chance at success, the inspiring design of the Mint’s Fancy Dance coin reminds us of the importance of recognizing and celebrating Indigenous traditions.”
The unique silver coin is limited to a world-wide mintage of 3,500 and retails for $189.95 CAD.