CANADA – The Royal Canadian Mint issued a new $2 commemorative coin on Nov. 7 to celebrate Inuit Nunangat.
Inuit Nunangat refers to the land, water and ice of the homeland of Inuit in Canada, and consists of four northern Canadian regions called the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, the territory Nunavut, Nunavik in northern Quebec, and Nunatsiavut of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In a first for a Canadian circulation coin, four different artists, each representing one of the four regions of Inuit Nunangat, have collaborated on designing the reverse of the coin.
Artists, Tegan Voisey (Makkovik, Nunatsiavut), Thomassie Mangiok (Ivujivik, Nunavik), Charlotte Karetak (Arviat, Nunavut) and Mary Okheena (Ulukhaktok, Inuvialuit Settlement Region) worked together to design their joint representation of the story of Nuliajuk, spirit of the sea.
“Nuliajuk’s story is one of the most important in Inuit culture, and we are excited that she will now be honored in Canadian currency, the way we have honored her in our hearts and imaginations since time immemorial,” said Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami in a press release.
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is the national representative organization for over 70,000 Inuit in Canada, the majority of whom live in the 51 communities spread across the Inuit Nunangat; which makes up more than 40 per cent of Canada’s land area and more than 72% of its coastline.
“We are thankful to have been given the opportunity to work with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and four talented Inuit artists to celebrate Inuit Nunangat on a new circulation coin,” said Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, in a press release.
“Collaborating with the communities to tell their story is how we at the Royal Canadian Mint seek to engage all people living in Canada, and we are pleased to share Inuit stories far and wide by celebrating Inuit Nunangat in this way.”
Inuit Nunangat – The non coloured version of the new commemorative circulation coin. Submitted photos
Limited to a mintage of three million coins, of which two million will be coloured, this new coin will reach Canadians through their change as bank branches and businesses replenish inventories of $2 coins.
The coloured and uncoloured coins are also available in rolls of 25, retailing for $79.95. These collectibles can be ordered by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 or online at mint.ca.
