03 October 2018
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The Royal Canadian Mint has joined McGill University's First Peoples' House 17th Annual Pow Wow to unveil a coloured silver coin celebrating the 'Fancy Dance', a modern Indigenous art form said to be 'a powerful and captivating expression of Indigenous pride and heritage.'
The coin's reverse features an image by Kanien'kehá:ka artist Garrison Garrow which captures the fast-paced energy of a modern pow wow dance style: the Fancy Dance. The addition of colour highlights the intricate nature of his regalia.
The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary for Crown-Indigenous Relations, said:
'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. 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.'
Limited to a world-wide mintage of 3,500, the 2 oz. fine silver coin retails for $189.95 CAD and can be ordered online at www.mint.ca.
