The distinct ways of life and culture of the Inuit Nunangat are represented in a new $2 commemorative circulation coin out this week.
The Royal Canadian Mint’s new toonie symbolizes Inuit unity through the four artists’ joint representation of the story of Nuliajuk — spirit of the sea — and through an ulu representing each of their homes within the Inuit homeland.
Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, stated in a release he’s proud of the partnership with the Royal Canadian Mint, who have collaborated with Inuit on this project in what he described as a genuine and respectful manner.
New commemorative circulation coin, shown with with monotone inset, celebrates Inuit Nunangat. (Image courtesy of Royal Canadian Mint)
He stated: “Nuliajuk’s story is one of the most important in Inuit culture, and we are excited that she will now be honoured in Canadian currency, the way we have honoured her in our hearts and imaginations since time immemorial.”
The artwork appearing on the reverse of the 2024 $2 circulation coin celebrating Inuit Nunangat is the creation of Tegan Voisey (Makkovik, Nunatsiavut), Thomassie Mangiok (Ivujivik, Nunavik), Charlotte Karetak (Arviat, Nunavut) and Mary Okheena (Ulukhaktok, Inuvialuit Settlement Region).
The inner core of the coin features an image of Nuliajuk, spirit of the sea, wearing an atigi (parka), and clockwise from Nuliajuk are a walrus, two beluga whales, a seal, and an arctic char.
On the right of the outer ring appear four different artistic interpretations of uluit (knives), whose appearance is derived from the traditional shape for uluit found in each region, and that act as each of the artist’s signatures.
The coin’s obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
Three million of the toonies will be minted, of which two million will be coloured. They will enter circulation on Thursday, November 7th, and reach Canadians through their change as bank branches and businesses replenish their inventories of $2 coins.
