The Royal Canadian Mint has launched a new $2 commemorative coin to celebrate Inuit Nunangat, inviting all Canadians to explore and honor the culture and way of life of Inuit communities thriving in the northern regions of Canada. The 2024 $2 Inuit Nunangat Commemorative Coin, which began circulating on November 7, represents a unique collaboration between four Inuit artists, each from one of the four regions of Inuit Nunangat.
In an unprecedented move, these artists—Mary Okheena, Charlotte Karetak, Thomassie Mangiok, and Tegan Voisey—have worked together to design the coin’s reverse, symbolizing Inuit unity through their collective depiction of Nuliajuk, the sea spirit, and the use of uluit (traditional knives) as signatures for each artist’s homeland. The coin’s design tells a deeply meaningful story about Nuliajuk and the Inuit relationship with the land and sea, featuring images of sea creatures such as a walrus, beluga whales, a seal, and an arctic char, along with representations of uluit from each artist’s region.
“This coin reflects an important moment in honoring Inuit culture, where Nuliajuk’s legend is celebrated through the art and design of our people,” said Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. He praised the Mint’s collaboration in creating the coin with genuine respect for Inuit traditions.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland added, “The journey of reconciliation includes recognizing the rich cultural contributions of Indigenous Peoples, and this commemorative coin is a beautiful way to share the vibrant Inuit culture with all Canadians.”
The coin’s reverse, created by the four artists from Makkovik, Nunatsiavut; Ivujivik, Nunavik; Arviat, Nunavut; and Ulukhaktok, Inuvialuit Settlement Region, highlights Inuit symbols such as Nuliajuk, an atigi (parka), and a ring of uluit. The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
Limited to a mintage of three million coins, with two million colored and one million uncolored versions, the coin will circulate as businesses and banks replenish their $2 coin inventory. A limited-edition special wrap roll of 25 uncirculated coins, both colored and uncolored, is available for collectors. These rolls, priced at $79.95 CAD, can be purchased from the Royal Canadian Mint and other authorized dealers.
The Royal Canadian Mint expressed its pride in working alongside Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the four Inuit artists to tell the story of Inuit Nunangat. The Mint emphasized its commitment to creating connections through coin designs that engage Canadians with the diverse cultures that shape the nation.
The Mint, which is known for producing Canada’s circulation coins and a variety of collectible products, continues to celebrate Indigenous stories and culture through its unique coin releases. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, representing over 70,000 Inuit across Canada, advocated for this project as a vital opportunity to showcase the richness of Inuit life in Nunangat, an area that covers over 40% of Canada’s landmass and 72% of its coastline.
