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2022 Canada $20 Generations: The Red River Métis Fine Silver (No Tax)
Honouring the “Flower Beadwork People”
These beads come together to form a dazzling floral motif that represents a living tradition for the Red River Métis, known by their neighbours as the “Flower Beadwork People.” The second Generations coin celebrates the tradition of Métis beadwork, which is a proud expression of Métis culture and identity, and an exercise in visual storytelling, as seen on this coin. Today, this centuries-old artform is also a powerful statement of continuity, for each bead contributes to a gorgeous tapestry; and that signature craftsmanship is passed down from one generation to the next, inspiring others to create the patterns that stitch together a people’s past, present and future.
The Métis became known for their beadwork in the 19th century, when their decorative beadwork patterns earned them the moniker “the Flower Beadwork People.” Inspired by what they had seen in nature and intertwined with French embroidery designs, the Métis women created their own style of beadwork. The five-petalled prairie rose is the most common Métis beading motif, while curves, stems or tendrils are typically used to connect every element within a beadwork pattern. Another classic motif is the feathered stem (as seen on this coin), which is marked by bead accents or “mouse tracks” that run down its sides. Métis beaders are also known to intentionally include a mistake—a miscoloured or misplaced bead or “spirit bead”—in their work to protect them from vanity, since only the Creator can create something perfect.
The coin’s reverse features an engraved rendering of an original floral beadwork pattern by Métis artist Jennine Krauchi, who has weaved together traditional beading elements to tell the story of the Red River Métis. At the base of the design, roots are intertwined with the Red River (“LA RIVYEER ROOZH” in Michif) to represent the Red River Métis homeland and ancestry, while the infinity symbol speaks to the Red River Métis’ eternal and unbreakable spirit. Placed within the river are the Michif words “TAAPWEEYIMISHO” and “TAAPWEEYIMIK LII MICHIF”, which mean, “Believe in yourself” and “Believe in (the) Métis”. The central portion of the design speaks to a period of repression and loss, but the prairie rose—a classic Métis motif—represents the survival of the Red River Métis and a cultural resurgence. Long stems adorned with “mouse tracks,” leaves and flower buds fill the pattern with a sense of love and joy. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Specifications:
Item Number: 204717
Mintage: 5,000
Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight: 31.39 g
Diameter: 38 mm
Face Value: $20
Finish: Proof
Edge: Serrated
Artist: Jennine Krauchi (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)
Special Features:
• The second coin in the Royal Canadian Mint's Generations series! The series celebrates the transfer of knowledge through the stories of the First Peoples of Canada. The second coin highlights traditional Métis beadwork as a cherished art form and a proud cultural expression; on this coin, the beadwork pattern tells the story of the Red River Métis.
• An unforgettable design! On the coin's reverse, the engraving is done in an elaborate style that perfectly mimics traditional Métis beading. In lieu of colour, varying relief height and frostings help create a striking contrast that sets neighbouring elements apart while adding depth to the overall design.
• Visual storytelling! This is our first collaboration with Métis artist Jennine Krauchi, whose original beadwork pattern combines several traditional motifs and design elements to tell the story of the Red River Métis.
• Rooted in tradition! With every bead, the story unfolds: by sharing it with others, that story—and the act of its creation—lives on. Métis beadwork is a rich medium for storytelling and for intergenerational learning, and the Generations series of coins honours the artists and storytellers who play a key role in passing down traditional knowledge to new generations.
• Limited Mintage! Crafted in 99.99% pure silver, The Red River Métis has a limited mintage of 5,000 worldwide.
Packaging:
The coin comes encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell case with a black beauty box.
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