Description
Canadians wishing to leave a positive mark upon the landscape often turn to a great Arctic emblem, the inukshuk, whose open arms makes it a beautiful representation of Canada’s northern spirit. This reverse gold-plated 2018 one ounce fine silver $20 coin celebrates a revered cultural icon that carries special meaning for the Inuit, and is cherished by all Canadians coast to coast to coast. As a pure silver coin struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, this item is GST/HST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design by Tony Bianco captures both the practical and spiritual essence of a symbol of “the True North, Strong and Free.” Reverse gold plating fills the field and gives the coin its rich, golden hue, while precision engraving re-creates the rocky northern landscape. At the center, an Inuit stone marker rises up from a mound; the silver surface of the coin adds extra shine to this human-like landmark, which carries special significance as a communication tool and a hunting and navigational aid for the Inuit. Built from stacked stones of different sizes, this inukshuk stands like the guardian of its northern lands, its open arms pointing the way to the north as the stylized aurora borealis dances overhead.
The Inukshuk:
The Inuit and other migratory people of the High Arctic have used the tools provided to them by nature to not only thrive in one of the planet's most hostile climates, but also help to ensure the survival of others in their region. One of these tools is the Inukshuk. Its name meaning "a thing that acts on behalf of a person," an Inukshuk (pronounced "inook-shook") is a sculpture of piled stone used as a place marker, navigational aid and communication tool. The arrangement of stones indicates the purpose of the marker. The directions of arms or legs could indicate the direction of an open channel for navigation, or a valley for passage through the mountains. An Inukshuk without arms would act as a marker for a cache of food.
