Description
This $25 pure silver coin tells the Native Canadian story of how the stars of the night sky came to form the Big Dipper. The coin features “The Great Bear” in exceptional full colour art and glow in the dark technology. It contains just over an ounce of pure silver. Mintage is limited to just 7,500. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
Western Ojibwa artist Cyril Assiniboine has created a stunning image of hunters as they prepare to slay the bear as it tries to hide in a cave in a star-filled sky. The design showcases the hunters’ impressive traditional Saulteaux dress, complete with imposing face paint, weaponry and ceremonial shield with bear claw motif.
The Big Dipper:
The seven stars that make up the Big Dipper are arguably one of the most recognized formations in the night sky. They are visible year-round from northern latitudes, and have inspired countless legends around the globe. Many First Nations legends describe the Big Dipper as a great bear.
The story told through this series is about three great hunters who set out in pursuit of a great bear. “That bear is killing all the animals and our people will starve. We must stop it,” the elders said. Three great hunters set out in pursuit of the great bear. They tracked it for many moons, across the earth and up into the sky. To this day, you can still see the great bear running across the sky with three hunters close behind. We usually call this formation “The Big Dipper”.
