For the First Peoples of Canada, relaying an age-old story and traditions is a lesson in itself – and that is the focus of our new Generations series.  Passed down from one generation to the next, the stories and traditions of the First Peoples of Canada offer important lessons while imparting values that shape our understanding of the world, and of each other.
This 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.