Singing is an integral part of First Nations cultures throughout North America—so integral in fact, that many Aboriginal languages don’t have a word for “music.” People sing day or night to thank Mother Earth for all her gifts; to express love; to heal the sick; to ask for a successful hunt; to seek guidance. Night is a particularly magical time for the K’ómoks and Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations in British Columbia as the community comes together to sing to the rhythmic beat of a drum. As masked dancers breathe movement into the song, the outside world falls away and the melody floats to the sky. Sound waves become moonlight and stars dance to reveal the inter-connectivity of all things.

A beautiful 3-coin set showcasing three beautiful finishes all in one set. Each coin is struck in ultra-high relief with extra-deep contours that have been carved into the coin’s surface, which can only be achieved through additional strikes and extensive hand-crafting and polishing.
A gorgeous gift for someone who enjoys First Nations art. Order yours today before they’re all gone!

Special features:
 • A FIRST! Your 3-coin set features three finishes (proof, antique and colour enamel) all in ultra-high relief—an original and captivating showcase of different visual effects to express one theme. Antique patina and colour enamel are applied by hand.
 • Everson’s bold and unique representation of a singing moon shines with a trilogy of finishes to reflect the myriad ways songs can affect the moonlight. The proof finish, hand-applied antique and colour enamel bring their own distinct beauty to the coin’s ultra-high relief; those extra-deep contours that have been carved into the coin’s surface and can only be achieved through additional strikes and extensive hand-crafting and polishing.
 • Features an original design by renowned Canadian artist Andy Everson of the K’ómoks and Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations in British Columbia.
 • An exceptional celebration of First Nations art and heritage.
 • LOW MINTAGE: Only 3,000 made worldwide, these will sell quickly!
 • BEAUTIFUL WOODEN BOX: Your coins will be displayed in a beautiful wooden box, ideal to showcase these unique coins!

About the Design:
Renowned Canadian artist Andy Everson has created this coin’s bold and unique representation of a singing moon. The moon lights up the night sky as it sends its melodic voice in all four directions as depicted by the four oblong shapes positioned along its circumference. In response, the stars twinkle and dance, as represented by the dots and round contours between the oblong shapes. Every curve and detail is imbued with the rich artistic traditions of the K’ómoks and Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations in British Columbia.

Packaging:
Each coin is encapsulated individually and the set is presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded wooden box with black beauty box.

History:

Aboriginal peoples in Canada, or Aboriginal Canadians, are the indigenous peoples within the boundaries of present-day Canada. They comprise the First Nations,Inuit and Métis. The descriptors “Indian” and “Eskimo” have somewhat fallen into disuse in Canada and are sometimes considered pejorative.

Old Crow Flats and Bluefish Caves are some of the earliest known sites of human habitation in Canada. The Paleo-Indian Clovis, Plano and Pre-Dorset cultures pre-date current indigenous peoples of the Americas. Projectile point tools, spears, pottery, bangles, chisels and scrapers mark archaeological sites, thus distinguishing cultural periods, traditions and lithic reduction styles.

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The characteristics of Canadian Aboriginal culture included permanent settlements, agriculture, civic and ceremonial architecture,complex societal hierarchies and trading networks. The Métis culture of mixed blood originated in the mid-17th century when First Nation and Inuit people married Europeans. The Inuit had more limited interaction with European settlers during that early period. Various laws, treaties, and legislation have been enacted between European immigrants and First Nations across Canada. Aboriginal Right to Self-Government provides opportunity to manage historical, cultural, political, health care and economic control aspects within first people’s communities.

As of the 2011 census, Aboriginal peoples in Canada totaled 1,400,685 people, or 4.3% of the national population, spread over 600 recognized First Nations governments or bands with distinctive cultures, languages, art, and music.National Aboriginal Day recognizes the cultures and contributions of Aboriginals to the history of Canada. First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of all backgrounds have become prominent figures and have served as role models in the Aboriginal community and help to shape the Canadian cultural identity.