Its name is a proud declaration that means “our land” in Inuktitut. On April 1, 1999, Canada’s newest territory, Nunavut, formally came into existence, following the division of the Northwest Territories. The creation of Nunavut marked the culmination of more than two decades of negotiation between the Inuit of the Eastern Arctic and the federal government. The creation of Nunavut and its public government provided Inuit, who constitute a majority of the jurisdiction’s population, with the ability to lead their territory—a cherished homeland with a cultural heritage that has endured for thousands of years.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Nunavut’s entry into Confederation, we’ve brought back the design that graced our $2 circulation coin in 1999—the year that changed the face of Canada. The commemorative piece is precision-crafted from Nunavut-sourced gold. Only the second coin of its kind, it was struck on an innovative thin blank that offers the affordable gold content of a 1/10 oz. coin, but with a 25% larger diameter. Mintage is limited to 1,500 coins. GST/HST exempt. 

The Design:

Designed by Inuk artist Germaine Arnaktauyok, the reverse is a reproduction of the image that graced Canada’s 1999 $2 Circulation Coin, to mark the creation of the newly formed territory of Nunavut. It features an Inuk drum dancer bearing an outline map of the territory. Within the map, a traditional stone oil lamp (qulliq) is a source of warmth and security, and represents a beacon of hope for the future. Beneath the dancer is the lettering “NUNAVUT ᓄᓇᕗᑦ“ (“Nunavut” in Inuktitut).