This 2016 large $50 pure silver proof coin honours a Dakota Elder, Wanduta for preserving the ceremonial dances and cultural rites, which are essential expressions of their Dakota identity. The coin contains just over five ounces of pure silver and has an extremely low mintage of just 1200 pieces. As a pure silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, it is GST/HST Exempt.  

The Design:

Designed by Canadian artist Darlene Gait, the coin features a full-face portrait of Wanduta (Red Arrow), a Sioux Valley Dakota Chief who defended the community's ceremonial dance rites when such activities were prohibited under the Indian Act. The full application of colour over the engraving captures the beautiful complexities of Wanduta's traditional regalia, circa 1913. Finely detailed engraving adds texture to the eagle feathers that adorn the full headdress, as well as the beautifully coloured beads that are woven in a geometric design on the headband above Wanduta's brow. It is engraved with the word “CANADA,” the date “2016”, and the denomination “50 dollars”.