Canada is celebrating a significant moment as a new toonie enters circulation, featuring the renowned artist Daphne Odjig from Wikwemikoong Unceded Territory in Ontario. Odjig becomes the first woman and visual artist to be showcased on a Canadian coin. Marie Lemay, the president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, emphasized the importance of honoring Odjig’s contribution to the country’s cultural fabric.
Lemay highlighted Odjig’s profound impact on women and artists in Canada, underscoring the significance of recognizing her trailblazing legacy. Bonnie Devine, a close friend of Odjig, reflected on the artist’s powerful and politically charged works, noting how Odjig’s art conveyed personal experiences and social commentary throughout her illustrious 97-year life.
Devine shared a poignant anecdote about Odjig’s awakening to the political ramifications of displacement and poverty, a transformative moment that influenced her artistic direction. Dorota Blumczyńska, the CEO of the Manitoba Museum, praised Odjig’s mural, “The Creation of the World,” displayed at the museum, as a testament to her profound understanding of interconnectedness and the human experience.
The unveiling of the new toonie featuring Odjig took place in front of her iconic mural, symbolizing the fusion of art, history, and cultural significance. Stan Somerville, Odjig’s son, expressed his emotional connection to the coin unveiling, reminiscing about his mother’s impact on promoting First Nations art and culture in Winnipeg.
The public can acquire the new Odjig toonie by visiting coin-exchange locations with the Royal Canadian Mint, allowing Canadians to hold a piece of history in their hands.
