Dressed in colourful regalia, a fancy dancer’s acrobatic movements stir the soul as they step, leap and
twirl to the rhythmic beat of the drum. This fine silver coin shines the spotlight on the complex footwork
and elaborate costumes of a spectacular powwow dance style, the Fancy Dance, which has become a
powerful expression of Indigenous identity, spirituality and heritage.
The reverse image by Kahniakehaka artist Garrison Garrow captures the fast-paced energy of a modern
powwow dance style: the Fancy Dance. A fancy dancer dominates the reverse, where finely detailed
engraving adds a sense of fast-paced movement while an application of colour highlights the intricate
nature of the regalia. From the Thunderbird of the Plains peoples to the Iroquois design on the apron,
the assemblage of motifs, textures and traditional elements (including the sacred eagle feathers) holds
special meaning and speaks to the powwow’s importance as a vibrant, cross-cultural exchange. The
obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
The fancy dancer
dominates a reverse design that is brimming with
energy, thanks to the artful blend of colour and
engraving.
Diameter: 50 mm
Material: Silver
Fineness: 0.9999
Weight: 62.69 g
Bullion Weight: 2.012 Troy Ounces
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II
Reverse: A Fancy Dancer Dressed in Colourful Regalia
Artist: Garrison Garrow
Finish: Proof
Quantity Produced: 3500
Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
Theme(s): Canadian,Royal Canadian Mint,Canadian Art
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