Royal Canadian Mint unveils keepsake to honour residential school survivors and victims
The Royal Canadian Mint, in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, unveiled a new keepsake on Thursday that represents the truth behind the residential school experience.
The keepsake is aimed at educating Canadians about the impacts of residential, day and boarding schools, with net proceeds going to the Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund. It is also intended to create conversations about the impacts of these schools, the conditions that created them, and how Canadians can turn reflection into reconciliation.
Both sides of the keepsake include imagery that reflects First Nations, Inuit and Métis teachings and art forms. The design comes from a collaboration between artists Leticia Spence, Jason Sikoak, and JD Hawk, as well as survivors.
“Truth and reconciliation isn’t going to be done in a day. It won’t be done tomorrow. It will be done in decades” said Stephanie Scott, a Sixties Scoop survivor and the executive director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
To symbolize First Nations culture, one side of the keepsake includes an image of the sun, traditional teepee lodgings, a tikanagan, which is a cradleboard, held by two people, a fireweed flower, and a triangular motif inspired by the designs of rawhide carrying bags.
To represent the Inuit perspective, this side of the keepsake includes images of traditional tattoo line work, the northern lights, a brother and sister, and an ulu, which is a traditional curved knife.
The Métis nation is also represented on this side of the keepsake with images of a Métis sash, a beadwork flower, a bison, and an infinity symbol.
The other side of the keepsake features the words ‘Every Child Matters,’ inscribed in English and French. It also features images of footprints and orange-coloured handprints forming the shape of the sun. Inside the hands is a flame motif from the logo of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The hands are encircled by a border that represents the waves of the sun’s light and heat.
“This keepsake acknowledges the truth. More than that, it does so through the voices and the vision of the survivors themselves,” Scott said.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation to all the survivors and to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists who worked together to create this keepsake.”
By wearing these keepsakes, Canadians can show that they stand with survivors and remember the children who never made it home. It also symbolizes a person’s commitment to learning the truth and carrying out acts of reconciliation.
Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, said the keepsake is deeply meaningful to everyone at the Mint.
“I don’t think I have the words to express how meaningful it is,” she said.
Lemay said she hopes that every Canadian will be wearing a keepsake with pride.
Those who are interested can purchase a keepsake online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.