4628) "Turtle Island - an Ojibwer Indigenous People's story of the Great flood and the creation of Turtle Island by the animal's efforts: "National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated on 21/06 every year": A $20 Silver Proof Coin celebrates the Creation Story: Date/Year of Coin issue: 24.08.2026:
Turtle Island – 1 oz. Fine
Silver Coin
Shipping: Expected to be shipped on Aug 24
Rooted in Indigenous storytelling:
On the occasion of National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), this fine silver coin celebrates Indigenous storytelling and honours the Ojibwe creation story of Turtle Island.
It is a meaningful piece that connects us to the wisdom of the land and the strength of its creatures.
Inspiring hope: Through its design and the story that inspired it, each coin is a visual reminder that from the smallest act of courage, entire worlds can grow.
First RCM collaboration: This is our first artistic collaboration with Ojibwe painter and graphic designer Patrick Hunter. Originally from Red Lake, Ontario, Patrick creates through a spiritual lens, drawing inspiration from nature and the timeless energy of the Woodland art style.
About Turtle Island, a celebration of creation and connection:
Many versions of this creation story exist:
This Coin celebrates the creation story of what is now called North America but to the Ojibwe, it has always, and will forever be, Turtle Island.
Here, the muskrat’s determination to bring life-saving soil to the surface, and its ultimate sacrifice, reminds us that bravery comes in many sizes—it only takes one individual to make a difference and change the world for the better.
In the present time, sharing stories from other cultures is fundamental to guard against erasure, and creating a coin designed to endure for generations is one way to ensure that the stories of the Ojibwe culture are carried forward.
Similar to most creation stories, this story begins with a great flood:
The Creator saw that those in power were corrupt, only seeking more power for themselves, so the rains were sent. To the Ojibwe, water is life; it can be soft and comforting, but it can also move mountains and take life away.
After the water had settled, many of Earth’s creatures sought refuge upon a giant turtle’s back. If they could just retrieve soil from the bottom of the water, they could create a home again on the turtle.
Many animals tried, but none could do it—the depth was just too much.
Finally, the muskrat said he would try. He was gone a long time, until the creatures noticed his body float to the surface, but in his paw was the soil needed to begin again. It was placed on the turtle’s back and land began to form in all directions, becoming a refuge for all.
Inspired by the Ojibwe creation story of Turtle Island—a sacred tale of renewal, courage and kinship—this 1 oz. 99.99% pure silver coin honours the deep wisdom of Indigenous storytelling.
The colourful scene envisions the moment the world was formed upon the turtle’s back, after the muskrat’s brave dive brought forth the soil that made life possible.
With trees and flowers now rooted in harmony, Turtle Island is a living story of resilience and respect, reminding us that when we care for the land and its creatures, the Ojibwe nurture the future of all their communities.
Where water, land and spirit come together in a timeless balance.
A creation
story painted in colour, courage:
Beneath the vibrant colour application, engraved elements add texture and meaning to this visual story, echoing the layers of the creation story itself. The details invite closer reflection, becoming a quiet tribute to the creative process—the artistry that shapes every coin and every story.
The Reverse design on the $20 (Twenty Dollars - CAN) by Ojibwe artist Patrick Hunter is a visual retelling of the Ojibwe creation story of Turtle Island, capturing the moment the world was shaped by the strengths and actions of Earth’s creatures.
The muskrat is shown beneath gently swirling waters, having retrieved the soil that formed the foundation for life—a symbol of its bravery and sacrifice.
Above, the giant turtle—presented in a Woodland art style—carries on its back the flourishing flowers and trees, including the Tree of Life, representing harmony and the connection among all living things. Above, the sun and its rays represent hope and the promise of a new day.
The Obverse of the $20 (Twenty Dollars - CAN) features the effigy of Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
The peripheral inscriptions are -
"CHARLES III. D,G, REX. 20 DOLLARS".
Country: Canada.
Coin Theme: Ojibwe Creation Story - Turtle Island
Mintage: 5,000 pieces
Metal Composition: 99.99% pure silver
Weight: 31.39 g or 1,00 oz
Diameter/Size: 38.00 mm
Edge: Serrated
Denomination/Face Value: $20
Coin Quality/Finish: Proof (P)
Presentation Case/Pack/Packaging: Black clamshell with black beauty box
Designers: Patrick Hunter (reverse), Steven Rosati (obverse)
Art on a silver canvas: The coin is crafted in 1 oz. 99.99% pure silver and features a luminous, mirror-like finish.
Includes serialised certificate: The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) certifies all of its collector coins.
Packaging: The coin is encapsulated and presented in a black Royal Canadian Mint-branded clamshell with a black beauty box.
Links to some more posts on the Chinese Lunar calendar/Zodiac signs on this Blog:
Links to posts on "The Year of the Horse -Wu":
The "Real de a Ocho - Roots of Canadian Currency":
Haunted Canada Coin Series:
3) ) FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico: The Mexican Mint (Casa de Moneda de Mexicohas minted Commemorative Bi-metallic, Gold and Silver Coins for 2026 FIFA World Cup: Date/Year of Coins issue: 14.05.2026
Links:
Links to posts on Ghana West Africa:
1) Adinkra symbols of Ghana, West Africa
2) Lake Bosumchwe or Bosumchwi, Ghana
3) Mole National Park, Ghana
4) El Mina Castle/Fort, Ghana
5) Funerals in Ghana
6) Larabanga Mosque and the Mystic Stone
7) Food and culture of Ghana
8) visit to Ghana
9) Qware: The ancient National Game of Ghana
10) Coinage and Currency og Ghana - Cedi and Pesewas
Canada's Unexplained Phenomena Coin Series Posts on this blog:
New Generation Coin Series:
Links to FIFA World Cup 2026:
Links to "Star Wars: A New Hope™":
Links to posts on Boba Fett:
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Links to The Bad Batch Coin Series:
