4677) "The Kwakwaka’wakw - Eagle" representing strength in flight, wisdom in form, Canada: A $20 (Twenty Dollars - CAN) Silver Matte Proof Black Rhodium Plating Coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM): Date/Year of Coin issue: 09/2026:
The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, also known as the "Kwakiutes" are an indigenous group of the Pacific Northwest Coast, in southwestern Canada.
They live mostly in their traditional territories on northern Vancouver Island, as well as nearby smaller islands (such as the Discovery Islands) and inland on the adjacent British Columbia mainland.
Some also live outside their traditional homelands, in urban areas such as Victoria and Vancouver. They are politically organised into 13 band governments.
The Kwakwaka'wakw language, now spoken by only 3.1% of the population, consists of four dialects of what is commonly referred to as Kwakʼwala, known as Kwak̓wala, 'Nak̓wala, G̱uc̓ala and T̓łat̓łasik̓wala.
The name Kwakiutl derives from Kwaguʼł—the name of a single community of Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw located at Fort Rupert.
Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw oral history says their ancestors (ʼnaʼmima) came in the forms of animals via the land, sea and from underground.
When one of these ancestral creatures arrived at a given spot, it shed its animal appearance and became human. Animals that figure in these origin myths include the Thunderbird and his brother, Kolas, the seagull, orca, grizzly bear, or chief ghost. Some ancestors have human origins and are said to come from distant places.
Historically, the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw economy was based primarily on fishing, with the men also engaging in some hunting, and the women gathering wild fruits and berries.
Ornate weaving and woodwork were important crafts, and wealth, defined by slaves and material goods, was prominently displayed and traded at potlatch ceremonies.
In contrast to most non-native societies, wealth and status were not determined by how much you had, but by how much you had to give away. This act of giving away your wealth was one of the main acts in a potlatch.
Restoring their ties to their land, culture and rights, the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw have undertaken much in bringing back their customs, beliefs and language.
Potlatches occur more frequently as families reconnect to their birthright, and the community uses language programmes, classes and social events to restore the language.
Artists in the 19th and 20th centuries, such as Mungo Martin, Ellen Neel and Willie Seaweed, have taken efforts to revive Kwakwakaʼwakw art and culture.
The Eagle:
In Kwakwaka’wakw tradition, the Eagle is a powerful symbol of leadership, transformation, and ancestral connection—a master of the skies who bridges the physical and spiritual worlds, carrying messages to the Creator.
The Coin:
- The special Black Proof finish gives the coin an elegant and modern appearance and underlines the fine relief structures as well as the intense colour contrasts.
The Reverse of the $20 (Twenty Dollars - CAN) Silver Proof Coin features the Eagle rendered in Kwakwaka’wakw formline style by designer Junior Henderson.
Outstretched wings with a central face symbolizing lineage, strength, and ancestral wisdom.
Black rhodium plating enhances contrast and emphasises the Eagle’s spiritual presence.
It provides a rich, dark background for a more dramatic visual effect, allowing the silver eagle to shine with strength and clarity.
Symbolism: The Eagle represents leadership, transformation, and ancestral connection, bridging the physical and spiritual worlds.
The specifications of this Coin are:
Country: Canada
Minted By: Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)
Coin Theme: "The Kwakwaka’wakw - Eagle"
Mintage: 5,500 pcs
Metal Composition: 99.99% pure silver, with selective rhodium plating
Weight: 31.39 g or 1.00 oz
Diameter/Size: 38.00 mm
Edge: Serrated
Face Value: $20
Coin Quality/Finish: Matte Proof
Packaging: Black clamshell with black beauty box
Designers: Junior Henderson (Reverse), Steven Rosati (Obverse)
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8) visit to Ghana
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