About the Monument

“The concept in this art piece is centred around the landmarks of the Mackenzie River to the Arctic Ocean, which has sustained people from time immemorial to Confederation and 150 years later. For myself, as a young child and for my own daughters today, the iconic Pingos have always represented and guided my family home. It is much the same for other northerners, stories about a river bend, an outcrop on a hill, or a landmark built by our forefathers, all continue to guide us as it was 150 years prior. The land and water have nurtured us through some of the darkest moment in the history of the North allowing us to survive and gain strength and momentum with knowledge passed down to each new generation.

“The symbols chosen illustrate celebration through harvest, music, and pride, shining bright under the 24-hour sun. The ulu represents Inuvialuit, the tipi represents Dene, and the arrow pattern is symbolic to Métis, 150 years earlier and still to this day. There are 11 uluit, honouring the 11 official languages in the Northwest Territories each unique to its own. The floral design on the young girl’s parka represents the lush and fruitful flowers that naturally grow through out the North, trimmed with fur harvested from the land. The image represents thousands of migratory birds in flight, connecting us to the rest of Canada and the world through the air we breathe.

“The girl on the coin represents any one of my three girls, northern girls and their brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles and grandparents, all instrumental in shaping us to be who we are today. 150 years is a milestone, and it is an honor to celebrate our existence prior to Confederation to today.