In 2017, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, the Bank of Canada released a special commemorative ten-dollar bill that marked a historic moment in the nation’s artistic and cultural journey.
For the first time in Canadian history, an Indigenous artist’s original artwork was featured on a national bank note — Kenojuak Ashevak’s masterpiece, “Owl’s Bouquet.”
The Artist and Her Vision
Kenojuak Ashevak (1927 – 2013), a trailblazing Inuit artist from Cape Dorset (Nunavut), is celebrated as one of Canada’s most influential figures in modern Indigenous art. Known as the “Mother of Modern Inuit Art,” her work combines traditional Inuit spiritual symbols with vibrant forms of contemporary expression.
In Owl’s Bouquet, the owl — a traditional symbol of wisdom and protection — is surrounded by radiant leaves and flowers that seem to blossom from its wings. The image embodies balance between spirit and nature, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all living things in the northern landscape.
The 2017 Commemorative Bill
The Bank of Canada’s decision to include Ashevak’s art on the 150th-anniversary bill was a powerful statement of recognition. It acknowledged the rich contribution of Indigenous peoples to Canada’s national identity and marked a turning point in the country’s commitment to inclusion and reconciliation.
This was the first time a work by an Inuit artist had appeared on a Canadian banknote — and only the second time in the nation’s history that an original visual artwork had been integrated into its design.
A Message of Respect and Harmony
By featuring Owl’s Bouquet on the 2017 ten-dollar bill, Canada sent a clear message to its citizens and to the world: that true nation-building is rooted in respect, diversity, and mutual understanding.
The owl in Ashevak’s work looks forward with grace and strength — a metaphor for a country that honors its past while striving for a more inclusive future.
This gesture also reflected the government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and to building a society where all cultures coexist in harmony.
Legacy and Inspiration
Today, Owl’s Bouquet is not just a beloved artwork; it is a national symbol of Canada’s evolving identity. It invites us to look beyond borders and histories, to see how creativity and respect can bring people together. Through art, Canada continues to honor the Indigenous wisdom that has long shaped its land and spirit.
Owl’s Bouquet reminds us that every nation thrives when its diverse voices are heard, its stories are celebrated, and its values of peace and respect are shared with the world.
2025.10.09 Toronto