Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 07/99) - For the first time in my life I think money is beautiful. I'm holding the new freshly-minted, just-released $2 coin.

The image, designed by Inuit artist Germaine Arnaktauyok, powerfully expresses the rich and strong Inuit culture and the coming-into-being of Nunavut.

Obviously, the powers that be at the Royal Canadian Mint felt the same way I did.

"It was only supposed to be a commemorative coin for Nunavut," Arnaktauyok explains.

"I guess they looked at it, the people from the Royal Canadian Mint, and liked it so much that they decided to make it for circulation, plus collectors."

Arnaktauyok says that when she was asked to design the coin, she immediately thought of the drummer.

And as Nunavut Premier Nunavut Paul Okalik noted, in a recent speech in the legislative assembly, the drummer is significant as a symbol to the people of Nunavut.

"Much of that richness (of the Inuit culture) has been kept alive through the drum, which has long been a tool of communication in Inuit culture. Our ancestors used the beat of the drum and the song of the drummer to describe our legends and adventures to younger generations."

For the artist herself, the drummer isn't only about the past -- it's also about the future, about Nunavut being heard, nationally, across Canada.

"I also put in the qulliq, for warmth and security," adds the artist.

The qulliq sits within an outline of Nunavut, which in turn is nestled within the drum.

Arnaktauyok originally hails from Iglulik. At the age of nine, she left for school. Shortly thereafter she began expressing herself visually by taking up oil painting. In the late '60s, the artist attended the University of Manitoba's fine arts program for two years.

"I tried taking commercial art. That was not for me. I like fine art, expression..."

Arnaktauyok, well-known for her work illustrating children's books, frequently shows her work in galleries. The Winnipeg Art Gallery, for example, recently did a six-month exhibit of her work. And she's just had a show in Vancouver.

"I read a lot of books, that's where I get my inspiration," Arnaktauyok says, adding that the legends of her people are the greatest source of her work.

Despite her success in the arts, Arnaktauyok hopes she has managed to dissuade her 22-year-old daughter from attempting a similar career.

"It's too hard. It's ridiculously long work. You have to be consistent. It's OK if you don't mind not having much money. It's not fun having much money."

Arnaktauyok laughs as she adds, "It's not like working for the government, not do anything and still get paid every two weeks."

The gifted artist is currently working on material for a future solo exhibit.

Nobody can say it better than Okalik did in the last moments of his speech: "We are fortunate and proud to have our symbols recognized through the talents of Ms. Arnaktauyok. We also welcome the opportunity to share these symbols of Nunavut with Canada and the world through this special coin."