Change

the Bill exhibits in Toronto

Indigenous women empowered to make history on Canadian banknotes

Canadian banknotes have featured Indigenous people only a few times in the last 150 years. The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) launched Change the Bill, an art project set to promote reconciliation by commissioning Indigenous artists to redesign the $20 bill featuring Indigenous women.

“Despite playing a crucial role in shaping the country's history and culture, Indigenous women have been historically excluded from mainstream representation. It is imperative that Canadians prioritize and amplify the voices of Indigenous women in mainstream media and representation,” said the NWAC in a Jan. 23 release.

The Local Gallery in Toronto hosted an exhibit from January 20 to 28 showcasing the reimagined $20 bills. The art served to highlight Indigenous women's heroes and provide an opportunity to highlight the talents and contributions of Indigenous women. Prints of the artwork were available for purchase for $20 with 100 per cent of proceeds going to the artist.

Indigenous people have been shown on Canadian bills as part of the Scenes of Canada series, circulated between 1969 and 1979 and the $2 bill showed Inuit men readying their kayaks. The $10 banknote in 2017 showed James Gladstone — the first Indigenous person to serve in the Canadian Senate.

"Change The Bill is not just about placing an Indigenous woman on a banknote. It is about recognizing the contributions and significance of Indigenous women in Canada and creating a more inclusive society. Educating future generations about the contributions of Indigenous women and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their significance creates a more just and equitable society for all Canadians,” said NWAC CEO Lynne Groulx.