The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) has initiated a campaign called "Change The Bill," aiming to celebrate Indigenous women's contributions by featuring one on a Canadian banknote. Despite the nation's 150 years of currency history, no Indigenous woman has been highlighted on the banknotes yet. The campaign proposes that Indigenous artists redesign the $20 bill with portraits of their Indigenous female heroes, offering an overdue recognition of their vital role in Canadian history.
NWAC represents the political voices of Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, Transgender, and Gender-Diverse+ (WG2STGD+) People in Canada, including those from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. The "Change The Bill" initiative also encompasses an online petition to gather public support for this change.
Following its successful exhibit at DesignTO, the "Change The Bill" artwork will continue to tour galleries, schools, workplaces, and public spaces across the country. This endeavour amplifies Indigenous representation, fostering social, economic, cultural, and political wellbeing among Indigenous communities.
What's Driving This Trend
- Indigenous Representation
- Opportunity to showcase Indigenous female heroes on currency through artistic redesign and broader Indigenous representation efforts.
- Diversity in Art and Design
- Opportunity to promote diversity in the creative industries through the showcasing of Indigenous artists and their contributions.
- Public Activism
- Opportunity to harness the power of public activism to support social, economic, and political causes related to Indigenous representation.
Who This Affects Most
- Banking and Finance
- Potential for the banking and finance industry to demonstrate leadership by amplifying Indigenous representation efforts in currency design.
- Art and Design
- Opportunity for the art and design industry to promote diversity and showcase Indigenous artists and their contributions.
- Social Activism
- Opportunity for organizations and individuals focused on social activism to support Indigenous representation campaigns such as Change The Bill.
