The Royal Canadian Mint is recognizing the community of Amber Valley, Alta., as part of its ongoing fine silver coin series, “Commemorating Black History.”
The $20 fine silver coin, released in honor of Black History Month, celebrates the legacy of the men and women who established one of Western Canada's earliest Black settlements.
Marie Lemay, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, expressed pride in the Mint's contribution to the national celebration of Canada's Black History Month. She highlighted the importance of capturing significant stories that define the country's shared heritage through a continuing series of silver collector coins.
Founded in 1910 by Black families from Oklahoma, Texas, and other U.S. states seeking refuge from segregationist laws and racial hostility, Amber Valley was established in Northern Alberta in response to Canada’s offer of free land in the Canadian west. Approximately 300 individuals began a new life in this thriving community, which was renamed Amber Valley in 1931.
Myrna Wisdom, historian and co-founder of The Black Settlers of Alberta and Saskatchewan Historical Society, expressed appreciation for the coin's recognition. She emphasized the deserving nature of this acknowledgment for the Black settlers of Amber Valley, including her own family members.
The reverse design of the coin, which is 99.99 per cent pure silver, was created by artist Valentine De Landro. The design depicts an imagined scene of a homesteader family arriving in Pine Creek, Alta. in 1909 and looking out over the land that would become Amber Valley. The design also features a map outline of Alberta with enhanced maple leaves, while the lower portion shows a wagon train of settlers completing their journey from the southern U.S.
Valentine De Landro explained that the composition aimed to strike a balance between the journey and the community, essential elements in communicating the spirit of Amber Valley. He highlighted the pioneering imagery as crucial in depicting the settlers' journey through challenging terrain to an unknown destination, where they established a legacy focused on building a better life for their families.
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