The Bank of Canada has released its shortlist of notable Canadians who could appear on the next $5 bill, which includes Terry Fox and a decorated First Nations First World War veteran.
Candidates were picked out of 600 nominees submitted by people from across the country. An advisory board was placed in charge of compiling the shortlist.
“A list of eight names may seem like a very short list, but the selected nominees emerged from thoughtful considerations and deep deliberations, to ensure it is a list we would all be proud to present and stand by with determination, whatever the end decision is,” said a council spokesperson.
“We deeply believe this list emphasizes the diverse contributions of Canadians to our shared history.”
Ultimately the decision will be up to Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland.
Terry Fox (1958-1981)
Terry Fox made Canadian history after launching the Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research. Despite losing his right leg to cancer, Fox ran across the country at a pace of 42-km per day.
In total he raised $24.7 million for cancer research and covered 5,373 kilometers before succumbing to the disease.
Pitseolak Ashoona (1904 to 1908 – 1983)
Inuit artist and printmaker Pitseolak Ashoona made the shortlist for her contributions to Indidgenous culture. Born between 1904 and 1908, Ashoona’s work centered on Indigenous spirituality and mythology.
Her famous prints include the 1960 artwork “Joys of SUmmer Inland” and “Owl Atop Inukshuk.”
Robertine Barry (1863-1910)
Canada’s first female French-Canadian journalist is also up for consideration. Barry, also known by her pen name “Françoise” was an advocate of women’s rights and equality.
Born in 1863 in L’Isle-Verte, Canada East, Barry was also a supporter of secularizing Quebec’s public education system.
As an activist she fought for women’s suffrage, education and the shelter system.
The new $5 bank note is expected to go into circulation in the next few years.
Binaaswi (Francis Pegahmagabow) (1888-1952)
World War I veteran Francis Pegahmagabow could make it onto the $5 bank note for his contributions to the Canadian military.
Being among the most-decorated First Nations soldiers, he was among the first Indigenous soldiers to volunteer for service abroad. He fought at the Second Battle of Ypres and also at the Battle of the Somme. Following his service, Pegahmagabow was an advocate for Indigenous rights and autonomy.
Won Alexander Cumyow (1861 – 1955)
Won Alexander Cumyow was the first Chinese-Canadian born in British North America. As a translator, Won became well-regarded in the Chinese community and eventually became an activist for Chinese Canadian rights.
Won founded the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Group to push back against racist policies such as the Chinese Head Tax and segregation.
Lotta Hitschmanova (1909-1990)
Czech-born Lotta Hitschmanova was an activist and humanitarian who founded the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada to help those struggling with poverty.
Hitschmanova’s philanthropy extended to Hong Kong, South Vietnam, Japan, India, Nepal and throughout Africa.
Isapo-mixka (crowfoot)
Isapo-muxikwa was the chief of the Blackfoot Confederacy who advocated for peace between First Nations and settlers.
As a negotiator and diplomat he led the establishment of Treaty 7 and opposed the North-West Resistance of 1885.
Ogondeyoh (Frederick Ogilvie Loft)
Onondeyod was an Indigenous rights activist and a veteran of World War I. He is seen by many as one of the foremost First Nations historical leaders for establishing the League of Indians of Canada.
While in the military, he served abroad in Britain and France as a lieutenant with a forestry company.
