The April 1999 Millennium coin, entitled "Our Northern Heritage", features the work of renowned Inuit artist, Kenojuak Ashevak, and was submitted to the Mint's "Create A Centsation!" contest by Emmanouil Kats of Toronto, Ontario.

The coin features an owl and bear design adapted from an existing copper engraving by Ashevak, entitled The Red Owl. According to Inuit tradition, the owl symbolizes wisdom and the bear represents power and kindness.

At the launch ceremony in Iqaluit, Nunavat, contest winner, Emmanouil Kats, said he embraces Inuit art as a Canadian treasure. "Inuit art is a very special art form," commented Kats. " It embodies a unique way of life."