The Millbrook artist's design, Aboriginal First Nations Beaver, is one of four that is shortlisted for the 2017 nickel. The winner will be decided through online voting.
The Mint will issue coins bearing the winning designs to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. The My Canada, My Inspiration, 150 contest includes five categories, with Gloade's beaver coin competing in the Our Passions category.
"I found out about the contest when I was posting in Deviant Art, a site where I have native, wildlife and comic galleries," he said. "An ad came up for the Mint so I checked it out and decided to enter."
Gloade submitted designs in various categories and last month was informed his beaver design was a finalist, being chosen from more than 10,000 entries.
"Beavers were used as currency in Canada for more than 200 years, with their pelts being traded," he said. "I had done a beaver design in 2012 for Mi'kmaw History Month, so I started with that and made some changes to come up with the design for the coin.
"Some people talk about Mi'kmaw culture as if it is something from the past, but we're still here and still creating art."
Gloade has been drawing and painting since he was a child and it is truly a passion for him. He is also a storyteller and speaks to groups of all ages.
His art has taken him to many places and events. One such occasion he vividly remembers was when he presented Queen Elizabeth II with a medallion bearing his design during a ceremony in Halifax and he had the chance to speak with Her Highness and Prince Philip.
"To have your design chosen and then find one of the coins with your own design on it in your change would be pretty awesome," he added.
Two other Nova Scotia residents have designs in the contest. Zoey Russell, of Hammonds Plains, has a design called Looking Beyond in the Our Future category and Halifax's Michael Little has one titled Wheat in the Our Achievements category.
Gloade has had some positive feedback from people who are voting online and hopes more people will support him.
Voting is welcome every day until Oct. 9 at www.mint.ca/canada150 .
