- The Governor General of Canada
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Nathan Bishop MacDonald
Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms and Badge
March 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 263
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Blazon
Arms
Quarterly 1st Argent a lion rampant Gules, 2nd Or a hamsa Gules charged with an eye proper, 3rd Or a lymphad oars elevated in saltire sails furled Sable, on a base wavy Vert a salmon naiant Argent, 4th Argent an oak tree eradicated Vert surmounted by an eagle displayed Or;
Crest
An arm embowed vambraced gauntleted grasping a shofar proper and issuant from a castle Argent;
Motto
I WILL HEED THE CALL;
Motto
AIR MUIR ’S AIR TIR;
Symbolism
Arms
The division of the shield in four quarters is a characteristic of heraldry of the west Highlands of Scotland. The quarters containing the lion, the ship, and the tree are found in the arms of the chief of the Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, of which Mr. MacDonald is a member. The hamsa is a symbol associated with Judaism and thus alludes to Mr. MacDonald’s faith.
Crest
The castle and armoured arm are taken from the crest of the chief of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald. The shofar is used in synagogue services and thus refers again to Mr. MacDonald’s Jewish identity. As a musical instrument, it alludes to the fact that he is a musician. As a ram’s horn is used in items found in the Highlands of Scotland, it also connects to Mr. MacDonald’s Scottish ancestry.
Motto
(above the Crest) This phrase connects to the call of the shofar, shown in the Crest, to repent and turn towards the Almighty
Motto
(under the Arms) This Scots Gaelic phrase meaning “By sea and by land” is a traditional Macdonald motto.