- The Governor General of Canada
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Barry Joseph Gabriel
South Bar, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Brian Patrick Gabriel
May 13, 1998
Vol. III, p. 246
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Blazon
Arms
Per pale Gules and Argent issuant from base a Celtic cross between in chief dexter a decrescent and sinister a mullet all counterchanged;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet the rim set above with two salmon naiant undy and respectant Argent each holding in its mouth an acorn Or the demi figure of the Archangel Gabriel habited in traditional Mi'kmaq dress proper nimbed Or winged Argent holding in his dexter hand a lily proper;
Motto
SERVICE ABOVE SELF · GOD ABOVE ALL;
Symbolism
Arms
The design is based on the Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag, white with a Latin cross between a crescent moon and a star, all in red. This indicates Mr. Gabriel’s paternal Mi’kmaq descent, as well as his wife’s Mi’kmaq heritage. The use of the Celtic cross honours his maternal Irish and Highland Scottish heritage, as well as his Christian faith. The vertical division and counterchanging (alternation of the colours), indicates the presence of both Indigenous and European cultures in Mr. Gabriel’s family background, as well as in the history of Cape Breton, where Mr. Gabriel lives.
Crest
The figure of the Archangel Gabriel holding a lily refers to Mr. Gabriel’s surname. His vesture is another reference to Mr. Gabriel’s Mi’kmaq heritage. The coronet of salmon and acorns represents wisdom, a reference to the Salmon of Knowledge from Irish mythology.
Motto
This is a variation of the motto of the Rotary Club, to which Mr. Gabriel once belonged, “Service above self”.