- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Geraldine Van Bibber
Whitehorse, Yukon
Grant of Arms and Supporters
October 15, 2007
Vol. V, p. 177
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Per fess wavy Azure and Argent a bar gemel wavy counterchanged between in chief a sun in splendour Argent and in base a fireweed flower proper;
Crest
A husky sejant guardant proper;
Supporters
Two caribou each gorged of a collar of Gwich’in beadwork, standing on a mound of snow proper set with trefoils Vert;
Motto
LAUGHTER HEALS ALL;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue, one of the Commissioner’s favourite colours, indicates the sky colour in Yukon, part of the Land of the Midnight Sun. The sun expresses a personality based in honesty, honour, kindness and laughter. The wavy bars represent the rivers in Yukon as well as never-ending life. The fireweed flower is the territorial floral emblem.
Crest
The husky is the crest of the territory. It represents strength and ability to withstand the harsh, cold environment of the North.
Supporters
The Gwich’in life and culture have traditionally been based on the caribou herd of the Porcupine River area. Supporters, wearing Gwich’in beadwork, represent Ms. Van Bibber’s heritage and position as Commissioner of Yukon, serving the residents on behalf of Canada. The compartment alludes to her Irish heritage.
Motto
Not applicable