- 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.
L'Association des Martel d'Amérique
Charlesbourg, Quebec
Grant of Arms
November 15, 2005
Vol. V, p. 6
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or on a bend between two hammers sable, an ancient ship under full sail Or;
Motto
DÉFENDS TES DROITS;
Symbolism
Arms
For L’Association des Martel d’Amérique, the yellow colour means strength, faith, justice and constancy, while black symbolizes humility. The ship recalls the mode of transport by which the first Martels arrived at Quebec. For them, the ship was a symbol of hope and security. The full sails represent the self-assurance and valour that characterized the ancestors of the Martel family. The hammers, the yellow and black colours as well as the diagonal band are the components of the arms of the Martels of Dauphiné, the place of origin of the majority of Martels in Canada.
Motto
Meaning “Defend your rights”, this phrase recalls the arduous battle waged by the ancestors of the Martels to protect their lands and the few goods they had on their arrival in North America.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on July 8, 2006, in Volume 140, page 2040 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Louise Martel and Jean-Marie Martel, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Family Association