- 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.
James Rupert Tibachimú Norquay
Sidney, British Columbia
Grant of Arms
April 4, 2000
Vol. IV, p. 6
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess Azure and Vert overall on a fess Argent a First Nations Sacred Pipe bowl to the dexter Or in chief a representation of the constellation termed Little Dipper of seven mullets Argent issuant in base a pile Gules fimbriated Argent;
Crest
A demi coyote Gules gorged with a collar of prairie crocus flowers holding in its dexter paw an eagle feather proper;
Motto
NUNC EGO TE EDUCO EX TENEBRIS;
Symbolism
Arms
The Little Dipper and Pole Star allude to the night sky. The ceremonial or sacred pipe honours Mr. Norquay’s rank as Pipe Carrier, a title bestowed on him by the late Indigenous elder Dorothy Maquabeak Francis in 1989. The name Norquay, which means “field or pasture of the North”, is represented by the green base. The red pile symbolizes a native symbol suggesting the Red Road, meaning our life or “earth walk”.
Crest
The “ceinture fléchée” in place of the mantling refers to Mr. Norquay’s Métis heritage. The shaman headdress represents his knowledge in healing techniques. The red coyote symbolizes the Grandfather Coyote, a spirit known for his wisdom and teachings of Indigenous ways. His collar of crocus flowers is the floral emblem of Manitoba and refers to Mr. Norquay’s birthplace. The quill held in the coyote’s paw alludes both to Mr. Norquay’s internationally known work as a calligrapher and, as well, to the nearly half century of his work as a writer and journalist.
Motto
This Latin phrase means "Now I lead thee out of darkness".
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on July 22, 2000, in Volume 134, page 2266 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge
Recipient Information
Individual