- 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.
Canada's National History Society
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
March 20, 2008
Vol. V, p. 267
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or two canoe paddles in saltire Azure, overall a candle Gules its flame Argent surmounting a maple leaf Gules;
Crest
A demi-bear affronty holding in its dexter paw an eagle feather proper;
Supporters
Two beavers proper each gorged with a coronet erablé Argent and standing on a grassy mount Vert;
Motto
OUR PAST SHAPES OUR FUTURE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms, the hoist Gules charged with a beaver sejant contourné Or;
Badge
Two canoe paddles in saltire, overall a candle its flame surmounting a maple leaf, all within a laurel wreath Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The paddles are representatives of the importance of the canoe, as the means of transportation from Quebec into the fur trade areas of the western provinces. The candle and flame represents the inspiration of education and all the methods of sharing Canada’s stories to be transmitted as history, including oral history recorded in the memory of teachers and story-tellers.
Crest
The bear is a symbol for self-observation and contemplation. The eagle is the story-teller of life and teacher of a holistic pattern of life. When holding the eagle’s feather, the speaker tells the truth. Together, these images represent the Society that is involved in observing human activities and telling about them.
Supporters
The beaver was instrumental as an economic incentive to map, trade, and settle. So important was it that it became the basis of barter. Four of these animals appear in the Arms of the Hudson’s Bay Company, an involved supporter of the Society. The coronet of maple leaves symbolizes the national character of this Society.
Motto
The idea of the motto is that experiences teach lessons for a better future.
Flag
The beaver in the flag alludes to the Society’s magazine of that title.
Badge
The laurel leaves form a classic symbol of celebration to honour a victor. Here, it is also an allusion to Clio, the Classical muse of history. The central emblem repeats the symbolism from the arms.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 22, 2008, in Volume 142, page 2983 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Cultural Organization