- 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.
Dennice Mary Leahey
Pugwash, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms
June 20, 2008
Vol. V, p. 302
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or a graft fleury Azure, in chief four annuli interlaced in fess Gules;
Crest
A woman affronty proper vested of a robe Or its front panel Gules and girded with a Métis sash proper, holding in her dexter hand a walking staff Gules and in her sinister hand an eagle feather proper;
Motto
SPIRIT AND DRIVE;
Symbolism
Arms
The colours gold and red are chosen to allude to the arms of Scottish Walkers, the birth surname of Ms. Leahey. The fleur-de-lis alludes to her middle name of Mary. This emblem as well as the blue colouring symbolize her participation in the Roman Catholic church. The capping of the mound by this emblem also illustrates that Ms. Leahey has the determination to reach the top of her fields of endeavour. The four rings represent the network of family and friendships. They also represent in Indigenous belief the sacred number four and the teachings that represent traditional values.
Crest
The crest is a visual pun on Ms. Leahey’s maiden name of Walker. The red stripe on gold alludes to Scottish arms of Walker, most of which are based on a gold field with three small red vertical stripes. The Métis sash and eagle feather represent the ones awarded to her by the Métis Council of Winnipeg and the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg for her services to the community.
Motto
“Spirit” has many meanings: God, energy, Indigenous identity, and inner strength; “Drive” relates to hard work, determination and success.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 22, 2008, in Volume 142, page 2984 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
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual