- The Governor General of Canada
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Siksika Nation
Siksika, Alberta
Grant of a Badge
January 10, 1990
Vol. I, First Peoples, p. 1
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
Or a buffalo courant proper charged with an arrow in seven segments enarched in fess Or all within a border Vert edged Argent enclosed by a second border Azure suspended therefrom by its quill bound Gules fimbriated Or an eagle feather proper on either side and below a pipe of peace and a warrior's tomahawk in saltire tenné;
Symbolism
Badge
The buffalo is the symbolic animal of the Siksika because it provided their ancestors with all of the daily necessities of life – food, clothing, and shelter. The arrow in seven pieces represents the societies of the tribe: Horn, Crow, Black Soldier, Motoki, Prairie Chicken, Brave Dog, and Ma’tsiyiiks. The medicine pipe symbolizes peace, and is shown crossed over the tomahawk, the weapon of war, putting it to rest forever. The yellow stands for the sun, the green for grass, and the blue for water, being a reference to the duration of the treaty signed by Chief Crowfoot in 1877 – “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the water flows.” The sacred eagle feathers are symbols of truth, power, and freedom.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 31, 1990, in Volume 124, page 1150 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Mark Wolfleg Jr., assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Kathryn Adams
Calligrapher
Linda Cloutier
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
First Peoples