- 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.
The Walrus Foundation
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
June 15, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 729
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess Gules and Argent, in chief a walrus’s head affronty Or armed Argent, in base two bars dancetty Sable;
Crest
A mullet of four points gyronny Argent and Sable before two trumpets in saltire Or;
Supporters
Two walruses guardant Or winged Sable armed Argent standing on bed of maple leaves Gules;
Motto
FEARLESS • WITTY • THOUGHTFUL;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A walrus’s head affronty Sable armed Argent surmounting two trumpets in saltire Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The walrus head and the pattern forming the letter “W” allude to the foundation’s name. The pattern, symbolic of radio waves, also indicates electronic communications, part of the foundation’s mandate. Black and white are the colours of print, and thus refer to The Walrus magazine.
Crest
The star represents the North Star and thus the Canadian north, with which the foundation takes a particular interest. The trumpets refer to the idea of proclaiming and communication.
Supporters
The walruses further the reference to the name of the foundation. The addition of the wings alludes to creativity conveying the concept of ideas taking flight; their black feathers refer to the status of the raven as a creator figure in First Nations cultures. The maple leaves allude to the Canada-wide mandate of the foundation.
Motto
With the additional word “Canadian”, this has been in use as a motto for the foundation for several years.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 31, 2018, in Volume 152, page 895 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Luc Saucier
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Foundation / charitable body