- 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.
Town of Cardston
Cardston, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
August 15, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 198
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or a carriage wheel within an orle Azure surmounted at each angle by a billet Argent;
Crest
A demi-weasel affronty Argent issuant from a circlet of wild roses proper;
Supporters
Two elk Or each attired unguled and gorged of a collar Azure, standing on each side of the Chief Mountain on a base set with wild roses and cottonwood leaves proper;
Motto
TRUST ENDURES;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A triangle Or charged with a bee volant proper;
Symbolism
Arms
The gold background symbolizes the town’s agricultural success. The carriage wheel refers to the settlers’ travel by wagon train, and also to the town’s Remington Carriage Museum. The blue band and white rectangles represents the water of Lee Creek used in irrigation canals and the communities serviced by the said canals. As well, the rectangles evoke playing cards, and thus represent the Card family, the leading family of the original settlers, and make a canting reference to the town’s name.
Crest
The weasel represents the Kainai (Blood Tribe) of the Blackfoot Confederacy, traditionally known as the Weasel People. It acknowledges that Cardston is located on part of the traditional Blackfoot territory. The wild rose is the provincial flower.
Supporters
The Rocky Mountain elk is the state animal of Utah, where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is headquartered. It symbolizes the church’s support for the initial settlers’ activities, including the building of a gold-decorated temple. The wild rose is Alberta’s provincial flower, and cottonwood trees stabilize local creek beds. The mountain acknowledges that Cardston is located on part of the traditional Blackfoot territory, all of which can be seen from Chief Mountain.
Motto
The idea of trust enduring refers to the people’s faith in God.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The triangle represents the location of Cardston in the agricultural area called Palliser’s Triangle. The bee is a symbol used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for industry.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on December 7, 2019, in Volume 153, page 4269 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
Melissa Aberin
Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Government