- 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.
Nathan Carl Brinklow
Deseronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
July 20, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 194
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure fretty Or and semé of snowflakes Argent;
Motto
SKÉN:NEN TSI TEWAKWEKÓN:HAK;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A turtle tergiant Azure surmounting two lightning flashes in saltire Or;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue refers to the Bay of Quinte, near where Mr. Brinklow grew up as a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. The fretted pattern alludes to his beliefs that all human beings are interconnected, and that our relationships with others and all of creation are of vital importance. It also refers to his interest in traditional basket weaving and other Indigenous art forms. The snowflakes symbolize his name in Mohawk, Thanyehténhas, meaning “He comes bringing snow.”
The kahstó:wa is a ceremonial headdress worn by men as an indication of citizenship in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The three upright eagle feathers indicate the Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk), the nation of which Mr. Brinklow is a member.
Motto
Meaning “Let us continue together in peace,” this Kanyen’kéha (Mohawk) phrase represents Mr. Brinklow’s belief that we are stronger when working together.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The turtle alludes to Mr. Brinklow’s mother, who is a member of the Turtle Clan. The lightning bolts represent Mr. Brinklow’s father’s career as an electrician. They also allude to the town where Mr. Brinklow grew up, Deseronto, Ontario, named after Captain John Deserontyon, a Mohawk war chief whose name refers to a place where lightning strikes.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Nathan Brinklow, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual