- 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 Bishop MacDonald
Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms and Badge
March 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 263
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Quarterly 1st Argent a lion rampant Gules, 2nd Or a hamsa Gules charged with an eye proper, 3rd Or a lymphad oars elevated in saltire sails furled Sable, on a base wavy Vert a salmon naiant Argent, 4th Argent an oak tree eradicated Vert surmounted by an eagle displayed Or;
Crest
An arm embowed vambraced gauntleted grasping a shofar proper and issuant from a castle Argent;
Motto
I WILL HEED THE CALL;
Motto
AIR MUIR ’S AIR TIR;
Badge
A plate charged with the Crest, within an annulus Gules edged and inscribed with the first Motto in letters Argent, all surmounting an eagle’s feather palewise proper;
Symbolism
Arms
The division of the shield in four quarters is a characteristic of heraldry of the west Highlands of Scotland. The quarters containing the lion, the ship, and the tree are found in the arms of the chief of the Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, of which Mr. MacDonald is a member. The hamsa is a symbol associated with Judaism and thus alludes to Mr. MacDonald’s faith.
Crest
The castle and armoured arm are taken from the crest of the chief of Clan Macdonald of Clanranald. The shofar is used in synagogue services and thus refers again to Mr. MacDonald’s Jewish identity. As a musical instrument, it alludes to the fact that he is a musician. As a ram’s horn is used in items found in the Highlands of Scotland, it also connects to Mr. MacDonald’s Scottish ancestry.
Motto
(above the Crest) This phrase connects to the call of the shofar, shown in the Crest, to repent and turn towards the Almighty
Motto
(under the Arms) This Scots Gaelic phrase meaning “By sea and by land” is a traditional Macdonald motto.
Badge
The Crest within a ring bearing the Motto placed over an eagle’s feather is a traditional Scottish badge design for an armiger.
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 Bishop MacDonald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
David Farrar / Rob Grey
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual