- 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.
Riley James Parker
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Grant of Arms
June 20, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 384
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules a three-eyed great grey owl displayed, on a chief Argent a serpent forming an infinity symbol and biting its tail Gules;
Crest
A stag’s head affronty Argent perched on the antlers thereof a cardinal, all issuant from a coronet of snowflakes and ears of wheat Gules;
Motto
HISTORIA MAGISTRA VITÆ;
Symbolism
Arms
Red is Mr. Parker’s favourite colour and, for him, symbolizes love and fidelity. He has a particular affinity for owls as symbols of academia and wisdom. Moreover, the great grey owl is the provincial bird of Manitoba, his home province. The idea of the “third” eye, here applied to the owl, is a way of describing heightened perception, thus highlighting Mr. Parker’s love of knowledge and research. The serpent echoes the symbolism of the owl as it is also considered a symbol of wisdom. The two animals are often seen as predator and prey but depicted here as equals, the owl and serpent underline the importance of balance.
Crest
Stags have long played an important role in Mr. Parker’s family and are commonly found near his home. To him, they represent grace, transformation and courage. Cardinals have a particular significance for his mother’s family. The coronet of snowflakes and wheat underscores Mr. Parker’s Canadian and Manitoban identities respectively. The wheat further alludes to his family’s history in agriculture, and his own experience as a professional chef.
Motto
This Latin expression means “History is life’s teacher” and is taken from Cicero’s De Oratore (2:36).
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 Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Melissa Aberin
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual