- 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.
Gerald Wayne Kisoun
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Grant of Arms and Supporters
October 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 437
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent two caribous’ heads couped wavy, addorsed and conjoined at the necks Purpure, the necks surmounted by a sun in splendour Or, all within an orle wavy Azure;
Crest
A muskrat sejant erect guardant proper on a tree stump Or;
Supporters
Two greater white-fronted geese, their exterior wings elevated, each supporting a harpoon and standing on a field of tundra set with mountain avens all proper;
Motto
UVLULLAUTARLUHI;
Motto
SHILAK;
Symbolism
Arms
The caribou, golden sun, wavy line and white field embody the northern landscape and the way of life dear to Commissioner Kisoun, namely hunting to feed a family, the midnight sun, the Mackenzie River and its delta, and the snowy landscape of the Arctic. Purple is his favourite colour.
Crest
The muskrat is the prey traditionally hunted by both sides of Commissioner Kisoun’s family. His mother, being Vuntut Gwitch’in, grew up hunting it in Old Crow Flats, Yukon, and his father, being Inuvialuit, grew up hunting it in the Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories. It also recalls the Muskrat Jamboree, an annual festival which Commissioner Kisoun has helped to organize. The event takes place in his home community of Inuvik, Northwest Territories. It is an opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the arrival of spring together by engaging in traditional activities such as drum and old-time fiddle dancing, dog team racing and harpoon throwing. The muskrat thus symbolizes joyful gatherings.
Supporters
The greater white-fronted geese and the tundra represent the wildlife and flora of Arctic regions. The harpoon symbolizes Inuit traditions and ways of life. Together, they highlight Commissioner Kisoun’s achievements in promoting Northern Canada and Indigenous culture. The mountain avens is the floral emblem of the Northwest Territories.
Motto
This word meaning “You all have a good day” is in the Uummarmiutun dialect of the Mackenzie Delta, spoken by Commissioner Kisoun’s father.
Motto
This word meaning “All my relatives” is in the Vuntut Gwitch’in dialect of Old Crow, Yukon, spoken by Commissioner Kisoun’s mother.
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 Fabienne Fusade, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Melissa Aberin
Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard
Recipient Information
Individual
Territorial Commissioner