- 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.
Robert James Sinclair Gibson
Calgary, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
September 16, 2002
Vol. IV, p. 240
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Chequy of nine Azure and Or, four badger paw prints Azure;
Crest
A sea-lion Or winged and queued Azure holding a branding iron Sable;
Motto
CEUMNAICH GU CIÙIN;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A long ship Azure, shields, sail and pennon Or, the sail charged with a badger paw print Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The "chequy" design is a traditional symbol of financial stewardship and therefore refers to Mr. Gibson's career. The badger is a particular symbol associated with Mr. Gibson's Cree heritage and also refers to the badger sporran of the Calgary Highlanders Regiment of which he is the Honorary Colonel.
Crest
The winged sea-lion refers to Mr. Gibson's service in the army and the navy, as well as to his recreational pursuits of flying and sailing. The lion is a favourite animal of his. The branding iron makes reference to his ranch.
Motto
This Scots Gaelic phrase can be interpreted as either "Walk softly" or "Tread lightly", implying the importance of acting with care. It also connects to the paw prints in the arms.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
A Viking long ship in blue, with the five shields on the side in gold. The sail is unfurled, and on it is a badger paw print in blue. The badge continues the colour theme of the arms. The long ship is used as a symbol of the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland, the ancestral home of Mr. Gibson's mother's family. It has been made unique by the addition of the badger paw print from the arms onto the sail. The five shields and oars indicate Mr. Gibson's five children.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on December 20, 2003, in Volume 137, page 3980 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge
Recipient Information
Individual