- 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.
Helen Mamayaok Maksagak
Cambridge Bay, Northwest Territories
Grant of Arms and Supporters
June 4, 1996
Vol. III, p. 105
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Purpure an Inukshuk of six stones Or;
Crest
A demi Inuk woman wearing an atigi styled in the manner of the Inuvialuit people proper her dexter hand resting on an Inuit ulu Or;
Supporters
On a bank of snow Argent above barry wavy of three Azure Argent and Azure dexter a caribou Or gorged with a collar of mountain avens proper sinister an arctic wolf Or gorged with a like collar;
Motto
APKUTIKSON NALUNAIKNIAGIGA;
Symbolism
Arms
The colours purple and yellow were chosen by Commissioner Maksagak. The Inukshuk, a directional marker composed of stones used by the Inuit, is composed, in this instance, of six stones, referring to Commissioner Maksagak’s six children. It is used here to emphasize her role in shaping her children’s lives and to convey through a visual message her function as a community leader and as a guide or stable point of reference in a changing world.
Crest
The parka hood celebrates Commissioner Maksagak’s culture. The figure of the Inuit woman represents Commissioner Maksagak’s overall service to the community. The ulu is another symbol of Inuit culture, and was chosen by her for its versatility. It also symbolizes the many ways in which food, shelter and clothing are provided.
Supporters
The caribou and arctic wolf represent the bounty of the land, specifically, their role in providing food for people. Both animals wear collars of mountain avens, the floral emblem of the Northwest Territories. They stand on a bank of snow with wavy bars below representing open water. Together these symbols refer to the dominant characteristics of the northern landscape.
Motto
This is the Inuvialuktun translation for “I will show the way”, a phrase chosen to reflect Commissioner Maksagak’s mission and determined spirit. It also refers to the purpose of the Inukshuk in the shield.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 24, 2001, in Volume 135, page 937 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual
Territorial Commissioner