- The Governor General of Canada
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Barry Joseph Gabriel
South Bar, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Brian Patrick Gabriel
May 13, 1998
Vol. III, p. 246
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Gules and Argent issuant from base a Celtic cross between in chief dexter a decrescent and sinister a mullet all counterchanged;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet the rim set above with two salmon naiant undy and respectant Argent each holding in its mouth an acorn Or the demi figure of the Archangel Gabriel habited in traditional Mi'kmaq dress proper nimbed Or winged Argent holding in his dexter hand a lily proper;
Motto
SERVICE ABOVE SELF · GOD ABOVE ALL;
Flag
Per pale Gules and Argent a Celtic cross between in chief dexter a decrescent and sinister a mullet all counterchanged;
Badge
A Mi'kmaq kaloqwej namely a cross of eight lozenges alternately Gules and Argent set upon a Samurai sword fesswise cutting edge upward Or the hilt laced Sable;
Differenced Arms for Brian Patrick Gabriel, brother of Barry Joseph Gabriel
The Arms of Barry Joseph Gabriel tinctured Azure and Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
The design is based on the Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag, white with a Latin cross between a crescent moon and a star, all in red. This indicates Mr. Gabriel’s paternal Mi’kmaq descent, as well as his wife’s Mi’kmaq heritage. The use of the Celtic cross honours his maternal Irish and Highland Scottish heritage, as well as his Christian faith. The vertical division and counterchanging (alternation of the colours), indicates the presence of both Indigenous and European cultures in Mr. Gabriel’s family background, as well as in the history of Cape Breton, where Mr. Gabriel lives.
Crest
The figure of the Archangel Gabriel holding a lily refers to Mr. Gabriel’s surname. His vesture is another reference to Mr. Gabriel’s Mi’kmaq heritage. The coronet of salmon and acorns represents wisdom, a reference to the Salmon of Knowledge from Irish mythology.
Motto
This is a variation of the motto of the Rotary Club, to which Mr. Gabriel once belonged, “Service above self”.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The star of eight points, or kaloqwej, is a Mi’kmaq symbol. The sword alludes to Mr. Gabriel’s interest in martial arts.
Differenced Arms for Brian Patrick Gabriel, brother of Barry Joseph Gabriel
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 30, 1999, in Volume 133, page 181 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
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual