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Whitehorse, Yukon
Grant of Arms and Supporters
October 15, 2007
Vol. V, p. 177
Arms of Geraldine Van BibberBlazonPer fess wavy Azure and Argent a bar gemel wavy counterchanged between in chief a sun in splendour Argent and in base a fireweed flower proper; SymbolismBlue, one of the Commissioner’s favourite colours, indicates the sky colour in Yukon, part of the Land of the Midnight Sun. The sun expresses a personality based in honesty, honour, kindness and laughter. The wavy bars represent the rivers in Yukon as well as never-ending life. The fireweed flower is the territorial floral emblem. |
CrestBlazonA husky sejant guardant proper; SymbolismThe husky is the crest of the territory. It represents strength and ability to withstand the harsh, cold environment of the North. |
MottoBlazonLAUGHTER HEALS ALL; SymbolismNot applicable |
SupportersBlazonTwo caribou each gorged of a collar of Gwich’in beadwork, standing on a mound of snow proper set with trefoils Vert; SymbolismThe Gwich’in life and culture have traditionally been based on the caribou herd of the Porcupine River area. Supporters, wearing Gwich’in beadwork, represent Ms. Van Bibber’s heritage and position as Commissioner of Yukon, serving the residents on behalf of Canada. The compartment alludes to her Irish heritage. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 8, 2008 in Volume 142, page 550 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterCatherine Fitzpatrick CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual Special DesignationTerritorial Commissioner |