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.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
November 20, 2009
Vol. V, p. 481
Arms of The St. Andrew's Society of WinnipegBlazonAzure a saltire Argent overall a lion’s head Gules, on a chief Or a maple leaf Gules between two prairie crocuses proper; SymbolismThe white saltire on blue is the cross of St. Andrew, and refers to the Society’s name. The prairie crocus flower is the provincial flower of Manitoba and appears in the arms of the city of Winnipeg. The maple leaf is a Canadian symbol, and the red lion’s head refers to the rampant lion in the royal arms of Scotland. The two main background colours, blue and yellow, are also those of the flag of Winnipeg. |
CrestBlazonA beaver couchant holding in the dexter paw a thistle proper; SymbolismThe beaver is a Canadian symbol and recalls the importance of the fur trade, which brought many Scots to western Canada. Four beavers also appear in the armorial bearings of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and one in the crest of Lord Strathcona, the first President of the Society. The thistle is the national floral emblem of Scotland and appears in the Society’s badge. |
MottoBlazonFREEDOM AND PERSEVERANCE; SymbolismFREEDOM AND PERSEVERANCE is a variation of Lord Strathcona’s motto, “Perseverance”. It also recalls the provincial motto, which means “Glorious and free”. |
MottoBlazonYET STILL THE BLOOD IS STRONG; SymbolismYET STILL THE BLOOD IS STRONG is taken from the “Canadian Boat Song”, published anonymously in 1829 and which has its roots with Scots in the early fur trade. It refers to the enduring heritage of the Scots in Winnipeg. |
SupportersBlazonDexter a unicorn Or gorged with a Salteaux beaded headband proper pendent therefrom a Viking shield Azure, sinister an antelope Or gorged with a like headband pendent therefrom a cartwheel Azure, both standing on a mount of prairie crocuses and thistles between prairie grass and wheat proper and issuant from barry wavy Azure and Argent; SymbolismThe unicorn is a supporter of the arms of Scotland, Canada and Manitoba. The antelope is a supporter of the arms of the Earl of Selkirk, who brought Scottish settlers to what is now the Red River region. The supporters are shown with beaded headbands, a tribute to the original inhabitants of the area, who came to the aid of the Selkirk settlers and who were vital participants in the fur trade. The Viking shield refers to the Orkney and Shetland Islands, the region of origin of many Scots who settled in the Red River area. The Red River cartwheel recalls the Scottish settlers in that region. The compartment refers to the fertile grounds of the Red River valley and the transformation of the tall prairie grass to cropland, begun by the Selkirk settlers in 1812. The thistles and the prairie crocuses are taken from the Society’s badge. The stylized water alludes to the settlement of the Red River and the transportation routes of the fur trade. |
Flag of The St. Andrew's Society of WinnipegBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of The St. Andrew's Society of WinnipegBlazonA saltire Argent fimbriated Azure, overall a lion rampant Gules environed by a wreath of thistles charged in base with a maple leaf between two prairie crocuses proper; SymbolismThis is based on the current emblem of the Society, with the addition of the prairie crocuses to emphasize its Winnipeg identity. The saltire, the red lion and the thistles are all Scottish symbols. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on October 23, 2010 in Volume 144, page 2712 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saint-Laurent Herald, and the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg coat of arms design committee, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterEva Pilar-Cass CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeCivil Institution
|