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Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
June 15, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 146
Arms of Daniel Heath JusticeBlazonPer chevron its apex a spear head, in chief per pale Gules and Argent, two mullets of seven points counterchanged, in base per pale Argent and Vert a red cedar tree counterchanged; SymbolismRed and white are the colours of Canada. Representing war and victory on the one hand and peace and completion on the other, they are also significant colours of the Cherokee Nation, of which Professor Justice is a member. Red also alludes to the red soil of Colorado, where he was raised. The seven-pointed stars are a familiar symbol of the Cherokee Nation, seven being a significant number in their culture. The spear head shape refers to Prof. Justice’s paternal descent from the Spears family. It also resembles a pen nib, an allusion to his work as a writer, editor and mentor, as well as to the Schrvyer (meaning “scribe”) name of his maternal family line. The division line evokes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where he grew up. The red cedar alludes to the idea of the tree of life, as well as Prof. Justice’s love of nature. Green represents growth. The round shield reflects the traditional shape of Cherokee war shields. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a circlet of birchbark, a demi-badger (Taxidea taxus) holding between its paws a miner’s lamp and wearing a silver gorget proper; SymbolismThe badger is an important animal for Prof. Justice, whose research interests include the cultural history of badgers. The gorget is another reference to his heritage, as these items, originally protective gear in European military vesture, came to be worn by persons of authority within North American First Nations. Its shape is that of a silver crescent moon, something that holds particular meaning for Professor Justice. The miner’s lamp represents the protected fire of knowledge; the sacred fire of the Cherokee people; and Victor, Colorado, the “City of Mines”, where Prof. Justice grew up and where his parents live. It also alludes to his descent through his mother from the Sparks family. The birch bark, an early medium for recording, refers to Prof. Justice’s work in writing and scholarship, notably in the field of Indigenous literature. The turban, which is a substitute for the wreath and mantling, is a distinctive historical Cherokee form of headgear. |
MottoBlazonIMAGINE OTHERWISE; SymbolismThis alludes to Prof. Justice’s creative and scholarly work, and to the transformative possibilities of the engaged imagination. |
Flag of Daniel Heath JusticeBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Daniel Heath JusticeBlazonOn a birchbark lozenge a badger’s face proper surmounting two quills in saltire Gules between two thistles in pale and two columbine flowers in fess proper; SymbolismThe badge repeats the badger symbolism of the crest with another reference to Prof. Justice’s work as a writer and teacher. The thistles refer to the Scottish heritage of Prof. Justice’s partner, Kent Dunn, and the columbine flowers, the state flower of Colorado, refers to Prof. Justice’s original home. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 3, 2012 in Volume 146, page 3053 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterMelissa Aberin CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual |