Peter Irniq

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.

Iqaluit, Nunavut
Grant of Arms and Supporters
July 16, 2001
Vol. IV, p. 133

Arms of Peter Irniq
Arms of Peter Irniq
 
Arms of Peter Irniq

Arms of Peter Irniq

Blazon

Azure an inuksuk, in dexter chief an Inuit drum and beater in saltire Or;

Symbolism

The shield is circular. It is blue and on it is an inukshuk in gold. In the upper left corner is an Inuit drum with the beater laid across the drum handle, both in gold. The circular shield is an important shape culturally, indicating, among other things, the circle of life and the head of a drum. The central stone of the inukshuk is a long horizontal, which refers to moving forward or the way ahead. The drum indicates that drumming is associated with joy and happiness.

Crest

Blazon

A demi Inuit man holding a drum and beater proper;

Symbolism

The upper part of an Inuit man drumming. Instead of the traditional steel helmet of European-style heraldry, the base of the crest is a man’s parka hood. The crest refers to His Honour’s own spirit and an important part of Inuit culture, while repeating the theme of joy and happiness.

Motto

Blazon

(in Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut)

Symbolism

The phrase, meaning “Let us move forward”, is stated in Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut.

Supporters

Blazon

Dexter a muskox standing on a snow bank, sinister a ringed seal proper issuant from barry wavy Azure and Argent;

Symbolism

On the left side of the shield is a musk ox and on the right is a ringed seal, both in their natural colours. Beneath the musk ox is snow, and beneath the seal is water, stylized heraldically as blue and white wavy horizontal bars. The animals were chosen by His Honour as representative of land and sea creatures from Nunavut.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on February 22, 2003 in Volume 137, page 517 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Peter IrniqLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to Peter Irniq

Additional 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

Suzzann Wright

Recipient Type

Individual

Special Designation

Territorial Commissioner