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 of Peter Irniq
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 of Peter Irniq
Blazon
(in Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut)
Symbolism
The phrase, meaning “Let us move forward”, is stated in Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut.
Supporters of Peter Irniq
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.
