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.
Shelby, Michigan, United States of America
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
April 15, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 173
Arms of John Gregory McKinnonBlazonArgent a lozenge surmounting four fountain pen nibs in saltire Sable, on a chief Vert three bezants; SymbolismThe black diamond, a heraldic representation for coal, honours three generations of Mr. McKinnon’s ancestors who were coal miners in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. The pen nibs symbolize his career in teaching and his genealogical research. Green is a symbol of hope and new departures, alluding both to the colour of the arms of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, of which Glace Bay is a part, and to his love of the great outdoors. The discs refer to hockey pucks, and more generally to all devices used in sports, Mr. McKinnon having been a coach and a sports teacher. |
CrestBlazonA bald eagle proper its body and wings elevated and addorsed Sable holding a Celtic cross Vert, standing on a rock proper; SymbolismA symbol of both Cape Breton and the United States, the bald eagle represents fortitude and freedom. The rock on which it stands refers to Cape Breton, the family’s home in Canada. The Celtic cross honours Mr. McKinnon’s Scottish ancestors. |
MottoBlazonBOLD AND WISE; SymbolismThis phrase alludes to the motto of the chief of Clan MacKinnon, Audentes fortuna juvat ("Fortune favours the bold"). It expresses Mr. McKinnon’s aspiration in life and his objective as a teacher for his students to be courageous in their dreams and intelligent as a result of their education. |
Flag of John Gregory McKinnonBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of John Gregory McKinnonBlazonThree candles enflamed conjoined in pairle reversed surmounted by three Scots pine boughs conjoined in pairle each charged with a St. John’s wort flower all proper; SymbolismThe Scots pine and St. John’s wort flower are the plant badges of the Clan MacKinnon, and they honour Mr. McKinnon’s paternal line. The candles symbolize education and learning. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 7, 2019 in Volume 153, page 4267 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Samy Khalid, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterRobert S. Bengry CalligrapherLuc Saucier Recipient TypeIndividual |