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Petit-Rocher, New Brunswick
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Flag
February 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 257
Arms of the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-BrunswickBlazonTierced wavy in fess Azure, Argent and Gules, a turreted tower Or its portal and windows Azure; SymbolismThe colours are taken from the Acadian flag. The horizontal stripes evoke the Acadian coastline, with its blue sky, white foamy waters and red earth. The tower symbolizes a gathering place for the celebration of Acadian culture while showing the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick (SANB) as a fortress dedicated to protecting language rights enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It also embodies Fort La Tour, commemorating the first French presence in the territory and Madame La Tour who heroically defended the fort. |
CrestBlazonA halcyon wings elevated and addorsed Or perched on a nest Gules issuant from waves Argent; SymbolismThe bird halcyon is found in a Greek myth in which the goddess Alcyone is changed into a bird by the gods and allowed to raise her chicks in a floating nest on the sea. It represents the resilience of the Acadian people, especially women. The marvel of a floating nest also symbolizes the cultivation of land reclaimed from the ocean through aboiteaux, or sluice gates, a technique for which the Acadian people are known. The halcyon is similar in appearance to the semipalmated sandpiper, which returns to the shores of New Brunswick each year to feed. Like a sentinel, the perched bird conveys that the SANB safeguards the rights and freedoms of the Acadian nation and Francophones. With its wings raised, it embodies a free people. |
MottoBlazonJ’UNIS ET JE FORTIFIE; SymbolismThis French phrase means “I unite and I fortify.” |
SupportersBlazonTwo pantheons Azure unguled Argent their mullets Or, each resting its interior hind leg on a carriage wheel Azure and standing on a dirt road Or; SymbolismWith a nod to the Acadian flag, the pantheons—star-covered does—represent the heavens, whose stars serve as landmarks and allude to the infinite possibilities to come. They symbolize the SANB’s mission to promote Acadian culture so that it will continue to shine tomorrow. They are reminiscent of the deer supporters of the New Brunswick arms and highlight the importance of women in Acadian history and culture. Their fox tails represent the determination and cleverness of foxes, the qualities that enabled the Acadian people to flee oppression, rebuild communities and preserve their culture despite adversity. The wheel suggests the passage of time: in Acadian culture, time is both a threat to identity and an embodiment of hope. It also recalls the long return of families to the lands from which they had been exiled. The dirt road evokes their wandering and displacement. |
Flag of the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-BrunswickBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationSince 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Fabienne Fusade, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterMelissa Aberin CalligrapherKathy Feig Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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