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.
Victoria, g, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
December 15, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 417
Arms of Gary Allan MitchellBlazonGules fretty semé of billets Argent and keys Or; SymbolismRed and white are the national colours of Canada and of Poland, the ancestral land of the family of Mr. Mitchell’s mother. The interlaced pattern of white bands is a reference to a gridiron, the traditional symbol for St. Lawrence, patron saint of archives, thus referring to Mr. Mitchell’s position as provincial archivist of British Columbia. The narrow white rectangles symbolize documents and boxes of historic files, underlining the reference to archives. The keys represent two main aspects of archival science, stewardship of historic records and the unlocking of knowledge based on research in such records. |
CrestBlazonA sea otter flotant Argent semé of ermine spots Azure bearing in its forepaws a mascle Gules; SymbolismThe sea otter, being used in Canadian heraldry for the first time, is a reference to an important element of the 19th century fur trade centred at the Hudson Bay Company post at Fort Langley, which is very close to Mr. Mitchell’s birthplace. The mascle, or voided lozenge, appears frequently in Scottish coats of arms borne by persons with the surname Mitchell, and thus honours the Scottish heritage of Mr. Mitchell’s father. The use of blue and white for the sea otter alludes to the main colours in the arms of British Columbia, Mr. Mitchell’s home province. |
MottoBlazonTO PERSEVERE; SymbolismNot applicable |
Flag of Gary Allan MitchellBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Gary Allan MitchellBlazonTwo keys in saltire Or surmounted by a sea otter's head affronty erased Azure; SymbolismThis combines symbolism from the crest and the arms. The saltire placement of the keys alludes to the cross of St. Andrew and thus to Scottish heritage. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 690 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterDebra MacGarvie CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual |