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Calgary, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
September 16, 2002
Vol. IV, p. 240
Arms of Robert James Sinclair GibsonBlazonChequy of nine Azure and Or, four badger paw prints Azure; SymbolismThe "chequy" design is a traditional symbol of financial stewardship and therefore refers to Mr. Gibson's career. The badger is a particular symbol associated with Mr. Gibson's Cree heritage and also refers to the badger sporran of the Calgary Highlanders Regiment of which he is the Honorary Colonel. |
CrestBlazonA sea-lion Or winged and queued Azure holding a branding iron Sable; SymbolismThe winged sea-lion refers to Mr. Gibson's service in the army and the navy, as well as to his recreational pursuits of flying and sailing. The lion is a favourite animal of his. The branding iron makes reference to his ranch. |
MottoBlazonCEUMNAICH GU CIÙIN; SymbolismThis Scots Gaelic phrase can be interpreted as either "Walk softly" or "Tread lightly", implying the importance of acting with care. It also connects to the paw prints in the arms. |
Flag of Robert James Sinclair GibsonBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Robert James Sinclair GibsonBlazonA long ship Azure, shields, sail and pennon Or, the sail charged with a badger paw print Azure; SymbolismA Viking long ship in blue, with the five shields on the side in gold. The sail is unfurled, and on it is a badger paw print in blue. The badge continues the colour theme of the arms. The long ship is used as a symbol of the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland, the ancestral home of Mr. Gibson's mother's family. It has been made unique by the addition of the badger paw print from the arms onto the sail. The five shields and oars indicate Mr. Gibson's five children. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 20, 2003 in Volume 137, page 3980 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterDavid Farrar CalligrapherJudith Bainbridge Recipient TypeIndividual |