Nisga'a Nation

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.

New Aiyanish, British Columbia
Grant of a Badge
June 15, 2004
Vol. IV, First Peoples, p. 1

Badge of the Nisga'a Nation
Badge of the Nisga'a Nation
 
Badge of the Nisga'a Nation

Badge of the Nisga'a Nation

Blazon

The Hayatskw emblem, namely a Nisga'a copper Argent charged in chief with a beaver embellished Sable and Gules voided of the field;

Symbolism

The Nisga’a Hayatskw design represents a copper shield, once used as currency and a great sign of wealth and authority in the Nisga’a Nation. Here, it indicates Nisga’a ownership and control of resources. The beaver design on the upper part of the copper shield represents industriousness and plentiful resources. The beaver is also a national symbol for Canada, and it has been important to both Nisga’a history and Canadian history. The copper shield and the beaver jointly represent the wealth and authority of the Nisga’a Nation.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on March 4, 2006 in Volume 140, page 430 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Nisga'a NationLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Nisga'a Nation

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Frank Calder, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter

Linda Nicholson

Calligrapher

Shirley Mangione

Recipient Type

Civil Institution