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.
Whitehorse, Yukon
Grant of Arms and Supporters
November 15, 2002
Vol. IV, p. 253
Arms of The City of WhitehorseBlazonCopper on a fess wavy Azure a paddlewheel steamboat Argent, in base a bar wavy per fess wavy Argent and Azure; SymbolismThe copper colour on the shield refers to both the historic mining of the mineral of the same name and its importance to the local economy, and to the significance of the metal for the First Nations. The paddlewheel steamboat has long been used as a Whitehorse emblem symbolizing the importance of the vessel in opening up the City and its region. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from an antique crown Vert a steam locomotive wheel Copper; SymbolismThe colours of the mantling refer to the northern lights, one of the most dramatic features of nature in the north and recalls the City's setting as a northern capital. The sawtooth upper edge of the crown is a symbolic reference to the hills surrounding Whitehorse. The steam locomotive wheel rising out of the crown represents both the important historic role of the railway in developing the City and the concept of Whitehorse as a transportation hub. |
MottoBlazonOUR PEOPLE OUR STRENGTH; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
SupportersBlazonDexter a horse, sinister a wolf-raven, both Argent embellished Azure and Vert and standing on a compartment set with mountains, conifers, a highway, and railway tracks proper; SymbolismThe compartment is a stylisation of the City's natural setting, with the rocks and conifers of the surrounding mountains. Set across this are the two most important transportation links, the railway and the Alaska Highway. On the left of the shield, the white horse refers to the City's name. On the right side of the shield, the creature honours the two clans of the Yukon First Nations, the wolf and the raven. It also celebrates the original inhabitants of the region and their importance in the life of the present day capital. The supporters are based on a design created by Mark Preston. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 20, 2003 in Volume 137, page 3981 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Derek Hyde, a committee of City Council, and Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterDebra MacGarvie CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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