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.
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Flag
March 31, 1999
Vol. III, p. 293
Arms of the Territory of NunavutBlazonOr dexter a qulliq Sable enflamed Gules sinister an inuksuk Azure on a chief also Azure above five bezants in arc reversed issuant from the lower chief a mullet (niqirtsuituq) Or; SymbolismBlue and gold symbolize the riches of the land, sea and sky. The inuksuk symbolizes the stone monuments which guide the people on the land and mark sacred and other special places. The qulliq, or Inuit stone lamp, represents light and the warmth of family and the community. The concave arc of five gold circles refers to the life-giving properties of the sun arching above and below the horizon, the unique part of the Nunavut year. The star is the Niqirtsuituq, the North Star and the traditional guide for navigation and more broadly, forever remains unchanged as the leadership of the elders in the community. |
CrestBlazonAn iglu affronty Argent windowed Or and ensigned by the Royal Crown proper; SymbolismThe igluit (igloo) represents the traditional life of the people and the means of survival. It also symbolizes the assembled members of the Legislature meeting together for the good of Nunavut. The Royal Crown symbolizes public government for all the people of Nunavut and the equivalent status of Nunavut with other territories and provinces in the Canadian Confederation. |
MottoBlazonIn Inuktitut, meaning "Nunavut, our strength". SymbolismIn Inuktitut, meaning "Nunavut, our strength". |
SupportersBlazonOn a compartment dexter of land set with Arctic poppies, dwarf fireweed and Arctic heather proper sinister ice floes Argent set on barry wavy Azure and Argent dexter a caribou sinister a narwhal both proper; SymbolismThe tuktu (caribou) and qilalugaq tugaalik (narwhal) refer to land and sea animals which are part of the rich natural heritage of Nunavut and provide sustenance for people. The compartment is composed of land and sea and features three important species of Arctic wild flowers. |
Flag of the Territory of NunavutBlazonPer pale Or and Argent overall an inuksuk Gules in sinister canton a mullet (niqirtsuituq) Azure; SymbolismThe colors blue and yellow symbolize the riches of the land, sea and sky. Red is a reference to Canada. The Inuksuk (centered) symbolizes stone monuments which guide people on the land, and also marks sacred and other special places. The star is the Niqirtsuituq (North Star), and the traditional guide for navigation. The North Star is also symbolic of the leadership of the elders in the community. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on July 22, 2000 in Volume 134, page 2263 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of the Symbols Committee of the Nunavut Implementation Commission, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterCathy Bursey-Sabourin CalligrapherJudith Bainbridge Recipient TypeCivil Institution
|