Mary May Simon

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.

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters, with differences to Richard John Simon, Carole Nancy Simon and Louis George Simon
August 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 1

Arms of Mary May Simon
Arms of Mary May Simon
Differenced Arms for Richard John Simon, child of Mary May Simon Differenced Arms for Carole Nancy Simon, child of Mary May Simon Differenced Arms for Louis George Simon, child of Mary May Simon
 
Arms of Mary May Simon

Arms of Mary May Simon

Blazon

Argent an annulet, overall a fess nowy Azure charged with the Royal Crown Argent;

Symbolism

White and blue represent snow and the skies of northern Canada, where Her Excellency grew up. The colour of purity and clarity, white embodies the guiding principles that have governed her personal and professional life, while blue, symbolizing infinity and hope, expresses the hope she has in the truth and reconciliation process in Canada. The horizontal stripe illustrates Her Excellency’s career as a trailblazer in Inuit and circumpolar affairs. The disc and the circle around it represent her wish for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians to be united in a respectful and dynamic relationship. The Royal Crown indicates Her Excellency’s service as Governor General and the Sovereign’s representative.

The shape of the shield alludes to the amauti worn by Inuit women to carry children on their backs. A symbol of Her Excellency’s Inuit heritage, it affirms the central role of Inuit women and mothers in the survival and well-being of the community and in the transmission of culture.

Crest

Blazon

A snowy owl affronty wings displayed and inverted environed by caribou antlers proper;

Symbolism

Native to all Arctic regions of the world, the snowy owl is known for its adaptability and agility, thus alluding to Her Excellency’s upbringing in two different cultures—Inuit and Western—as well as to her diplomatic skills. The antlers allude to the caribou, which is central to the culture and history of the Inuit and many First Nations peoples in Canada. They symbolize cooperation with others, respect for the wilderness and the interconnectedness between humans and nature.

Motto

Blazon

ᐊᔪᐃᓐᓇᑕ • AJUINNATA;

Symbolism

This saying in Inuktitut, shown above the crest in syllabics and below the shield in the Latin alphabet, means “Persevere.” It encapsulates the ideal that has guided Her Excellency’s life, and embodies her hopes for the truth and reconciliation process in Canada.

Supporters

Blazon

Two Arctic foxes proper each gorged of a collar Azure pendent therefrom a hurt that to the dexter charged with a mountain sorrel flower, that to the sinister with a cinquefoil Argent, each fox supporting a kakivak and standing on a rocky mount set with a blueberry patch and cottongrass flowers proper;

Symbolism

The Arctic fox, known for its endurance and long-distance migratory treks, epitomizes Her Excellency’s travels and accomplishments as a diplomat and advocate for circumpolar affairs. The kakivak, a type of fishing spear, honours her Inuit grandmother and all the women in her family who taught her its use as well as many other traditional Inuit values and life skills. Mountain sorrel is a hardy plant found in abundance in Nunavik, the region of northern Quebec where Her Excellency is from. The strawberry flower is the emblem of the Clan Fraser, included here in honour of her husband Whit Grant Fraser. The blueberry patch represents one of Her Excellency’s favourite pastimes, blueberry picking, a soothing activity that conveys to her the ideas of growth and renewal, which in turn gives her optimism for the future. The cottongrass is another northern plant; it is commonly used for making wicks for the qulliq, the traditional Inuit lamp which is a symbol of survival and community.
Differenced Arms for Richard John Simon, child of Mary May Simon

Differenced Arms for Richard John Simon, child of Mary May Simon

Blazon

The Arms of Mary May Simon debruised of a three-point label Or during his mother’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Carole Nancy Simon, child of Mary May Simon

Differenced Arms for Carole Nancy Simon, child of Mary May Simon

Blazon

The Arms of Mary May Simon within a bordure Azure;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Louis George Simon, child of Mary May Simon

Differenced Arms for Louis George Simon, child of Mary May Simon

Blazon

The Arms of Mary May Simon within a bordure compony Azure and Argent;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on October 29, 2022 in Volume 156, page 5123 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Mary May Simon

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Samy Khalid, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter

Cathy Bursey-Sabourin

Calligrapher

Doris Wionzek

Recipient Type

Individual

Special Designation

Governor General