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Iqaluit, Nunavut
Grant of Arms and Supporters
January 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 346
Arms of Eva Qamaniq AariakBlazonGules an ulu Or within an orle of mountain avens proper; SymbolismRed is the colour that those closest to Commissioner Aariak feel embodies her best. The ulu embodies the concept of home, as it is found in every household in Nunavut and is used daily. Moreover, as a tool associated with women’s lives and Inuit culture for at least 4,500 years, it celebrates the fact that Commissioner Aariak served as Nunavut’s first female premier. The mountain avens is a personal emblem of hers, as she used its Inuktut name malikkaat for her Inuit arts and crafts retail business. The flower also has a special cultural significance: since it rotates to follow the sun and folds out in particular directions based on the season, it was historically used as a calendar by hunters to mark the end of summer. |
CrestBlazonA snow bunting perched on a block of ice and holding in its claw a bagpipe practice chanter proper; SymbolismAs a songbird, the snow bunting symbolizes Commissioner Aariak’s love of music. It commemorates her hometown of Arctic Bay, as it is one of the first birds to return there at the start of each spring. For Commissioner Aariak, it is therefore a testament to resilience and hardiness. Additionally, the snow bunting holds a special place in Inuit culture, as it is not permitted to kill them due to their important spiritual significance. The bagpipe practice chanter is an allusion to Commissioner Aariak’s father, who was a Scottish piper. The ice is a distinctive feature of Nunavut’s landscape. Its blue tint evokes both the sky and the water. |
MottoBlazonAJJIGIIKTITTINIQ; SymbolismThis word in Inuktut means “Fairness.” It encapsulates the work that Commissioner Aariak has done throughout her career to further women’s rights and gender equality. It also speaks to her role in rendering Inuktut a working language in Nunavut, as well as recommending the Inuit Language Protection Act. |
SupportersBlazonTwo narwhals each standing on a rocky mount set with Arctic heather and dwarf fireweed on either side of a sheet of ice proper; SymbolismConsidered a delicacy in Inuit culture, the narwhal epitomizes the Arctic and personifies subtlety and gracefulness for Commissioner Aariak. Moreover, the creature’s abundance near Arctic Bay serves as a reminder of her hometown. The dwarf fireweed and Arctic heather represent her love of flowers, while also being notable features of Inuit culture and diet. The tundra and ice characterize the landscape of Nunavut. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationSince 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterMelissa Aberin CalligrapherYolande Lessard Recipient TypeIndividual Special DesignationTerritorial Commissioner |