Heraldry enthusiasts of all ages meet at Rideau Hall

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, hosted a gathering to highlight the vitality of Canadian heraldry. Here are a few examples of coat of arms, flags and badges designed by the Authority.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, hosted a gathering to highlight the vitality of Canadian heraldry. The Governor General took this opportunity to thank all of the past and present heralds, women and men, to whom we owe Canada’s reputation for excellence and innovative spirit within the broader international heraldic community.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General said she was delighted to welcome the guests to Rideau Hall, to this historic residence where a wide range of armorial bearings can be found, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Her Excellency unveils the coat of arms of former Chief Herald of Canada of Robert Douglas Watt (on the right of the picture). The granting of supports is a significant honour. It recognizes Mr. Watt’s contribution to the creation and vitality of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

To celebrate the first 20 years of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, grade 7 and 8 students from the Michaëlle Jean French elementary school presented to the Governor General their designs for their own coats of arms, prepared under the supervision of Dr. Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada.

The students’ creations express their identity and dreams through the use of colour and symbols. They include personal mottos in the purest armorial tradition.

Her Excellency explains the symbolism of her own coat of arms. “My arms reflect my roots and my sense of belonging, but also my most deeply held beliefs, what I hope to accomplish during my mandate, and the legacy that I want to leave to the country that welcomed me with open arms.”

Rideau Hall chefs created a cake showing the shield of the Canadian Heraldic Authority to celebrate the first twenty years of heraldic vitality in Canada. The shield features the maple leaf of Canada charged with a smaller shield, which indicates the heraldic responsibilities of the Authority.