Rideau Hall unveiled the coat of arms of Governor General Mary Simon on Friday, one it says reflects her personal story and commitment to reconciliation.
Simon became governor-general last year, making history as the first indigenous person to hold the ceremonial post.
Simon grew up in the Inuit community of Kangiqsualujjuaq in northern Quebec. Prior to his appointment as Governor-General, Simon was a broadcaster, civil servant and diplomat.
In a press release, the Governor General’s Office said its coat of arms is a symbol of Simon’s upbringing in the north, his heritage and his career as a diplomat.
“This shield is my story, my real story, and it speaks to my lifelong commitment to building bridges and family, and my hopes for a future where we respect and share each other’s stories to help to foster better relations between peoples,” Simon said in the press release.
Chief Herald of Canada Samy Khalid, responsible for official coats of arms, said in the statement that Simon’s coat of arms is “simple in its composition and, at the same time, exquisitely complex in its meaning.”
“It’s a personal emblem that serves a public purpose. It exemplifies how heraldry can express many layers of a person’s identity in a structured yet creative way,” he said.
The slogan
Simon is the first Governor General to have a coat of arms with a motto in an indigenous language. “Ajuinnata” is an Inuktitut word meaning “to persevere” or never give up.
“This motto inspires his own journey and embodies his message of hope to young people and all Canadians facing adversity,” the statement said.
A description of the Rideau Hall coat of arms says the motto is “a guiding principle for [Simon] and an indication of their hopes for the truth and reconciliation process.”
Ajuinnata is an Inuktitut word meaning “persevere” or “never give up”. (Governor General of Canada)
The shield
The shield is white, a color that the shield description says is meant to represent reconciliation, as well as the snow and sky of northern Canada. The crown symbolizes Simon’s role as the representative of the monarchy in Canada.
The shield is shaped like an amauti, a traditional parka worn by Inuit women.
A horizontal line in the center of the shield represents Simon’s “pioneering career in circumpolar and Inuit affairs”, while the disc and circle around him represent “an inclusive relationship between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians”.
The shield is white and shaped like an amauti, an Inuit parka. (Governor General of Canada)
the crest
The snowy owl is meant to symbolize wisdom, agility and adaptability.
“Therefore, it alludes to His Excellency’s life experience and diplomatic skills,” read the description of the coat of arms.
Caribou antlers represent the link between humans and nature. It is also an important animal in Inuit culture.
The crest of the shield features a snowy owl and caribou antlers. (Governor General of Canada)
supporters
Two arctic foxes flank the shield. The animal is “famous for its endurance and long-distance migratory walks,” the description said. They represent Simon’s “career as a diplomat and advocate of circumpolar affairs”.
The left-winged foxglove is a common plant in the Nunavik region of Quebec, where Simon grew up. The strawberry blossom on the opposite pendant is to honor Simon’s husband, Whit Grant Fraser. The flower is a symbol on the crest of the Scottish Clan Fraser and the name is derived from “Fraise”, the French word for strawberry.
Two kakivak harpoons separate the foxes. The spears represent Simon’s grandmother, “who taught him many traditional values and life skills,” the description said.
The arctic foxes represent Simon’s “career as a diplomat and advocate for circumpolar affairs.” (Governor General of Canada)
Compartment
Simon likes to pick berries in his spare time, according to his official bio. The blueberries at the bottom of the ridge represent this hobby. The cotton around them is used to make the wicks of a traditional Inuit lamp called a qulliq.
The blueberries in the shield compartment represent Simon’s passion for berry picking. (Governor General of Canada)
insignia
The three badges are, from left to right, Commander of the Military Merit, Companion of the Order of Canada and Commander of the Police Forces Merit.
The badges are, from left to right, Commander of the Military Merit, Companion of the Order of Canada and Commander of the Police Forces Merit. (Governor General of Canada)
The shield has unique elements
Khalid said in an interview that the governor-general’s coat of arms is usually revealed much closer to his installation date, but the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the process in this case.
Khalid worked with Simon to design the shield and said he was grateful for the extra time.
“We wanted to do it at that pace this time, and I think it gave us the opportunity to really develop something very meaningful for His Excellency,” Khalid said.
He said several elements make Simon’s coat of arms stand out compared to those of its predecessors. One is the use of the color white, while another is the Inuktitut motto, which is written in both the Latin alphabet and syllabics.
“In this case what’s interesting, in my opinion, is that it’s a simple word and very difficult to translate,” Khalid said of the slogan.
Khalid added that the use of three badges is also notable. Most Governors General opt for just one, the Order of Canada.
Khalid said he hopes the shield will help Canadians get to know Simon.
“Heralds like to say they are storytellers, and there are many details here that will allow Canadians to learn a little more about the Governor General, her life and career.”