Coat of arms of Alberta

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Coat of arms of Alberta

The Coat of Arms of Alberta represents the sovereignty and heraldic identity of the Province of Alberta, Canada. Granted by Royal Warrant of King Edward VII on May 30, 1907, and augmented with a crest, supporters, and a motto by Queen Elizabeth II on July 30, 1980, the coat of arms is a symbol of Alberta's heritage and its natural and cultural resources.

Description

The coat of arms consists of several components, each with its own symbolic meaning:

• Shield: The original part of the arms, the shield features the Cross of Saint George, a symbol of England, and the Hudson's Bay Company colors (blue and white wavy lines) representing Alberta's fur trade history. Atop the shield is a St Edward's Crown, signifying Alberta's allegiance to the monarchy.

• Crest: Above the shield is a helmet mantled red and silver and wreathed at the top, upon which sits a beaver holding a Royal Crown. The beaver represents Canada's national animal, symbolizing industry and perseverance.

• Supporters: On either side of the shield stand a golden lion and a pronghorn, both wearing red and white floral collars. The lion symbolizes British heritage, while the pronghorn, native to Alberta, represents the province's wildlife and natural beauty.

• Compartment: The supporters stand on a grassy mound mixed with Alberta roses, the provincial flower, and other floral emblems representing the diverse flora of Alberta.

• Motto: Below the compartment is the provincial motto, Fortis et Liber, which means "Strong and Free" in Latin, encapsulating the spirit and values of Alberta's people.

Symbolism

The coat of arms embodies Alberta's identity, history, and values. The Cross of Saint George and the lion are nods to Alberta's British heritage, while the Hudson's Bay Company colors recall the province's early fur trade era. The natural elements, such as the pronghorn, beaver, and Alberta rose, highlight the importance of wildlife and nature in Alberta's culture and economy. The motto, Fortis et Liber, serves as a reminder of the province's commitment to freedom and strength in its governance and community life.

Legal Status and Usage

The coat of arms is used officially by the government of Alberta to mark documents, buildings, and other important state symbols. Its use is regulated to ensure it remains a dignified symbol of the province. Unauthorized use of the coat of arms is subject to legal restrictions.

History

The initial grant of the shield in 1907 marked Alberta's entry into Confederation and its establishment as a province with its own unique symbols. The augmentation in 1980, adding the crest, supporters, and motto, provided a fuller heraldic identity to Alberta, aligning it with other provinces that have complete coats of arms.

See Also

• Heraldry
• Symbols of Alberta
• Monarchy in Alberta