Coat of arms of Manitoba

Coat of arms of Manitoba

Coat of Arms of Manitoba

The Coat of Arms of Manitoba represents the Canadian province of Manitoba, one of the country's ten provinces. It is a symbol of the province's government and its history, culture, and natural resources. The coat of arms was officially granted by King George V in 1905 and augmented with a crest, supporters, and a motto by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.

Description

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

• Shield: The shield features a buffalo (bison) standing on a rock, which represents the indigenous wildlife and the natural resources of Manitoba. The green and white wavy bars below the buffalo symbolize the province's vast forests and snowfields.

• Crest: Above the shield, the crest includes a beaver, the national animal of Canada, holding a crown, symbolizing Manitoba's status as a province of Canada. The helmet above the shield represents Manitoba's co-sovereign status within the Canadian federation.

• Supporters: On either side of the shield are a unicorn and a lion, both bearing flags. The unicorn holds the Union Jack, representing Manitoba's British heritage, while the lion holds a flag with the Fleur-de-lis, symbolizing the province's French-speaking community.

• Compartment: The supporters stand on a compartment of rock, prairie grasses, and floral emblems, including the prairie crocus, Manitoba's provincial flower.

• Motto: Below the compartment is the provincial motto, "Gloriosus et Liber," which means "Glorious and Free" in Latin, a phrase taken from the Manitoba provincial anthem, "O Canada."

History

The original coat of arms was granted in 1905, a few decades after Manitoba joined the Confederation of Canada in 1870. The augmentation in 1992 added the crest, supporters, and compartment, providing a more complete heraldic identity to the province.

Symbolism

The coat of arms embodies the spirit, history, and diversity of Manitoba. The buffalo represents the province's indigenous wildlife and its importance to the First Nations people and early settlers. The green and white wavy bars symbolize Manitoba's natural beauty and resources. The beaver and crown in the crest highlight Canada's national symbols and Manitoba's place within the country. The supporters reflect the province's British and French heritage, acknowledging the multicultural makeup of Manitoba's population.

Usage

The coat of arms is used by the Government of Manitoba for official documents, proclamations, and public buildings. It symbolizes the authority and sovereignty of the province within the Canadian federation.

See also

• Symbols of Manitoba
• Heraldry
• Coat of arms of Canada