Coat of arms of Nunavut

Coat of arms of Nunavut

Coat of Arms of Nunavut represents the Canadian territory of Nunavut, which was officially granted its coat of arms by the Canadian Heraldic Authority on May 4, 1999. This event was significant as it coincided with the creation of the territory itself, marking a new chapter in the history of Canada's Arctic regions. The coat of arms is a symbol of the government of Nunavut and is used in official capacities to represent the territory's identity, culture, and sovereignty.

Description

The coat of arms of Nunavut is rich in symbolism that reflects the geography, history, and peoples of the territory. It features several elements that are significant to the Inuit culture and the environment of the Arctic.

• Shield: The central element is a shield divided into three sections. The upper section depicts a qulliq, a traditional Inuit oil lamp, symbolizing warmth, community, and life in the Arctic. The middle section shows a gyrfalcon, the territorial bird, representing vigilance and leadership. The lower section of the shield is blue and gold, symbolizing the riches of the land, sea, and sky of Nunavut.
• Supporters: On either side of the shield are supporters that represent the wildlife of Nunavut. To the left is a caribou, symbolizing the terrestrial life and the importance of this animal to the Inuit way of life. To the right is a narwhal, representing the marine life of Nunavut's waters.
• Compartment: The supporters stand on a compartment made up of arctic poppies, saxifrage, and icebergs, representing the flora and the rugged Arctic landscape.
• Motto: Below the compartment is the motto "Nunavut Sannginivut" which translates to "Our land, our strength" in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit people.

Symbolism

The coat of arms of Nunavut is a powerful representation of the territory's identity, incorporating elements that highlight the importance of tradition, the natural environment, and the resilience of the people who live there. The qulliq, as a central symbol, emphasizes the community's reliance on traditional knowledge and the importance of unity and warmth in the harsh Arctic climate. The gyrfalcon and the caribou are symbols of the rich biodiversity and the traditional subsistence lifestyle that has sustained the Inuit for generations. The narwhal represents the connection to the sea, which is vital for the survival and culture of the people of Nunavut. The flora and icebergs in the compartment further emphasize the unique environment of the territory.

Usage

The coat of arms is used by the government of Nunavut in various official capacities, including on official documents, buildings, and promotional materials. It serves as a symbol of pride and identity for the people of Nunavut, reflecting their heritage, values, and aspirations.

Legal

The coat of arms is protected under Canadian heraldic law, and its use is regulated by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. Unauthorized use of the coat of arms is prohibited to ensure it remains a dignified symbol of the territory.