April 29, 2009
OTTAWA – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will host a gathering to highlight the vitality of Canadian heraldry. The event will take place on May 4, 2009, at 2:00 p.m., at Rideau Hall.
To celebrate the first 20 years of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, grade 7 and 8 students from the Michaëlle Jean French elementary school will present 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 will include personal mottos in the purest armorial tradition.
Following the official speeches, members of the media will be invited to the Tent Room, where the various steps involved in creating official arms will be presented. The heralds will explain their art and answer any questions.
The Canadian Heraldic Authority, which is headed by the governor general, was created in 1988 to make heraldry accessible to all Canadians. Canada sets itself apart from other countries in giving women and female descendants full entitlement to coats of arms. For more information on the Canadian Heraldic Authority, visit: www.gg.ca.
Members of the media are asked should arrive at 13:30 p.m.
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Media information:
Marie-Paule Thorn
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-2569
