HMCS Donnacona, Royal Canadian Navy

HMCS DONNACONA, ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY

Official blazon

Badge: Argent three maple leaves on one stem Gules surmounted in base by two hands clasped in fess, that to the dexter of an Iroquois wearing a bracelet of bear claws, that to the sinister of a European proper.
Motto: HAND ON HAND.

Origin/meaning

The hands commemorate the meeting between Chief Donnacona and Jacques Cartier at Stadacona (now Quebec City). The three maple leaves are from the arms of Canada and indicate that the name “Canada” came from the Iroquoian word “Kenneta”, meaning “habitation”.

The Blazon of the badge was confirmed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority on January 15, 2009.

Literature: Image from https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/canadian-forces-badges/