The Winged Sea Caribou is a mythical creature featured on the heraldic coat of arms of the Federal Court of Canada (FCC).
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History
In 2003, the Federal Court of Canada was recreated and separated from Federal Court of Appeal. This required the creation of a new coat of arms. The original concept for the coat of arms was proposed by Robert D. Watt and Claire Boudreau of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. It was painted by Eva Pilar-Cass and calligraphed by Doris Wionzek at a cost of $4,500. The coat of arms entered Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada on December 10, 2007. It was granted by Governor General Michaëlle Jean in October 2008.
Motto
The motto “Droit, Equity, Admiralty” means "law, equity and admiralty”.
Morphology
This fantastic Canadian beast has the head of a caribou, the wings and claws of a raven, and the posterior of a salmon. This unique morphology reflects the FCC's jurisdiction over federal land matters, aeronautics, and law of the oceans. The Federal Court of Canada website explains: "The winged sea caribou is a mythic creature representing the Court’s involvement with issues on the land, in the sea and other waters, and in the air. The three constituent creatures, the caribou, the raven and the salmon are found in many parts of Canada. The male and female supporters represent the equality of the sexes, as well as the fact that the Federal Court is comprised of both male and female judicial officers."