Coat of Arms and Flag

Symbolism of the Arms

Shield of Arms: The core of the design, the shield of arms, is a new symbol in heraldry, the Mission cross, named for the District and symbolizing three ideas: the District as crossroads, the historic past and foundation of the community and Mission’s forest wealth, the District’s wealth drawn from agriculture, and natural heritage.  On the Mission cross is placed the form of cross favored by the Oblate Fathers, whose school marked the beginnings of the District in modern times.  The two crosses together represent the amalgamation of the City and the District into one community in 1969.

Crest (above the Shield): The helmet and mantling (the decorative cloth in the District’s armorial colours of heraldic silver and green) are the two traditional components of this and most coats of arms.  Today they can symbolize, in the same spirit as the knight defending his lands, the determination of citizens to safeguard and strengthen their community.  A golden Sto:lo canoe, honouring the First People of the District and the ongoing importance of the Fraser for transportation and fishing, supports a sprig of salmonberry.  This vigorous plant was important in the diet of the First Peoples and foreshadows the later importance of various berry crops nearer the present day.

Supporters: The grassy compartment on which the deer stand is a symbol for the rich agricultural lands by the Fraser, the site of the earliest part of the community.  The multicultural character of the District’s people is represented by the linked dogwood, the provincial flower, the salmonberry and the strawberry, the latter also referring to one of the District’s outstanding early agricultural industries.  The stag and the doe symbolize the men and women who have built and will build Mission; pioneers, present day citizens and future residents.  The animals also represent the rich natural heritage of the District highlands.  On the pendant of the stag’s collar is a gold fir tree, symbol of the ongoing importance of the forest industry and the recreational value of the forest.  The doe’s collar pendant features a steam locomotive wheel, recalling Mission’s industrial heritage and, specifically, the part played by the railway in the District’s development.  The doe carries the District flag, referring to the citizen’s responsibility to uphold the community’s honour and contribute to its well being.

Motto: “THE FUTURE OUR MISSION”.  A call to the community to look ahead to the further development of Mission.

Flag: Composed, according to classic heraldic laws, of the shield of arms arranged to fit a horizontal shape.