Robb Watt, our Vicar’s Warden was presented with a medal by District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little after a meeting at the District Hall this past week. The medal is given to recognize those who have made a significant volunteer contribution to the life of the District of North Vancouver.
Robb, the former Vancouver Museum Chief Curator and Director was Canada’s first Chief Herald from 1988 to 2007. The Chief Herald’s Office which reports to the Governor General is responsible for designing and granting Coats of Arms for Canadian citizens, government agencies and other organizations. Robb has continued his heraldic work as President of the International Academy of Heraldry.
When Robb was Chief Herald of Canada, he designed and granted the Coat of Arms for the District of North Vancouver in 1990 to commemorate the centennial of The District's establishment in 1891. The Arms show forested slopes rising above the sea with a Salish style salmon underneath the shield and a deer and a bear as supporters flanking the shield, with a sailing ship above. The Latin motto: MONTES RIVIQUE NOBIS INSPIRANT which translates as “The mountains and streams inspire us” is particularly apt. The District medal shows the Coat of Arms designed by Robb.
Robb also served on the Museums and Archives Commission for North Vancouver District and City from 2008 – 2016. During that time, the Commission continued to plan and raise funds for the new Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA) https://monova.ca/The museum opens this Saturday December 5, 2021 and Robb highly recommends a visit.
A well-deserved recognition of Robb’s many contributions to both the District and City of North Vancouver.
(photo Credits, Photo, C. Wensley, R. Watt, extract from Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, Canadian heraldic Authority, Rideau Hall)