- Source: Coat of arms of Etobicoke
The coat of arms of Etobicoke is the heraldic achievement representing the former city of Etobicoke in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is set to be removed after being criticized for being racist and stereotypical. Other criticism includes the fact that tradition is aligned under the Indigenous man and so, has a certain narrative. They date back to 1977 and are present in the Etobicoke Civic Centre Council Chamber and outside a separate boardroom in the building.
History
The coat of arms was used on the city seal and used extensively from 1977 until the amalgamation of Toronto in 1998. It was used mostly in physical form and on numerous documents and mediums. The controversy over the coat of arms began in 2019, when several members of the community suggested to the city staff and politicians that the Indigenous figure was made in a way that could be considered a racist caricature.
Symbolism
It depicts an Indigenous man on the left and explorer Étienne Brûlé on the right. Underneath the Indigenous man is written on a scroll "tradition" and below the European settler on the right with the word "progress" underneath him on either side of a clump of alders (Etobicoke means "place where the alder trees grow").
Blazon
Arms: Or on a mount Vert a clump of four speckled alders proper;
Crest: On a wreath of the colours Or and Vert, a Canadian Mural Crown, embattled of six maple leaves Or masoned and veined Sable;
Supporters: On the dexter side a representation of a native Indian of the era, on bended knee holding in the dexter hand a bow all proper, and on the sinister side a figure on bended knee representing Etienne Brule, holding in the sinister hand a musket, all proper;
Compartment: On a compartment consisting of an escroll Argent the name ETOBICOKE, on the dexter side the word TRADITION, and on the sinister the word PROGRESS, all Sable.
Controversy
It is set to be removed after being criticized for being racist and stereotypical as well as that tradition is aligned under the Indigenous man and so, has a certain narrative. They date back to 1977 and are present in the Etobicoke Civic Centre Council Chamber and outside a separate boardroom in the building but are set to be removed.