HMCS OJIBWA Badge

HMCS OJIBWA Badge

Blazon

Blazon Azure, an escallop shell erect argent irradiated by nine ears of wild rice or, all issuing from two barrulets wavy of the last, in base.
(Glossary of Heraldic Terms)

Significance

The design of this badge is derived from a traditional Ojibwa legend in which the migrations of this tribe through the centuries from the Atlantic seaboard to Lake Superior and even further westward has been a part of the ceremonial used during the initiation of novices into warrior status. The legend is that their migrations were controlled by the rise and fall of the great Megis or sea-shell. When the great Megis rose from out the waters it reflected the rays of the sun from its glossy surface, and gave warmth and light to the Indeigenous people's race, and brought prosperity. When it descended back into the depths of the waters it brought hard times, misery and death to the tribe causing them to move to a new region in the hope of finding happier conditions. At one period of these migrations they settled around Lake Ontario, and the area north of it. In this region they found an abundance of wild rice growing around the shores of the lakes. This they gathered, and it became one of their staple foods, which they claimed had been given them because the great Megis had once again risen from the waters and shed its beneficent radiance over the land.

Remarks

Oberon Class Submarine

Motto

Motto Ne ke che dah (Let us be prepared)

Colours

White and blue

Battle Honours

None

References

Badges Of The Canadian Navy by Arbuckle, J. Graeme. Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 1987.

CFP 267 - Badges of the Canadian Forces, Minister of Supply and Services Canada, 1977.