Claire Boudreau facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Claire Boudreau FRHSC AIH
Boudreau in 2017, with Julie Payette's patent
Chief Herald of Canada
In office June 26, 2007 – May 20, 2020
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor General	Michaëlle Jean David Johnston Julie Payette
Preceded by	Robert Watt
Succeeded by	Samy Khalid
Personal details
Born	1965
Died	November 17, 2020 (aged 55)
Nationality	Canadian
Occupation	Herald

Claire Boudreau (1965 – November 17, 2020) was an important Canadian historian and expert in heraldry. Heraldry is the study of coats of arms, flags, and badges. She was a special kind of official called an officer of arms. These officers design and record coats of arms for people and organizations. Claire Boudreau became the second Chief Herald of Canada in 2007. This was a very important job where she was in charge of all heraldry in Canada. She held this position until 2020.

Claire Boudreau's Career

Claire Boudreau started her work in heraldry in 1997. She joined the Canadian Heraldic Authority, which is the official group that creates and records coats of arms in Canada. She began as the Saguenay Herald. Later, she became the Saint-Laurent Herald.

In 2005, she was promoted to Deputy Chief Herald. This meant she was the second-in-command. Then, in 2007, she became the Chief Herald of Canada. She was the second person to hold this top position. She was also known around the world for her knowledge of heraldry.

Important Work

Claire Boudreau wrote many articles and books about heraldry. One of her biggest achievements was creating the online Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada. This website, launched in 2005, made it easy for anyone to see the official coats of arms and symbols of Canada. It was a very new and important project at the time.

She was also recognized internationally for her work. In 2000, she became an Academician of the Académie Internationale d'Héraldique. This is a group of top heraldry experts from around the world.

Later Years

Claire Boudreau served as Chief Herald until May 20, 2020. After that, she was given the title of Margaree-Chéticamp Herald Emeritus. This is an honorary title for her long service. Samy Khalid took over her role as Chief Herald of Canada.

Sadly, Claire Boudreau passed away on November 17, 2020, at the age of 55. It was announced that she died due to cancer.

Her Coat of Arms

Arms of Claire Boudreau

Crest A panther rampant Azure incensed proper Escutcheon Azure an orle Argent Supporters Two panthers incensed holding a girdle book and standing on a rocky mount proper Motto ARDENTE Symbolism The blue colour represents the French origins of Claire Boudreau. The narrow line orle appears as a second shield within the main shield and highlights both the importance of heraldry in her life and her doctoral research in this field. The orle and the overall simplicity of the design express both the absolute notion of the Cartesian "whole", contained but continuous, and the idea that infinity can be contained within the span of one's life or within any other given framework. The panther in the crest is a monster spewing fire from its mouth, nostrils and ears. It is the most appropriate symbol to express human passion in any domain. The heraldic panther is endowed with the body of a lion, a horse's head with horns, a griffin's forelegs and a lion's hind legs. This diversified nature makes it a symbol of tolerance and of the spirit of adventure by which alone the frontiers of the unknown can be pushed back. Repeating the symbolism of the crest, the multicoloured panthers are based on examples found in mediaeval miniatures. They hold mediaeval girdle books, which were portable books held to the owner's belt by a knot in their binding. These indicate that the best inventions are often simple and eminently practical concepts.ARDENTE ("fervent"), along with the panther in the crest is a reference to the totemic name "Panthère ardente" ("Fiery panther") given to Claire Boudreau within the Scout movement in 1978. The motto therefore contains a second allusion to passion, a sort of internal flame that drives one to outstanding achievements.

Claire Boudreau had her own special coat of arms. A coat of arms is a unique design that represents a person or family.

Symbols in Her Arms

• The Blue Colour: The blue background in her shield shows her French heritage.
• The Orle: This is a narrow border that looks like a second shield inside the main one. It shows how important heraldry was to her, especially her advanced studies in the field. It also suggests that big ideas can fit into a simple design.
• The Panther: You'll see a panther in her crest (the design above the shield) and as supporters (animals holding the shield). This panther is a mythical creature that breathes fire. It represents passion and strong feelings. This special panther has parts from different animals, like a lion's body and a horse's head. This mix of features symbolizes tolerance and a sense of adventure.
• Girdle Books: The panthers holding old-fashioned "girdle books." These were small books that people used to carry on their belts. They show that simple ideas can be very useful.
• Motto: Her motto is ARDENTE, which means "fervent" or "fiery." This motto, along with the panther, refers to a special name she was given in the Scout movement in 1978: "Fiery Panther." It means she had a strong inner drive to achieve great things.

See also

• Royal Heraldry Society of Canada