Manitoba Coat of Arms Panel
circa 1928
The Shield is topped by St. George's Cross on a white background, representing King George III and symbolizing British heritage. The bison represents the once-vast herds of bison which used to roam freely throughout the province and provided food and clothing not only to the Aboriginals, but to the early settlers as well.
The Motto, "Gloriosus et Liber," means 'Glorious and Free', a phrase borrowed from Canada's national anthem, 'O Canada.'