Nova Scotia Symbols and Nova Scotia Symbols and InformationInformation

FactoidsFactoids• One of the four Atlantic ProvincesOne of the four Atlantic Provinces• 22ndnd smallest province in Canada. smallest province in Canada.• Made of the mainland and Cape Breton Island.Made of the mainland and Cape Breton Island.• Over 3800 coastal inlets around N.S.Over 3800 coastal inlets around N.S.• Capital city is Halifax (largest too)Capital city is Halifax (largest too)• Close to 1 million people live in N.S.Close to 1 million people live in N.S.• Joined confederation in 1867 (original Joined confederation in 1867 (original

member)member)

The Name and The FlagThe Name and The Flag

• Nova Scotia means “New Scotland” in latin.Nova Scotia means “New Scotland” in latin.• The flag is basically the Cross of St. Andrew with reversed The flag is basically the Cross of St. Andrew with reversed

colours.colours.• The Scottish Royal Arms is featured in the centre.The Scottish Royal Arms is featured in the centre.• First flag in Canada authorized by the Commonwealth in First flag in Canada authorized by the Commonwealth in

1625.1625.• It became the official provincial flag in 1929.It became the official provincial flag in 1929.

The MayflowerThe Mayflower

• Also known as the Trailing ArbutusAlso known as the Trailing Arbutus• Became the provincial flower in 1901.Became the provincial flower in 1901.• The flower grows low to the ground in The flower grows low to the ground in

forested areas.forested areas.• Shiny evergreen leaves and light pink flowerShiny evergreen leaves and light pink flower

The Coat of ArmsThe Coat of Arms• Was approved by King Charles I in 1625• A coat of arms is a shield of arms with extra symbols• The shield is in the middle.• On top of the shield is a golden royal helmet with blue and silver plumes• On top of the helmet, two joined hands, one armored and one bare• On top of the hands are pieces of laurel (peace) and thistle (Scotland)• motto in Latin “One defends and the other conquers”• Unicorn (symbol of Scotland and royalty)• Aboriginal Hunter (first people here)• Mayflowers are along the bottom

SettlementSettlement• John Cabot came to NS in 1497John Cabot came to NS in 1497• Mik’Maq native group lived in the area.Mik’Maq native group lived in the area.• French Settlement was built in 1605.French Settlement was built in 1605.• It’s name was Port Royal.It’s name was Port Royal.• Acadian Expulsion occurred in 1755. (Some Acadian Expulsion occurred in 1755. (Some

went back to France, others to the USA)went back to France, others to the USA)• Many settlers came from England, Scotland Many settlers came from England, Scotland

and Germany.and Germany.• In 1783, thousands came from the USAIn 1783, thousands came from the USA• In 1784, NB and NS were divided into two In 1784, NB and NS were divided into two

areas.areas.

Other tidbitsOther tidbits• Bay of Fundy is believed to have the Bay of Fundy is believed to have the

world’s highest tides.world’s highest tides.• Much of the coastline is very rockyMuch of the coastline is very rocky• Many ice-free harbours along the coast.Many ice-free harbours along the coast.• Canso Causeway connects CB to the Canso Causeway connects CB to the

mainland.mainland.• ¾ of the province is forested.¾ of the province is forested.• For seven years after confederation, NS For seven years after confederation, NS

wanted out of Canada.wanted out of Canada.• Rodney MacDonald is the current premierRodney MacDonald is the current premier

Some Famous SitesSome Famous Sites• Peggy’s CovePeggy’s Cove• Halifax Citadel (built in 1865)Halifax Citadel (built in 1865)• Louisburg (French Fortress built in Louisburg (French Fortress built in

1744)1744)• Bras D’Or Lake in Cape BretonBras D’Or Lake in Cape Breton• Alexander Graham Bell historic siteAlexander Graham Bell historic site• Table Head, CB (Marconi)Table Head, CB (Marconi)• The BluenoseThe Bluenose