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the centre of the coat of arms is a sand dollar, which is a special talisman for Michaëlle Jean. Sand dollars are marine
creatures found on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Canada and Northern United States. The Royal Crown symbolizes
the vice-regal function and service to all Canadians. Above the shield, the sea shell and broken chain allude to the famous
sculpture Marron inconnu by Albert Mangonès, displayed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, depicting an escaped slave
blowing a sea shell to gather and call to arms his fellow sufferers around the whole island. For Michaëlle Jean this
image evokes the victory of her ancestors over barbarism and, more broadly, the call to liberty. Beside the shield are two
Simbis, water spirits from Haitian culture who comfort souls, purify troubled waters and intervene with wisdom and foresight.
Moreover, the Simbis' words are enlightening and soothing. These two feminine figures symbolize the vital role played by
women in advancing social justice. They are shown in front of a rock set with a palm tree, a symbol of peace in Haitian
history, and a pine tree representing the natural riches of Canada. The motto Briser les solitudes, which means "Breaking
down solitudes", is at the heart of the objectives Michaëlle Jean intends to follow. An annulus inscribed with
the motto of the Order of Canada, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (they desire a better country), encircles
the shield, and the insignia of a Companion of the Order of Canada is suspended from the shield.