The Canadian Heraldic Authority promotes national identity. "Armorial bearings" or coats of arms are expressions of authority, ownership and identity -- they express our history, geography and character through rich and powerful symbols. In keeping with the ancient practice that heraldry (the study, use and regulation of coats of arms) flows from The Queen, the Governor General heads the Canadian Heraldic Authority. Since its creation in 1988, the Authority has granted arms to corporations, governments, academic, cultural and religious institutions as well as individuals.