The symbol was designed in collaboration with Inuit elders, leaders, artists, groups, and the general population of the territory.

Each symbol was chosen individually from the 800 submissions for the flag and coat of arms that were received.

The crest, an igloo (iglu), represents traditional life, survival, and the Nunavut government assembled in the legislature.

The supporters, a caribou and narwhal, represent sustenance and natural resources of the land and sea.

The motto, written in Inuktitut syllabary, is Nunavut Sannginivut (ᓄᓇᕗᑦ ᓴᙱᓂᕗᑦ, or, Our Land, Our Strength).