The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Confirmation of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
August 15, 2018
Vol. VII, p. 112
Arms of Vancouver Island UniversityBlazonOr a Spanish corvette circa 1790 Azure sails Argent edged Gules on a base of three barrulets wavy, on a chief dancetty Azure four open books Argent bound Or; SymbolismThe late 18th century Spanish sailing vessel is the type used by Captain Alejandro Malaspina who sailed the waters off Vancouver Island in 1791 in search of the Northwest Passage. The vessel thus recalls the namesake of the university, previously called Malaspina University-College, and honours the tradition of exploration. The upper jagged line refers to the mountain range across the Strait of Georgia as seen from the main campus. Active learning is depicted through the open books which highlight the university’s central mission. The gold binding symbolizes the value of pursuing an education and the wealth of knowledge. The four books stand for the main campus and the three regional campuses of Vancouver Island University. |
CrestBlazonA demi-sun in splendour Or issuant from a Salish canoe Gules; SymbolismThe canoe pays homage to the First Nations, whose heritage is an important element in the university’s programs, and especially to the members of the Salish Nation who live in each of the regions served by the university. The sun is an emblem of enlightenment, life and the aspiration for learning. |
MottoBlazonDISCOVERIES IN EDUCATION; SymbolismThis was the motto adopted by Malaspina University-College when it was inaugurated in 1969. It also provides a connection with one of Captain Alejandro Malaspina’s ship, the Descubierta, which means “discovery” in Spanish. |
SupportersBlazonTwo eagles Or heads Argent wings elevated and addorsed Azure standing on a grassy mount set with fir trees Vert in front of mountains proper all issuant from barry wavy Argent and Azure; SymbolismThe eagles signify inspiration and striving. For the First Nations, the eagle symbolizes wisdom and power. The evergreens and lush greenery on the base are in abundance the Vancouver Island region. The mountains recall the vista accessible from all of the university’s four campuses and are unique to the western part of Canada. The alternating white and blue wavy bars refer to the presence of water at each of the campuses’ location. |
Flag of Vancouver Island UniversityBlazonAzure on a Canadian pale in chief a demi-sun in splendour Or fimbriated and issuant from a Salish canoe Gules and in base a Spanish corvette as in the Arms, all between four open books Argent bound Or; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Vancouver Island UniversityBlazonA sun in splendour Or charged with a Spanish corvette as in the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 23, 2019 in Volume 153, page 1079 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterLinda Nicholson CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeCivil Institution
Other InformationThe recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the name of Malaspina University-College in the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, Volume III, page 11, 20 May 1995. |