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Cape Breton University

Sydney, Nova Scotia
Confirmation of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
May 15, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 185

Arms of Cape Breton University
Flag of Cape Breton University
Badge of Cape Breton University
Arms of Cape Breton University

Arms of Cape Breton University

Blazon

Argent upon two barrulets wavy in base Azure a Cape Breton sloop Or masted Sable sails Argent edged Azure, in chief two keys in saltire wards upward and inward Vert surmounted by an open book proper inscribed in letters Sable dexter UC and sinister CB bound and clasped Vert, all within two boughs of spruce their stems in saltire Vert and surmounted by a maple leaf Gules;

Symbolism

The Cape Breton sloop is taken from the Great Seal of the Colony of Cape Breton (1784-1820) and honours the university’s location. The wavy bands of blue and white suggest the ocean and the Bras d’Or Lakes. The spruce boughs honour the First Nations that were the first inhabitants of the island, and the maple leaf refers to Canada. The keys and the open book allude to the idea of unlocking knowledge.

Crest of Cape Breton University

Blazon

A Canterbury cap Gules issuant from a wreath of mayflowers proper;

Symbolism

The Canterbury cap is symbolic of higher learning. The mayflowers are the floral emblem of Nova Scotia.

Motto of Cape Breton University

Blazon

THEID DÌCHIOLL AIR THOISEACH;

Symbolism

This Gaelic phrase means “Perseverance will triumph.”

Supporters of Cape Breton University

Blazon

Dexter a fox Gules armed Argent, sinister a bald eagle Gules head and tail Argent beaked and membered Or, each gorged of a coronet flory Or pendent therefrom a pentagon gyronny of ten Vert and Or, and standing on a grassy mound Vert set with spruce and fir trees proper rising above barry wavy Argent and Azure;

Symbolism

The fox is known for its intelligence and indicates the intellectual pursuits involved in acquiring a degree. It is a reference to the university’s founder, Dr. Donald F. Campbell, known as the “silver fox.” The eagle is a majestic creature representing intelligence and idealism. It also honours the unique connections between Cape Breton University and the Mi’kmaq community. The fox, the eagle and the rich greenery upon which they stand are native to Cape Breton Island and are a reference to the university’s beautiful surroundings.
Flag of Cape Breton University

Flag of Cape Breton University

Blazon

Azure on a Canadian pale gyronny of eight Or and Azure the Badge proper;

Symbolism

The Flag repeats the themes of the Badge and Arms. The Flag’s divisions echo those of the National Flag of Canada, with the centre area divided into the same colouring as in the kaloqwej, but in reverse order.
Badge of Cape Breton University

Badge of Cape Breton University

Blazon

On a Mi’kmaq star the arms alternately Azure and Or, a pentagon Azure within a bordure wavy Argent charged with a Cape Breton sloop hull and mast Or sails and pennant Argent;

Symbolism

The pentagon on a gyronny pattern symbolizes the four academic schools comprising Cape Breton University. The Cape Breton sloop bordered by a wavy division recalls the aquatic theme of the Arms. The kaloqwej, in the form of a star, is a sacred Mi’kmaq symbol underlining the central role this Indigenous community plays on the island and among the student population.

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on December 7, 2019 in Volume 153, page 4268 of the Canada Gazette.
Letters patent confirming the heraldic emblems of Cape Breton University

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Barry Gabriel, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter

Linda Nicholson

Calligrapher

Nancy Ellis

Recipient Type

Civil Institution

Notes

The recipient's emblems are based on those recorded in the name of University College of Cape Breton in the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, Volume III, page 335, 28 July 1999.