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.
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Grant of Supporters, Flag and Badge
July 28, 1999
Vol. III, p. 335
Arms of the University College of Cape BretonBlazonArgent upon two barrulets wavy Azure in base a representation of 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 Vert overlapping in saltire below the book and surmounted by a maple leaf Gules; SymbolismThe Cape Breton sloop is taken from the Great Seal of Cape Breton and honours this academic institution’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 convey the ideals attributed to the pursuit of knowledge within the context of a democratic society. The open book emphasizes these ideals and incorporates the institution’s acronym. |
CrestBlazonRising from a wreath of mayflowers proper a Canterbury cap Gules; SymbolismThe circlet of mayflowers represents the province of Nova Scotia. The Canterbury cap is symbolic of higher learning and conveys that these arms belong to an academic institution. |
MottoBlazonTHEID DÌCHIOLL AIR THOISEACH; SymbolismThis Gaelic idiom means “Perseverance will triumph”. |
SupportersBlazonOn a mound Vert set with spruce and fir trees proper rising above barry wavy Argent and Azure dexter a fox Gules armed Argent sinister a bald eagle Gules head and tail Argent beaked and membered and both gorged with a coronet flory Or pendant therefrom a pentagon gyronny of ten Vert and Or; SymbolismThe 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 which continues the motifs of intelligence and idealism. It also honours the unique connections between the University College of Cape Breton and the Mi’kmaq community. The fox, the eagle and the rich greenery upon which they stand are native to the island and are a reference to the university’s beautiful surroundings. |
Flag of the University College of Cape BretonBlazonAzure on a Canadian pale gyronny of eight Or and Azure the Badge of the University College of Cape Breton proper; SymbolismThe flag repeats the themes of the badge and arms. The flag also has the same divisions of the Canadian flag, with the centre area divided into the same colouring as in the kaloqwej, but in reverse order. |
Badge of the University College of Cape BretonBlazonOn a Mi’kmaq star the arms alternately Or and Azure a pentagon also Azure charged with a Cape Breton sloop hull and mast Or sails and pennant within a bordure wavy Argent; SymbolismThe pentagon on a gyronny pattern symbolizes the four academic schools comprising the University College of Cape Breton. The Cape Breton sloop bordered by a wavy division recalls the aquatic theme of the arms. The kaloqwej, described as a star and a sacred Mi’kmaq symbol, is a reminder of the central role this Indigenous community plays on the island and among the student population. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on July 22, 2000 in Volume 134, page 2264 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept by Barry Gabriel, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterGordon Macpherson CalligrapherJudith Bainbridge Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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