- The Governor General of Canada
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University College of Cape Breton
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms
May 27, 1995
Vol. III, p. 18
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Blazon
Arms
Argent 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;
Crest
Rising from a wreath of mayflowers proper a Canterbury cap Gules;
Motto
THEID DÌCHIOLL AIR THOISEACH;
Symbolism
Arms
The 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.
Crest
The 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.
Motto
This Gaelic idiom means “Perseverance will triumph”.