- The Governor General of Canada
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.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Surrey, British Columbia
Confirmation of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
August 15, 2008
Vol. V, p. 333
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure an escutcheon Argent featuring the spirit of Kwantlen emblem comprising a wolf, a salmon and a river Azure as styled by Brandon Gabriel between in chief dexter a lion sinister a tiger respectant rampant and in base dexter a jaguar sinister a Chinese dragon rampant respectant all Or, in centre chief an open book Argent bound and charged with a billet in fess bretessed Or;
Crest
A coronet the upper rim set with four salmon respectant two and two Argent;
Supporters
On a grassy mound Vert set with Douglas fir cones Or rising above barry wavy Azure and Argent, dexter a doe Or unguled Azure queued of a fish tail Argent fins Or gorged with a wreath Argent and Azure pendent therefrom a pomeis charged with an open book Argent bound Or, sinister an eagle Or head Argent armed and beaked Azure gorged with a like wreath pendent therefrom a pomeis charged with a billet in fess bretessed Or;
Motto
THROUGH TIRELESS EFFORT KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
The Spirit of Kwantlen emblem as described in the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
The central design, originally created by Brandon Gabriel, is the “spirit of Kwantlen”, and honours the Kwantlen First Nation, which gave the university permission to use the name. The river alludes to the meaning of the word Kwantlen, “tireless runner and water”, the wolf is a Kwantlen emblem representing the idea of a teacher and guide, while the salmon refers to new beginnings and new life. These elements are included within the circle of life, which also symbolizes lifelong learning. The four other creatures represent the major cultural groups served by Kwantlen: the lion for Western Europeans, a tiger for South Asians, a Chinese dragon for East Asians, and a jaguar for Central Americans. The book is a symbol for learning, and the rectangle represents a computer chip and new technology.
Crest
The salmon coronet links the Kwantlen people with the Fraser River and reinforces the message of new beginnings.
Supporters
The sea-doe combines the concept of transformation with a local animal representing swiftness and tireless effort. The eagle is a symbol for power, strength of purpose and acuity of sight, and it is the namesake of the Kwantlen sports teams. The book and computer chip, set on jade discs, symbolize learning. The grassy base represents the various campuses of Kwantlen, and the white and blue wavy bars represent the Fraser River, an ancient highway of the Kwantlen people, which flows past all the communities served by the university. The Douglas fir cones make a connection with the tree of knowledge and the tree of life, as well as to the origins of the university in Douglas College.
Motto
Not applicable
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 21, 2009, in Volume 143, page 692 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Suzzann Wright
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University
One or more entries related to the Recipient's emblems appear elsewhere in the Register: Volume III, p.314.