- 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.
Okanagan College
Kelowna, British Columbia
Grant of Arms and Supporters
August 28, 1989
Vol. I, p. 42
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules a chevron Argent charged with a chevronel Azure in chief four suns in splendour Or and in base on a wagon wheel Or above two bars wavy Argent each charged with a barrulet Azure an open book Argent bound Or;
Crest
Rising out of a circlet of maple leaves Gules and Pacific Dogwood flowers Argent seeded Or leaved Vert a hand proper grasping a torch Or flamed Gules;
Supporters
Two horses Argent crined and unguled Or each gorged with a collar Gules the dexter collar charged with pinecones the sinister one with roses Or the supporters standing on a compartment of bunchgrass charged with three sage plants proper;
Motto
QUAERE VERUM ET VIRTUTEM.
Symbolism
Arms
The suns denote the college’s four major campuses. They also allude to the sunny climate of the region and the sun in the arms of British Columbia. The book and the wheel symbolize the college’s commitment to education in academic and practical fields. The waves represent the lakes and rivers of the Okanagan region, and the chevron represents the nearby mountains.
Crest
The torch symbolizes knowledge and learning. The maple leaves and Pacific dogwood flowers are the floral emblems of Canada and British Columbia.
Supporters
The horses represent the past commercial and present recreational roles of horses in the region. Their collars of pinecones and roses allude to local flora. The base on which they stand depicts the semi-arid nature of the region where sage plants and bunch grass grow.
Motto
Cette sentence latine signifie « Cherche la vérité et la vertu ».
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 14, 1989, in Volume 123, page 4560 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
Karen Bailey
Calligrapher
* Not available / Non disponible
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
College & Cegep