- 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.
Acadia University
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms
January 20, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 663
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Azure and Gules two Nova Scotia woodsman’s axes in saltire between in chief and in base a wolf’s head and in each flank an open book Argent;
Motto
IN PULVERE VINCES;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue and red are the colours of the university. The axes pay tribute to the early settlers and university founders who cleared the woodlands to build the university. They also refer to the university sports teams, the “Axemen and Axewomen”. The books identify the university as a place of intellectual discipline and work. The wolves’ heads are a pun on the location of the university in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “In dust you will win”, and reflects the benefits of hard work.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 25, 2017, in Volume 151, page 1304 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of the College of Arms, London (1973), and Acadia University.
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University