- 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.
University of the Fraser Valley
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
April 20, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 716
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent on a pile between two vines leaved Vert, a hummingbird hovering Or;
Crest
Issuant from a Sto:lo canoe proper, a vine of three leaves Vert surmounted by two Sto:lo paddles in saltire Or;
Supporters
Two great blue herons proper standing on a grassy mount Vert issuant from barry wavy Argent and Vert charged with a sturgeon proper;
Motto
IYAQÁWTXW;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A Sto:lo canoe Vert ensigned by a hummingbird hovering Or;
Symbolism
Arms
Green and white are the university’s colours. The vines are used in the university’s wordmark and allude to the idea of education as a form of nurturing, growth and transformation. The triangular shape evokes a valley, and the hummingbird is a local species.
Crest
The canoe and paddles refer to the Sto:lo territory on which the university is located, and the university’s relationship with local First Nations. It also presents the idea of going on a journey as a metaphor for education. The vines repeat the symbolism of the shield.
Supporters
The great blue herons and the sturgeon are features of local wildlife. The base on which they stand alludes to the land and water of the Fraser Valley.
Motto
This word, meaning “House of transformation” in the Halq’eméylem language, refers to the mandate of the university as a place of intellectual and character transformation.
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 31, 2018, in Volume 152, page 894 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Educational