University of the Fraser Valley

UNIVERSITY OF THE FRASER VALLEY

Country: Canada
Campus/location : Abbotsford, British Columbia

Official 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

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on April 20, 2016.

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.

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.

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.

The motto, meaning “House of transformation” in the Halq’eméylem language, refers to the mandate of the university as a place of intellectual and character transformation.