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The Coat of Arms of Royal Roads University
In 1997, we were honoured to be granted a coat of arms by the Governor General of Canada.
The coat of arms presented to Royal Roads University incorporates symbols of the traditions
that link the university to our past and to the province of British Columbia: the sun from the
province’s coat of arms, the three maple leaves from the crest of the former Royal Roads
Military College, and the book of learning as a reference to the voyage of academic discovery.
The shield is supported by a cougar, indigenous to Vancouver Island, and Synqua, a dragon
representing the Coast Salish creature of thunder, strength and power. The crown and the
anchor held by the supports represent Royal Roads, the navy’s anchorage off the Esquimalt
Lagoon.
The motto of the university—Living Our Learning—captures the spirit and enthusiasm of our
institution. Translated into Coast Salish, the motto recognizes the proud traditions of those
who have come before us.
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