There several pieces that are important symbols and traditions in Vancouver Island University's convocation ceremonies:
Convocation Suite
VIU's Ceremonial Convocation Suite was created by world-renowned artist Arthur Vickers, OBC, DFA, and given by Coast Capital Savings to the university in May 2015 to support the two institutions' common goal of inspiring and celebrating the generations of VIU students, graduates and alumni. The suite also reflects a shared value of Coast Capital Savings and VIU – the belief in the power of education to change people’s lives and build strong, vibrant communities. There are three distinct pieces in the Ceremonial Convocation Suite:
- the Chancellor's Chair, The Keeper of Wisdom and Knowledge;
- the President and Vice-Chancellor's Chair, The Keeper of Knowledge;
- and the Ceremonial Parchment Bentcorner Box (Huupukwanum), where the parchments are held before being bestowed upon the university's graduates.
The suite is an integral part of the university's convocation ceremony.
The Chancellor and President and Vice-Chancellor sit in the two chairs during the ceremony. During the ceremony, each graduate, after meeting the Chancellor and President, is invited to touch the lid of the Ceremonial Parchment Bentcorner Box, marking the end of their VIU education and the beginning of the next chapter of their lives. Through this tradition they leave their imprint on the wood, symbolizing the impact and impression they will leave on VIU and weaving their stories together with those of all the graduates who came before them and all who will come after them.
When the ceremonial convocation pieces are not in use at VIU's convocation ceremonies, they are on public display at the university's Nanaimo campus in the Welcome Centre (Building 300).
Testimonials:
Gina Mowatt, Bachelor of Arts in First Nations Studies graduate:
“Seeing the Ceremonial Suite made me feel proud as an Indigenous student – to have us represented in such a central way during the ceremony. I think it’s pretty meaningful that VIU is Indigenizing by having these pieces as part of Convocation. Indigenous art is more than just a piece of carved wood. Our artists bring our ancestors through them to help them create their work and so the pieces of art are alive. They also represent relationships and they are a part of commemorating events that happen. Having the suite at the ceremony made an impact on me – I really felt that I became part of that relationship with our ancestors and also with my fellow graduates when I touched the wood of the bent corner box. It made the ceremony a lot more comfortable for me and I was so much happier to be there.”
George Anderson, Bachelor of Arts, Major in Criminology graduate:
“I feel this suite tells a beautiful story about our continued journey as part of the VIU community. VIU is an institution that promotes the importance of acknowledging the members of our community and using its special status as a university to repair harms and attempt to bring about dialogue on issues within our community. This new tradition within Convocation symbolizes the commitment this institution has to its students and the connection we as students will forever have with Vancouver Island University, the community and the world around us. It’s a wonderful representation of how this University empowers its students and will continue to do so even after they have graduated.”
Mace
During the Middle Ages, a metal-clad wooden mace was an effective weapon in battle. As newer and more powerful arms were developed, its military significance diminished, and it was transformed into a symbol of authority. Today, the ceremonial mace is used in many government assembly locations, such as the British and Canadian Houses of Parliament, and in university ceremonies such as this. View the list of past macebearers.
Paddle
The paddle that is carried in and out of the gymnasium by the President was given to the university by Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo when he was installed as VIU's first Chancellor in 2008. During his installation celebrations, Chief Atleo presented a paddle to each of VIU's four campuses with the wish that they be used at special occasions, such as a graduation ceremony.
The paddle given to the Nanaimo campus is a steering paddle, which helps guide us in our important journeys. It has since become an important symbol and tradition in our convocation ceremonies. This paddle, made by Brian Bob, Qwuyutsapulth, of the Coast Salish/Ucluelet First Nation, is carved of yellow cedar and signifies teamwork, pulling together, like in a canoe. The salmon carved onto the blade represent journeys; salmon leave the place where they are hatched but return later in their lives, much in the same way that youth earn an education and then return home to bring their skills and knowledge back to their communities.
Coat of Arms
Granted in 1995, the coat of arms is used at VIU's convocation and on ceremonial documents such as parchments. It pays tribute to the university's West Coast location with eagles (representing wisdom), evergreens, mountains, sea and rivers. As well, it includes symbols that reflect the aspirations of higher learning – books outlined in gold symbolizing wealth, knowledge and understanding; and the sun, which symbolizes enlightenment and life. First Nations are honoured by the wreath and the red canoe, recognizing their sea-based culture.
Graduate regalia
Like most universities in North America, Vancouver Island University uses regalia that represents graduates’ credential level and area of study.
- Diploma and certificate graduates wear a basic black cap and black bachelor’s gown.
- Advanced diploma, post-degree diploma, graduate diploma and graduate certificate graduates wear a basic black cap and black bachelor’s gown as well as a stole in the colour of their faculty.
- Bachelor's degree graduates wear a basic black cap and black bachelor’s gown as well as a coloured hood edged in white draped over their shoulders. The hood colour indicates the graduate’s area of study.
- Master’s degree graduates wear a basic black cap and black master’s gown as well as a coloured hood lined in grey draped over their shoulders.
The hood colour indicates the graduate’s program or area of study.
Talking Stick
A Talking Stick was gifted by University of Victoria officials in spring 2022 to Chancellor Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers. Dr. Kevin Hall, UVic President and Vice-Chancellor, and Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Dr. Robina Thomas, UVic’s Vice-President, Indigenous, commissioned the creation of a Talking Stick and travelled to VIU in March 2022 to gift the stick to Cloy-e-iis. A Talking Stick was traditionally carved for a Chief to represent their position and prestige while they gave speeches at potlatches, in ceremonies, sacred events, as well as monumental and historical occasions.
The Talking Stick was carved by ts'usqinuxun’, William Good, a Hereditary Chief and Master Carver from Snuneymuxw First Nation. He carved the Talking Stick as a representation of Cloy-e-iis’ lineage and customs while she is doing the work of Chancellor. It is carved in the traditional Coast Salish style from Snuneymuxw to honour Cloy-e-iis and her position in Coast Salish communities.
Despite ts’usqinuxun’ being from the Eagle Clan and not of the Thunderbird Clan himself, he carved a thunderbird with lightning snakes for Cloy-e-iis’ Nuu-Chah-Nulth heritage, as would be customary to do as a carver with the teachings and understanding between Hereditary Chiefs. There is a grey whale to represent the significance of Nuu-Chah-Nulth whalers and a killer whale to represent Cloy-e-iis’ journey as Chancellor and to give her strength. The halibut and salmon were carved to represent the richness and great wealth of culture that she brings to VIU.