Traditions & Regalia

The mace was originally a weapon during the medieval period, and came to be associated with the prowess and strength of the knight. Today, the mace is a symbol of the University's authority to award degrees and diplomas. It indicates the seriousness of Convocation as the University's most important academic ceremony, and is a confirmation of the University's integrity as an academic institution. The mace is carried by a mace-bearer, who leads the processional of faculty and students into and out from the venue where Convocation is held. The mace is usually between four feet and six feet in length and will incorporate the history and tradition that surround the vision for the University. An academic mace symbolizes the authority vested in the Chancellor to confer university credentials. This is why the mace is an integral part of Convocation. Maces are often commissioned to commemorate a milestone anniversary or presidential inauguration. Typically an artist is selected for the honour to develop a highly symbolic design that incorporates the university's traditions.

KPU's mace was carved by Kwantlen First Nation artist Drew Atkins. Atkins was born in Victoria, B.C. He started carving long before he ever touched a knife to wood. As a young boy he spent many afternoons watching some of the early Masters carve at the Royal History Museum's Totem Pole Park in Victoria, planting a seed that would take root much later in life. Atkins apprenticed under renowned Master Carver Xwa-lack-tun (Rick Harry) for eight years working on many projects together.

Atkins has worked for the Langley School District as an Indigenous support worker and as an instructor in carving at Brookswood Secondary. Atkins and his wife Phyllis, a renowned painter and jeweller, established K'wy'i'ye Spring Salmon Studio at the Kwantlen First Nation. Atkins' work may also be seen in Fort Langley's Spirit Square where his large cedar panel carvings connect the Spirit Square with the National Historic Site and Museum.

Indigenous Language

KPU is committed to advancing reconciliation and weaving Indigenous knowledge, values, and representation into the institution. Embedding the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language in parchments is one more way the university is encouraging various communities to learn the traditional language of the territories and respect the land-based Nations. The hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language is being included in more places around KPU. It can already be found at student service counters, and on campus building signs, and is being added to some institutional documents.

To learn more about Indigenization at KPU, visit kpu.ca/indigenous.