The mace
The mace symbolizes the authority vested in SAIT to grant academic credentials.
Designed for the convocation ceremonies, the mace masterfully pulls together many symbolic elements important to SAIT and the community. The mace represents SAIT’s long history and dedication to setting the standard in education, training and innovation.
The registrar acts as the mace bearer. During the procession, the registrar carries the mace directly in front of the board chair and president, representing the protection of these offices. Centuries ago, the mace was a symbol of authority over life and death. Today, it represents the power of knowledge and the importance of the SAIT community.
Academic robes
Along with the academic tradition of black gowns, SAIT graduates wear v-stoles to represent a certificate, diploma or apprenticeship program credential. Graduates in applied degree programs wear black Oxford hoods. Graduates in bachelor’s degree programs wear black Oxford hoods lined in traditional SAIT colours: red, white and blue. The v-stole colour selected for each school signifies academic tradition as well as the symbolism identified with that colour.
MacPhail School of Energy
Royal purple
Purple is traditionally associated with prosperity and also represents the composition of raw materials.
School of Business
Aztec gold
Gold is traditionally associated with commerce and symbolizes wealth and knowledge.
School of Construction
Smoke blue
Blue symbolizes peace, calmness and strength.
School of Health and Public Safety
Emerald green
Green is traditionally associated with health as it symbolizes wellness, growth and healing.
School of Hospitality and Tourism
Olympic red
Red is associated with passion, energy and creative endeavours.
School for Advanced Digital Technology
Turquoise
Turquoise is often associated with heightened communication skills, creativity and sensitivity.
School of Transportation
Steel grey
Grey symbolizes discipline and stability and often carries strength and formality.
School of Manufacturing and Automation
California burgundy
Burgundy is traditionally associated with prosperity and also represents innovation in the manufacturing of new products.
Coat of Arms
The symbolism of the armorial bearings of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Calgary, Alberta, as granted by Claire Bourdreau, Chief Herald of Canada, on 20 August 2009 and entered in volume V, page 465 of the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada.
The original concept of Darrell Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. Painter: Gordon Macpherson | Calligrapher: Doris Wionzek
Crest: The wreath is composed of the school colours of red and blue. The open book calls students to come and learn and represents past accomplishments and unwritten future. The wolf in aboriginal symbolism characterizes a teacher.
Arms: The lightning flash represents the electrical energy produced by a dynamo, which is a symbol of technology in a broad sense. It also represents the energy applied by students. The wings symbolize the flights of practical imagination and elevated mind that turn ideas into results.
Motto: Meaning “I take in hand and educate,” this evokes not only a school’s viewpoint towards each student but also a student’s responsibility towards oneself.
Supporters: The winged dragon is an emblem of both the knowledge to be acquired and of alchemy, the process of changing base metal into valued gold or more broadly making a miraculous transformation.
The coronets containing the floral symbol of wisdom, the hazelnut, symbolize the idea of wisdom taming ignorance, represented here by the dragon.
In the school colours, the dragons allude to Heritage Hall, the building that features dragons as an architectural display and which has housed so many programs in the history of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. In addition, the wings recall the one-time use of the school building by the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as the raptors that fly over the campus daily.
The staff represents a pole used to erect a teepee, as well as the lodgepole pine emblem of Alberta. The sandstone evokes the foundation upon which the students build their knowledge and skills to take their place in society.
Graduation and Convocation
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.