Musqueam designs at the heart of new academic regalia  

As the school’s Chancellor, Archbishop Richard Smith, and President Dr. Gerry Turcotte celebrated the 2026 Convocation, they were proudly wearing new academic regalia featuring original artwork from Musqueam artist Janna Becker.  

This new Indigenized regalia was revealed in a formal gowning ceremony during Convocation. The designs include a Coast Salish-styled cross that symbolizes connection, balance, and the continuity of cultural teachings.  

The project reflects the ongoing relationship between the Colleges and the Musqueam people, on whose traditional territory the schools are situated. 

A collaborative journey: The selection process 

In 2025 a call went out to artists in the Musqueam community. Artists were asked to conceptualize a design that reflected the Musqueam presence within the academic regalia and acknowledged the relationship between Corpus Christi College, St. Mark’s College and Musqueam people. A review panel composed of representatives from both Musqueam and the Colleges evaluated all submissions and made a joint selection of Becker’s designs.  

Honouring culture through design: About the artwork 

Artist Janna Becker described her approach to the design in her artist statement. 

“The first design features a Coast Salish arrowhead representing guidance, strength, and cultural continuity, created in honour of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College. The form and flow honour our Salish identity while grounding the piece in the spirit of the Colleges.  

The second design incorporates a Coast Salish-styled cross that symbolizes connection, balance, and the continuity of cultural teachings. The formline elements flow outward to reflect our teachings of balance, relationships, and respect for all our relations.  

This design brings together cultural identity and ceremony, acknowledging the land and ancestors who guide us. It is created to honour both the Colleges’ Catholic identity and the importance of community and ceremony to both the Colleges and the Coast Salish peoples. “ 

About the artist 

Janna Becker is a Musqueam weaver and emerging visual artist whose work is grounded in Coast Salish design traditions and cultural teachings. Her practice reflects a deep respect for ancestral knowledge, expressed through flowing lines, ovoid forms, and balanced compositions that emphasize harmony and interconnection.  

Drawing inspiration from the lands and waters of Musqueam territory, Becker’s designs often explore themes of identity, continuity, and relationship. Her work translates traditional visual language into contemporary forms, creating pieces that are both culturally rooted and adaptable to modern applications. 

Symbols of the Colleges 

Additional ceremonial items reflecting the College’s values, academic integrity and relationship with the Musqueam people were present at Convocation, including the academic mace designed and carved by Musqueam artist Chrystal Sparrow, and ceremonial drum, designed and painted by Musqueam artist Debra Sparrow.  

The Colleges extend their gratitude to Janna Becker for her creativity, collaboration, and expertise in bringing this project to life.