Emily Carr S.S. in Vaughan to rebrand school mascot, remove cultural appropriation

School has started process of removing totem poles, Thunderbird mascot

Yorkregion.com
June 29, 2023
Brian Capitao

A high school in Vaughan is undergoing a rebrand of its school mascot as well as the removal of totem poles as part of a commitment to better understanding Indigenous history and culture.

Emily Carr Secondary School has begun the process of removing the totem poles and a Thunderbird mascot from the school to be more culturally appropriate. Working with the Indigenous Education Team, the school started reimagining the school’s image and rebranding.

“We had a conversation about the totem poles and the Thunderbird mascot, and where they fit within the culture. It was really about starting the conversation and helping staff have a sense of knowledge to work with and let them take that time, which they did,” said Andrew McConnell, co-ordinator at First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Education.

The move comes at a time where Canadians are being asked to re-educate themselves in matters of Indigenous history and culture.

“We’re taking the initiative to become more culturally appropriate, as well as take input from staff and students to make sure they have a say in the new changes that are coming up,” said Laily, a Grade 11 student at Emily Carr S. S.

Another student mentioned the growth that the school has seen over the years in an effort to be more inclusive.

“We have grown so much as a community. We now have the knowledge and understanding to both take the initiative to make sure that we make the necessary changes and to respect all communities,” said Jay, a Grade 10 student at the school.

Students will develop a new mural in place of the totem poles. In developing the new mural, all students and staff had an opportunity to mix paints and paint a piece of the mural.

“We are looking to redefine ourselves for today and bring in all the voices as part of the decision-making in bringing along that change,” said Maryclaire Odorico, teacher at Emily Carr S.S.