Banners and jerseys with indigenous symbols will not hang in the newly renovated Jefferson Elora Community Centre for the foreseeable future.
In 2019, the Ontario Human Rights Commission identified the Elora Mohawks as a non-indigenous sports organization using indigenous themes and logos. The Centre Wellington Minor Lacrosse Association renamed themselves the Riverhawks in response to the letter but the Junior B lacrosse team continues to use the Mohawks name and logo.
Centre Wellington Council voted on a resolution yesterday that authorized banners taken down during renovations be reinstalled, with the exception of those featuring the Mohawks logo.
The decision gives the Indigenous-themed Sports Logos in Township Facilities working group time to come up with recommendations.
“I look forward to seeing a development of something that’s creative for us to find a way to honour the people that want to hang some specific sweaters and in hopes that between the working gorup, staff, and all those involved in making this happen.” said Councillor Lustgarten-Evoy. “I feel confident we’re going to get there.”
Councillor Jennifer Adams pointed out that lacrosse is an indigenous game and has roots in the local Haudenosaunee culture.
“Sometimes it’s easy to take the easy route and take down the banners, take everything down when maybe things weren’t done right all the time,” said Adams. “It takes more of an effort to listen and learn and make sure that that history isn’t lost.”
Managing director of community services, Pat Newson explained to council there is no timeline for when the working group will finish its task, allowing the process to unfold as it may.
