CENTRE WELLINGTON – A new contextual display proposed for the Jefferson Elora Community Centre to commemorate the history of lacrosse in Centre Wellington and its Indigenous origins will be recommended for final approval at Monday’s Centre Wellington Council meeting.
In 2018, the Human Rights Commissioner sent the Township of Centre Wellington a letter requesting it address the use of Indigenous names, logos, and images in township facilities by non-indigenous groups.
Shortly after, the township removed banners displaying Indigenous-themed logos or names until a relevant policy was implemented.
Since then, staff have been working with the Riverhawks, the Elora Hawks, and Indigenous partners to create a permanent contextual display, to explain the banners’ historical and cultural context and outline the Township’s commitment to ongoing learning and meaningful relationship building with Indigenous communities.
The banner reads:
“Two Rows Together: A Path of Truth and Accountability
The historical banners of the Centre Wellington Lacrosse organizations are displayed to honour the past successes and the Township’s ongoing commitment to truth, learning, and accountability. The Township of Centre Wellington recognizes lacrosse as an Indigenous game known as The Creator’s Game.
The rebranding of the Centre Wellington Riverhawks and the Elora Hawks Jr. B teams reflect a collective effort to honour the strength and resiliency of Turtle Island’s original people and act responsibly, considering the “seven generations to come.”
This display is part of the Township of Centre Wellington’s response to Calls to Action 43, 47, 57, and 79 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner. The Township is committed to ongoing learning and meaningful relationship-building with Indigenous communities.
We all have roles to play on this path. Yours can begin by learning more about our continued journey – Two Rows Together.”
from report
The permanent contextual display is approximately 19.5 feet long and 39 inches tall.
The display will be located in the Jefferson Elora Community Centre, directly above the doors to the lobby from the pad.
If the contextual display is approved by council, staff say banners will be reinstalled at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre once the display is installed in alignment with the lacrosse season opening this spring.
Council will consider the report at Monday’s 6 pm meeting.
You can read the full report here.
