Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

Process begins to rename Chippewa Secondary School

Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) approved the initiation of the next phase of the 3:2 North Bay consolidation – the renaming and rebranding of Chippewa Secondary School.

Chippewa will begin the process in order to address the social justice and equity challenges associated with the current name.

Current students and staff understand that the school was named without consultation with or consideration for the Indigenous community. The renaming and rebranding process is not intended to erase the school’s history but to face it and do better in the future.

The Raider mascot has led to students feeling undervalued and underrepresented and has not been used for several years, leaving the school without a mascot or identity. At a recent school council meeting, members agreed that the conversation about a new name and mascot is in order.

Board Chair Erika Lougheed notes that prioritizing Chippewa for renaming and rebranding indicates that NNDSB understands the issue and is working to remedy a situation that has been difficult for generations of Indigenous students and staff.

NNDSB’s Indigenous Lead has advised that they will assist in the valued community engagement to move forward in a positive way.

Director of Education Craig Myles says the process demonstrates the board’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. He hopes that the process will entail meaningful discussion that acknowledges the past and forges a positive road forward.

Following the approval of the motion Myles, through the Superintendent of Education, will establish a naming committee. Stakeholders and rightsholders will have the opportunity to provide input, and the committee will eventually recommend a new name to the Board of Trustees. The report may be found here.

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Deb Bartlett

Communications Officer

Near North District School Board

(705) 472-8170, extension 5010

Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca