On-going Work

The committee is dedicated to ensuring that the process of replacing the banners at the JECC is both thoughtful and respectful. Through the application of the Human Rights Based Approach Framework, we are not erasing history, but rather engaging in an ongoing process of education and reflection. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous relationships, histories, and contributions. This approach is centered on honoring and acknowledging Indigenous communities, while creating an informed and inclusive environment for all. By educating both the committee and the public, we aim to build a stronger foundation for reconciliation and respect, ensuring that these actions are grounded in a commitment to human rights and social justice.


Background

In April, 2019, The Township received a letter from the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) addressed to the Mayor, regarding the harmful impact of Indigenous-themed sports logos in city facilities.

The letter identified the Elora Mohawks as a non-Indigenous sports organization that uses Indigenous-themed names and/or logos.

The Jefferson Elora Community Centre (JECC) is the home centre for the Elora Mohawk Junior B Team and the Centre Wellington Minor Lacrosse Association. The history of banners from these organizations were removed to perform the rehabilitation of the JECC. There is a desire from facility users to reinstall the banners at the facility, however, the development of a policy on displaying Indigenous-themed sports logos in Township facilities is still in progress. The working group, which includes members from the DEI Advisory Committee, the Elora Mohawks Junior B Team, and Township staff, has engaged a consultant and is collaborating with Grandmother's Voice to take unified steps forward.


Draft Policy

The Township of Centre Wellington is seeking your feedback on a draft policy regarding the use of Indigenous-themed names, logos, and imagery within or on Township-owned facilities and properties. This initiative is part of a broader reconciliation-focused policy pathway to Respectful Indigenous Representation; it is informed by input from Indigenous partners and community members. It aims to ensure that all representations of Indigenous cultures in our public spaces are respectful, accurate, and educational. This policy includes guidelines for existing imagery, prohibits the introduction of new Indigenous-themed imagery by non-Indigenous organizations, and emphasizes educational context in partnership with Indigenous communities. Your input will help shape how we move forward together in truth, respect, and inclusion.

The Draft Policy is available to read in the Document Library (right-hand side of this page).

OR

View the Draft Use of Indigenous-Themed Logos and Imagery within or on Township Facilities and Properties Policy

Please review and answer the four questions below. We thank you for engaging with us in this discussion.

Question #1

How do you feel about the policy? Do you feel this policy supports respectful representation of Indigenous Cultures?

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Question #2

Do you agree with the policy’s emphasis on educational components, such as plaques or digital content, accompanying Indigenous-themed imagery? What types of educational materials or initiatives would you like to see included in the policy?

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Question #3

Do you believe this policy effectively supports the respectful and accurate representation of Indigenous cultures? What elements of the policy stand out to you as either reinforcing or potentially undermining that goal?

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Question #4

How do you feel about the Township’s overall approach in this policy to addressing the use of Indigenous-themed names, logos, and imagery on public facilities?

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Consultants

Grandmothers Voice
Elevating Indigenous Knowledge and Culture across Halton Region has been the foundation of the organization. Collectively, they continue to serve as a beacon for building awareness and fostering connectedness. Rooted in their Nation’s origins, they are dedicated to enhancing capacity and illuminating the landscape of Indigenous social services and determinants of health. They strive to strengthen bonds, raise awareness, and contribute to the well-being of their communities. To learn more, please visit https://grandmothersvoice.com/

About Four Simple Words

The team from Four Simple Words have built their careers focused on two things: deconstructing power and building communities of service. Both of these happen when leaders step into conversations about mattering, trust and what equity means to their team. Constantly learning with our clients, we have worked in classrooms, and boardrooms, with front-line staff and c-suite team members. Non-perceptive in our approach and leveraging the power of humor and humility, we know that listening is the first and most important step in building cultures of reflection.

Lakhdeep Singh Dhaliwal

For 20 years Lakhdeep Singh Dhaliwal has been building his leadership and experiences as a DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) professional. He has worked in large and small organizations across North America opening minds and hearts in classrooms, shop floors and board rooms. He is gifted in his ability to invite large and small groups into hard conversations about inclusion with grace, joy and humour. Through his knowledge, learning and curiosity, Lakhdeep’s focus has been to help organizations understand and reimagine power.

Working Group Members

Pat Newson, Managing Director of Community Services
Kristen Bettiol, Manager of Community Development
Jim Bomhof, Elora Mohawks Lacrosse Association
Robert Robertson, DEI Advisory Committee Member
Tasha Lake, DEI Advisory Committee Member
Pamela Wass Brown, DEI Advisory Committee Member