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.
In 2018, the Human Rights Commissioner sent the Township of Centre Wellington a letter requesting the Township to address the use of Indigenous names, logos and images in Township facilities, by non-indigenous groups.
In response, the Township began work to ensure these elements are addressed respectfully, thoughtfully, and in a way that supports understanding and reconciliation.
As part of this work, the Township developed a Use of Indigenous-Themed Logos and Imagery Within or on Township Facilities and Properties Policy. This policy was created by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee’s Indigenous Logos Working Group, in collaboration with Indigenous partners and representatives from local lacrosse organizations.
The policy allows existing lacrosse banners to be reinstalled once a Permanent Contextual Display is in place. This display is intended to provide historical and cultural context, acknowledge the origins and significance of the imagery, and outline the Township’s commitment to ongoing learning and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.
The Township has been working closely with the Indigenous Logos Working Group, the Riverhawks, the Elora Hawks, Indigenous partners, and Indigenous artist Kory Parkin to develop the Permanent Contextual Display. The display, which measures approximately 19.5 feet long and 39 inches high, will be installed in the Jefferson Elora Community Centre above the doors leading from the arena pad to the lobby, adjacent to the lacrosse banners.
The Message The message underwent many revisions to reach the final draft, which is included below and inserted into the contextual display. The working group and Indigenous partners carefully selected the wording drafted in the Permanent Contextual Display to prevent history from being erased.
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.
The Artist Kory Parkin was recommended for his ability to blend the lacrosse/sport world and the indigenous world, and for his evident creative skills as an artist, who is also Kanyen’keha (Turtle Clan). Kory has worked with TSN, Sportsnet, Walmart Canada, CBC and many charitable organizations. Kory has also worked with leagues and teams in the NHL, PWHL, NLL, NBA, OHL, CFL, and more.
The Two Rows Together: An Appreciation Series was designed in parallel with creating the Use of Indigenous-Themed Names, Logos and Images within or on Township Properties and Facilities Policy. The series is a part of the Pathway to Respectful Indigenous Representation that the Township of Centre Wellington is committed to.
Balance and Respect: The Haudenosaunee Way is a learning session designed to deepen understanding of Haudenosaunee worldviews, teachings, and approaches to balance, governance, and community well-being. Grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, the session offers participants an opportunity to learn, reflect, and build awareness that supports respectful relationships and informed decision-making.
This session was part of the Township’s broader commitment to learning, reconciliation, and creating inclusive public spaces and services.
The following steps for this initiative are:
- Work to reinstall the banners with the Permanent Contextual Display in alignment with the lacrosse season opening in spring 2026;
- Focus on the education components of the Pathway to Respectful Indigenous Representation;
- Build out the webpage for the QR Code on the Permanent Contextual Display, including the Artist Statement, information about the Two Row Wampum, and the 99 Calls to Action.
Township staff are in the process of meeting with representatives from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the Six Nations of the Grand River to review and revise content on the website to accurately reflect the histories and treaty rights of local Indigenous communities. Staff will continue to work collaboratively with these groups as the program is rolled out.
Question #1
How do you feel about the policy? Do you feel this policy supports respectful representation of Indigenous Cultures?
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?
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?
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?
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
