Emily Carr S.S. has been on a journey to address cultural appropriation and reimagine their identity as a school.
Working closely with the Indigenous Education Team, the school began a process of learning about cultural appropriation and Indigenous education and removed totem poles and a Thunderbird mascot from the school. As part of that journey, they also reimagined their school, replacing the school's mascot and motto and rebranding the school. Students and staff all had an opportunity to provide their input, vote on a new school mascot and come together to create a mural that reflects their identity as an inclusive school.
“I was asked to come in and talk to staff and I did. We had a conversation about the totem poles and the thunderbird mascot, and where they fit within the culture. It was really about starting the conversation and helping staff have a sense of knowledge to work with and let them take that time, which they did,” said Andrew McConnell, Coordinator of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education.
"We're taking the initiative to become more culturally appropriate, as well as take input from staff and students to make sure they have a say in the new changes that are coming up," said Laily, a Grade 11 student at Emily Carr S.S.
"We have grown so much as a community. We now have the knowledge and understanding to both take the initiative to make sure that we make the necessary changes and to respect all communities," said Jaytin, a Grade 10 student at Emily Carr S.S.
In developing the new mural, all students and staff had an opportunity to mix paints and paint a piece of the mural.
"We are including everyone's voice - students and staff - collecting their shared conversations about who we are and what defines us," said Maryclaire Odorico, Teacher at Emily Carr S.S. "We are looking to redefine ourselves for today and bring in all the voices as part of the decision-making in bringing along that change."
"As we move forward, we're walking into a situation where we have a new mascot, a new motto and a new vision for the school," said Tanya-Lynn Paul, Principal, Emily Carr S.S. "Everyone has been part of the creation of it. "