Thorold Blackhawks Logo Change | Postive Initiative | Mutual Respect | Inclusiveness
Inclusiveness Is the Goal in Ban of Racially Offensive Team Logo in Thorold Community Arena.
There is unity in community. Inclusive and mutual respect for everyone in the municipality is the goal of an initiative recently announced by City Council in a ban of the original Thorold Blackhawks hockey team logo in our Community Arena.
Visitors headed to the Thorold Community Arena on Front Street can expect to find a fresh image in the City-owned facility as the Blackhawks logo has been removed from the public property. The socially progressive initiative was formulated following dialogue on the use of the Blackhawks logo that started in 2013 with City Council, Thorold Jr. B. Hockey team, Thorold Amateur Athletics Association, as well as community groups, local businesses, and representatives of the First Nations organizations.
“The updating of the Thorold Blackhawks team logo helps Thorold to be a reflection of quality Canadian values and it honours and respects the dignity of neighbour. The process of reconciliation with First Nations people has to do with all Canadians and I am pleased that our local Council, community and the Thorold Blackhawks hockey team are actively taking such steps. Thorold is a wonderful city. We are blessed when we live in compassion, demonstrating mutual respect for all groups to build and prosper together,” said the Reverend Ken MacQuarrie, Minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Thorold.
The City of Thorold is moving forward with the times. Reconciliation with First Nations people in Canada must be achieved at all levels of government including the municipalities.
This local plan in Thorold is one way our city initiative can be part of the national social movement. Local supporters of the change have endorsed the initiative to eliminate the Blackhawks logo on public property. Members of the First Nations organizations and Native citizens have embraced Council’s leadership to get the Blackhawks logo changed.
“We appreciate the leadership by the City Council and taking action. Not only do we applaud the Council, but other community groups, religious organizations, and others for their dedicated support that shows the First Nations people there is mutual respect in Thorold, and no place for offensive, derogatory images aimed at Native people,” said Mitch Baird, the first proponent to request a change to the Blackhawks logo.
The CBC quoted the owner of the Thorold Junior B Blackhawks, Ralph Sacco as saying the team has a new logo prepared to roll out, however, the business expense of printing new uniforms has held up the process that commenced in 2013.
The Reverend Ken MacQuarrie says “I am tremendously pleased to hear of the updating of the Thorold Blackhawks team logo. This is a wonderful example of admirable conduct to the children who admire the Blackhawks, it helps Thorold to be a reflection of quality Canadian values and it honours and respects the dignity of neighbour. Our Canadian heritage is scarred with pain. As a leader within the Christian Church, I am deeply aware of our own historic role in wrongdoing toward First Nations people. Reconciliation is the only way to bring healing. The process of reconciliation has to do with all Canadians and I am pleased that our local Council, community and the Thorold Blackhawks hockey team are actively taking such steps. Thorold is a wonderful city. We are blessed when we live in compassion, demonstrating mutual respect for all groups to build and prosper together.”
As a positive change agent in the community, the City has facilitated a plan to re-brand the Blackhawks including creative ideas for a new logo by designers. In the facilitation process, financial support to help teams purchase new jerseys and equipment has been offered by a few local businesses and organizations committed to the plan for an inclusive community moving forward.