Based on input from “stakeholders, including students,” the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) said it will form a committee to review the name of Sir John A. Macdonald school..The motion was passed by the board last Tuesday calling for a committee to be formed to support the board in “an informed decision on whether to change the name” of the school named after Canada’s first prime minister and the “complex history attached to the name.”.Macdonald was the nation’s first prime minister from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891 representing the Conservative Party of Canada. Macdonald is credited with laying the foundation of modern Canada, completing the Canadian Pacific Railway and was a principal figure in the creation of the British North American Act and the establishment of Canada as a nation on July 1, 1867..However, within the last two years, he has been widely criticized for his treatment of Canada’s indigenous population, the development of residential schools and his role in the creation of the Chinese Head Tax..The committee will be tasked with:.reviewing and consider historical research and analysis related to the school name;engaging with stakeholders;following guiding principles when conducting review and making recommendation(s); andproviding recommendation(s) to the Board.. Screen-Shot-2022-05-02-at-11.10.32-AMSir John A. Macdonald school .The Board of Trustees will confirm committee members, comprised of seven individuals including trustees, CBE staff, the school council chair and members of the community..“The Board is committed to conducting this work in a thoughtful manner that considers the diverse perspectives of students, staff, families and community members. More information will be shared about the process when details are confirmed,” said CBE in a statement..Although the chosen committee with do the review, the decision to change the school’s name will remain with the Board of Trustees..In June 2021, the CBE changed the name of Langevin Junior High School in northeast Calgary to Riverside School..The school was originally named Riverside, but was renamed after Hector-Louis Langevin in 1936. Langevin — a Canadian lawyer, politician and one of the Fathers of Confederation — is also tied to the creation of residential schools..“In order to educate the [indigenous] children properly we must separate them from their families,” Langevin was quoted in Parliament, adding if they remain with their families, “they will remain savage.”.Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,mrisdon@westernstandard.news,.Twitter: @MelRisdon
