Mohawk banners are back at Elora community centre
Art piece adds context to lacrosse banners
ELORA – The banners have been back for a while and so has the contextual display.
But visitors to the Jefferson Elora Community Centre should take a pause, look at the historic Elora Mohawks banners, and consider the words and symbolism in the accompanying art piece by Indigenous artist Kory Parkin.
Council and members of the township’s advisory committees gathered on June 10 for the official acknowledgement of the display, which has been worked on by staff; the diversity, equity and inclusion advisory committee; members of the Riverhawks and Hawks lacrosse executive; and members of the Indigenous community.
It hangs inside the arena over the doors to the lobby beside the Mohawk banners.
Centre Wellington Township received a letter in 2018 from the Ontario Human Rights Commissioner requesting that the township address the use of Indigenous names, logos and images, by non-Indigenous groups, in township facilities.
The Elora Mohawks subsequently changed their name to the Hawks and township staff got to work to try to ensure these elements were addressed respectfully, thoughtfully, and in a way that supports understanding and reconciliation.
“The goal was not to erase history but provide broader context,” said managing director of community services Adam Gilmore.
Lacrosse is an Indigenous sport referred to as The Creator’s Game, and appropriating words and symbols without context, learning or building relationships with Indigenous communities is disrespectful and potentially harmful to Indigenous youth, who need to see themselves as more than stereotypes, officials say.
In a video clip, Parkin talked about the symbols he used in the piece, called Two Rows Together: A Path of Truth and Accountability.
The two rows are the two nations – Indigenous and settlers. The Tree of Peace is a sacred symbol of unity. Purple represents the Haudenosaunee people. All together it represents living parallel paths while respecting the laws, traditions and ways of life of each other.
“Reconciliation is not a destination,” said Mayor Shawn Watters. “It’s an ongoing commitment. And this is an important milestone.”
More about this piece and the ongoing work the township has undertaken, can be found at centrewellington.ca.
