Calgary Board of Education renames Langevin School as Riverside School effective immediately
A school in northeast Calgary, which bore the name of an architect of Canada's residential school system for decades, has a new name.
In a letter to parents sent Tuesday morning, the Calgary Board of Education announced a motion had been passed to rename Langevin School as Riverside School.
The school was originally known as Riverside Junior High School before it adopted the Langevin name in 1936.
According to CBE officials, the board of trustees has heard numerous concerns from students, staff and community members regarding the Langevin name and work has been underway to revise the school's name and the tragic discovery of the remains of 215 residential school students in Kamloops, B.C. "emphasized the importance of reconciliation and the need to demonstrate our commitment to the students we serve."
The City of Calgary previously changed the name of the Langevin Bridge to the Reconciliation Bridge to remove ties to Hector-Louis Langevin, a father of Confederation, who oversaw the system where thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and placed into residential schools.
The passing of the motion followed Mayor Nenshi's declaration in Monday's council meeting calling on the CBE to change the name of Langevin School and for the Calgary Catholic School District to rename Bishop Grandin High School.
As recently as March, the CBE refused to hear a trustee’s motion on changing Langevin’s name saying it wasn't an "emergent item."
"The Board is currently focusing attention on finalizing a process including criteria by which schools, including Langevin School, may be considered for renaming," the CBE said at the time. "The board recognizes the significant nature of this work and are approaching this work thoughtfully, while remaining committed to respectful dialogue that honours the traditions of schools and the interests of all concerned stakeholders."
The Calgary Catholic School District, in a letter to parents sent Tuesday, announced any decision on the possible renaming of Bishop Grandin High School would be part of a process involving the community.
"The Calgary Catholic School District takes all Indigenous matters seriously and are deeply saddened by the discovery in Kamloops," said Dr. Bryan Szumlas, CCSD chief superintendent. "As Catholics, we are deeply sorry for the residential school movement of the past. We are committed to the education recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Calls to Action report.
"When it comes to the possible renaming of a CCSD school(s), the Board of Trustees will be considering feedback from stakeholders such as parents, staff, students, Catholic Bishops and Elders in our Indigenous community.
"It is easy to be distracted on other issues like changing names of schools, but we are staying strong, in devoting this week to prayer for the loss of the Indigenous children. On Friday, we encourage you to join us as we pause for 215 seconds of silent prayers in memory of the children."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.