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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.