CENTRE WELLINGTON – After a two year process of numerous meetings and consultation, Centre Wellington Minor Lacrosse Association (CWMLA) have announced a new name for the 2022 season.
They will now be known as the Riverhawks, which CWMLA president Nathan Joyes said in an announcement video Wednesday morning was one of the most popular submissions from the community based on polls.
“It holds special meaning to the area as it is the nickname for the native Osprey,” Joyes said.
“The Osprey is a fierce bird of prey frequently found nesting along our iconic Grand River.”
The organization previously used Mohawks as a name and used Indigenous imagery in its logo.
Joyes stressed in the announcement this process wasn’t easy or straightforward.
He said after a 2019 decision by the Ontario Human Rights Commission regarding the use and harm caused by Indigenous names and logos they were prompted to take a proactive approach to change the name.
“After that decision, the commission wrote to 40 different municipalities advising them of the harmful impact of Indigenous-themed sports logos in municipal facilities,” Joyes said in the video.
“The commission further advised municipalities of the harmful impact of stereotypes on Indigenous youths. Changing our name was simply the right thing to do
Joyes said proper concern was needed to ensure that the history of lacrosse in the area was preserved as they moved into a new era.
“This new brand will pay homage to the past and provide a new, unique and long-lasting name in lacrosse circles, as well as all other local sporting communities,” Joyes said.
The CWMLA executive states in the press release they are looking forward to the future of the Riverhawks in Centre Wellington and hoping for a return to normal lacrosse in 2022.
