Hello Everyone,
As some of you may have seen, the Algonquin Student Association (SA) has come out with a new announcement regarding the name change (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3014937698573368&set=a.293970434003455 It provides no quantitative data to reinforce their case. Instead, they made up numbers that prove nothing (i.e. "thousands" of students don't identify with Thunder).
I want to highlight some of the key points they've made (and my follow up thoughts) below. Please feel free to include these and your ideas to the Thunder social media posts.
Point 1) The Change from CAATS to Thunder & the Truth and Reconciliation Argument
The latest post highlights that Algonquin has changed it's varsity nickname once before-- from the acronym CAATS to the Thunder. But they don't seem to talk about how that change took place. About 30 years ago, the Athletic Director at the time (Ron Port), reached out to a local Algonquin tribe in Maniwaki to discuss the varsity program's name. He was directed to the elders, who were appreciative of his engagement, and sent him 14 options, including Thunder. Thunder was chosen, and the elders were informed of the decision. The formally blessed the decision and thanked the school for engaging them in the discussion.
Thunder came from a Truth and Reconciliation meeting before it was a hashtag on social media.
Point 2) "CAATS, Thunder, or Wolves, are our first names. Algonquin is our last name."
When introduced, the team is called "the Algonquin Thunder," so Algonquin is, in essence, a first name. The nickname is the surname of the Athletics program. It connects students to the history of the college's proud varsity programs who achieved success both on and off the playing field. It is a rallying cry, and an identity rolled into one.
Point 3) Thousands of Students & Unified Student Identity
No data is supporting the claim of "thousands of students" not identifying with Thunder. In the poll, only 853 students responded, of which 418 still chose Thunder over the three alternative options. If this logic were relevant, the 80 people who voted for an SA president in the recent elections should correlate to a dissolving of the Student Association, as it is apparent students don't relate to the SA either.
Changing a brand name won't magically create some form of Student Identity. Students buy into school spirit when they're given something to believe in. At Ottawa University, the mascot is the "GeeGee" a nickname for a horse that no one today would choose to make their school's name. But due to spirit weeks, alumni events, Frosh and more, students identify as a GeeGee throughout their lives. Instead of alienating varsity supporters and alumni, the Board should focus on bringing us together.
Point 4) College Coat of Arms
The latest in a shrinking list of reasons from the SA is the Coat of Arms argument. For those who haven't seen the Coat of Arms, it's attached to this update. It does indeed feature two wolves standing on either side of the shield, but prominently on the shield are three thunderbolts. The idea that wolves flanking the shield means they have to replace Thunder as a logo holds no water.
Point 5) "Your Board of Directors believes the name Algonquin Wolves will highlight and respect these traits within our community while embracing the Algonquin College values of caring, learning, integrity, and respect."
All indications by the Board have, so far, made a farce of the Algonquin values. They have not shown care for current or former students and athletes by ignoring the only attempt at gathering quantitative data. They have not learned that we won't be scared off by a broadcast address. They have not shown integrity by being upfront with us through this process; instead, they continue to lead us around in circles and tuck their tails, praying for us to give up. Finally, they have shown zero respect-- to staff and students, for the memories athletes have made wearing the Thunder badge, and most importantly, no respect for a democratic process.
The Board is meant to act as the voices of the students. They are intended to represent student interests. In this matter, they have fallen short.
Thank you for continuing to express your outrage constructively and respectfully, everyone. Please know that your fellow #Thundies will not rest until the Thunder name is back where it belongs for the 2021 season.
#OnceAThunderAlwaysAThunder #KeepTHUNDER