Sir John A. Macdonald controversy, poll, weekend events

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast from Friday, August 25, 2017 to Sunday, August 26, 2017

Today – Mainly sunny. High 22. UV index 8 or very high.

Tonight – Clear. Low 9.

Saturday, August 26 – Sunny. High 22.

Saturday night – Clear. Low 13.

Sunday, August 27 – Sunny. High 26.

Sunday night – Cloudy periods. Low 19.

Teachers want to rename schools and buildings named after Canada’s First PM

Delegates to the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Annual Meeting last week approved a motion that ETFO call upon all school boards to rename schools and buildings named after Sir John A. Macdonald.

ETFO officials say the motion recognizes that Macdonald has been celebrated based on an incomplete version of Canadian history.

As a central architect of the Indian Act and residential schools, Macdonald played a key role in developing systems that perpetuated genocide against Indigenous people, ETFO officials stated.

Passing this motion recognizes the impact this history has on all of our students, but specifically on Indigenous students, parents and educators.

“Our mandate is to support positive learning environments; safe and healthy schools for all of our students,” stated President Sam Hammond.

“What will our students understand about history if they are asked to learn in a school named after a major figure in the history of colonization and residential schools? We want to open up an honest conversation about historic injustice and its impact on the present day. In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we are asking school boards to consider changing the names of these buildings in recognition of the powerful impact our learning environments have on how our students see themselves.”

ETFO is committed to the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, ETFO officials say.

Their work includes developing curriculum and other resources for educators from Kindergarten to Grade 8 that introduce First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories and realities in age-appropriate ways.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario represents 78,000 elementary public school teachers and education professionals across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.

Poll: Should schools and buildings named after Sir John A. Macdonald be renamed?

[polldaddy poll=”9816476″]

Weekend events

Here is a look at what is going on this weekend:

– The Selkirk History Faire is taking place this weekend. The Faire is a unique re-enactment that celebrates the arrival in 1804 of a handful of Scottish families that would settle along the banks of the Snye River near modern day Wallaceburg. The event runs from Saturday, August 25 to Sunday, August 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MacDonald Park, corner of Langstaff Line and St. Clair Parkway, cost is free.

– The Knights of Pythias are excited to bring ‘Elvis’ to Wallaceburg this weekend. Colin Dexter, an Elvis Presley tribute artist, is set to perform at the UAW Hall in Wallaceburg on Saturday, August 26. The show on Saturday is set to run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20, and are available prior to the performance at the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre, Sue’s Kitchen, K-9 Klips and 99.1 CKXS. Proceeds from the show are going to the Ronald McDonald House in London, Special Olympics Ontario and two of the K of P’s signature events, the Wallaceburg Santa Claus Parade and the Wallaceburg Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more details, call 519-365-4854.

– The 5th Annual Juried Art Exhibit will have its official closing this evening at the Wallaceburg Museum. The gallery will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow. An official closing night will be held Friday, August 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Awards and cash prizes will be presented for: Exhibit winner, People’s Choice and Celebrate Canada Award.

Poll results: What are your thoughts about the summer of 2017?

Here are the results of last week’s poll question:

It flew by way too fast. 58.51% (55 votes)

Just right. Awesome summer so far! 15.96% (15 votes)

Can we have a re-do? 13.83% (13 votes)

Hurry up already… let’s get these kid’s back-to-school! 11.7% (11 votes)

Total Votes: 94

Photo of the day – Waterfront bicycling trail receives provincial recognition

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, used by thousands of bicyclists each year, has been named an Ontario Trail of Distinction by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

The trail, a signature project of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, stretches for 2,100 kilometres. In Chatham-Kent that includes 99 kilometres on Lake Erie and 69 on Lake St. Clair, making Chatham-Kent the single largest municipality in terms of trail length.

During the first week of August, the trail was visited by 156 participants from five provinces and 10 U.S. states in the annual Great Waterfront Trail Adventure ride.

Genevieve Champagne active transportation and special events coordinator for Chatham-Kent, said the municipality has a strong and growing reputation as a great destination for bicyclists.

“Cycling brings tourism to Chatham-Kent and every indication is that it will continue,” she said. “We have terrain which makes it easy for cyclists of all levels, we have beautiful waterfronts and a rural beauty that attracts people. From Mitchell’s Bay through Rondeau Bay and Erieau, it’s a beautiful ride.”

Champagne said in addition to the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure Ride, which has visited Chatham-Kent three times in the past five years, more than 200 cyclists took part in the 3Rivers Roll sponsored by Community Living Wallaceburg in July.

Cycling is part of the movement toward a healthier lifestyle,” she said.

“We’re fortunate to be part of something that will only get bigger.”

In a media release the ministry said the trail protects, connects, and celebrates the world’s largest group of freshwater lakes, serves as a catalyst for the regeneration of Lake Ontario, and is a much-loved and well-used fitness, recreation and tourism attraction.

Other trails to receive this honour include the Greenbelt Route, the Trans Canada Trail Ontario, the Bruce Trail and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Trans Ontario Provincial Trails.

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