On November 29, 2022, the Board of Trustees received a request to rename École Coloniale Estates School (ÉCES), and since this time has been discussing and educating themselves in terms of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

The Board held discussions with Elders, Indigenous leaders, Indigenous Studies professors and others – in particular, they heard from people who were most impacted by the nation’s colonial legacy. All feedback received formed critical components in the Board’s process to decide whether or not to rename the school.

The Board also informed the ÉCES school community of the upcoming renaming decision, and solicited comments and questions to assist trustees in ensuring they would be able to take into account community perspectives in the renaming process.

The community feedback opportunity was not designed to be an opinion poll, which would have required a different format. The feedback received was one of the several sources of input the Board had to consider.

The overarching themes of the comments focused on Cultural Sensitivity, Practical Considerations (including costs) and the Broader Implication of changing the school’s name. With some of the comments it was difficult to clearly delineate whether they were neutral and/or for or against the renaming.

Of the 702 comments received:

• Approximately 24% were strongly opposed to a name change
• Approximately 10% were strongly in favor of a name change
• Approximately 41 – 47% were moderately opposed to the name change

Themes in favour of a name change:

• Support for Truth and Reconciliation (TRC): Many comments emphasized the importance of supporting the Calls to Action and saw the name change as a necessary next step.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Respect: Respondents highlighted the need for cultural sensitivity and respect of Indigenous peoples.
• Educational Impact: Some comments suggested that a name change could serve as an educational tool to raise awareness about Indigenous Issues.

Themes Opposed to a name change:

• Unnecessary use of Resources: Comments focused on whether or not time and resources could be better utilized elsewhere.
• Historical and Community Identity: Numerous comments emphasized the importance of the identity of the community with the current name, and that it should be respected and maintained.
• Skepticism towards Change Motivation: Some comments suggested that the perception of a name change was a symbolic gesture, rather than an authentic and impactful form of addressing colonial history.

The Board believes their June 19, 2024, decision to proceed with the school renaming is consistent with the Division’s mission, vision, and values, and that this process can be completed without incurring great financial costs and take into account the rich history and culture of Beaumont.

The Board would like to thank the community for their comments, and will use this information to have a collaborative renaming process that ensures that feedback received will help guide their next steps.

Students, staff, parents and the wider community will have the opportunity to provide suggestions for a new school name in the next phase. More information to follow in the Fall.