Community asked to help choose new name for Ryerson elementary

Hamilton's public school board is asking for community input on a new name for a west Hamilton school.

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board trustees voted unanimously at a June 7 meeting to review the name of Ryerson Elementary School. The decision came in the wake of the discovery of unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in British Columbia.

The school on Robinson Street in Hamilton's Kirkendall neighbourhood bears the name of 19th-century educator Egerton Ryerson, born in Norfolk County, who helped develop Canada's public school system, but also influenced the development of the residential school system.

In a Feb. 14 letter to families, the board said renaming Ryerson is an Indigenous-informed process that embraces ethical engagement, consultation with local Indigenous communities, and the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation."

We have engaged Indigenous knowledge keepers to understand how the land has shaped human and natural activity on the school site, and to suggest potential names," the letter reads.

Now, the board is accepting name suggestions from the community.

Contributors are asked to review guiding principles" - which include commitment to truth and reconciliation, ongoing Indigenous consultation and consensus by listening to opinions, among others - prior to submitting a name.

The board said in the letter the process will focus on the historical and current activity, significance and energy of a place ... to uncover potential names which might be in Indigenous languages."

A naming circle" of Ryerson students, staff - including Indigenous Education Circle members - and community members will be established this month. The committee will review potential names, and recommend one to the board of trustees in the spring.

Submissions can be emailed to ryerson@hwdsb.on.ca or shared in a survey until March 21. Suggestions can also be shared at upcoming consultation sessions.

Kate McCullough is an education reporter at The Spectator. kmccullough@thespec.com