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NEWS theifp.ca GDHS Rebels no more? Continued from page 1 ALPHA is a series of 11 interactive sessions that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith and life's big questions. No Pressure, no Follow up and no Charge! Dinner, Movie and Conversation, All are Welcome! St. Andrew's United Church 89 Mountainview Rd. South To Register call 905-877-4482 or email standrewsoffice@cogeco.ca prior to February 18. The Alpha Film Series Tuesday February 21 at 6:30 PM Dr. Caroline Teske & Associates - Optometrists Eyes Focused on You We set the standard for quality eye care and we provide comprehensive eye examinations for your entire family. 99 Sinclair Avenue, Suite 310 Georgetown, ON | www.eyesfocusedonyou.com 905.702.1616 Martel, who was responsible for designing the team's original logo, says while he understands times have changed, there was never any racist or prejudicial intent when choosing the name, but rather a result of popular culture at the time. "Romantics at heart, we were James Dean in Rebel without a Cause. We were Duane Eddy's "Rebel Rousers." We were Johnny Yuma, The Rebel, fighting oppressors everywhere. In 1962, we listened to the Crystals sing Gene Pitney's "He's a Rebel." Clearly rebellion was in the air and I guess we just picked up on it. "It is not difficult to understand, given the racist misuse of the so-called Confederate flag, and its Confederate rebel link, that something should be done to ameliorate the situation. Those who dislike what the flag now represents are justly concerned," he said. The school dropped all Confederate imagery years ago, but kept the name as is with a new logo. For Martel, who has dedicated much of his life as an advocate for aboriginal rights, points out the word "rebels" has many connotations and unlike team names like the Cleveland Indians or Washington Redskins, isn't inherently offensive. A classmate of Martel's, Halton Hills Coun. Bryan Lewis, was student body president when the name was first adopted and feels much the same way. Both men are members of the school's sports hall of fame. "It was never intended to be offensive," said Lewis. "We just intended to be somebody different and someone who wasn't going to be pushed around (on the field)." "For those of us who have been through the system --`I'm a Rebel' . I don't look at that as being a bad guy, I don't look at that as being a person, I don't look at that as anything other than having been a student at GDHS," he said. While Lewis also concedes the school's original Confederate imagery was probably a bad idea in hindsight, he maintains it was without malice and wasn't discussed in the same context 50 years ago as it is today. According to Kyle Stewart, a teacher at GDHS, the discussion to change the name arose as part of Halton District School Board's multi-year values plan, which partly focuses on equity throughout the region's schools. "We're in the investigation part of that possibility at this point in time," said Stewart. "We have an equity committee at the school, so a lot of this has come out of that equity committee where we're focusing on inclusion." GDHS principal Paul Daignault added the investigation into possibly changing the name is in its infancy and far from a foregone conclusion, adding the school is currently speaking to all stakeholders for input prior to making any decisions. While both Martel and Lewis said they wholeheartedly support inclusion in schools and support any initiative to that end, neither feels this is an appropriate way of doing so and see this as a bit of an overreaction. "Those who were part of the original search for a new name and symbolism back in the sixties feel as though their memories are being casually trampled on," said Martel. "I would prefer the Rebel name to remain, and if there are some people who have some concerns, that perhaps clarity (surrounding the history) be provided and let's just (move) on," added Lewis. A new cemetery for the general public is taking shape for residents in Halton Hills and their families. Devereaux Cemetery is located in a quiet country setting on the 17th Side Road, just west of Trafalgar Road. It's adjacent to the Holy Redeemer Cemetery and open to people of all religious faiths. Contact us for information about available interment options, either at time of need or in advance. rgetown The Directors of the Geo nd Bread Basket want to se to u Yo kout a Big Than the community for their overwhelming generousod response to support the fo bank over this past year. · Canned Pasta · Canned Fruit · Juice · Canned Vegetables · Canned Meat · Cookies · Cereal · Diapers - All Sizes Except 3 Owned and operated by The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of Hamilton Items needed most thIs month 55 Sinclair · Unit 12 · 905-873-3368 905-877-8500 l www.devereauxcemetery.ca Page 18 - Thursday, February 16, 2017 - The IFP - Halton Hills - www.theifp.ca www.GeorgetownBreadBasket.ca