What will Chippewa's team name be? 282 suggestions submitted

A committee will whittle down almost 300 suggestions on rebranding Chippewa after a report on the rebranding process of the school was released.

The report is co-authored by Superintendent Gay Smylie and Chippewa Principal Krista Tucker Petrick.

Boxes were placed in the school office for staff and students to self-nominate themselves to be on the rebranding committee.

A shortlist, from the 282 responses received so far will now be made.

"Consultation with community groups is underway. The committee continues to meet to prepare for the voting process. The committee will continue its work until the end of the school year, or until a vote of the students and staff can be taken to determine the new team name, whichever comes first," says the report.

Notably, no mention was made of renaming the school itself.

See" Will Chippewa Secondary keep its name?

The committee will look at a new team name, mascot, motto, school colours and school logo.

The last team name, since dumped, was the Raiders. The mascot and logo in the past have had an Indian theme with the motto of Carpe diem, from the Roman poet Horace, which means "Seize the day." The school's colours are scarlet and gold. In the past the school's yearbook has been called "Smoke Signals."

"Setting criteria for name suggestions to be provided to staff and students in order to keep them appropriate, in line with school values and the values of the NNDSB, respectful and to ensure there is not cultural appropriation before we send it out for comment, review and consultation," says the report.

The committee feels keeping the names confidential is "important to build momentum and excitement for the time it comes to vote, as well as ensuring that they do not inadvertently engage in cultural appropriation or not understanding how one of the suggestions would be offensive.