Announcement: SA Board of Director Decision
The Board of Directors approves the name Algonquin Wolves.
Published: April 2, 2020- The Students’ Association Board of Directors approved a policy to express its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in Canada on behalf of its membership.
- The SA then initiated a rebranding process to reconsider the name of its varsity program to symbolize its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and to find a name with the right narrative that would reflect the values of the Algonquin College community and establish not just a varsity identity, but also a college identity.
- To determine these options, the SA consulted first with the local Indigenous community to determine name options with each supported by a narrative.
- Next, the SA held a college-wide survey to gauge the community’s preference for a name and narrative that would establish an Algonquin College identity, and not just a varsity athletic identity.
- Survey results shown here showed that Thunder received the majority of votes by a slim margin, but that more students in total voted for some version of Wolves.
- Other considerations included the feedback received through Board linkage with students, the values expressed in the narratives for Thunder and Wolves, the marketability of the name, and the ability to establish an identity on all campuses of Algonquin College.
- Finally, the Board considered what name would most signal a renewed commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
Ghadban
Thank you to everyone who participated in this process.
The SA Board of Directors is sensitive to the emotional attachment that some have to the “Thunder’ and commits to honoring the history and legacy of the Thunder as part of this process.
We look forward to your continuing participation in the branding process going forward, and the unveiling ahead.
Shanti Cosentino, President
Algonquin Students’ Association
The results are in!
In October of 2019, the SA began a rebranding process to consider the possible renaming of its varsity program in order to symbolize our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. In addition to Truth and Reconciliation, the SA wanted to be sure that the name and branding supported a strong narrative that would reflect the values of Algonquin College and create a unified student identity.
One of the ways the SA gathered feedback was through an open survey online for staff, alumni, and current students. The results of the survey are shared below.
A total of 853 current students voted.
Current Students Voted
Thunder (49%)
Wolves (29%)
Grey Wolves (16%)
Good Wolves (6%)
Overall
Wolves (51%)
Thunder (49%)
Breakdown by Segment
Alumni
Staff
The Stories
Algonquin Thunder
In the spring, our Grandfathers, the Thunderers (also referred as our Ancestors), are telling us that winter is over, that life is again returning to Mother Earth, and that the rain will soon come to help crops grow. The Thunderers also help to protect us from evil or danger by sending out loud warnings.
Algonquin Wolves
One of the Seven Grandfather Teachings is Humility, represented by the Wolf. The Wolf symbolizes loyalty, strong family ties, good communication, education, understanding, and intelligence. Of all land animals, the Wolf has the strongest supernatural powers and is the most accomplished hunter. The Wolf is a very social and communicative creature. He uses body movement, touch, and sound. The Wolf has an important cultural significance to Indigenous people.
Indigenous people have great respect for Wolves because of their likeness. Wolves, and people, hunt, gather, defend, and even educate their community or pack. Indigenous people have always respected the Wolf as a family-oriented animal. Wolves mate for life. They watch and protect their young until they are old enough to be independent, and protect their elders.