The Indigenous figure is described as some has being stereotypical of native people.
Some Etobicoke residents believe our Coat of Arms has run its course and it’s time it should be retired.
There has been much discussion going on for five years that the Etobicoke Coat of Arms features anti-Indigenous stereotypes and should be scrapped.
Some are upset the depictions includes an Indigenous figure kneeling above a banner that reads “tradition,” facing a European explorer above the word “progress.”
The Indigenous hunter’s days may be numbered.
Councillor Stephen Holyday with Etobicoke Coat of Arms behind him at Civic Centre. Photo courtesy CBC.
Councillor Stephen Holyday, who represents Ward 2, is bringing a motion on November 8 before Etobicoke York Community Council, calling for a pause until a review is conducted.
Holyday, who represents Etobicoke Centre, plans to call for a staff report on the origins and meaning of the Coat of Arms by the end of the year.
“There’s deeper meaning here,” Holyday told CBC Toronto. “And the meaning that I don’t want to lose is an earnest effort by the city of Etobicoke back in 1977 to recognize the Indigenous history on this land.”
Etobicoke Coat of Arms above door to council chamber.
Holyday said he has researched the origins of the Coat of Arms and he’s come to the conclusion that it represents the peaceful co-existence of Indigenous people and Europeans in Etobicoke.
The city acknowledges the harm and pain this imagery may have caused to staff and Indigenous community members.
Concerns were raised by city staff and members of the public about the outdated, stereotypical imagery of an Indigenous person that can be considered cultural appropriation,” city spokesperson Russell Baker told CBC Toronto.
“Engagement with several city divisions, including the Indigenous Affairs Office and People & Equity…determined that the Coat of Arms does not reflect the city’s values of reconciliation and inclusion.”
The Coat of Arms is displayed prominently at Etobicoke Civic Centre, above a chamber room and on some of its stationery.
The controversial Etobicoke Coat of Arms at the Kipling subway stop.
It is also displayed at the Kipling Subway station and other venues.
The controversy began in 2019 when several members of the community suggested to city staff and politicians that the Indigenous figure was drawn in a way that could be considered a racist caricature, according to Holyday, chair of the Etobicoke York Community Council.
The issue wasn’t pursued by staff or politicians then, he said. But recently there have been renewed complaints from staff at the Etobicoke Civic Centre and members of the public that prompted staff to re-examine the issue, he said.
A City Manager said the Coat of Arms were removed from two prominent spots in the centre of the council chamber at the civic centre and from a window above the door to an adjacent meeting room.
“Removing the Coat of Arms from this location will contribute to creating a safe and inclusive space for members of the public and city employees, which is a top priority,” one city beaureaucrat said.
The matter was brought to the front burner by Chief Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in 2019 who called the imagery disturbing and has been calling for a public discussion on its use.