In a statement issued to Thorold Blackhawks owners, Ralph Sacco and Tony Gigliotti, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Thorold expressed their concerns regarding the refusal of the Blackhawks owners to change their offensive team caricature.
The statement, signed by 31 members of St. Andrews Presbyterian congregation expressed their concern by stating, “On the surface of things, we think the Blackhawks logo should be changed – it’s good for everyone – it would resolve the perceived offence, provide a positive re-branding to your team, be an example of admirable conduct to the children who admire the Blackhawks and allow all involved to focus on the purpose of hockey – the game itself.”
The congregation also stated they are following all developments via local media and are concerned about how Thorold will be perceived by Canadian media and the broader Canadian public.
I still think the Thorold Blackhawk’s logo is a compliment to the strong will, courage, tenacity and fighting spirit of native people but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to change the Thorold Blackhawk’s logo if it offends native people.
Hi Garry,
If you read the original article re Blackhawks logo, you would have noticed that Mitch Baird of the Mohawk nation filed the first complaint. Baird has since garnered support from the Indigenous as well as non-Indigenous communities. There is no official petition but many people and organizations (Native and non-Native alike) have written letters in support of Baird and in support of the logo change, to Thorold City Mayor, Thorold City Council as well as to the Thorold hockey association and to the owners of the Blackhawks.
Hi Jennifer;
Thanks. I noticed after I made the comment that Mitch Baird of the Mohawk nation filed the first complaint.
I was just wondering how many native people are upset, how many are really offended by that Throrold Blackhawk logo, how may are signing petitions against that Throrold Blackhawk logo and how come the issue wasn’t brought up years ago when the logo first came out.
Don’t get me wrong. As I said above, it wouldn’t hurt to change the Thorold Blackhawk’s logo if it truly offends native people.