黑马磁力

Formerly the Saints, 黑马磁力 Secondary School (LSS) teams will now be known as the Thunderbirds.

LSS announced the change Wednesday, June 9, in a statement that said the Thunderbird is an Indigenous symbol representing power, protection and represents the identity and values of the LSS community.

Principal Marcello Moino said 鈥渨hen students can see an embodiment of their values, it helps to connect them better to their community.鈥�

黑马磁力 Secondary School unveils a thunderbird as their new logo. It鈥檚 a symbol that students and staff strongly connect with; one that is Diverse, Inclusive, a Community, and Strong. Read more here:

鈥� 黑马磁力 Schools (@黑马磁力Schools)

A student survey found approximately 80 per cent did not identify with the word or any visual of 鈥渟aint.鈥� Engagement with staff produced the same findings.

READ ALSO: Going the extra mile, 黑马磁力 Secondary teacher hailed education hero

A committee made up of administrators and staff consulted with current students, staff, alumni, District Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and four local First Nations.

The school sponsored an open competition, where artists from four First Nations in the 黑马磁力 School District were invited to submit their proposals.

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Kwantlen First Nation artist Brandon Gabriel was selected to work with muralist Dean Lauz茅.

鈥淲e wanted to ensure First Nations education leaders walked along side us on this journey to embrace the story of the Thunderbird and our school,鈥� Moino commented.

The school unveiled the new logo in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday June 9. Plans are to have a large mural of the Thunderbird painted in the gym in time for the opening of the next school year.