On renaming: a tale of two cities

In recent and past columns, Tom Brodbeck discussed the proposed renaming of Wolseley School, the latest in the current wave of renaming Winnipeg public spaces. His columns are quite informative, prompting my own thoughts on the matter.

This is a tale of two cities, thousands of miles apart, both dealing with the renaming of public schools in the face of undeniable and unpleasant historical facts.

I am compelled to full disclosure: I am Canadian, born in Winnipeg. My heritage is Indigenous/Métis, Scottish and English, documented and going back more than 1,000 years on both sides of the Atlantic. My ancestors include explorers, teachers, farmers and settlers living in Manitoba long before Lord Wolseley set out from Ontario. I am proud of my heritage — we have helped make this land “strong and free.” I self-identify as Canadian, no hyphens, and always “elbows up.”

This tale of two cities starts in Tangerhutte, Germany, a community south of Berlin.

In November 2023, in response to the demands of some residents, the leadership of a daycare and kindergarten named after Anne Frank announced the public school was to be renamed “World Explorer.” The reasoning for the change was that some parents had difficulty explaining the complexity of Anne Frank’s tragic story to their children, and so, demanded the school be renamed. Others were made uncomfortable with Anne Frank’s life story and preferred a different name.

The outcry was swift and worldwide. Overwhelmingly, historians and others cried out that removing Anne Frank’s name would be erasing history, akin to Holocaust denialism, racism and more. The world was united: history, no matter how unpleasant, must be remembered or else it risks being repeated. If it makes you uncomfortable, perhaps learning more about events is required. But what happened, happened and cannot be changed.

The mayor of Tangerhutte had the final say. He declared an end to the discussion and ordered the school to continue as the Anne Frank Daycare and Kindergarten. History won.

Now, two years later, a move is afoot to change the name of a Winnipeg public school. Situated in the heart of the Wolseley neighbourhood, the school also reflects a difficult time in history. As Brodbeck points out, Lord Garnet Wolseley was sent by Ottawa to quell an uprising and establish Canadian sovereignty in what is now Manitoba. Brodbeck’s research describes Wolseley as a racist who “helped unleash a wave of violence and intimidation against them (Métis and other Red River residents) — what became known historically as ‘The Reign of Terror.’”

There is no question that this is the case, but how does renaming a single public school accomplish anything but erasure of history? It is far better to recognize what took place, when and why, — to learn from it.

Furthermore, renaming a single school is only sticking a toe in the water. What about Lord Wolseley School in Transcona? Wolseley Avenue? The entire Wolseley neighbourhood? The many other communities and public facilities across Canada and the world bearing his name?

A case can be made to rename the school, just as one can be made to leave it alone. Both are highly emotional and must be examined in their context, as eventually happened in Germany. Rename Wolseley School if you insist, but do so in a way that recognizes history.

This is not the first such renaming to occur here in recent years, and will not be the last. What I propose is a way to manage such requests so that all sides are heard, historical fact is recognized and acknowledges that we are all human beings who have faults and blemishes.

First, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and/or Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew should strike a standing independent committee to review all requests for renaming public facilities. This committee should be apolitical and include a historian or two, representation from the Métis and Indigenous communities, as well the public. (Perhaps Brodbeck would like to assist?). The committee will be charged with receiving proposals for and against the renaming. Factors to consider should include the long-term implications for the community, cost and impact, and frankly, if the renaming is really necessary. This committee could then make recommendations as to what actions should be taken.

(In the case of Wolseley School, I suggest using the name(s) of former Wolseley School students, teachers or area residents who have left a mark on our community — it would be most appropriate.)

The committee might then ask the CMHR or Manitoba Museum to establish a (permanent?) exhibition about the specific tumultuous time(s) in our collective history that brought about the renaming(s), so that proper examination of all that was involved is available to future generations.

Above all, keep history alive, warts and all, so future generations can learn from it.

Todd Pennell wrote for media, national and international marketing for over 50 years before landing with the volunteer group that conceived, funded and built the Millennium Library.