A Vancouver Island high school is determined to sink the Armada.
No, the Alberni District Secondary School (ADSS) isn’t training cannons at incoming ships, the Port Alberni school’s athletic department is taking aim at the nickname its sports teams have carried for decades.
In a seeming nod to the region’s colonial Spanish history, the teams have been known as the “Alberni Armada.” But the athletic department says students, staff and coaches no longer believe the nickname has a connection with the school community and does not represent the school’s values. “Armada” is Spanish and Portuguese word for a fleet of warships.
“As a result, the ADSS Athletic Department has decided, through careful consideration and analysis, to move forward with a process that will result in a nickname with which we can all identify and be excited about,” reads a media release issued Monday.
The department says it will consider such things as Indigenous history and culture, athletics, school history, geographical location and iconic events when selecting a new nickname. There will also be an opportunity for community members to provide ideas and feedback. No timeline for a public process was provided.
The department says it will be working collaboratively with Indigenous partners throughout the process.
“We are cognizant of the many alumni that have played or cheered for an Armada team and who have enjoyed the associated school pride,” the release reads. “Those experiences and emotions will remain a part of ADSS history, to be cherished and remembered by all.”
“As we move forward, we must not fear change, but rather embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Opening a new chapter in our history is a positive, collaborative movement forward and we are excited about what the future holds for our school.”
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