This month, New York state education officials are expected to finalize new regulations which will require school districts with Native American names or imagery in their mascots to drop those names — or face strict consequences. 

Big changes are likely coming to Canandaigua city schools. Jamie Farr is preparing for it.

The name Canandaigua comes from a Native American word meaning “chosen spot.” The city at the north end of Canandaigua Lake has a deep Native American connection. Since the late 1940s, the school mascot has been the “Braves.” 

Therein lies the problem.

“I think some people are really passionate about our name and our symbol,” said Farr, superintendent of Canandaigua schools. “And some people feel like it's time to move on."

Farr says it’s a sensitive topic. New York state education officials in April will vote on new regulations that would effectively ban the use of Native American names and imagery.

“We also have a fiscal responsibility to our community,” said Farr. “And there's a cost associated with this.”

It’s not just the cost of replacing uniforms, scoreboards and fields. Failing to remove the “Braves” name could result in the loss of millions of dollars in state aid — not to mention to the removal of administrators.

Canandaigua has formed a stakeholder group to study the situation. Farr held a community forum — answering questions from the community.

“People were passionate one way or the other,” he said.

The only way Canandaigua can keep the Braves name, says Farr, is to have it in writing from a federally-recognized New York state tribe. Farr wrote a letter to Seneca Nation leaders explaining that the name — and the Haudenosanee friendship belt contained in the logo — actually honor Native Americans and their history. He says the letter was well-received, but the Senecas won’t take part in the decision.

“I had a lot of interactions with the Haudenosaunee leaders, and folks in there were nothing but wonderful and supportive of us,” said Farr. “I don't want any ill feelings going their way they don't deserve.”

Farr believes a new mascot for Canandaigua schools is inevitable. He says one popular consideration would be to drop the letter “s” and call the mascot “Brave.” Whatever happens, he says it will be left up to the community.

“We’re proud of Canandaigua,” said Farr. “That's what we're proud of, the history and the tradition of Canandaigua. The name is one thing, but who we are as community, that’s the important piece that people need to remember.“