MUN drops Ode to Newfoundland from convocation ceremony

There won't besunrays crowningthegown-clad grads at Memorial University anymore at least not in song.

As of Thursday's convocation ceremony, the university has stopped singing theOde to Newfoundlandat the end of the event a tradition dating back to the beginning of the graduation ceremony in the 1950s.

The move was made after a unanimous decision by the school's presidential advisory team made up of president Vianne Timmonsand seven vice-presidents, includingLisa Browne.

Browne, in charge of advancement and external relations,said the main reason for dropping the song the province's official anthem is because it excludes Labrador.

"If you're from Labrador and you're in the audience and you're listening to an Ode to Newfoundland, you may not feel that same source of pride and inclusion," she said.

With lyrics like "God guard thee" and "as loved our fathers, so we love," Browne said there are other considerations as well.

"It's focused on faith, for example," she said. "It's focused on one part of the province, and so why upset people within the audience when you want something to be fun and joyous for people?"

The move comes as part of the school's push to be more inclusive and equitable, a priority for MUN.

In May 2021 the university approved the addition of"and Labrador" to its name, though the province still needs to amend the Memorial University Act to make the change official.

• The Ode to Newfoundland, just not as you ever heard it

InJuly 2021, MUN appointed Catharyn Andersen as its first vice-president Indigenous another step towardthe school's priority of Indigenization, which calls formore Indigenous leadership at the institution.

Browne said getting rid of the Odeis another one of those steps.

"We're trying to marry the pomp and circumstances with the change that you see in the world," she said, adding there are other changes at convocation as well, including clapping between namesand a stage redesign to make it more accessible.

The Ode is a long-standing cultural tradition in this province. And, you know, quite frankly I'm disappointed that MUN would drop the Ode.- Steve Crocker

Education Minister John Haggiesaid Thursday he was surprised to not hear theOdeduring the convocationbut MUN has the right to make its own decision.

Arts and Culture Minister Steve Crocker saidhe was disappointed not to hear the provincial anthem.

"The Ode is a long-standing cultural tradition in this province. And, you know, quite frankly I'm disappointed that MUN would drop the Ode," Crocker told reporters at the House of Assembly on Thursday.

Opposition House leader Barry Pettensaid he hopes MUN reconsiders removing the song from the ceremony, and notedthere are ways the song could be made more inclusive.

"We sing Ode to Newfoundland when the legislature closes. Why not add Labrador?" Petten asked. "I'm OK with that. But I don't think you should not sing it."

Interim NDP Leader Jim Dinn expressed a similar sentiment.

"I have two members in the House of Assembly with me, my two colleagues from Labrador West and Torngat Mountains who I think want something that's more inclusive," Dinn added, referring to MHA's Jordan Brown and Lela Evans respectively.

"Maybe that's an approach, and maybe that's something we'll see in the future."

Shanneygannock frontman Chris Andrews, who hassung the Ode more times than he can estimate, says he understands both sides of MUN's decision.

"It's an old song, and maybe it's time to change it up a little tiny bit, to make it more inclusive for everybody," he said. "But it would be really sad to see it go away."

"If we continue to keep losing lose these things that make us unique, we're just going to be the same as everybody else, and you know, that's we're known for our uniqueness," he said.

Browne said they could talk about whether to have a more inclusive ode representing the province as a whole, but any change in lyrics would have to come from the provincial government.

It's an idea Andrews understands.

"I do get it, it is a little outdated, it could use a tune-up, no doubt. And maybe that's something that can be done. It could be tuned up a bit and not be lost"

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