The selection of SFU Red Leafs was two years in the making.
SFU retired its previous name "The Clan" on August 12, 2020 at the request of its student-athletes. In 2019, student-athletes Initiated a survey in which 77% of respondents voted in favor of initiating the process to change the team name.
Following an extensive stakeholder engagement process, the Varsity Team Name Working Group was formed, comprised of student-athletes, coaches, Athletic and Recreation Department staff, and student representatives from SFU First Nations, Métis & Inuit Student Association, was formed in Dec. 2020.
After extensive work and reflective discussion, the Working Group established principles, values and criteria considerations enabling them to do their work in a respectful and meaningful manner. It was determined that the new team name would reinforce SFU's institutional commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and as such, not cause harm to any group; and reflect shared values of excellence, integrity and accountability, inspire unity and be a source of pride.
Once the foundation for dialogue and consideration was agreed upon, extensive creative work and discussion took place. The Working Group considered and vetted over 65 names in a meaningful way and consulted the creative agency DDB Twice throughput the process.
Two names were ultimately recommended by the Working Group. These two names were initially vetted through individual conversations within the SFU community, including Indigenous and academic leaders and equity, diversity and inclusion champions. Conversations and consultation also took place with numerous student groups, including the Simon Fraser Student Society, Indigenous Students Centre, SFU Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry, and SFU First Nations, Me´tis & Inuit Student Association. SFU also sought feedback on the names from nine Host Nations.
In June 2022, following consultation from the Host Nations, and after careful deliberation and thoughtful conversation, the Varsity Team Name Working Group recommended a new name to SFU President Joy Johnson and the SFU Executive Team.
On July 19, 2022 SFU President Joy Johnson and the Executive Team unanimously and enthusiastically endorsed the name Red Leafs for SFU's varsity athletic teams.
The SFU Red Leafs were unveiled on Sept. 6, 2022.
SFU Red Leafs
Our Red Leaf is the ultimate symbol of our SFU unity. Behind this revered icon have stood generations of athletes and coaches from all over BC, across the country and around the world, who have chosen our University to pursue their passion. Grounded in our strong and rich athletic history, and united by the symbol of the SFU Leaf, our athletes wear the SFU colours, together with pride. Every time we don our leaf, we are inspired by that timeless sense of unity, and harness that shared teamwork and determination to charge into each new season with a renewed sense of passion, inspiration and commitment.
We are the SFU Red Leafs.
Unity. Teamwork. Loyalty
#RepTheLeaf
