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'Inclusion is beautiful': Canadians praise Girl Guides for swift name change from "Brownies" to "Embers" after racial backlash

'Embers may be small, but they’re full of potential,' The Girl Guides of Canada revealed about the new name

Elianna Lev
·4 min read
'Inclusion is beautiful': Canadians praise Girl Guides for swift name change from "Brownies" to "Embers" after racial backlash

The Girl Guides of Canada have announced the new moniker of their branch serving seven-and-eight year-old participants, a move that was made with the intention of being more inclusive.

After putting two potential new titles to their members in a vote - Embers and Comets - it appears that the former was the preferred name.

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“Embers may be small, but they’re full of potential and when they work together, they can ignite a powerful flame,” The Girl Guides of Canada wrote on a social media post, announcing the change.

The unit was formerly known as “Brownies”, which some felt was discriminatory and harmful towards racialized members. The organization consulted with current and former racialized members when deciding on a new name.

“We have heard from racialized girls that this name has caused them harm,” the organization wrote on social media back in November. “We cannot cause harm to any girls, so we are taking action to create a place where all girls belong.”

Many online celebrated the announcement, praising the organization for caring about the wellbeing of their members and evolving with the times.

Some were unaware of the negative implications of the previous name for the group.

Some weren't impressed with the name chosen.

Others wondered about the logistics of how embers work.

Switching over to the new name is expected to be officially in place by September 1. Parents looking for guidance with the name change can learn more about it here.