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BOURNE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Change is coming to the small town of Bourne on Cape Cod, after the town select board unanimously voted to update their official seal. The reason for this change was to more accurately reflect the history of the coastal Cape community and the representation of Indigenous Americans. The seal has represented Bourne for 200 years, and some have deemed it to depict offensive Native American imagery and are calling for the change.
The town select board will be working with the Bourne Historical Commission to initiate this change. The Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, native to the Cape, will be involved in discussions with the town of Bourne to redesign the seal and create one that is reflective of proper Native American history, customs, and traditions.
At the most recent meeting of the Bourne Selectboard on February 21, Vice Chair Melissa Ferretti spoke about the proposed changes to the seal.
“I do agree [with the changes] and think it’s time, but I also feel that without the right amount of education, [the discussion] can turn into animosity amongst residents who have different views, so it [must] be done with respect. I believe that if people are educated, they will understand why [the seal] needs to be changed,” said Ferretti.
“I hope the new seal represents what we value in our community, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going [next], so I hope those conversations happen,” said another Select Board member in attendance.
According to the minutes from the meeting, the Bourne Select Board will revisit this issue after it is reviewed by the Bourne Historical Commission.
WBZ's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.
WBZ's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.