by Alex Rinfret-The school board voted Tuesday (Feb. 24) to take the first step in changing the name of the district to simply "Haida Gwaii" from "Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte".The change was requested by the Haida Education Council, a group of educators, band council members, and trustees.School board chair Wayne Wilson said it makes sense to drop the "Queen Charlotte" portion of the name because the Council of the Haida Nation doesn't want the name used any more. The CHN resolved at last year's House of Assembly to return the name "Queen Charlotte Islands" to the crown.Trustee Christine Martynuik asked whether the CHN had sent the name back yet, and Mr. Wilson said he would try to find out. Other than that, the possible name change did not generate much discussion.Superintendent Angus Wilson explained that in order to change the name of the district, the board must consult with the public and stakeholders, review responses, then pass a motion to change the name, if trustees still want to do so. The name change then has to be approved by the provincial government.Following Tuesday's decision, the district issued a notice advising the public that it is contemplating the name change and will accept input until May 8. Input should be sent to awilson@sd50.bc.caThe school district has been through this process before. In 1995, trustees voted to change the name of the district to "Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte" from just "Queen Charlotte".