CCH honoured with Blackfoot name

Oct 29, 2020 | 3:46 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB- On Wednesday, Oct 28, a small group met in the Catholic Central High School Theatre to partake in a smudge, face painting, and special naming ceremony for the entire school.

Catholic Central High School(CCH) was the FOURTH institution in Lethbridge to be honoured with their Blackfoot name of “Taatsikioyis”.

CCH Blackfoot name

Kainai Elder, Tom Little Bear, led the ceremony by speaking about the cultural significance of the number “four,” and how appropriate it is that CCH should be the fourth institution in the City of Lethbridge to receive a name.

Little Bear spoke about the annual Sundance held on the Kainai reserve and the importance of CCH taking the name Taatsikioyis.

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Taatsikioyis translates to “Centre Tipi” which is a sacred centre of one of the most important events in the Kainai tradition.

CCH Principal Joanne Polec, was moved by the name.

“It truly felt like we were on holy ground, a most sacred space. Words cannot express how blessed I feel to have had the opportunity to be present in this moment of reconciliation today.”

“Together with the administrative team, the continued leadership of our Division First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Principal, Annette Bruised Head, and with the guidance and collaborative support from our elders and First Nations Workers, I have no doubt that we will endeavor to live up to the name we have been given.”

CCH’s new Blackfoot name will be displayed in the school’s front foyer, reminding all who enter that they are in a sacred place.

by Connor Gunn