Attendees at Wednesday's ceremony, April 14 2022. (Photo supplied by Anisha Gatner, Holy Spirit Catholic School Division)

By Justin Goulet

St. Francis Junior High School in Lethbridge receives Blackfoot name

Apr 14, 2022 | 6:50 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – St. Francis Junior High School has been honoured with a Blackfoot name.

On Wednesday, April 13, 2022, the community at the Lethbridge school took part in a smudge, face painting and special naming ceremony, which also included an honour song led by First Nations Elders Tom Little Bear, Shane Little Bear and Sherry Cross Child.

As part of the ceremony, St. Francis Junior High School was given the Blackfoot name of Naatowapoomahpis, which means ‘Our Sacred Home’.

Principal Devon Dempsey said, “it’s been over two years since our school community has been able to gather in person and the sheer honour of this event – having a Blackfoot name bestowed upon our school – is the perfect culminating experience bringing us together.”

“I know that the staff at St. Francis really sees our students as family, so this name comes full circle in describing how we feel about our students.”

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 2-8, 2024

Dec 02, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 12-17, 2024

Nov 12, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 4-10, 2024

Nov 04, 2024

During the event on Wednesday, both Tom Little Bear and Shane Little Bear shared two stories each about good luck and their hope to imbue that luck on St. Francis Junior High School and its students within the community. Tom Little Bear discussed his youth, describing his strong upbringing in both his Blackfoot ancestry, as well as his Catholic faith. He noted that he attended Ecole St. Mary, St. Francis and Catholic Central High School.

St. Francis’ new Blackfoot name will be prominently displayed. A livestream of the ceremony can be viewed below.