File photo of the Galt Museum in Lethbridge. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Galt Museum and Archives honoured with Blackfoot name

Apr 27, 2022 | 10:55 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Galt Museum and Archives in Lethbridge has received a Blackfoot name.

Following an important journey with Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) Elders Bruce Wolf Child (Makoyiippookaa, Wolf Child) and Mary Fox (Mia’nistitsiiksiinaakii, Many Different Snake Woman), the Galt received the name Akaisamitohkanao’pa.

The Galt’s Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Darrin Martens and Curator Aimee Benoit received the name on behalf of the organization on Monday, with Galt staff and Blackfoot guests in attendance. A drum circle and dancers followed the ceremony, along with a feast.

Martens said, “we at the museum are honoured to have received this special name as it speaks to the past, present and future of the institution and the space it occupies in Lethbridge.”

“As Akaisamitohkanao’pa we embrace working collaboratively with the Niitsitapi community and walking the path of reconciliation together.”

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The name Akaisamitohkanao’pa means ‘an eternal gathering place’.

The Galt was the site of Lethbridge’s first hospital and the Galt School or Nursing. Officials note it offered a space where people most in need of medical attention were provided with care.

The transition of the building into a museum and archives signalled a transformation of the space to one of learning. More information is available at the Galt Museum and Archives website.