An Indigenous naming ceremony took place at Medicine Hat College on Sept. 23, 2022.

By Chris Brown

Ómahksípiitaa or Big Eagle

MHC honoured with Indigenous naming ceremony

Sep 23, 2022 | 3:27 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat College’s new Indigenous gathering space within its newly finished health, wellness and athletics expansion has been given an Indigenous name.

At a ceremony on Thursday afternoon, Dan Fox – a member of the Blackfoot Confederacy and MHC alumnus – gifted the space the name Ómahksípiitaa or Big Eagle.

At the ceremony, Elder Jim Langston told the story of the eagle feather, which signifies “the mark of a sophisticated culture and system that dates back eons” and the guardians of that knowledge. He then spoke about the gathering space, the land it sits on and interconnectedness of everything below.

The name was given following stories, songs, dances and honours.

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The Elders also acknowledged the work of Jennifer Kerslake, director of community engagement, and presented her with the name Ómahkatàyaakìì or Bobcat Woman. They said the name is a recognition of the hard work that helped make both the gathering space and the ability to host a naming ceremony in the space a reality.

“The tenacity of our students and employees who strive for reconciliation on this campus every single day makes me extraordinarily proud to be part of this community,” Kerslake said following the naming.

Watch the full ceremony