Mural done by Ray-Al Hochman in the MHPS boardroom. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Aidan Boelsgaard

MHPS boardroom receives new name, mural to honour Indigenous history

Sep 23, 2022 | 4:08 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Police Service and the Miywasin Friendship Centre held a naming ceremony Friday for the community boardroom at the station.

Elder of the Kainai Nation Charlie Fox chose the name Aahkoinnimaan ni for the room which is a meaningful Blackfoot name that means “sacred pipe.”

Along with the name change is a new mural that has been painted inside the boardroom as well. The artwork was done by local Metis Artist Ray-Al Hochman, with the mural being accompanied by 4 other canvas paintings provided by JoLynn Parenteau, a family liaison worker with the Miywasin Friendship Centre.

Insp. Brent Secondiak explains how the name ceremony came about, and its importance.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“It really came out of our Indigenous action plan that we created in 2021, and that was really about creating stronger relationships with the Indigenous community in Medicine Hat, and really about cultural awareness, not only to our officers but to the public,” he said.

Const.Lori Parasynchuk was also bestowed a Blackfoot name that translates to Holy Shield Women.

The boardroom is available to be booked by the public every Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.