Lethbridge leaders honoured by Blackfoot community

    It may not be standard practice in other Alberta cities, but when people call Mayor Bob Tarleck at Lethbridge City Hall, they are greeted with “Hello” in Blackfoot.
Tarleck has worked for the past 40 years to establish positive relationships with the First Nations communities around Lethbridge, and was recognized for his work by being bestowed with a traditional name shortly after his election to mayor nine years ago. In 2005 he was also inducted into the Kainai chieftainship.

“I was overwhelmed with that honour. There is only a certain number of people at any one time who can be on the Kainai chieftainship, and for me to be honoured that way means a great deal to me,” said Tarleck.

In 1991, Tarleck was recognized by the Alberta Human Rights Commission for his work with the First Nations community. During his tenure as mayor, a policy of including First Nations people on as many committees as possible was implemented.

“The success of the city of Lethbridge in the future will depend on how inclusive we are. If we make a particular effort to welcome new Canadians into our circle, but we don’t include First Nations and Métis people, we failed. We are right in the heart of Blackfoot territory here,” said Tarleck.

First Nations people and communities have been supportive of Tarleck over the past 40 years, and, he said, he has worked through economic, housing, educational and arts initiatives to do the same in turn.
Tarleck’s Blackfoot name, as given by Pete Standing Alone, is Ako’tasi, which means ‘Owner of Many Horses’ or ‘Many Horses.’

“Someone who has been in office as long as I have, I’ve had many honours, but this is the most important to me, the most deeply personal,” said Tarleck.

Last November, Lethbridge College President Tracy Edwards was also recognized, when Blackfoot Elder Francis First Charger honoured her with the name Matoomikitstaki, ‘First Offering,’ during the College’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit days.

Edwards said, “I was incredibly humbled and honoured to receive this name. Since Lethbridge College is resident in traditional Blackfoot territory, it gives me a strong bond to our Blackfoot friends and a true appreciation for the beautiful land we are privileged to share. We have been building our relationship with the Blackfoot community for a number of years now. When I received this name, it was an indicator that we are making good progress.”

First Charger said, “I was very honoured to give Tracy an Indian name. When grown ups are given names it has to be done publicly, they have to earn it because it’s a great honour. When Tracy first came to the college a few years ago, and this had never happened before, she asked for advice, how to go about some things. We sat down several times. One of the things I said was, ‘We never felt part of the college before. Now you’re on the road for us to feel a part of it. I think it’s very appropriate that you get a name because you’ve acknowledged and worked with the communities.’”

A name can come from a spiritual experience of the Elder who bestows it, said First Charger. “Not too far from my place is a great big rock. I used to go there and sit, just enjoy, think and pray. One of my first offerings I brought there is named after Tracy, so that is why I gave her the name ‘First Offering,’ and Tracy is so proud of it. She has it right on her business card.”