Southern of ATCO named honorary chief

The Blood Reserve has bestowed the title of Honorary Chief of the Kainai on ATCO president and CEO Nancy Southern. In a traditional ceremony July 21, Southern was given the name Aksistoowa’paakii or Brave Woman. “For many years, ATCO and its people have worked alongside the communities of Treaty 7 and their leadership teams have taken the time to learn about our culture and traditions,” said Chief Charles Weasel Head, in a news release. Southern said she was “deeply honoured” to receive the chieftanship. Also inducted in the ceremony were Michael Mahon, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge (Iipisowahsi or Morning Star) and John Jurrius, president and CEO of Native American Resource Partners (Sootainaa or Rainy Chief).