The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS), in collaboration with the Miywasin Friendship Centre, held a traditional Blackfoot naming ceremony on September 23, 2022, in the MHPS Community Boardroom.  During the ceremony a Blackfoot name was bestowed upon the community space, to honor and acknowledge the Indigenous history of the land.

Medicine Hat is situated on Treaty 7 and Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (blood), Pikani (Peigan), Stoney- Nakoda, and Tsuut`ina (Sarcee) as well as the Cree, Sioux and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples and is also on the Métis Nation within District Two, Battle River Territory.  According to the most recently available census data (2021), Medicine Hat is currently home to approximately 3,225 residents who identify as Indigenous.

One of the goals of the MHPS Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan developed in 2021, was to create a respectful working relationship with all Indigenous people and enhance cultural understanding.  Working with members of the Chief’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, it was felt that renaming the boardroom would pay tribute to the history of this area being a traditional gathering spot for Indigenous communities.

During the ceremony the name, Aahkoinnimaan ni, was selected by Elder Charlie Fox of the Kainai Nation, a word that translates as the sacred pipe, a symbol of justice and peace that has a traditional role in the resolution of issues.

After the ceremony a come-and-go celebration was held to allow all community members an opportunity to attend and view a mural painted by local Métis artist, Ray-Al Hochman.  The room also has four canvas art pieces installed that were created by JoLynn Parenteau, an Indigenous housing and homeless navigator with the Miywasin Friendship Centre and a member of the Chief’s Indigenous Advisory Committee.  Each of the four paintings highlights the traditional language of the Blackfoot, Michif, Ojibwe and Plains Cree peoples. 

“Police Services throughout Alberta have been working toward answering the “Calls to Action” resulting from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” said MHPS Chief Joe West. “The Service is honoured to provide this gesture of recognition and acknowledgement of Indigenous peoples and the land we share.”

“The Miywasin Friendship Centre commends the MHPS for their steadfast commitment to reconciliation with Medicine Hat's urban Indigenous community,” said JoLynn Parenteau of the Miywasin Friendship Centre.  “From building relationships at the street level to inviting Elders in to honour their space with ceremony, the MHPS respects and acknowledges the traditional Treaty land where they work to protect and serve our community."

The Aahkoinnimaan ni room is a meeting space, that can accommodate groups of up to 60 people, and is available for community groups to book free of charge upon request.  To book the Aahkoinnimaan ni room, complete the Community Boardroom request form found the MHPS website.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416