AFCC Hosts Historic Naming Ceremony for Her Honour Salma Lakhani
The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) proudly hosted, organized, and planned a historic and deeply meaningful ceremony: the traditional Blackfoot Naming Ceremony for Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. This sacred event, held on August 25, 2025, was a powerful act of kinship that affirmed a lifelong relationship between Her Honour and the Indigenous community.
“To bestow a traditional name is to welcome someone into our community in a deeply meaningful way. It is an act of kinship and a testament to the enduring strength of our culture,” said Shane Gauthier, CEO of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary. “We are incredibly honoured to recognize Her Honour, Salma Lakhani, for her dedication to reconciliation and inclusion.”
During the ceremony, Her Honour was bestowed with the name Iss’stoo’tsimaakii, which translates to “Eagle Plume Woman”. This name, granted by respected Blackfoot Elders, is among the highest honours, symbolizing trust, respect, and mutual responsibility between the name holder and the community. The ceremony was a powerful symbol of reconciliation, recognizing Her Honour’s enduring commitment to the well-being of all Albertans.
The event featured cultural performances by the Blackfoot Drummers, Gina Onespot, and Kyle Snow, and included the unveiling of a commissioned artwork by renowned local artist, Kalum Teke Dan, created to commemorate this historic occasion.