Making History Today

The City of Lethbridge Oki sign outside of the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao'pa.

Oki. A relatively small Blackfoot word—however it is packed with meaning and cultural significance. The word can mean many things in English including: ‘hello’, ‘greetings’ and ‘welcome’. It is an active, action-oriented Niitsitapi word and can set the tone for dialogues and engagements of all sorts. As the official greeting for the City of Lethbridge, adopted in 2019, Oki recognizes the importance of Indigenous land and space within a contemporary, colonial, settler context. The official greeting is now part of history.

At the Galt Museum & Archives (Akaisamitohkanao'pa, eternal gathering place), being welcoming and inclusive of others is part of our commitment to the communities that we serve. The organization and its team members have been on a journey with many Blackfoot elders and Knowledge Keepers over the years to build understanding, relationships and opportunities for mutual benefit. We endeavour to be respectful partners and friends in a time of reconciliation.

Earlier this year Akaisamitohkanao'pa was gifted a very special honour by the Blackfoot people– a painted tipi. Elders Bruce Wolf Child (Makoyiippookaa, Wolf Child) and Mary Fox (Mia’nistitsiiksiinaakii, Many Different Snake Woman) bestowed upon the organization through CEO and Executive Director Darrin Martens (Aaká óóhkotoki, Many Rocks) and Curator Aimee Benoit the rights and responsibilities of hosting a tipi. The organization takes this commitment very seriously. In July of this year the museum will erect the tipi onsite and hold a community feast. At that time, we will have a ceremony and share with the community that has given so much to the organization. We, as an eternal gathering place, not only reflect the history of southwestern Alberta but we continue to facilitate it as well.