Mayor’s Blackfoot name recognizes “difficult things” ahead

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Lethbridge Mayor Rajko Dodik  is “deeply honoured” to receive the Blackfoot name of “Night Rider.”

The non-Aboriginal mayor was recognized in a special naming ceremony led by Blackfoot Elder Francis First Charger as part of the official opening ceremonies for the Lethbridge Aboriginal Week festivities, held at the GALT Museum and Archives on June 18, 2012.

 “When I first learned that I was going to be given a name by Elder Francis First Charger I was quite stunned,” said Dodik. “The quality of our lives are only enhanced when we practice inclusivity, accept and celebrate diversity… That is very important for us to do that and for everyone in our community, our province, our country to ensure that we do that.  As a political figure I can say that I am committed to ensuring that Lethbridge fosters good relations with the Aboriginal community and to the Blackfoot Nation.”

Typically names are chosen symbolically based on a personal trait or childhood experience. For the mayor’s name, First Charger called upon a personal childhood memory.

“I always try to give an appropriate name.  This name is based on one of my childhood experiences. When you are naming a person, and you do it in public, it’s a witness to the public that a name has been given to you and you’ve been recognized by the community,” said First Charger.

At the podium First Charger said he was “honoured… to give the Mayor an Indian name.”  With that he began to reminisce about his teenage years. He told of his love for horses and horse riding. He painted a picture of a landscape vastly different from today. He spoke of wide-open spaces, no fences or boundaries.

First Charger told of a particular day when he and a friend had been out riding. They stopped at his mother’s house for dinner, but wanted to return the horses before it got late. His mother suggested they wait until morning, but “when you’re young you just don’t listen,” he said.

So they set off on the four-mile trek in the black of night. Along the way their horses were spooked and took off galloping home. He explained how the terrain was pitted with holes and littered with boulders. They were headed in the direction of a coulee and a new road construction with steep ditches. 

Frightened all First Charger could do was hold on. They were at the mercy of their horses. As if sensing danger the horses slowed for every ditch, missed every hole and took the coulees slowly. Instinctually they navigated the terrain and safely made it home.

Speaking to Dodik, First Charger said, “The name I am going to give you is after that story. You will be heading towards some unknown; some very difficult things lay ahead of you. If you hold on to those things that you believe in, and hang on to them, you will make it… So his name is Night Rider.” 

The ceremony symbolized the recognition of Lethbridge leadership by the leadership of the Blood Tribe. 

“This is the leadership of the Blood Tribe recognizing, honouring and welcoming outside leadership.  It fosters good relationships between our tribe and the Lethbridge community,” said Travis Plaited Hair, Lethbridge College First Nations, Métis and Inuit advisor and event emcee.

 “We always like to recognize individuals that have stepped beyond their doors… to come out and help as much as they can in the native community… to help our people better their lives in the city,” he added.

Photo caption: Lethbridge Mayor Rajko Dodik is given the Blackfoot name “Night Rider” by Elder Francis First Charger. (Photo: Rachel Lambert)