The Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP) at the University of Lethbridge has marked a significant milestone with the gifting of traditional Blackfoot names for both the program and its new learning facility.
During a naming ceremony, Blackfoot Elder Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief) Francis First Charger and former ULethbridge vice-provost Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Leroy Little Bear bestowed the names Sokinaki Okakssksin, meaning “making people well,” for the medical program, and Sokinakiitaissksinima’tstohkio’pi, meaning “centre for healing,” for the building that will house SAMP.
The ceremony highlighted the program’s commitment to reconciliation, cultural respect, and community-based medical education.
Leaders from both the University of Lethbridge and the University of Calgary said the names represent not only an honour but also a responsibility to build strong relationships with Blackfoot communities and provide culturally safe healthcare education.
SAMP welcomed its first class of students on July 6. The partnership between the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge allows students to earn a UCalgary medical degree while training in southern Alberta, with the goal of helping address physician shortages in rural and regional communities.
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