As part of the Children of St. Martha School Grade 6 Farewell Ceremony held on the evening of Thursday, June 16, 2022, staff and community surprised Superintendent Ken Sampson with a ceremony of his own.
The Superintendent was bestowed the name: Piitaa Awo’taan - “Eagle Shield”
Revered Elder, Peter Strikes with a Gun, indicated that the name is inspired by the Piikani Nation Flag, which depicts a shield with 10 eagle feathers. Strikes with a Gun drew comparisons between these symbols and our Catholic Faith - noting how the 10 feathers are reminiscent of the 10 Commandments and how the eagle is an intermediary that brings messages and prayers to the Creator. He also spoke to how Sampson himself is a protector and shield for our many children and schools across the school division.
“I am so humbled and blessed to have been given the Blackfoot name, Piitaa Awo’taan, and I am eternally grateful to Elder Peter Strikes with a Gun for bestowing it upon me,” remarks Superintendent Sampson. “I’m also feeling so grateful to the community of Children of St. Martha School for organizing all of this and to our greater community for their support. I’m particularly in awe of the generosity of Annette Bruised Head and her family who not only provided gifts to the Elder, but also gifted me with moccasins and a beaded necklace to commemorate the day. It feels like an understatement to say that I am so humbled and blessed by all of this - my heart is full of gratitude.”
For more information about this press release, please contact:
Anisha Gatner, Communications Coordinator,
Holy Spirit Catholic School Division
[email protected]
(403) 327-9555
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