The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary has bestowed a profound honour upon its dedicated encampment outreach team, gifting them with a sacred Blackfoot name that connects their modern mission to a storied warrior tradition.
A Name Rooted in History and Honour
In a ceremony of deep cultural significance, the team has been named Sapaatsimaitapiks. This powerful title was gifted by Siksika First Nation Elder Clement Leather, as announced by the centre in a December news release. The name intentionally draws a parallel to the Siksikaitsitapiks, also known as the Brave Dog Society.
This society was a revered warrior group among the Blackfoot peoples, historically recognized not just for their distinct bravery in battle, but more importantly for their sacred duty to act as protectors and caretakers for the most vulnerable members within their community.
Modern-Day Protectors on the Front Lines
In a direct reflection of this ancient role, the Calgary encampment team serves as modern-day guardians for vulnerable individuals. Their work extends far beyond basic outreach. The team provides essential services including:
- Harm reduction support and basic needs provision.
- Creating pathways to secure housing.
- Bringing Elders, traditional ceremonies, and medicines directly into encampments and community gatherings.
The team's impact is measurable and significant. Since its launch on May 8, 2025, they have responded to 1,497 service requests, averaging about 11 calls for help each day. Their on-the-ground efforts include conducting 1,351 wellness checks and distributing critical supplies:
- 804 emergency food hampers
- 567 emergency hydration packs
- 288 emergency clothing kits
- 124 extreme weather kits
Tangible Results and a Sacred Duty
Perhaps the most powerful metric of their success is the number of lives they have helped transform. In 2025 alone, 42 individuals have moved from encampments into stable housing, entered treatment programs, or been successfully reunited with family, all with the team's direct support.
Shane Gauthier, CEO of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, emphasized the weight and meaning of the new name. "To receive the name Sapaatsimaitapiks is a reminder that this is not just outreach; it is a sacred duty to care for our relatives," Gauthier stated in the release. "Seeing 42 people move forward on their journey is the ultimate validation of that duty."
The naming ceremony solidifies the team's work within a framework of Indigenous cultural values and historical continuity, honoring their commitment as the contemporary embodiment of protectors who courageously care for those in need.
