Premier Rachel Notley honoured with Blackfoot name Braveheart Woman

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley was honoured with the Blackfoot name Braveheart Woman and presented with a traditional headdress from an elder in Lethbridge.

The ceremonyhappened atthe annual International Peace Powwow and Festival, which showcases Indigenous art and culture, on Saturday evening.

Notley is the first premier in more than a decade to receive a traditional Indigenous name, since Ed Stelmach was namedStar Chief in 2007 by the Blood Tribe.

Other notable Albertans who have received Blackfoot namesinclude former wrestler Bret Hart (Courageous Chief) and former prime minister Stephen Harper (Chief Speaker).

"I think mostly I walk away just being incredibly grateful and humbled to be given such an amazing name," Notley told reporters.

"And I know there are some days when you have to go into what you do with that approach, but I think frankly, that there are people throughout this room, throughout this building and province that do that each and every day, and those are the people I'm inspired by, whether they have a name or not."

The honour also marked the first time in the powwow's 20-year history a sitting premier has attended and taken part.