After what’s been a trying few weeks since his passing, Thursday marked a special day for Narcisse Blood’s family. The University of Lethbridge announced the Native American Student Lounge will be named after Narcisse Blood’s Blackfoot name, Tatsikistumik.
“It really does pay a lot of tribute to him,” said Blood’s grandson Blaise Russell. “After all, he was a big influence within the faculty of the University and for community members as well.”
It’s truly fitting the lounge be named after Blood. He both graduated and taught at the University, but his impact stretches far beyond the University walls.
“It’s not just what he did locally,” said friend Leroy Littlebear. “He was known throughout the Indian community at large, and through the United States.”
Towards the end of the event, gifts and much-needed comfort was given to Blood’s family, in what was an emotional afternoon.
“We’re all touched, and there’s no words that could really articulate the emotions that we’re going through,” said Russell. “It’s a really tough loss for not only us, but the community as well.”
Those who knew Blood hope new students entering the Tatsikistumik Lounge can live by the words Blood so often spoke.
“Today those who spoke kept repeating ‘You have to keep trying,” said Littlebear. “In Blackfoot, in his words, Mukaket. Try hard.”
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