What’s in a name?

While we were visiting Scott’s family, we received our Indian names. It’s tradition for grandmothers to name their grandchildren. The ceremony was at Scott’s mom’s house. Isn’t the view gorgeous?

Aunt Kathy called us up individually and read the name Grandma was giving us and why. (Grandma is deaf so it’s hard for her to speak loud enough for groups to hear her.)

Scott was given the name of Passa Moo Tee Yah orr See Koo (Pondering and Thoughtful Tortoise), because he has always been thoughtful and premeditative in his actions.

I was given the name of Xet Xats t Sah Xwayp (Strong Grass Roots) because I bring life and hope to things considered dead or lost.

Scott’s mom gave all her grandchildren their names.

Lily was given the name Youk Youps (Mariposa Lily) because of her name Lily, and also because she adds flavor to our lives. (Mariposa Lilies have small onions grow at their roots which the Okanagan use to flavor their soups.)

Zeke was given the name A Eech Kwah La (Meadow Lark) because that was Scott’s Grandpa’s favorite bird to listen to in the morning (Zeke resembles his Great Grandpa).

Scott’s Mom, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles also received their Indian names.

At the end of the ceremony, Scott’s mom and her siblings gave Grandma an honorary Indian name: Mama Grizzly Bear. (Grandma was originally given her Indian name by her grandma. But she has since forgotten it.)

We’re so grateful for the opportunity we had to receive our names from these great women.