About this episode
A name can carry a family’s history, a moment that changed a life, or a way of seeing someone for who they are.
In episode eight of Indigenous Ivan, Ivan explores Indigenous naming through stories from his own family and life. He shares the origins of Chief Big Belly’s name, the names given to his sons, and the childhood experience behind his Cree name, which he translates as Thunderbird Head. He also explains how Eagle Tail became his family’s surname, connecting a naming ceremony with his father’s choice to honour the father figure he knew.
Along the way, Ivan reflects on close calls in New Mexico and at Sylvan Lake, where a stranger rescued him and his sons. His gratitude becomes a reflection on kindness and belonging.
Personal, moving, and sometimes humorous, this episode explores how names honour a person’s unique story—and why accepting people for who they are matters.