Soldier apologizes to Winnipeg girl named Isis after confusion over name

A nine-year-old Winnipeg girl says she is happy to have received an apology from a member of the military after a snafu at a Grey Cup event over her name.

On Friday, Isis Fernandes took part in an obstacle course at an event put on as part of the 103rd Grey Cup celebrations. When she completed the course, she was supposed to receive a certificate with her name on it.

But a soldier with 17 Wing told her he didn't believe her name was "Isis" and refused to give her the certificate.

Fernandes said the incident was upsetting, but she was satisfied with the soldier's apology.

"He said he is really sorry. He didn't mean to do that," Fernandes said. "He said it was very loud and he asked a lot of kids what their names was more than once and he didn't intend to hurt my feelings."

Both Isis and her mom, Amanda Fernandes, are hoping others will stop associating the name with the terrorist group the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

"There's so many girls who are going through the same thing," Amanda said. "We want to create awareness that her name is beauty and has nothing to do with terrorism or bombing."