��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ launches Centre for Feminist Research

caroline.zentner — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:28:42 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has launched the Centre for Feminist Research (CFR) to bring together scholars from all disciplines who are employing a feminist lens in their research work, from gender and equity to society and empowerment.

The Centre for Feminist Research welcomes Ryan Crosschild and Dr. Tara MacDonald.

“The Centre for Feminist Research is an opportunity to bring together an interdisciplinary group of world-class scholars and students from across campus who are committed to the study of women, gender and intersectional power structures with the goal of creating a more just society,” says Dr. Janay Nugent (BA ’95), associate dean in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Dr. Tara MacDonald, an English professor with expertise in cultural studies, has been appointed director of the CFR, as well as the program coordinator for the BA and MA in Women and Gender Studies.

“The idea of the CFR is to create an interdisciplinary hub for faculty, but also for post-docs, grad students and even undergraduate students,” says MacDonald. “This work is already happening, but it’s often happening in silos.”

Originally from Nova Scotia, MacDonald earned a PhD at McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in London, she taught at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Amsterdam. Before joining ULethbridge, she spent 10 years at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Idaho as chair of the English department and an affiliate faculty member in women and gender studies. Also joining MacDonald as a new member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community is Ryan Crosschild, assistant professor in sociology. Both will contribute to teaching in the women and gender studies program, and both will help to shape the new research centre. Five faculty members from three faculties and schools will serve as the inaugural advisory committee, with additional members being welcomed as the centre grows and develops in its first year.

Along with elevating feminist scholarship on campus, MacDonald wants to reach out and partner with local, regional and global communities to advocate for meaningful change. Providing mentorship and experiential learning opportunities for students and early-career scholars will help build their professionalism. Such collaboration could also identify external funding opportunities.

As a centre devoted to scholarship and applied student learning and focused on coordination and collaboration, the CFR has the potential to enhance and expand research opportunities and course offerings across faculties.

“Feminist research has probably never been more important than it is right now, and in the few weeks I’ve been here, I’ve been really impressed by the quality of work that’s already happening on campus,” says MacDonald.

Native Awareness Week to include pipe ceremony

caroline.zentner — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 18:54:30 +0000

This year’s Native Awareness Week from March 6 to 10 will pay tribute to the long-held relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Indigenous peoples.

Among the many events taking place, the U of L, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, will be unveiling its own ceremonial pipe, made by an elder from the Piikani First Nation and engraved with a pronghorn.

“The offer of prayer with a pipe is very significant and powerful for the Blackfoot people,” says Ryan Crosschild, a U of L program specialist. “It is a form of Blackfoot law making and therefore, when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ offers prayer for the pipe, it is for the university community so they can continue to be successful.”

“During our 50th anniversary year, the U of L is honoured to receive the ceremonial pipe,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president and vice-chancellor. “In the years ahead, the pipe will serve as a symbol of the special relationship that exists between First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.”

Native Awareness Week provides a reminder for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community, Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike, to learn more about Indigenous culture and practices and reflect on the history, sacrifices, contributions and culture of FNMI peoples.

“This week reminds us that we have to also acknowledge the tough subjects and negativity that have come from years of colonization and to re-emphasize the importance of reconciliation,” says Crosschild. “Native Awareness Week is one of the ways to showcase culture and bring awareness to the issues identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and to start a dialogue to figure out the best way to move forward.”

The pipe will be unveiled during the opening ceremonies that begin at 11 a.m. on Monday in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Atrium. The Grand Entry Mini Powwow is scheduled to begin at noon.

Other highlights of the week include a public lecture by Dr. Linda Many Guns, a professor in the Faculty of Native American Studies. The talk, entitled The Indigenous Collective Mind, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8 from 3:05 to 5 p.m. in Room B660, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall. On Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., Jackson 2Bears, a Mohawk multimedia artist based in Victoria, B.C., will present FNMI Art & Creative Cultural Praxis. A full schedule is available on the U of L Notice Board.

UNews - Ryan Crosschild

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ launches Centre for Feminist Research

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Native Awareness Week to include pipe ceremony

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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ launches Centre for Feminist Research