UNews - Mike Mahon

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Navitas announce internationalization partnership at Calgary campus

trevor.kenney — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:48:16 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Navitas today announced a strategic partnership that will greatly enhance international education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and offer new opportunities for international students to begin their academic journeys in Calgary.

The foundation of this partnership is the ULethbridge International College Calgary (UICC) to be located in the heart of Canada's fourth largest urban centre.

Having now been approved as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on the Government of Alberta’s recommendation, UICC will begin recruiting international students this fall.

As a next step, Navitas will work collaboratively with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and its community over the summer to design programs and shared services that will help to prepare international students for academic and personal success.

The goal of UICC is to offer an integrated and highly customized program that includes academic course content, study skills development and wraparound social and academic support systems that will allow students, upon successful completion, to progress to second year in certain undergraduate degrees at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ at either the Calgary or Lethbridge campus, including the Dhillon School of Business. ULethbridge retains full control over all academic aspects of the UICC program.

Navitas has nearly 30 years of experience establishing successful pathway programs with publicly funded universities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. This will be Navitas's fifth partnership with a Canadian university; its first was with Simon Fraser ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ beginning in 2006 followed by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba in 2007, Toronto Metropolitan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in 2020, and Wilfrid Laurier ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in 2021. Combined, these programs welcome approximately 5,000 international students from more than 90 countries each year. Ninety per cent of students progressed from Navitas’s Canadian programs to their host university.

More information on UICC programs and registration information will be available later this fall.

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is a destination for students from around the world and our partnership with Navitas will create more opportunities for international students to attend our institution," says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. "In addition to preparing our students for the future, attracting bright young minds from around the world will enhance economically and socially the many communities the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ serves."

Scott Jones, Group CEO, Navitas, says, “The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will benefit greatly from the Navitas global marketing network and to a pathway program that puts the needs of international students first. ULethbridge’s commitment to nurturing student success and personal growth, promoting a diverse and inclusive community combined with its reputation for teaching and research excellence makes it an ideal destination for international students. We look forward to introducing Lethbridge and Calgary to international students and promoting the high-quality post-secondary education for which both Canada and ULethbridge are known.”

Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson, President & CEO, Navitas ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Partnerships North America (UPNA), adds, “The ULethbridge International College Calgary will quickly become an important addition to Calgary’s vibrant downtown community, welcoming international students from all corners of the world to begin their university journeys there. We are delighted to welcome ULethbridge to the Navitas community and look forward to many years of collaboration supporting student success.”

ULethbridge joining provincial partners to form Quantum Horizons Alberta research network

trevor.kenney — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:03:28 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is partnering with ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary to form Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA), a new $25-million Alberta-wide initiative to expand our foundational knowledge of quantum science and pursue transformational research into the potentials of quantum physics. Initiated by a group of visionary donors, QHA will grow Alberta’s considerable capacity in quantum research.

“Quantum research is transforming our world by offering solutions to difficult problems much faster and better, opening up new opportunities in areas like security, finance, drug development and studying climate change,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “Supporting fundamental research today is absolutely vital to achieve major scientific breakthroughs tomorrow.”

QHA will bring together world-class scientists to deepen our understanding and unlock the mysteries of quantum mechanics, where the rules of classical physics do not apply. Quantum science studies the properties and behaviours of the very small or very cold building blocks of the universe, exploring the world beyond what we perceive around us. From creating Bose-Einstein condensates at the lowest temperatures in the universe, to understanding the mysteries of spooky action at a distance with entangled particles, quantum is the field of novel discovery.

While there are practical applications today, such as medical imaging, lasers, electron microscopes, and new approaches to computing power and cybersecurity, dedicated foundational science is required to extend the horizons of knowledge in the quantum realm and open untold and unpredictable possibilities.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Alberta’s major research universities to bring this new pan-Alberta initiative into existence and continue on the path of having a globally recognized hub of excellence for foundational quantum research based here in Alberta,” says Richard Bird, speaking on behalf of the group of donors. “Quantum science is an increasingly critical area of study around the world, and we have the opportunity to establish our province as a key source of research and discoveries in a field which promises to be transformational to the human condition.”

Initially joining Bird as QHA donors are Patrick Daniel, Joanne Cuthbertson and Guy Turcotte, with the expectation that the group will continue to expand as supporters from across Canada join the initiative.

The initial annual operating budget for QHA will be $5 million spread across the three nodes, committed for a minimum of five years and supported by the donors, the universities and other partners.

"These community leaders have stepped forward to invest in foundational quantum discovery because they understand how critical new knowledge is to Alberta’s future. Quantum Horizons Alberta activates our provincial research ecosystem, leveraging the talent across our universities, and enabling us to elevate and expand our capabilities,” says Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary. “Creating new knowledge to move society forward is foundational to the purpose of great research universities.”

“Quantum Horizons Alberta’s research funding will enable us to recruit more high-calibre research scientists and graduate students in this field,” says Bill Flanagan, president and vice-chancellor, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta. “We have a strong history of discovery and research excellence in Alberta. We can build on this history thanks to the visionary philanthropists involved in QHA. Advancing a collaborative quantum research network increases the potential for more made-in-Alberta discoveries that will benefit people worldwide.”

Alberta is already home to quantum research and innovation excellence, and, in partnership with industry, a quantum innovation hub dedicated to growing the quantum tech sector in the province. Funding through Quantum Horizons Alberta is intended to build quantum science capacity in Alberta, by supporting existing expertise and attracting new talent with the goal to recruit a minimum of eight new quantum research professors to Alberta over the next two years along with funding for many postdoctoral scholars and graduate students.

QHA enables a long-term and sustainable path for Alberta’s leadership in quantum research and innovation, creating impact that will reach far beyond Alberta.

Website: quantumhorizonsab.ca

Graduates ready to walk the stage at Spring 2023 Convocation

trevor.kenney — Wed, 31 May 2023 16:38:40 +0000

This week, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will celebrate the achievements of 1,358 students as they cross the stage at Spring 2023 Convocation. In addition, members of the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes who did not have the opportunity to participate at an in-person event due to pandemic restrictions, are welcomed back to campus to cross the stage.

This spring’s graduating class is exceptional, representing a new generation of talented, critical thinkers prepared to contribute to communities near and far. The class showcases more and more students who have participated in work-integrated-learning opportunities throughout their educational journey, while students continue to utilize applied study, co-op and research opportunities and take advantage of career coaching to get a head start on their post-academic careers.

“Our talented alumni, which will soon number more than 55,000, makes its mark throughout the world every day,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “Our graduates, many of whom have already significantly contributed to society through their academic pursuits, are ready to showcase their talents and we are eager to see what the future holds for them.”

This week’s convocation marks the final ceremonies of Mahon’s 13-year tenure at ULethbridge. As well, alumnus Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) will officially be installed as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 15th chancellor during Thursday’s first ceremony.

Ceremonies take place Thursday, June 1 and Friday, June 2 at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.

All four ceremonies are free of charge and open to the public and media. Following is the convocation schedule for the week.

Thursday, June 1

Ceremony I – 9:30 a.m. – School of Graduate Studies (PhD and MSc); Faculty of Arts & Science (BASC, BSc); Installation of Chancellor Terry Whitehead; Speaker Research Award: Dr. Trushar Patel; Honorary Degree: Timothy Caulfield

Ceremony II – 2:30 p.m. – School of Graduate Studies (MA and MN); Faculty of Arts & Science (BA); Faculty of Health Sciences (BHSc, BN and BTR); ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Volunteer Award: Dr. Marta Gerasymchuk (PhD ’22); Honorary Degree: Dr. Esther Tailfeathers

Chancellor’s Dinner – 6 p.m., Science Commons Atrium – A dinner to honour all award recipients

Friday, June 2

Ceremony III – 9:30 a.m. – School of Graduate Studies (MC, MEd, MFA, MMus); Faculty of Education (BEd); Combined Degrees with Education; Faculty of Fine Arts (all programs); Board of Governors Teaching Chair: Dr. Christopher Mattatall; Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Devon Smither

Ceremony IV – 2:30 p.m. – School of Graduate Studies (MHSM and MSc (Mgt)); Dhillon School of Business (all programs); Combined Degrees with Management; Honorary Degree: Fred Bradley

Graduands and platform guests will be assembling in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, Level 6, prior to each procession. Processions begin at 9:20 a.m. and 2:20 p.m.

For complete Spring 2023 Convocation information, as well as profile stories on a number of shining graduates, please visit: www.uleth.ca/convocation.

Celebrating the contributions of outgoing President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon

trevor.kenney — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 20:45:06 +0000

The southern Alberta community is invited to come together to say farewell to outgoing ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon, all while supporting the endowment of a student award that will continue as a legacy of the Mahon family.

The Community Farewell for President Mahon takes place Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023, in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Science Commons Atrium. Tickets, priced at $150 each, are now available at go.uleth.ca/MahonDinner, with proceeds from the dinner supporting the Mahon Family Student Athlete Award. Those who purchase tickets to the dinner will receive a $100 charitable tax receipt.

As the sixth president and vice-chancellor, Mahon helped establish ULethbridge as one of the country’s leading research-intensive universities. Officially installed in 2010, he led the development of Destination 2022, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Strategic Plan, charting an ambitious path forward. Much of the work centred around construction of what is now Science Commons — a building widely recognized as Canada’s most advanced facility for science education and research and one which has transformed the ULethbridge campus and the southern Alberta landscape.

Mahon has been instrumental in establishing successful partnerships to advance the reputation and reach of ULethbridge, including the naming of the Dhillon School of Business and the Mastercard Foundation initiative. His commitment to enhancing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s relationship with Indigenous communities is reflected in his being named an honorary member of the Kainai Chieftainship of the Blood Tribe, where he was gifted the Blackfoot name Iipisowaahsiiyi (Morning Star).

In addition, Mahon has held several standing provincial and national commitments related to post-secondary education, thereby advancing the reputation of ULethbridge.

Early in his presidency, he and his wife Maureen established the Mahon Family Student Athlete Award. An annual award, it provides a $500 scholarship to one male and one female student athlete from each Pronghorn varsity team — rewarding proficiency in sport, outstanding leadership and academic achievement. Since 2016, 52 individual student athletes have benefitted from the award.

“This is an exciting opportunity to recognize and celebrate Mike’s contributions to ULethbridge over the past 13 years and, through the current student scholarship campaign, support an initiative that is dear to his heart,” says Kathy Greenwood, vice-president, External Relations. “We’ve set a goal of raising $150,000 to ensure the Mahon Family Student Athlete Award is an endowed gift and can be distributed in perpetuity. As part of our ongoing campaign in support of student scholarships, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is matching all contributions.”

For more information, or to donate, contact External Relations at development@uleth.ca or call 1-866-552-2582.

Alumnus Terry Whitehead named ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s 15th chancellor

trevor.kenney — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:38:27 +0000

Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), one of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s most engaged and impassioned alumni, has been elected by the ULethbridge Senate as the institution’s 15th chancellor. It is just the second time in the 56-year history of the school that an alumnus will occupy the role.

Currently a managing partner of a Vancouver-based executive search and management consulting firm, Whitehead has served on the ULethbridge Board of Governors and been a champion of multiple initiatives over the years through his philanthropic support of the arts, Pronghorn Athletics and student food security issues.

Terry Whitehead is one of ULethbridge’s most engaged and impassioned alumni.

“When you think of the chancellor’s role and their relationship to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, you can’t help but see Terry as an absolutely perfect fit,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “He has long been one of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s greatest advocates and his support is tangible in the ways he has affected the lives of our students through the many awards and prizes he has created over the years. I’m excited to see what he will do in this new role and how he will continue to raise the profile of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.”

Whitehead views the chancellor position as an opportunity to take his work with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to another level. Already the philanthropic impetus behind the creation of such initiatives as the Bridge Prize (Canada’s only national short story writing contest for post-secondary students), the Play Right Prize (annual student one-act playwriting competition), HistoriCity (annual student historical essay competition), the Pronghorn Citizenship Award, and most recently the Spirit Prize (annual award recognizing excellence in visual arts by an Indigenous student), Whitehead says his connection to ULethbridge is a sincere recognition of how his time as a student shaped his future career and opened his world view.

“This is a fantastic institution, and I have such wonderful memories and am deeply appreciative of my time here as a student,” he says. “Coming here really changed my perspective on everything, changed my worldview. I’m so grateful for the liberal education experience — it really inspired my curiosity for and gave me the critical thinking skills to apply to the bigger world.”

The chancellor’s primary responsibilities are to chair the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate and preside over convocation ceremonies. ULethbridge chancellors have also used the role as an opportunity to champion key initiatives in support of students and the student experience. Outgoing chancellor Charles Weaselhead was instrumental in his support of inclusivity and indigineity on campus while his predecessor, Janice Varzari (BN ’90, MEd ’02), was a strong advocate for energizing the vast ULethbridge alumni base as well as student mental health and wellness initiatives.

“An issue of real importance and concern for me is sustainable food security for our students,” says Whitehead, who is also one of the four recently named co-chairs of the current fundraising campaign for student scholarships. “This romanticized image of the starving student as some important rite of passage into adulthood is just so wrong. Students can’t study or write papers if they are hungry, so working with the Ulethbridge community to address this issue is one area I’d like to focus on during my term.”

Whitehead found early in his time as a ULethbridge student how important it was to engage with the opportunities available on campus. He dove right in, serving on Students’ Union council, writing as Sports Editor for the Meliorist, acting in fine arts dramatic productions, attending Pronghorns games and basically immersing himself in the campus lifestyle.

“You arrive on campus, and the world just opens up for you. You might come in thinking you’re going to do this one thing and then you discover there are so many other opportunities to explore, and you gain confidence and just run with it,” he says. “I recall attending student plays, art exhibitions and grad recitals for music students and being blown away by the talent. Those experiences really ignited an appreciation for the talented artists who attend our campus and the outstanding faculty who inspire them. You go to a Horns game or a concert or a play and you just dive into the student experience and it’s intoxicating.”

Kairvee Bhatt, Students’ Union president, has worked with Whitehead in his role as a board of governors’ member and respects his dedication to ULethbridge.

“Terry is just the embodiment of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge spirit,” she says. “He’s someone who has a continual commitment to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, to its students, alumni and the community beyond.”

Whitehead will be officially installed as chancellor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Spring Convocation ceremony to be held June 1-2, 2023. He will also host his first Chancellor’s Dinner on the evening of June 1.

Check out the chancellor's web page for more.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge becomes first post-secondary school to sign on as supporter of Buffalo Treaty

trevor.kenney — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 18:05:05 +0000

What began as conversations between a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate student and Blackfoot elders more than a decade ago came full circle Wednesday when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ became the first post-secondary institution to sign on as a supporter of the historic Buffalo Treaty.

ULethbridge President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon signs the historic Buffalo Treaty.

President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon, signed the treaty as part of ULethbridge’s annual Indigenous Awareness Week activities, joining the City of Lethbridge, with members of city council and Mayor Blaine Hyggen, and the Piikani Nation, represented by Chief Troy Knowlton and members of council, as signatories.

“The name of our university is Iniskim, which means sacred buffalo stone, and why we were given that name by Elder Bruce Wolf Child in 2001 relates to the historical relationship between where the university is located and the sacred buffalo stone,” says Mahon. “For us to be here today to sign on to the Buffalo Treaty is very important and exciting because it continues to build upon the efforts and traditions this university has undertaken for many years in its relationship with the Blackfoot and all Indigenous Peoples.”

The Buffalo Treaty, a treaty of cooperation, renewal and restoration, was born out of graduate research work Paulette Fox (MSc ’05) was conducting in environmental science. Her conversations with elders included the issue of the buffalo and its importance in Indigenous culture.

“The elders were saying how important the buffalo is for our land and our culture, songs, stories and ceremonies. And they talked about how our youth hear these stories and sing the songs and even participate in the ceremonies but when they look outside, there are no buffalo to be seen,” says Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), ULethbridge’s Vice-Provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations. “We wanted to bring the buffalo back so our youth could make those connections again.”

The Buffalo Treaty was first signed on September 24, 2014, at the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, to honour, recognize and revitalize the time immemorial relationship with buffalo. It was initially signed by four American and four Canadian First Nations, the first treaty to be signed between Indigenous Peoples in more than 150 years. In the years since, nearly 50 First Nations have been added as signatories.

“The treaty itself speaks to conservation, culture, education, health, economics and research — all things we can work on together — with the buffalo in the centre. This will be the portal through which cooperation and relationships can be built,” adds Little Bear.

While only sovereign entities can sign treaties, the elders who created the Buffalo Treaty understood there were various organizations and individuals who could and would support the vision of the treaty and work to restore the environment through the buffalo. They were invited to sign as supporters for all the ideas and concepts within the treaty.

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge signing on as a supporter shows they agree to work towards the ends that the Buffalo Treaty speaks to through education, research and cooperation,” says Little Bear. “It is a momentous day and very fitting that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is the first university to sign on because the very beginnings of the Buffalo Treaty happened right here, on Blackfoot territory.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s popular Play Day returning as in-person Family Day community event

trevor.kenney — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:42:23 +0000

Play Day is officially back — welcome to the jungle!

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will once again host an in-person Play Day community event on Family Day this year, the first time families have been able to gather and enjoy the free festival of play since 2020. Presented by North & Company LLP Law Offices, Play Day takes place Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Initiated in 2012, Play Day has turned into a Family Day tradition, bringing together families from throughout southern Alberta. In recent years, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has had to hold the event virtually (2021) or cancel it altogether due to public safety measures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme — the jungle!

“When we started this as a pilot project over 10 years ago, I’m not sure anybody knew what to expect,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor, the driving force behind the initial event. “The goal was simple — provide an opportunity for families to get together and just spend time playing. In today’s world, there are so few chances for families to be present with one another and just have some fun. I’m proud we’ve been able to present this to our community over the years.”

In 2019, North & Company jumped on board as a presenting sponsor. With more than half of their partners and associates having graduated from the U of L, they have built their practice in the Lethbridge community, while providing services to branch offices in Blairmore, Bow Island, Claresholm, Coaldale, High River, Milk River, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Taber, Vulcan and Warner.

“This event is a perfect fit for us and one we’re proud to support,” says Kerry Gellrich (BA '06), partner with North & Company LLP Law Offices. “We are a family-oriented legal firm and Play Day is all about celebrating family and the value of community and togetherness. We’re thrilled to be back in person again and can’t wait to play in the jungle!”

The jungle theme will permeate a full slate of activities spread throughout the 1st Choice Savings Centre. These include the massive cardboard fort building area (led by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association), swimming in the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre, access to the Ascent Climbing Centre’s climbing walls, gym activities like basketball and soccer, a host of scientific discovery areas, face painting stations and $5 meal packs to energize the whole family.

The call for volunteers has also begun, with positions from setup to face painting, food zone support and cleanup all available. Those looking to help with Play Day 2023 can sign up here.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to launch two new programs with PrairiesCan investment

caroline.zentner — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 22:32:10 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will receive nearly $1.5 million to create the Centre for Neuroengineering Solutions and nearly $870,000 to establish a work-integrated learning centre for Indigenous youth after the Government of Canada announced $11.2 million in funding for 18 projects in the Lethbridge region.

The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced the federal funding, including support for opening a new regional office in Lethbridge.

“The funding the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is receiving from PrairiesCan allows us to become even more connected to our community,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “We are excited to increase the opportunities for Indigenous youth to engage in work-integrated learning. On top of that, the neuroengineering centre of excellence will further cement our partnerships and collaborations with local producers and industries.”

The Centre for Neuroengineering Solutions (CNS) is designed to facilitate turning inventions into innovations that solve real-world problems. Neuroengineering is a biomedical field that uses engineering techniques to create solutions to real-world problems.

Dr. Majid Mohajerani

“We plan to develop innovative technology solutions in animal research, animal health and the beef feedlot industry,” says Dr. Majid Mohajerani, a neuroscience professor at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience. “This hub will facilitate changing inventions into innovations that solve real-world problems and be a gateway for companies, engineers, scientists and trainees to collaborate at ULethbridge.”

The centre will create new positions and expertise in artificial intelligence, telecommunication, instrumentation and augmented reality. In addition, it will provide training for highly qualified personnel (HQP) and investment and manufacturing opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The overarching goal is to bring new technologies to solve existing problems and provide HQPs with experience in artificial intelligence, sensors and instrumentation and the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT refers to the network of physical devices that have sensors and are connected to the internet, such as home security systems or autonomous farming equipment.

“We are developing new approaches for individual animal identification, tracking and monitoring health information at distances that are orders of magnitude farther than commercially available systems,” says Dr. Rob Sutherland, director of the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience.

To create more work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for Indigenous youth, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Career Bridge Centre for Work-Integrated Learning and Career Development will be enhanced through the addition of three positions to focus specifically on creating new learning opportunities for Indigenous students through the Niitsitapi program in WIL excellence. In addition, the funding will also be used to establish a program advisory committee to guide the development of these work-integrated learning opportunities.

“The focus of the Niitsitapi program within the Career Bridge Centre is to create a community of practice in WIL for Indigenous students, Indigenous industry and community partners and community organizations, and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge,” says Stacey Gaudette-Sharp, academic director of Career Bridge. “The Niitsitapi program seeks to enhance educational and employment outcomes for students and strengthen relationships and recruitment opportunities with industry partners.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge appoints Dr. Leroy Little Bear as Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations

trevor.kenney — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 17:12:56 +0000

One of Canada’s most respected Indigenous academic leaders, Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), has been appointed Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations.

The key portfolio signifies ULethbridge’s commitment to meaningfully implement the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and is entrusted with ensuring the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a safe and welcoming community for Indigenous students, staff, faculty and community members and that programs, strategies, and initiatives reflect an institutional commitment to incorporating Indigenous knowledge, perspectives and ways of knowing.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear (photo courtesy of Alberta Order of Excellence).

The Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations position replaces a combination of previous roles on campus.

“It is essential we continue to build and nurture positive relationships with Indigenous communities and foster an environment that is supportive, inclusive and engaging for faculty, staff and students,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “We are Insikim, and from the day our university was born, we have accepted with honour the responsibility of upholding the historic prominence of Blackfoot and all Indigenous peoples. Our commitment to Indigenization and decolonization is unwavering and I’m both confident and thankful Dr. Little Bear will lead us on this continuing journey.”

The Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations position was established in the Office of the Provost & Vice-President (Academic) to lead and facilitate, through collaboration and communication, the development and implementation of a university-wide strategy that promotes reconciliation, advances the commitment to Indigenous engagement and achievement through initiatives, programs, curriculum and research.

Little Bear is currently the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Niitsitapi Scholar, acts as senior advisor to ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ president Mahon and is an adjunct professor in the Dhillon School of Business’ Indigenous Governance and Business Management program.

“I am honoured to accept this role in advancing Indigenization and decolonization throughout the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and pleased to see this commitment to furthering reconciliation on our campuses and in society through the elevation of this role to the provost team,” says Little Bear. “It has been my goal since we first established Indigenous studies at ULethbridge in 1975 to promote our university to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike and to graduate future leaders for our communities.”

About Dr. Leroy Little Bear

As one of Canada’s most respected Indigenous academic voices, Dr. Leroy Little Bear was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019, received the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Ingrid Speaker Research Medal in 2017, was awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2016 and holds honorary doctorates from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Northern British Columbia. He is also an honorary Eminent Scholar at Red Crow Community College. Little Bear holds a Juris Doctor from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Utah, a BA from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and an Associate Arts Degree in Forestry from Wenatchee Valley College.

Little Bear has been a mentor and consultant on Indigenous matters at local, provincial, national and international levels, and helped establish the Native American Studies program at the U of L. His writings and work have greatly influenced legal and policy realms including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the re-establishment of the Blackfoot Confederacy and the First Nations Buffalo Treaty. He is the author of several esteemed publications and was the first Indigenous person to be quoted by the Supreme Court of Canada. Little Bear was born and raised on the Blood Reserve (Kainai First Nation) west of Lethbridge.

ULethbridge senior leaders expand Blackfoot cultural competencies through cross cultural training

trevor.kenney — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:58:17 +0000

As the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge seeks to build cultural awareness on Indigenous Ways of Being, members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s senior leadership team have successfully completed Blackfoot Cross Cultural Ambassador Training, headed by Blackfoot leaders Ira Provost (BA ’14, MA ’20) and Ruth Provost (BA ‘05).

ULethbridge President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon, and the senior leadership team embarked on a journey to act upon the truth and reconciliation process and honour the institution’s location on Blackfoot territory by taking part in the training.

“We continue to endeavour at ULethbridge to learn and grow in all we do, and not just as senior leaders, but as an entire campus community,” says Mahon. “It is very important to continue to develop skills, attain new knowledge and understand cultural values that allow us to nurture positive and productive relationships with our entire campus community.”

Leaders developed core competencies in understanding the Blackfoot Confederacy Nations and their history in southern Alberta with sessions on Blackfoot orientation, impacts of the modern age on North American Indigenous life, biocultural community protocols and meaningful relations. Leaders also learned about the social and economic impacts of reserves in Canada, the history of residential schools through shared personal experiences, learning from the land and more. The sessions ended with a tobacco offering ceremony.

“Blackfoot ways of being are inextricably linked to the land,” says Ira. “The training built foundational knowledge and cultural awareness around Blackfoot culture and their connection to the land to increase reconciliation and co-creation opportunities with the Blackfoot Confederacy. We intend this to be a beginning of lifelong learning with Indigenous communities.”

The vision of the Blackfoot Cross Cultural Ambassador Leadership Training is to address truth and reconciliation in a meaningful way.

"Our hopes and dreams with the ambassador training are to instill empathy within, to enhance awareness and understanding of, and to prepare others to correct the wrongs of history and to want to do better together with Indigenous Peoples,” says Ruth.

The unique training was developed through the concept of being within the Provosts’ Blackfoot Badger Lodge tipi, which is a painted tipi design. They hosted Mahon and the senior leaders through their lodge, utilizing their own knowledge, stories, experience and skills. This is a pedagogical approach for meaningful relationships where participants discover there are many other lodges where they can continue their learning journey.

Moving forward, work is underway with the Provosts to further develop and structure the materials from their training to make this content available to ULethbridge staff, faculty and students.

“The ULethbridge senior leadership team is a true beacon embodying truth and reconciliation by bridging cross-cultural relations and bringing Blackfoot inclusivism to the world,” the Provosts conclude.

Ira Provost is the manager of Piikani Nation Consultation and represents the Piikani Nation in external government relations as an intermediary between external proponents, such as industry and government, and the Nation to facilitate relationships in Piikani ancestral land development. Ira is a traditional knowledge holder, keeper of ceremony and has been an Indigenous educator for over three decades.

Ruth Provost is a Blackfoot woman from the Kainai First Nation. Her bio-cultural heritage includes early traditional upbringing, completion of eight piercing Sundances, member of the sacred Horn Society and having her family receive the rare honour of being an Okan family. Their daughter Miracle has put up several Okan Lodges (A'kaokatsin) and serves her Confederacy as a Holy woman and mother. Ruth is a ULethbridge alumna, advocate, researcher, manager, teacher, entrepreneur and successful business owner of the Alberta First Nations Research and Consulting (AFNRC) organization.

UNews - Mike Mahon

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