UNews - Leroy Little Bear

New brand reflects evolution of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, looks ahead to future

trevor.kenney — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:32:57 +0000

Guided by the directions of the new Strategic Plan, inspired by thousands of voices and informed by time-honoured values, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge unveils a new brand and logo today. The new visual identity respects the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s trailblazing past, reflects its ongoing evolution and is designed for where it’s going.

ULethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Digvir Jayas says the time is right for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to tell its incredible story in a new way.

ULethbridge students with new crewneck shirts displaying the ULethbridge brand.

“The launch of our new Strategic Plan this spring laid the foundation for the next decade, defining who we are, our values and commitment to the people and communities we serve,” says Jayas. “Our new brand is born out of that work and shaped by extensive engagement sessions with our students, employees, alumni and community partners.”

The brand’s purpose speaks to building a community of learners who are fluent in many perspectives. Its promise is to create an atmosphere where people connect deeply and see clearly, enhancing self-awareness, enriching relationships and empowering individuals and communities to create meaningful and lasting impact.

The new brand’s visual elements support its purpose and promise. The sun and the Fiat Lux motto have been meaningful symbols to the ULethbridge community, and the new brand evolves the sun into its next iteration in a way that reflects the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s values.

The new sun consists of radiating beams that reflect light, energy and the enduring legacy that guides the ULethbridge community. Four keystone poles form a tipi’s strong foundation, representing stability, support and collective strength. The central opening looks to the sky, signifying perspective, aspiration and the spirit of shared learning that defines the university.

“The symbolism of our brand includes elements inspired by the land, the sun, the rolling coulees, the open sky, the tipi opening to the world — these are all a part of our story,” says Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), Vice-Provost, Indigenous Relations. “Together, these elements represent a multitude of perspectives — honouring a diverse community, acknowledging Blackfoot territory, embracing inclusion, and inspiring a future shaped by collaboration and shared understanding.”

Beyond the new logo, the comprehensive brand includes a new brand story, a tone-of-voice strategy, new graphical elements (echoing the topography and form and flow of the coulees), new typography and a purposeful photographic philosophy.

Ensuring ULethbridge’s brand is modern, relevant and compelling is also extremely important from a financial sustainability perspective. Articulating ULethbridge’s strengths and unique attributes is critical in connecting with external audiences, including prospective students, alumni, donors, funders and others.

Dr. Rick Casson (LLD ’13), Chair of the ULethbridge Board of Governors, says the branding initiative is an important investment in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

“Our brand is essential in helping the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ differentiate itself from other post-secondary schools. It needs to reflect who we are as an institution, our values and what we aspire to be,” says Casson.

The brand project began in earnest more than 10 months ago and was done in conjunction with Stormy Lake Consulting and Will Creative, industry-leading experts in research-informed strategy and creative expression. The firms were awarded the contract out of a field of 20-plus highly competitive bids.

A brand website has been created detailing the new brand and is available at ulethbridge.ca/brand. As well, the brand story and brand spot videos are available on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s YouTube channel.

QUICK FACTS

More than 1,000 students, faculty, alumni and community members participated in the discovery phase of the branding project.
The Pronghorn brand remains untouched and fits well within the new ULethbridge brand.
The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s signature blue and gold colours remain, aligning with the Pronghorn spirit, with a secondary palette inspired by its surroundings, including grey, sunset red, wolf willow green and lilac purple added for greater flexibility of use throughout the institution.
The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s shield logo will still be utilized ceremonially and on official parchments.
The brand transition will be gradual and phased in throughout the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.
Committed to making sustainable choices, materials with the old brand will not be discarded. People are asked to continue using existing branded items until they are naturally depleted.

ULethbridge community members given King Charles III Coronation Medal recognition

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:08:44 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge proudly congratulates multiple individuals who have been honoured for their significant contributions to bettering our communities with King Charles III Coronation Medals.

Members of the ULethbridge community who were recognized in 2024-25 include: Rick Casson (LLD '13), Paige Crozon, Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), Ninnaa Piiksii (Chief Bird) Dr. Mike Bruised Head (BASc ’80, BEd ’98, PhD ’22), Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, Dr. Trushar Patel, Ron Sakamoto (LLD '03), Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead, Ksikkihkíni (Bald Eagle) Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) have all been presented with medals at various ceremonies over the past six months.

The Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. Recipients have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Nominations for King Charles III Coronation Medals were only accepted from partner organizations list created by the Government of Canada.

Following is a list of those associated with ULethbridge who have received King Charles III Coronation Medals, and their presenters.

Rick Casson, Acting Chair, ULethbridge Board of Governors — Presented at Royal Canadian Legion, Feb. 15, 2025

Paige Crozon, Assistant Coach, Pronghorn Women’s Basketball— Presented by YMCA, Mar. 20, 2025

Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations – Presented by Universities Canada, Mar. 21, 2025

Ninnaa Piiksii, (Chief Bird) Dr. Mike Bruised Head (BASc ’80, BEd ’98, PhD ’22), ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association Director – Presented by Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Feb. 20, 2025

Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, President and Vice-Chancellor – Presented by Minister of Advanced Education, Rajan Sawhney, Mar. 21, 2025

Dr. Trushar Patel, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science – Presented by Honourable Rachel Thomas, Member of Parliament, Mar. 13, 2025

Ron Sakamoto, honorary degree recipient — Presented by Premier Danielle Smith, Feb. 28, 2025

Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead, former Chancellor – Presented by Senator Patti Laboucane-Benson, Oct. 2024

Ksikkihkíni (Bald Eagle) Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), Chancellor – Presented by Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Feb. 20, 2025

Indigenous Awareness Week an opportunity to unite campus through spirit of relationship building

trevor.kenney — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:10:15 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s annual Indigenous Awareness Week, March 17-21, embraces the spirit of reconciliation by offering a host of activities designed to facilitate conversations and understanding.

“What Indigenous Awareness Week does is bring people together and build relationships,” says Iikaisskini (Low Horn), Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) '72, DASc '04), vice-provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations. “The more we talk to each other, the better we know each other, the easier it is to work together. In my words, it's all about relationships. If we have good relationships, it's much easier to work together and to cooperate.”

The week begins with an Opening Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 17, in the Science Commons Atrium, followed by a noon-hour feast with a mini-powwow and dance demonstration at 1 p.m., as well as a special Blackfoot Naming Transfer Ceremony for the Dhillon School of Business.

Each day of the week offers several events, including “Treaty 7 – Our Story” told by Elder Clarence Wolf Leg Sr. and a West Coast fashion show and storytelling on Tuesday; workshops with Destination Exploration and a Career Bridge Blackfoot Naming Ceremony on Wednesday; learn about incorporating Indigenous knowledge within the Agility Innovation Zone or check out the bannock/frybread bake-off competition on Thursday; and celebrate 40 years of Indigenous Business Education or join the Métis jigging workshop on Friday.

A full list of events is available at go.uleth.ca/iaw.

Dhillon School of Business celebrating 40 years of Indigenous business management education

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:35:31 +0000

The Dhillon School of Business at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will mark a historic milestone — 40 years of Indigenous business management education — at a full-day event on Friday, March 21, in the ULethbridge Students’ Union Ballrooms (SU300B).

Since launching Canada’s first university program focused on Indigenous economic development, governance and business management in 1985, the school has been a leader in advancing Indigenous business education in Canada.

The school continues to be a leader in advancing Indigenous business education in Canada.

“I am extremely proud of our school’s legacy as we continue to walk the path of reconciliation through education,” says Dr. Kerry Godfrey, dean of the Dhillon School of Business.

In celebration of this significant milestone, of “Mokakit” (practice wisdom, apply your knowledge), alumni, students, community members and business leaders are invited to participate in the celebration.

The day begins with a traditional teepee raising ceremony (7:30 to 8:30 a.m.), followed by a welcome and Elder’s blessing (9 a.m.) and the keynote address from Jennifer Campeau (BMgt ’08), VP of Indigenous Relations at Aecon Group Inc. She will present, Take the Risk: Realize Your Potential, at 10 a.m.

The event will also feature insightful panel discussions with Indigenous alumni, leaders and entrepreneurs, including trailblazing Indigenous women in business and those working at the intersection of education, governance and economic development.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from respected speakers such as Dr. Leroy Little Bear, whose wisdom and leadership continue to inspire Indigenous education across Canada. A special scholarship announcement will also take place during a lunch featuring hearty beef stew and frybread.

This event is a unique opportunity to connect with alumni, business leaders, gain valuable insights and celebrate the incredible contributions of Indigenous professionals in shaping industries and communities.

For a full schedule of events and to register, visit: ulethbridge.ca/dhillon/40-years-indigenous-business-education

In effort to reduce financial barriers, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ waives application fees for Indigenous students

trevor.kenney — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 20:28:45 +0000

Indigenous students applying to study at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will no longer have to pay an application fee as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has introduced new changes to remove financial barriers to participation in university education.

Effective immediately, graduate and undergraduate application fees for self-declared Canadian Indigenous students are waived. In a second policy update, self-identified members of Aamskapi Pikuni, the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, are now eligible to study at ULethbridge paying domestic tuition rates, rather than international tuition fee rates.

The changes represent the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s continued commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, specifically those calling for closing the education attainment, and income and employment disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.

“Our goal is to remove barriers for Indigenous students so they can access this incredible world of education,” says Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), vice-provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations. “Too often we hear of potential students who are wanting to apply but must decide whether they take that chance and spend the money not knowing they will qualify or use that money for necessities in their life. We cannot let that be a barrier for what could be a life-changing opportunity.”

ULethbridge is committed to increasing Indigenous student enrolment and outlined this objective in its 2023-2026 Strategic Enrolment Management plan. The plan calls for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to realize an Indigenous student enrolment rate of 10 per cent of total enrolment by 2026. Currently, Indigenous students represent six per cent of total enrolment.

“It is an aspirational goal, and we believe it is also a very achievable goal,” says Naamoipiiksi (Hummingbird) Shanda Webber (BA ’05), director, Iniskim Indigenous Relations. “It is integral we find ways to work in partnership with the Blackfoot Confederacy and surrounding Indigenous organizations and communities to eliminate barriers for students to access the university and then find success once they are enrolled. These new changes will help us create more pathways for Indigenous student success.”

Information on how to apply can be found online: undergraduate students (ulethbridge.ca/future-student/indigenous-student-application); graduate students (ulethbridge.ca/future-student/graduate-studies/indigenous-student-application).

Blackfeet students in Montana have traditionally been welcomed at Iniskim but with international tuition fees in place, few have accessed a ULethbridge educational experience.

“There is no contrived international US-Canada border on the ancestral lands of the Sisksikaitsitapi, we are all part of the Blackfoot Confederacy and now our university recognizes this through this change that opens the door to Blackfeet students who may live in Montana,” adds Little Bear.

More information on the Blackfeet International Student tuition fee can be found online (ulethbridge.ca/sites/default/files/2024/09/blackfeet_waiver_pdf.pdf).

Shanda Webber named to new role as Director, Iniskim Indigenous Relations

trevor.kenney — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:29:59 +0000

An experienced administrator with a proven track record of developing new and innovative Indigenous cultural programming and supporting environments dedicated to truth and reconciliation, Naamoipiiksi (Hummingbird) Shanda Webber (BA ’05), has been named Director, Iniskim Indigenous Relations.

Shanda Webber brings over 18 years of experience with a focus on Indigenous education and support services.

The new position reports directly to the Vice-Provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations, Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), and plays an integral role in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s commitment to advancing Indigenization, decolonization and reconciliation, supporting strategic leadership and providing operational leadership for institutional Indigenous strategic initiatives at Iniskim.

“The search and hiring process was extensive and we had many very worthy candidates. I’m excited to welcome Shanda to this very important role,” says Little Bear. “Shanda brings over 18 years of experience within the post-secondary environment with a focus on Indigenous education and support services. Her experience from both Lethbridge Polytechnic and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, recently including her leadership with the Mastercard Foundation EleV partnership, will be especially valuable.”

Webber earned a ULethbridge Bachelor of Arts in 2005, graduating with Great Distinction and earning a spot on the Dean’s List. Her honour’s thesis: What is “Indian”, Anyways? was an analytical analysis of the construction of First Nations peoples’ identity and how this image is differently perceived and projected in various contexts and circumstances.

She began her professional career at the then Lethbridge College (now Polytechnic) as an Aboriginal Educational Liaison Officer in 2006, and advanced her career in numerous positions concluding in the role of Manager, Indigenous Services before leaving to join ULethbridge in 2021. During her time on campus, Webber has been a key contributor in developing Indigenous learning and was most recently working as Director, Strategic Indigenous Learning Initiatives.

As the strategic lead for the MasterCard Foundation EleV Project, Webber collaborated with internal and community partners in the enhancement of existing programming and the development of new programming to equip, support and enable Indigenous youth to access and be successful in attaining a post-secondary education. In addition, Webber has worked closely with executive level management in the development of institutional key performance indicators, goals and measures; developed Indigenous learning strategies, including the design, delivery and deployment of creative learning opportunities; analyzed and evaluated current operational processes and performances; and contributed to ULethbridge’s short-term and long-term operational plans across campus to identify Indigenous students’ learning and support needs — making Indigenization a priority on campus.

Webber was inducted into the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Honour Society in 2018. She considers herself a very humble Indigenous woman who is continuing to learn her Ojibway history and culture, of which her father is from the Brokenhead First Nation, located in Treaty 1 territory near Winnipeg, Manitoba, and her mother is of settler origin.

“I am truly honoured to have been chosen for this important role,” explains Webber. “As a guest to Blackfoot territory where I have made my home for the last 23 years, it is my commitment to continue to be an ally, working in partnership with the Blackfoot Confederacy and surrounding Indigenous organizations and communities to build relations in a good way and to continue to make Indigenous education a priority by increasing access to education and meaningful employment for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.”

“This position will work out of the Iniskim Indigenous Relations Office and most extensively with both the Blackfoot Confederacy and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge leadership, faculty, staff, Elders and community members to co-create pathways for Indigenous student success,” adds Little Bear. “I am very much looking forward to working with Shanda in this new position.”

Webber will begin her role in October.

Elder Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief), Francis First Charger, to receive honorary degree at fall convocation

caroline.zentner — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:38:13 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge (Iniskim) is proud to announce that Elder Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief), Francis First Charger, will be awarded an honorary degree at Fall 2024 Convocation ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19.

Photo by AE Cross.

First Charger has been an Elder in Residence at ULethbridge since 2008 and his advice has been invaluable to staff, students and faculty members. He began his work at the Iniskim with the Dhillon School of Business as an Elder in Residence, providing guidance and support, occasionally giving class lectures, and hosting many visitors. This work has now expanded for all students, staff and faculty members at Iniskim. In addition, he has served on the General Faculties Council as part of their Iniskim Education Committee and is currently a member of the Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Iniskim Governance Process. First Charger also participates in Talking Circles at the Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Student Gathering Centre and advises and supports students, staff and faculty in the Department of Indigenous Studies and other departments as needed. His presence and guidance help students feel welcome and give them a safe space to grow as people and develop their curiosity, knowledge and skills.

“Many years ago, a ‘spark’ manifested somewhere on Blood Reserve in southern Alberta. That ‘spark’ continued to shine for a number of years almost unnoticed,” says Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04). “But suddenly that ‘spark’ manifested as a source of knowledge, wisdom and service. That ‘spark’ is ‘Ninnaisipistoo’ (Francis First Charger). Francis continues to be a spark of knowledge and service to his community and Iniskim ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in many different capacities. The awarding of an honorary degree ensures that the ‘spark’ will never die out and will always be remembered.”

“The contributions that Francis has made to ULethbridge are innumerable and we are extremely pleased to award him an honorary degree,” says ULethbridge Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94). “He played a key role in helping the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ acquire its ceremonial pipe, commissioning Jerry Potts from the Piikani Nation to handcraft the pipe. Furthermore, his knowledge of Blackfoot culture and Indigenous ways of knowing, coupled with his broad experience in business, have benefited many people and organizations in southern Alberta.”

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will present Francis First Charger with an honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Francis First Charger

First Charger was raised following Blackfoot culture and ceremonies, and traditional Blackfoot values have guided his life. He brought many skills with him when he became an Elder in Residence. He was instrumental in initiating the process for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to acquire its ceremonial pipe, commissioning Jerry Potts from the Piikani Nation to handcraft the pipe.

In addition to his knowledge of Blackfoot culture and Indigenous ways of knowing, he brought a broad base of experience in business management, administration and accounting after working at Red Crow Community College and the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project (BTAP). He was one of the key figures in coordinating the export of Timothy hay to Pacific Rim countries for BTAP. At Red Crow College, First Charger was involved in a visit to Guatemala for possible academic work. Beyond the Kainai First Nation, First Charger has lent his expertise and time to many local organizations, including Lethbridge Polytechnic, the City of Lethbridge, Community Futures Treaty 7, Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society and the First Nation Forestry program.

First Charger was approved for the role of Elder in the Independent Assessment Process (IAP), the system used to determine eligibility for damages and quantum of damages for abuse suffered by claimants under the Residential Schools Class Action lawsuit against the Government of Canada and the churches that ran the schools. Claimants could choose if they wanted an Elder present to support them through the hearing process. First Charger played that role in numerous hearings, providing spiritual ceremonies before the hearings and support throughout the hearing process. Many claimants asked First Charger to be present for their testimony, as his presence provided comfort and strength as they spoke about the atrocities they suffered and the impacts on their lives. He was also a qualified Blackfoot interpreter in many IAP hearings. First Charger was widely praised by lawyers and adjudicators involved in the IAP because he could be relied upon to provide compassionate, kind and respectful support to claimants going through this difficult process. 

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers to collaborate on projects funded by Partnership Grants

caroline.zentner — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:59:54 +0000

Several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers are collaborating on recently announced projects funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Grants.

“ULethbridge researchers involved in these projects are contributing their expertise to studies that have an impact across Canada and around the world,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge vice-president research. “Many research projects have an increasingly broad scope and depend on collaborations with researchers at other universities in Canada and abroad. These collaborations transform individual insight into collective knowledge and generate discoveries that a single researcher might not uncover alone.”

Dr. Lisa Starr, dean of the Faculty of Education, and Dr. Kaylan Schwarz, a professor in the School of Liberal Education, are involved in a project called TRANSFORM: Engaging with Young People for Social Change. The project is supported by a $2.5-million Partnership Grant from SSHRC and over $3 million in in-kind and cash contributions from partner universities and organizations.

The project is led by Dr. Claudia Mitchell from McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. The researchers will study how young people are pivotal agents of change in gender equality, particularly through visual arts. Using diverse art forms, such as photography, filmmaking, cellphilming (video shot on a cellphone or tablet camera), performance art and textile production, the TRANSFORM project will empower and champion youth-led agendas for transforming gender norms and inequalities. The study has field sites in Africa, South America and India.

Dr. Olu Awosoga, a Faculty of Health Sciences professor with expertise in quantitative research methods, is a co-applicant on a $2.5 million SSHRC Partnership Grant to improve the well-being of Black children and youth in Canada. The project is led by Dr. Bukola Salami at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary. The project focuses on experiences with the justice system, the education system, the child welfare system and immigration and settlement. Researchers will conduct a national survey focusing on Black children and youth in Canada — the first of its kind — to gather data on the lived experiences of Black youth.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA’71), DASc ’04), vice-provost of Iniskim Indigenous Relations, is collaborating on a project led by Dr. Shalene Jobin of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta. The Critical Approaches to Indigenous Relationality project is supported by a $2.5-million Partnership Grant.

A further project funded by a Partnership Grant and involving ULethbridge researchers is the already announced Gatherings: Archival and Oral Histories of Performance project.

In addition, Dr. Kara Granzow, a sociology professor, is a co-applicant on a SSHRC program called the Reconciliation Network in Response to Call to Action 65 led by Dr. Vanessa Watts at McMaster ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. This joint initiative between the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and SSHRC supports the establishment of a national research program to advance the collective understanding of reconciliation. The project Re-Neighbouring as Reconciliation: Indigenous Stories of Resistance was awarded more than $975,000 over five years.

Manifesting Beauty: ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts receives Blackfoot name

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 20:28:05 +0000

Bearing a commitment to further the work being done to advance reconciliation and Indigenization at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, the Faculty of Fine Arts has been gifted a Blackfoot name – Piiksinaasin – by Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04).

The name was gifted as part of the opening ceremony for the 2024 Indigenous Awareness Week at ULethbridge on March 11.

The name Piiksinaasin was gifted as part of the opening ceremony for the 2024 Indigenous Awareness Week. Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, left, and Elder Francis First Charger participate in the naming ceremony.

Piiksinaasin, which means Manifesting Beauty, represents the Faculty of Fine Arts as a place where students create, explore and research, transforming the world around them through creative practice and critical thinking. The name reflects the Faculty’s long-standing support of Indigenous arts and creative initiatives and exemplifies the work done to advance reconciliation and decolonization.

Little Bear was joined by Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief) Elder Francis First Charger during the ceremony to gift the name, who spoke on the importance of fine arts for Indigenous Peoples.

“In many Indigenous communities, art is very much a part of our ways. It’s on the rocks, it’s on our tipis, each one with their own meaning. Each one of those arts has a name, there’s a story behind it.”

Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, says receiving a Blackfoot name gives the Faculty the important and ongoing responsibility of serving Indigenous students and the Blackfoot community, and allows the Faculty of Fine Arts to reflect on the work that has been done to support Indigenization.

“I am grateful to my colleagues and predecessors for beginning this important work and to our Elders and Advisors for teaching us how to do the work in a good way. Being gifted a Blackfoot name by Dr. Little Bear also comes with the responsibilities of promoting truth and reconciliation, incorporating decolonial practices in our teaching and learning and actively creating space for Indigenous resurgence and cultural revitalization.”

Fine Arts has been an integral part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since the institution’s beginnings in 1967, with fervent faculty and student engagement that worked to improve the quality of the fine arts in Lethbridge and throughout the southern Alberta area. The Faculty of Fine Arts houses departments in art, drama, music and new media. With a focus on creative innovation, professional excellence and liberal education, it aims to inspire an imaginative, intellectual culture at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and in the community.

Dedicated to reconciliation and Indigenization, the Faculty offers unique degree programs in Indigenous Art Studio and Art History/Museum Studies and supports research in Indigenous creative arts, including a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Music, Culture and Politics, and a previous Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Arts and Technology.

Notably, the Department of Drama recently collaborated with the Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society on Yisstsiiyi, a historic production for both Fine Arts and ULethbridge, as it was the first Indigenous-led, created and directed Mainstage production, which featured alum Marshall Vielle (BFA - Dramatic Arts ’17) at the helm.

Now bestowed a Blackfoot name, the Faculty of Fine Arts has a duty to honour the name through continued support for Indigenization in the creative arts and reconciliation. For Davis-Fisch, she sees this as an opportunity to enhance current learning opportunities offered by Fine Arts and purposefully build tenets of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being into the Faculty’s strategic plan.

“Being gifted the name Piiksinaasin speaks to the Faculty’s long-standing relationships with the Blackfoot community and with Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers,” says Davis-Fisch. “Going forward, I am excited to contribute to the important work of infusing Indigenous ways of knowing and being across our curriculum, programs and activities by working in relationship with Indigenous students and community.”

Sokkinakia’pi collaborative project to shape the future of health-care delivery for Kainai Nation

trevor.kenney — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 23:05:45 +0000

The first stage of a collaborative multi-phased approach to enhance health and well-being on the Kainai Nation is underway in a good way, and today the project between the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. (BTDH) and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was named — Sokkinakia’pi.

Elders, members of the Blood Tribe Department of Health and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge following the naming ceremony and gift exchange to launch the Sokkinakia'pi project.

The name, bestowed upon the project at a Saapihtsimaani (offering prayers with the pipe ceremony) and naming event held in Standoff on Tuesday, is an “all-encompassing term that includes everything that has do with health,” explains Martin Heavy Head, Elder and Blood Tribe Department of Health Board of Directors Chair.

“The word Sokkinaki is the verb ‘to heal or doctor’, and a’pi means ‘all that has to do with’. The full meaning of the word is ‘all that has to do with healing or health’,” says Heavy Head.

In September 2022, BTDH and ULethbridge signed a memorandum of understanding to honour the health-related Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, partnering to expand health services capacity and delivery on the Blood Reserve. That work has now begun, with the first phase of the plan kicking into gear — a community needs assessment.

The overall project will be co-led and co-managed by the BTDH and ULethbridge, with the research being headed by Melissa Shouting (BHSc ’19) and Janetta Soup (BMgt ’07). Shouting is a registered member of the Kainai (Blood) Nation and faculty member in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Soup is also a registered member of the Kainai (Blood) Nation and the Quality Control Manager with the BDTH.

The aim of the Sokkinakia’pi project in its first two phases is to build upon the existing Kainai Health Services Plan (2016-2025) to identify and/or reconfirm the health needs, tools and resources for the Blood Tribe over the next 10 to 12 years.

The Kainai Health Services Plan sets out a vision of how and where the Tribe will develop its land and community supports/advancements based on data collection and recommendations from various stakeholders using a strength-based holistic approach to maximize self-determination/reliance efforts impacting Blood Tribe members by following Kainayssini.

“To be Blackfoot means an ongoing lifelong relationship with the environmental totality of Blackfoot Territory,” says Iikaisskini (Low Horn), Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) '72, DASc '04), Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations. “Pursuant to the embodiment of the relationship with the environmental totality, Blackfoot, as part of their cultural practices, developed practices not only to maintain good physical well-being but also good mental well-being. In other words, it has long been recognized that mental and physical health go together: mental and physical well-being cannot be separated.”

It's significant to note that Shouting and Soup will lead the first all-Kainai research team in ULethbridge’s Faculty of Health Sciences to undertake a project such as this and that the work will ensure community members are involved in identifying needs as well as participating in both the planning and delivery of service care.

“This project will be the first of its kind, in that it will incorporate the Indigenous-driven international Buffalo Treaty, which serves as a meeting place for place-based knowledge systems to affirm Kainayssini as a governance model as a means to establish collaboration and engagement within community,” says Shouting. “This approach also seeks to build health research capacity within community while enhancing pathways to post-secondary success for Blackfoot students in varying health careers related to their field of study.”

Upon fully understanding the key priorities for the community, the project will move to a phase of action planning where training needs will be identified, recommendations for health priorities will be established and career pathways developed. The overarching goal of Sokkinakia’pi is to expand capacity on the Blood Reserve to support access to high quality health care and health services, and to do so by increasing and creating new pathways for educating, training and preparing health professionals within the Blood Tribe community.

“This partnership is a huge benefit for the Blood Tribe and will support the enhancement of health services for our people,” says Derrick Fox, Chief Executive Officer, BTDH. “This is very exciting for our youth as this ensures our children will have every opportunity to gain education and training to continue our ancestors’ legacy of caring for ourselves in a respectful and dignified approach based on traditional ways of knowing and being.”

Further partnerships will develop as the project moves through its various phases, and at the core of all the work is a commitment to stay true to a journey of co-creation to be rooted in shared values of humility, respect, honesty, kindness, collaboration and strength.

The intention of the Sokkinakia’pi project is to co-create a translatable model that infuses Siksikaitsitapi cultural notions and strengthens the voice and recommendations by and for community members to enable and align the creation and expansion of providing federal and provincial health mandates on the Blood Reserve.

UNews - Leroy Little Bear

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