UNews - Red Crow Community College

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and Red Crow Community College strengthen relationship through MOU

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 20:43:58 +0000

A long-standing relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge (U of L) and Red Crow Community College (RCCC) has been strengthened through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at increasing collaboration between the two institutions.

The agreement includes a commitment to seek joint opportunities to collaborate on opportunities pertaining to academic and research initiatives, the sharing of facilities and student supports.

U of L President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon, and RCCC President, Roy Weasel Fat, signed the document at Red Crow Community College on Wednesday, June 11, 2014.

The wide-ranging MOU includes a commitment to seek joint opportunities to collaborate on opportunities pertaining to academic and research initiatives, the sharing of facilities and student supports, such as housing.

Mahon says the agreement celebrates the successful collaborations of the past and reaffirms the importance of the partnership in the future.

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is very proud to enter into this agreement with Red Crow Community College – a long-standing partner of our institution,” says Mahon. “By working more closely together, we can strengthen our mutual commitments to Blackfoot and other First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.”

Weasel Fat says past collaborative programs have been extremely beneficial to Blackfoot students and provide a strong foundation for future collaboration.

"These programs have allowed our students to come back to strengthen this community and other communities,” says Weasel Fat. “We want to continue to deepen our collaboration, not only because it enhances self determination for our students, but also because it provides an important opportunity for cross cultural education for everyone involved. All participants benefit from the sharing of Blackfoot knowledge and the validation of this by our Elders."

The agreement includes a number of areas that the institutions will explore through the MOU. It includes articulation across academic programs; student housing and support programs; joint program development and/or delivery; sharing expertise and/or facilities; joint project development and/or delivery; and, together with Lethbridge College, encourages joint partnership within the Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA).

“It is essential that Aboriginal people are able to take advantage of present and future opportunities in the province, and the best way to do that is through education,” says Minister Oberle. “Our government places tremendous value on cooperation throughout our post-secondary system, and we welcome this agreement.”

A commitment to Blackfoot and other First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities has been a strong part of the history of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and is articulated in the 2014 – 2019 Strategic Plan. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is proud to have been recognized by Blackfoot Elders with a Blackfoot name and special honour song.

FNMI protocol handbook created

trevor.kenney — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 20:38:08 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge General Faculties Council has approved a unique protocol handbook that will serve as a guideline for ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge faculty, staff, students and board and senate members when incorporating Blackfoot and other First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) cultural elements into activities or ceremonies on campus.

Eagle feathers are adorned for a convocation ceremony.

Dr. Judith Lapadat, associate vice-president (students), says the handbook will be a living document that she hopes will assist the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community in acknowledging the many ties between the U of L and the Blackfoot community, as well as the other First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) communities that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ serves.

“As part of the work done by Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), Roy Weasel Fat and their team, who led us through a process to create our FNMI Centre, what we learned was that the process for acknowledging the roles Kaahsinnooniks (Elders) and other members of the Blackfoot and FNMI communities played in participating in campus activities wasn’t consistent,” says Lapadat. “We also felt that it was important to gather the knowledge about these processes together in one place, and to have them affirmed by members of the U of L community and the FNMI community for the future. An important outcome will be to increase access to Elders for students and other members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.”

Little Bear, a professor of Native American Studies and the FNMI Advisor to the President, says the new FNMI handbook is an example of a continuing exchange for educational purposes.

“I was recently telling my class that one of the most profound ways that humans learn is through exchange with other humans and exchanges of ideas and experiences,” says Little Bear. “Not much learning occurs in a vacuum. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has developed and continues to foster these relationships, and I am very pleased to have had a role in developing this resource, which provides a foundation for ongoing exchange that we hope enriches the educational experience at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.”

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is situated on traditional Blackfoot territory.

Roy Weasel Fat assisted in his role as Interim Director of the FNMI Centre to ensure that local Elders were involved in the development of the handbook.

“It is important to consult our Kaahsinnooniks (Elders) on such activities, particularly as it relates to protocol,” says Weasel Fat, who has recently been appointed as the President of Red Crow Community College in Standoff, Alta.

Lapadat says the information in the FNMI Handbook was extensively reviewed, and will be made widely available. The protocol guide explains the significance of FNMI traditional activities at events such as convocation, the significance of an eagle feather gift, and also how to properly pronounce a greeting in Blackfoot, among other topics.

“This is a unique way of sharing knowledge, which is very important to members of the Blackfoot community,” says Lapadat. “We are on traditional Blackfoot land, and by acknowledging that, and respecting Blackfoot traditions and protocols, we are demonstrating that we are willing to share, just as Leroy, Roy and many others have shared their knowledge with the U of L community to make this guide possible.”

The protocol guide is available at this website. Additional information about FNMI Initiatives at the U of L can be found in the Report to the President on FNMI Centre. FNMI Services, student activities and resources for current and future students are available here.

2012 Honorary Degree recipients

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:32:47 +0000

The 2012 Honorary Degree Recipients

JIM COUTTS

Jim Coutts has made significant contributions to Canada, through his public service, conservation efforts and philanthropy, and to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, to which his donations include over 200 pieces for the Art Gallery and a homestead property near Nanton, Alta.

Coutts has had a fruitful career in law, business and public service, and served as Secretary to the Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson in 1963. He was also the Principal Secretary to Pierre Trudeau during his tenure as Prime Minister, spending six years in this role.

In 2011, Coutts donated to the U of L the land homesteaded by his grandfather, near Nanton. This land brings a major opportunity for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to develop its programming and community connections.

PATRICK O'FARRELL

One of the founders of modern molecular biology, Patrick O'Farrell introduced technical innovations that revolutionized the study of proteins and made the use of proteins in medical diagnostics possible.

In 1969, while a graduate student pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry in Colorado, O'Farrell thought of using separations in two dimensions to resolve complex mixtures of proteins on electrophoretic gels. While his goal was to follow molecular events during the embryogenesis of the particular alga that he was studying, the 2-D gel electrophoresis technique that he developed could be applied to protein mixtures from any source. While still a student he prepared a paper describing this method. This paper is now the sixth most cited paper in biology and chemistry.

RICHARD DAVIDSON

The 11th Chancellor of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Richard Davidson represented the institution with pride, emphasizing its connections with the community.

Davidson's first formal appointment with the U of L was with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate in 1983. He served as a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senator for two terms (eight years), becoming the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Chancellor in 2007, a position he held until 2011. During this time he tirelessly and proudly represented the institution, presiding over many Convocation ceremonies.

Davidson has also been a valuable community volunteer, working for several organizations and supporting many charitable causes. As a volunteer he has worked for, among others, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation, the Kinsmen Club of Lethbridge, the Regional Hospital Foundation, and the United Way. In 2010, he was recognized by the local Rotary Club as the Lethbridge Citizen of the Year and was named by Alberta Venture as one of the 50 most influential people in the province.

PETE STANDING ALONE

A respected Blood Tribe Elder, Pete Standing Alone is a teacher, cultural guide and leader who has been an integral part of the U of L's commitment to Aboriginal education.

He is committed to maintaining and promoting the traditions of his people, and has served as a cultural advisor to several organizations and to Red Crow Community College. At the U of L, Standing Alone has led the opening ceremonies of Native Awareness Week for several years. He is consulted by the Blackfoot people on all aspects of traditional and contemporary Blackfoot culture, including ceremonies, sacred societies, protocol, education, history and social and cultural issues.

A traditional Blackfoot Knowledge Keeper and educator for over 50 years, Standing Alone continues to devote his time and energy to his community and to serving as a role model for others.

This story first appeared in the May issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Senator Mitchell praises positive contribution from U of L program

trevor.kenney — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:30:36 +0000

Senator Grant Mitchell recently addressed the Senate to discuss the unique Support Program for Aboriginal Nursing Students (SPANS) at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Following is text from his address.

Honourable Senators, it is my pleasure to speak about an exciting program offered at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in Alberta. It is the Support Program for Aboriginal Nursing Students (SPANS).

This program was created in response to the shortage of Registered Nurses in rural and First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada. There is an urgent need for members of these communities to become nurses to address the health issues experienced among Aboriginal people and to provide appropriate health services within their communities.

The main objective of SPANS is recruiting and retaining Aboriginal students who are academically capable and interested in pursuing a nursing career. Assistance and support is then offered toward providing the necessary academic background needed to complete a BN within the existing Bachelor of Nursing program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. It is hoped that when the students have completed their program, they will consider returning to their home communities to work.

SPANS is a partnership amongst the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences, Red Crow Community College, Blood Tribe Department of Health, Aakom-Kiyii Health Services (Piikani Nation), Siksika Health Services and the Blackfoot Confederacy.

There are several elements to this unique program. One element is the pre-nursing year, a transitional year that provides students with an opportunity to enroll in required courses for admission to the nursing program. And they are supported in the often-challenging transition from home and family life to university.

Another element is the integral role that Elders have in the program. Their discussions with students help them to examine concepts related to nursing and health care from a Blackfoot perspective.

In addition to learning from Elders, the Aboriginal nursing students have also benefitted from a Mentorship Program, which has involved current Registered Nurses who work in the Blackfoot Confederacy.

Opportunities for social networking and tutoring are also provided to support the students.

Designated staff and infrastructure provide additional academic and personal support. Thanks to the leadership of the learning facilitator and administrative assistant, the students can feel supported in all that they do.

The success of this program can be measured in a few important ways.

The program has recently expanded to assist students working towards degrees in Addictions Counselling and Public Health. The program has grown from seven students to approximately 60 in four years.

The retention rate of the program is also an indicator of success: of all the Aboriginal nursing students who started in SPANS, only one is no longer enrolled in a post-secondary program. The majority of Aboriginal students remain in a health-related program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Another impressive measure of success is that the students in this program have the opportunity to complete their clinical practicum in their home communities on local reserves and to become role models for other community members.

Honourable Senators, please join me in commending the students and staff of the Support Program for Aboriginal Nursing Students at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. They are truly a part of an innovative and visionary endeavour that will benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada for years to come.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Campus is a better place because of people such as Jane O'Dea

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:47:45 +0000

As I approach the final weeks of my tenure as President of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, it's hard not to reflect on my 10 years here in southern Alberta and more specifically, on the many remarkable people I have met over that time.

Dr. Jane O'Dea is one of those people and it is both ironic and fitting that we would begin our positions on the same day, 10 years ago, and will now be leaving these positions on the same day at the end of June.

As the new Dean of the Faculty of Education, Jane had already been at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ for 10 years when she began her role. I was coming in from the outside and was fortunate to have Jane, among others, as a valuable resource to help learn about the U of L community.

Jane was very generous in her time to me early on, and I remember fondly accompanying her on my first visit to the Blood Reserve and Red Crow Community College. That was just the beginning of the Niitsitapi Teacher Education program, one that she supported, built and encouraged her colleagues to work on diligently.

Congratulations Madam Dean on all that you were able to accomplish during your term, and I know we will continue to see great things from you in the future.

The spring is a time for congratulations as we honour the many people who make the U of L such an exceptional place to work and study. Dr. Leah Fowler, this year's Distinguished Teacher, is to be commended for her wonderful work in the Faculty of Education, as is
Dr. Dave Morris, the Ingrid Speaker Medal recipient.

Dr. Fowler will be honoured at Spring Convocation while Dr. Morris will be recognized at the fall event.

I also want to make particular mention of the President's Award winners, Cal Toth from the Curriculum Re-Development Centre, Kim Fowler from Housing Services and the Major Building Construction Team from Facilities. This team is led by Brian Sullivan and includes Bill Hudgins, Jason Baranec, John Federkeil, Will Tietz, Dan Sullivan, Jim Vanderzee, Rick Baceda and Al Mueller. I am satisfied especially that these awards have recognized such a distinguished group over the years.

Now that the Michael Nolan campaign has concluded, I want to say a special thank you to Vice-President Advancement Chris Horbachewski for initiating what was the most satisfying fundraising experience with which I have ever been associated. It was a wonderful success, both in terms of money raised for student scholarships and the great amount of fun we had with the project.

I was very happy that a student, Joshua Og, won Michael Nolan, and I've heard that he has been putting the car to good use since he took ownership. My only advice to him, other than to enjoy the car and treat it well, was to never change its name.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Farewell Fiesta in May, where I can
express my gratitude personally to all of you for how wonderful you have made my time here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Lastly, I will be presiding over my final convocation ceremonies next month, and I urge everyone to take some time to attend one of the four ceremonies. It's an excellent way to reaffirm why we work so hard to make the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ all that it is for our students.

Fox turns love of environment into career

trevor.kenney — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:33:50 +0000

Several years ago, Paulette Fox (Naatawawaohkaakii) (MSc '05), manager of the Environmental Protection Division for the Blood Tribe Land Management Department, was driving up Lethbridge's west side hill with her young son. She asked him to imagine the land with no buildings or houses, only teepees and buffalo. Pondering this for a few minutes he asked, "So mom, where did the buffalo go and what are we going to do about it?"

Raised on the Blood Reserve, Fox had contemplated the same question as a child.

"I always pondered the buffalo and that continued journey made me interested in environmental issues," says Fox. "When I graduated from high school in 1995 I enrolled at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary. In my third year they offered an environmental science undergraduate program. I was one of the first students to participate in that."

In 1998, Fox put her undergraduate degree on hold to attend the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER). She earned a certificate in Environmental Protection, Assessment and Education in 2000 and moved to Lethbridge to take her last few undergraduate classes at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"I had always wanted to return home with my education and, not being quite finished, I got special permission to complete the last few courses of my U of C degree at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge," explains Fox.

In 2001, she completed her bachelor of science degree in environmental science and received an NSERC scholarship to begin her master's degree.

"Coming from a larger institution, I found the U of L campus very student friendly with the smaller class sizes, and I felt I could approach my professors," says Fox. "My supervisors, Dr. James Byrnes, Dr. Stefan Kienzle and Dr. Leroy Little Bear were great resources. Through Leroy, I had the opportunity to participate in dialogues with academic and spiritual leaders, not only from Native ancestry but from other ancestry as well. This was a very powerful experience for me, and one I don't think I would have had otherwise."

Fox was also involved in the Native American Students' Association and spent one semester as the association president.

"It was a very good experience in terms of being grounded in some of the issues that students face. I was able to get involved in many different activities and participate in Native Awareness Week," remembers Fox. "My experiences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ were very positive."

She continues her association with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ through her membership in the First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) chapter of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Alumni Association (ULAA).

"The FNMI chapter is relatively new and I am proud to be part of its inception. This is a great step forward, bringing together graduates who have aboriginal ancestry," says Fox.

In 2005, Fox graduated with a master's degree in environmental science and began working for the Blood Tribe. At the time, there was no formal environmental protection division so Fox developed the agency to benefit her community.

"We write grants and get funding for proposals to work on a wide range of environmental projects on the reserve. We cover forestry, rangeland health and species at risk, and work on a regular basis with the elders and different advisory committees," explains Fox. "We are teaching our community to utilize cutting edge technology to monitor our landscape."

While her future goals include helping other First Nations communities develop their own successful environmental programs, Fox is very proud of her staff and the work they do in the field and in their own community.

"My hope for our community is to be able to thrive as when we had the buffalo, self-sufficient and proud of our ways."

GET THE FACTS

• Husband Duane Mistaken Chief (Aiaistahkommi), son Austin ( Kiisom), daughters Jaklyn (Niiokskasiipistakii) and Dallis (Akainskii) all speak, read and write Blackfoot.

• Fox's master's degree examined the use of GIS to link Blackfoot environmental knowledge with ecological databases.

• Fox serves as an advisor – Tribal Government, Blood Tribe Administration. She also co-facilitates community dialogues with Dr. Little Bear and is a panel member for the Native New Student Orientation at the U of L.

• Fox is a sessional instructor at Red Crow Community College and the recipient of research grants totaling more than $400,000.

UNews - Red Crow Community College

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ and Red Crow Community College strengthen relationship through MOU

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