
The World Council of Indigenous Peoples define Indigenous peoples as ”people, living in countries which have populations composed of differing ethnic or racial groups, who are descendants of the earliest populations living in the area and who do not as a group control the national government of the countries within which they live.”
Indigenous Studies at the University of Lethbridge is dedicated to community-engaged scholarship, and research of the priorities and aspirations of Indigenous peoples in Canada and throughout the world. Within the department, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students have the opportunity to learn and think about Indigenous knowledges in creative, transformative and critical ways. The department offers courses that engender a rigorous and respectful understanding of Indigenous peoples’ languages, knowledges, cultures, histories, politics, arts, intellectual traditions, and research methodologies.
Department Highlights

Fall '25 Course - INDG3850 / LING3850 Language, Culture, and Cognition
Language, Culture, and Cognition - INDG3850 / LING3850
Does the language we speak affect the way we think? How are cultural understandings reflected in linguistic form? Are the limits of your language the limits of our world? These questions have along history of inquiry within linguistics and anthropology. Ranging over topics from linguistic relativity to the linguistics of narratives, this course addresses the complex interconnections between language, culture, and cognition within the theoretical framework of Cognitive Linguistics.
Prerequisite: LING2300 and LING2600
Monday | Wednesday
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room W428
Instructor: Dr. Conor Snoek

Shining Student Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child) Tatiana Weasel Moccasin
At the University of Lethbridge, Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child), Tatiana Weasel Moccasin has worked as a research assistant, travelled to Mexico for school, and embraced opportunities to enhance her creativity through creative writing and Indigenous art courses. Her future aspirations include becoming a teacher in Indigenous studies and language arts while continuing to advocate for Indigenous voices in education.
"I have so many great experiences here at the University. I loved the friends I've made, the club I joined (All My Relations) and the amazing professors I've been honoured to work with."

Shining Student Sii'piapaikkana (Night Shining) Dakota Wadsworth
Sii'piapaikkana (Night Shining), Dakota Wadsworth's (ISSC '24) time at the University of Lethbridge is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the strength of community. As a proud First Nations student and single mother, she has overcome financial barriers and personal challenges to excel in her studies, all while being inspired by, and inspiring those around her. Her story as a shining example of breaking through barriers to achieve dreams and create a brighter future.
"I used to be so scared to come to the University. But when I got here, I met some professors who were kind, encouraging, and truly there to assist when they could."
Dhillon School of Business 2025 Scholarship Dinner honours Elders in Residence and raises funds for Indigenous student scholarships
Mokakit: Dhillon School of Business receives Blackfoot name
Empowering Futures: The Labuhn Family’s Commitment to Indigenous Leadership and Reconciliation
Future Students Apply Now!
Put Your Knowledge to Work
Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects on campus or by testing your knowledge in a real-life work setting, we can help! The University of Lethbridge is proud to offer you an exceptional opportunity to explore professional development through academic programs and services designed to give you a competitive edge in a fast-changing world.
You have a bright future — experience it via Career Bridge at uLethbridge!