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
Indigenous Horror for Hallowe'en: Panel Defense
Thursday October 30, 2025 from 3:00pm - 4:15pm Sink your teeth into four spine-tingling tales by contemporary Indigenous authors, if you dare! Come watch book trailers on the big screen, hear each of the four titles defended, then vote for your favourite to establish the winning title. Will it be:
- Wheetago War: Roth by Richard Van Camp (graphic novel)
- The Cannibal by Louise Flaherty & Solomon Awa (graphic novel)
- The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones
- Cold by Drew Hayden Taylor
- Panel defence and book trailers by INDG/ENGL 2605 students
Free Books & Bites: enter the draw to win books & enjoy refreshments while you decide which book to elect the winner. The University Bookstore will also be o9n hand with copies of all four books for purchase.
- Save the Date for the follow-up event, book discussion of the winning book: Thursday November 20, 2025 from 3:00pm - 4:15pm
- Book discussion led by INDG/ENGL 2605 students
- More free Books & Bites!
Hosted by Good Medicine Stories with support from Indigenous Studies, University Library, and Evelyn Hamilton, Chair in Liberal Education
New Indigenous Studies Instagram Account
Keep up-to date on events and other happenings in the Indigenous Studies department by following our Instagram Account.
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."
Introducing the Poomaksin Pens Award: Carrying the word forward
The Dhillon School of Business is proudly launching a new annual tradition: the Poomaksin Pens Award, created to honour a graduating Indigenous student who exemplifies academic excellence, cultural strength and leadership. “Poomaksin” is a Blackfoot …
Read more
A legacy of sharing wisdom: Faculty of Education naming ceremony
The Faculty of Education has been gifted a Blackfoot name by Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear. Iiniookaksini, meaning Bison Wisdom, represents the Faculty’s role in guiding future educators and counsellors to …
Read more
Dhillon School of Business 2025 Scholarship Dinner honours Elders in Residence and raises funds for Indigenous student scholarships
On March 21, 2025, the University of Lethbridge's Dhillon School of Business (Mokakit) hosted its annual Scholarship Dinner. This year’s event celebrated 40 years of Indigenous business management education and honoured the …
Read more
Future Students Apply Now!
Image
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!