Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Oki, and welcome to the University of Lethbridge. Our University’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. The University of Lethbridge acknowledges and deeply appreciates the Siksikaitsitapi peoples’ connection to their traditional territory. We, as people living and benefiting from Blackfoot Confederacy's traditional territory, honour the traditions of people who have cared for this land since time immemorial. We recognize the diverse population of Indigenous Peoples who attend the University of Lethbridge and the contributions these Indigenous Peoples have made in shaping and strengthening the University community in the past, present and in the future.

Our commitment as an institution to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging is about creating safe and inclusive spaces for all experiences, stories and identities.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are key strategic priorities for the University of Lethbridge. It is important that all members of the University community feel a true sense of belonging. The EDI team is located within the President's Office.

The responsibilities of the EDI team are:

1

To provide strategic leadership, guidance and direction for EDI matters at the University of Lethbridge

2

To support the development of Senior Leadership capacity

3

To serve as a centralized subject matter expert on EDI and Human Rights issues

4

To provide EDI consulting services and supports to the University community

5

To report on EDI-aggregated metrics

As a team, we aspire to be a part of the change, to lead by example and build a legacy at the University of Lethbridge we can all be proud of.

The following key definitions guide our work in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging:

Equity refers to fair treatment, access, opportunities and advancement. It is about creating space to fully engage individuals.

Diversity refers to the all unique ways in which individuals are different be it based on race, gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, disability, family or marital status or socioeconomic status.

Inclusion refers to ensuring fair and equitable access to power and having a voice in the decision-making process.

Belonging refers to having an authentic sense of inclusion where an individual feels psychologically safe, seen, valued and respected.