Elders in Residence

 Dr. Francis First Charger

Francis First Charger is a knowledge keeper from the Blood Tribe. He comes from the Aakapokaiksi (Many Children), I'naksiiksi (Small Blankets), Pootstakiiksi (Tea Drinking), Aisspahkomiksi (Shoot Up) and Mamioyiiksi(Fish Eater) Clans. His great grandfather Sheep Old Man was a brother to Mi’k ai’stoowa, Chief Red Crow. Francis is a proud husband, father, and grandfather with many traditionally adopted children. He was raised in the traditional, cultural, and spiritual ways of the Blackfoot people and spent most of his life in various management and leadership roles for the Blood Tribe and surrounding communities.

Francis leads most of the traditional ceremonies at ULethbridge including smudging, face painting and pipe ceremonies. For him, the greatest reward is being able to teach students and pass along the wisdom that he was given from other Elders.

Shirlee Crow Shoe 

Shirlee Crow Shoe is an Elder, mother and grandmother from the Piikani Nation. She is part of the Lone Fighters and Tall Reed Grass clans. Shirlee has helped others through the teachings that were given to her by her mother and grandmother and has supported her community through her work as a knowledge keeper. She has been a member of various committees throughout southern Alberta.

Cathy Hunt 

Catherine Hunt is an Elder and knowledge keeper from the Blood Tribe. In the 50 years that she and her husband Roger have been together, their family has expanded, as they are proud parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Together, they are traditional grandparents for various Blackfoot societies and Thunder Pipe Holders and have been active within their community and in the city of Lethbridge in providing cultural and spiritual support.

Previously, Catherine spent 20 years working for Blood Tribe Social Services as a social worker, which she says helps her in her role as an Elder in Residence.