Dr. Gerald (Sikapiistamix “Grey Bull”) Conaty Memorial Award

A member of the Kanai Honourary Chieftainship, Dr. Gerald (Sikapiistamix “Grey Bull”) Conaty was a senior curator at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, and served as Director of Indigenous Studies. There, he shaped a respectful working relationship between the museum and Indigenous that became a model for international museum practice. Gerry was instrumental in developing a program of repatriating sacred items held by the museum, ensuring that they could be returned to the Indigenous communities where they could be part of a living culture. By immersing himself in this culture, learning from elders, and by listening, Dr. Conaty developed strong friendships over the years. He sought to make the Indigenous full partners in interpreting and presenting their culture.

Donor: Dr. Robert R. (Otahko Ohkiptopii “Yellow Horse Rider”) and Priscilla Janes

Eligibility-Candidate Pool:

• Entering or continuing students from the Blackfoot Confederacy: Siksika, Piikani (North and South Peigan) and Kainai (Blood)
• Full-time or part-time students in any undergraduate or graduate program
• Demonstrate financial need

Criteria-Ranking Pool:

• Demonstrated participation, contribution and/or expressed interest in connecting to their culture and heritage through activities of preservation, interpretation, or celebration.

Payable:

• Payment upon confirmation of full-time or part-time enrollment at the University of Lethbridge in the Fall and Spring semesters immediately following the granting of the award.

Recipient Selection:

• The recipient will be selected by a committee comprised of representation from the Student Awards Office, Indigenous Student Advisor (or a representative from iikaisskini (Low Horn) Indigenous Gathering Place) and a traditional Blackfoot Elder.

Apply online through the University of Lethbridge’s awards, scholarships and bursary application portal.