Notice Board

Oki, and welcome to Indigenous Awareness Week 2025.

We recognize this week as one of great importance at Iniskim (Sacred Buffalo Stone), University of Lethbridge as it focuses on bringing people together, facilitating cooperation, building relationships and celebrating the rich cultures and traditions of all Indigenous Peoples.

This year’s events will begin on Monday, March 17 at 11 a.m. with opening ceremony and blessing by Elder in Residence, Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief), Dr. Francis First Charger (LLD ’24). Both myself and our president, Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo), Dr. Digvir Jayas, are pleased to provide remarks, along with ULSU president Maleeka Thomas and All My Relations president Foster Wright. In the spirit of bringing people together and building relationships, join us for a feast followed by a mini powwow and dance demonstration. After the grand entry, witness a traditional Blackfoot Naming Transfer Ceremony for the Dhillon School of Business.

Once again, departments from across the University are all hosting activities throughout the week and there are many events planned each day. I thank everyone for your support, especially Iikaisskini Indigenous Services, who bring this incredible week together. I urge everyone to take notice of the events around Indigenous Awareness Week and to find some time to engage with the activities and with one another.

ULethbridge is proud to celebrate significant milestones in Indigenous education as we continue to advance our commitment to Indigenization. As we launch our new strategic plan next week, we reaffirm that Indigenization is woven into the very fabric of our institution, shaping our vision for the future. In 2025, the Department of Indigenous Studies celebrates its 50th anniversary, recognizing five decades of community-engaged scholarship and research. Stay tuned for events in the fall to commemorate this historic anniversary.

Additionally, we are celebrating 40 years of Indigenous management education, a legacy that began in 1985 with the launch of Canada’s first university program dedicated to Indigenous economic development, governance and business management. From its early days as the Business Enterprises and Self-Governing Systems of Indian, Inuit, and Métis Peoples (BESS) program to its evolution into the Indigenous Governance and Business Management (IGBM) program in 2018, this initiative has empowered Indigenous leaders and shaped the future of business. A full day of celebration is scheduled for Friday, March 21, followed by the Dhillon School of Business Scholarship Dinner, honouring the Elders past, present and future.

Further highlighting our institution’s ongoing progress, we are proud of the work toward reconciliation being done and recognized through the recent Blackfoot naming of the Faculty of Fine Arts — Piiksinaasin (Manifesting Beauty), and the Faculty of Education — Iiniookaksini (Bison Wisdom).

Let us come together in celebration of our shared campus and the valuable relationships we have cultivated over the years. Read more about all the events taking place this week at go.uleth.ca/iaw. Additionally, 15 per cent of all sales of Iniskim merchandise at the ULethbridge Bookstore will be donated toward Indigenous Student Scholarships and Awards.

I look forward to seeing you on campus at some of the many events taking place this week.

Hand to heart,

Iikaisskini (Low Horn), Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04)
Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations