This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
Oki, and welcome to Indigenous Awareness Week 2024 at Iniskim.
We recognize this week as one of great importance at the 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 11 at 10 a.m. with opening ceremony and blessing by Elder in Residence, Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief) Francis First Charger. Both myself and our president, Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, are pleased to provide remarks. In the afternoon, please join us for a mini powwow and dance demonstration beginning at 12:30 p.m. After the grand entry, witness a traditional Blackfoot Naming Ceremony for the Faculty of Fine Arts.
This year, 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.
We are also proud to launch our new line of Iniskim merchandise. As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, 15 per cent of all sales of Iniskim merchandise will be donated to Indigenous Student Scholarships and Awards at the University of Lethbridge. The University of Lethbridge Bookstore will have Iniskim merchandise available starting March 11. The Bookstore will also have a pop-up shop during the Nikso’kowaiksi (All My Relations) Indigenous Students’ Association Indigenous Artisans Market. I encourage you to support this initiative, as well as our local Indigenous entrepreneurs.
This will be Dr. Jayas’s first Indigenous Awareness Week at ULethbridge. Since becoming president and vice-chancellor, he received his Blackfoot name, Ikkayiinnii, which means Fast Buffalo, from Elder Ninna Piiksii (Chief Bird) Dr. Mike Bruised Head (BASc (BA) ’80, BEd ’98, PhD ’22). Dr. Jayas was also gifted a headdress at the installation ceremony at the Fall 2023 Convocation. Ikkayiinnii has been very mindful of continuing to ensure indigenization is a priority at ULethbridge, and as we look to the future of our University, the Iniskim governance framework will be infused within the comprehensive strategic plan.
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 in the information below. 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
For the full schedule of events, visit: https://www.ulethbridge.ca/indigenous/indigenous-awareness-week
Contact:
Melissa Villeneuve | villemm@uleth.ca