The University of Lethbridge Dhillon School of Business 2025 Scholarship Dinner will honour Indigenous Elders — past, present and future — while supporting the education of Indigenous students. This special event will take place on Friday, Mar. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre, in Lethbridge.
The evening will feature an Indigenous-inspired menu, Indigenous silent auction and cultural programming. This meaningful gathering celebrates the vital role Elders play in the vibrancy of campus life as they share their knowledge, wisdom and traditional practices while offering guidance, cultural teachings and spiritual mentoring to students, staff and faculty.
“Elders are the backbone to our Indigenous communities and are important knowledge keepers who serve as teachers, healers and advisors,” explains Naamoipiiksi (Hummingbird) Shanda Webber (BA ’05), Director Iniskim Indigenous Relations. “They are the guardians of wisdom and traditions who connect the past with the present and future. Here at Iniskim, we are truly blessed to have such a group of amazing Elders who are here to help guide our students who will be our future leaders and caregivers of tomorrow.”
This year’s event also recognizes 40 years of Indigenous business, governance and management programming offered by the university. In 1985, the Dhillon School of Business launched Canada’s first university program specifically focused on Indigenous economic development, governance and business management. In 2021, it became the first business school in Canada to include an Indigenous course requirement as part of a student’s core business degree.
“Our school’s history shows that we actively value Indigenous business perspectives,” says Kerry Godfrey, DSB dean. “We purposely and intentionally work to elevate our understanding of different perspectives, and provide our students with meaningful opportunities to see the world of business and management from a multiplicity of viewpoints.”
Proceeds from the event will be used to establish a scholarship fund supporting annual scholarships for Indigenous students in any discipline at ULethbridge. By attending the dinner, attendees honour tradition and community while helping to break down barriers, invest in the education of future generations, and support reconciliation through education, creating a lasting impact.
Seats are limited for the event, with tickets priced at $125 per individual or $1,000 per table (seats eight). Each ticket includes a charitable tax receipt. Tickets are available online at ulethbridge.ca/dhillon/scholarship-dinner.