The Elders in Residence program took centre stage as the Dhillon School of Business celebrated 40 years of Indigenous business management education at its annual scholarship dinner.
The event, which featured Indigenous art, dance and music, also raised funds towards establishing a new scholarship benefiting Indigenous students at the University of Lethbridge. The Kas’sin Noo nii’ ksi Scholarship (meaning in this context “Our Elders as our guides and teachers”) will soon be available to all Indigenous students enrolled at ULethbridge and studying in any discipline across campus.
"I truly believe education is an opportunity towards prosperity, both individually and in society,” says E gim mi Niitsitapi (man has a heart for Real People or Indigenous People) Dr. Kerry Godfrey, dean of the Dhillon School of Business (DSB). “Anything we can do to improve opportunity and remove barriers to access is what I’m hoping this scholarship is the start of, and even greater things to come.”
Through seat sales, donations, ULethbridge Board of Governors match funding, a silent auction and the generosity of the CPA Education Foundation, more than $110,000 was raised to support the establishment of the Kas’sin Noo nii’ ksi Scholarship.
The Elders in Residence program, founded in 2008, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Indigenous students at ULethbridge. Rhonda Crow, Indigenous Learning and Program Coordinator at the Dhillon School of Business, says an Aboriginal student needs assessment indicated, among other things, that students wanted to see and have access to Indigenous Elders.
Niinaisipistoo (Owl Chief) Dr. Francis First Charger, became the first Elder in Residence, offering a listening ear and words of wisdom to DSB students, faculty and staff. Shortly after, the late Napiakii (Old Woman) Carolla Calf Robe, joined, and then Staah’tsi’naims’skaa’ki (Thunder Pipe Woman Under the Sky) Catherine Hunt, and Miisaminiskim (Long Time Buffalo Stone) Shirlee Crow Shoe, were called upon to join the program.
“Our role is we support the students, we listen, and we advise them and encourage them to continue on with their studies,” explains Crow Shoe.
Today, the Elders in Residence are available to support all ULethbridge students and employees.
Quincy Yellow Wings, a third-year Bachelor of Management student majoring in Indigenous Governance and Business Management, says the program has been a treasured source of guidance and support. She cherishes moments where she can visit with First Charger and the other Elders.
“Through his stories, I learned that each of us walks a unique path, encountering obstacles that we are meant to overcome,” she says.
To contribute to the establishment of the Kas’sin Noo nii’ ksi Scholarship, visit the giving web page.