The University of Lethbridge’s first Indigenous Chancellor, Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead, has been appointed a member of the Order of Canada.
Today, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including one Companion, 16 Officers, two Honorary Officers and 64 Members. Two appointments are promotions within the Order.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada celebrates outstanding achievements and extraordinary contributions. Over the years, its members have been honoured for inspiring innovation, for shaping the Canadian identity, and for enriching Canada's fabric.
Weaselhead was named the University’s 14th Chancellor in February 2019 and served four years in the role. The former chief of the Blood Tribe and Treaty 7 grand chief, he is a survivor of residential schooling and devoted his life to promoting health, education and economic development issues for Indigenous people.
During his tenure, the University launched its ELeV initiative, a unique and innovative partnership between the Blackfoot Confederacy, ULethbridge and the Mastercard Foundation to support and enable Indigenous youth to achieve their goals and become leaders in their communities.
For more on Weaselhead’s appointment to the Order of Canada, see the announcement.