This year’s Native Awareness Week, February 29 to March 4, brings a week full of events that promise a feast for the body, mind and spirit and includes a session with Wilton Little Child, a commissioner with the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Commission.

This year’s theme is truth and reconciliation and Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, LLD ’04), special assistant to the President on Aboriginal issues, encourages everyone to participate.

“Here’s a chance to respond to the challenges thrown out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to colleges and universities,” says Little Bear, adding that the University of Lethbridge is responding to the challenges with the establishment of a TRC committee. “So, it’s very fitting that a Native Awareness Week on campus would also serve to awaken the people of the community.”

The week begins with an opening blessing Monday at 11 a.m., followed by a grand entry for the mini powwow at noon. Monday’s activities conclude with a showing of ‘Elder in the Making,’ a film about how a Blackfoot man and a Chinese Canadian rediscover their shared connection to the land and future generations.

People are invited to feast on fry bread and berry soup and try their hand at making a medicine bag on Tuesday. Dr. Michelle Hogue will talk about FNMI and science education from noon to 1 p.m. in the library. The day wraps up with a showing of the film ‘Relearning the Land,’ which presents a story about Red Crow College.

On Wednesday, the Faculty of Management will host a panel discussion titled ‘Aboriginal Tourism: Commodity or Outreach?’ The speakers include Carly Bastien of the Buffalo Rock Tipi Camp, Lori Beaver, who has 30 years of experience in Aboriginal tourism, Stan Knowlton, head of cultural interpretive services at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and Clayton Twigg, former interpretive guide at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.  Also on Wednesday, Jordan Bennett, a visual artist of Mi’kmaq heritage, will speak at noon and Rod McLeod, a Métis elder, will talk about Métis culture and artifacts.

Thursday’s events include a talk about teaching on reserve schools by the Faculty of Education’s Dawn Burleigh. TRC Commissioner Wilton Little Child will speak from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Students’ Union Ballroom. The day will finish with a talent show sponsored by the Native American Students Association.

Friday’s lineup includes an ART NOW presentation at noon and a closing fire with the elders at 1:30 p.m. Check out the online schedule for more information about events and locations.