Department of Indigenous Studies
The World Council of Indigenous Peoples define Indigenous peoples as "people, living in countries which have populations composed of differing ethnic or racial groups, who are descendants of the earliest populations living in the area and who do not as a group control the national government of the countries within which they live."
Indigenous Studies at the University of Lethbridge is dedicated to community-engaged scholarship, and research of the priorities and aspirations of Indigenous peoples in Canada and throughout the world. Within the department, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students have the opportunity to learn and think about Indigenous knowledges in creative, transformative and critical ways. The department offers courses that engender a rigorous and respectful understanding of Indigenous peoples’ languages, knowledges, cultures, histories, politics, arts, intellectual traditions, and research methodologies.
Department of Indigenous Studies 50th Anniversary
Department Highlights
Rock Your Mocs
November 8 - 15, 2026
A worldwide media event during National Native American Heritage Month!
If you don't have moccasins, participate by wearing turquoise, a ribbon skirt, a ribbon shirt, or an official movement t-shirt in solidarity!
Show support by using #ROCKYOURMOCS & tag @INDIGENOUS_STUDIES on Instagram!
A'tsimaani Blackfoot Hand Games (Pi'ksikahtssin)
This event is a great way to have fun and learn new skills. Hand Games is a traditional guessing and hiding competitive game. It consists of two teams and the team who has all the sticks wins.
Come check it out and learn the Blackfoot language too with Elders Shirley Crow Shoe & Tom Little Bear.
When: Wednesday November 18, 2026
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Iikaisskini Gathering Centre (W650)
Lunch will be provided. All are welcome.
Please note all activities are subject to change.
A'tsimaani Blackfoot Yoga (iitaisoksistomio'pa)
Come join us in Blackfoot yoga. A great way to take a journey to a calm, relaxing realm. An adventure you won't forget.
Elder Sylvia Russell will be on hand to translate the various Blackfoot words used in some of the poses.
When: Monday November 30, 2026
Time: 10:30am - 11:45am
Where: Iikaisskini Gathering Centre (W650)
All are welcome.
Please note all activities are subject to change.
Winter 2027 Course Offering
BKFT3210 - Blackfoot Linguistics: Blackfoot dictionary making
A great course for students interested in Blackfoot or Linguistics!
You will learn how the Blackfoot Online Dictionary works. You will get training in how to do fieldwork to collect new items or audio clips and how to add them to the database. Everyone will have an opportunity to help improve and expand the Blackfoot dictionary.
Prerequisites: Some background in Blackfoot and/or Linguistics. Please contact us for a prerequisite waiver if you do not have the formal requirements.
Monday | Wednesday
3:00pm - 4:15pm
Room: W866
Instructors: Inge Genee and Alex Smith
Handling 20th-century legacy materials in the 21st century
This presentation showcases the important work being undertaken to preserve and revitalize Blackfoot language resources through the digitization and cataloguing of historical recordings, field notes, and teaching materials.
Dr. Inge Genee reflects on the challenges and opportunities of managing legacy language archives while prioritizing community engagement, cultural protocols, and long-term accessibility.
Waterton Blackfoot Language Immersion Camp Video
The Blackfoot Language Adult Immersion Program (A'tsimaani) in the Department of Indigenous Studies University of Lethbridge - Faculty of Arts & Science holds a summer camp course in Waterton National Park every year.
The A'tsimaani program is part of ULethbridge's Blackfoot language rematriation efforts to revitalize the language. ULethbridge students, staff and community members joined Blackfoot Elders out at the Belly River campground to strengthen their Blackfoot-speaking skills and to learn the language through the land, cultural practices, storytelling and interactive activities. The course was delivered via a mentor-apprentice program method where a fluent speaker teaches the learner through language immersion.
Finding their words again - University of Lethbridge researchers work to preserve and revive the endangered Blackfoot language
The SSHRC recently interviewed Dr. Inge Genee & Annabelle Chatsis on their efforts in Blackfoot language preservation and revitalization through research, education and community partnerships.
To learn more and read the interview follow the link below.
Additionally SSHRC will be promoting the interview on their social media accounts:
New Indigenous Studies Instagram Account
Keep up-to date on events and other happenings in the Indigenous Studies department by following our Instagram Account.
Three That Matter with Royal Adkin (BMgt '18)
Three That Matter asks a simple question: Which three books have mattered most to you?
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Remarkable young scholars to lead Raising Spirit in Blackfoot Territory 3.0
For more than 15 years, the Raising Spirit Project has brought together Blackfoot families, Elders, students and researchers at the University of Lethbridge to explore knowledge sharing, culture and community-based learning. Designed …
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Southern Alberta Medical Program gifted Blackfoot names
From left, Shanda Webber, Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, Liz Piquette, Reuben Big Sorrell Horse, Dr. Amy Bromley,Dr. Francis First Charger, Dr. Aaron Johnston, Dr. Sam DeWalle, Kelly Dinsmore, Janessa …
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