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 Highlights
Indigenous Laws and ULeth Policies: Bridging the Gap
A Department of Indigenous Studies 50th Anniversary celebration event.
Come see how Indigenous laws can be used to Indigenize ULeth policies and procedures. Share your thoughts about how we move forward in a good way. Enjoy snack and prizes!
Featuring:
- faculty presentations on Indigenous legal traditions
- grad/undergrad posters on Blackfoot, Métis, Cree, and Indigenous conflict resolution methods
- undergrad posters showcasing ideas for applying Anishinaabe legal traditions to ULeth policies
Where: UHall Atrium (W650)
Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Date: Tuesday November 18th, 2025
Hosted by: Dr. Tara Million, EDI Scholar: Indigenizing organizational conflict resolution policies and procedures at the University of Lethbridge
Winter 2026 Course Offering
INDG4850 - Indigenous Erotica as Embodied Sovereignty
This seminar will use literature, art, pop culture, and sport to look at 2 inter-related topics:
- How the suppression and manipulation of Indigenous sexuality and erotica was/is part of colonization
- How Indigenous sexuality and erotica is currently being expressed by Indigenous women, men, and 2-spirited peoples as part of resurgence and sovereignty
Textbooks:
- Me Sexy: An Exploration of Native American Sexuality
- Nedi Nezu: Good Medicine
- RezErect: Native Erotica
Prerequisites: INDG1000 or INDG1010 AND Two courses (6.0 credit hours) in Indigenous Studies AND 3rd year standing (a minimum 60.0 credit hours)
Monday | Wednesday
10:30am - 11:45am
Room W401
Instructor: Dr. Tara Million
Winter 2026 Course Offering
INDG3605/ENGL3605 - Indigenous Literature - Advanced
The advanced study of Indigenous literatures focuses on Indigenous experiences, thought, and ways of knowing as reflected in contemporary Indigenous literatures. Indigenous Peoples, cultures, and languages from around the world will be represented in the specific works used in the course. Indigenous narrative styles will include both written and filmed storytelling drawing on a wide range of children's, teens, and adult works.
Prerequisites: One of INDG1000 or INDG1010 AND one of INDG2605/ENGL2605 or one course (3.0 credit hours) in English at the 2000 level
Monday | Wednesday
3:00pm - 4:15pm
Room W565
Instructor: Dr. Tara Million
Winter 2026 Course Offering
INDG2850 - Symbols in Society
This course introduces students to the analysis of signs: how signs mean, how they are used, and how they evolve in diverse cultural contexts. Exploring fundamentals in semiotics this course explores subjects relevant across the social sciences and humanities, as well as marketing and design. Special emphasis is on metaphor and symbolism in Indigenous languages and cultures.
Textbook: Danesi, Marcel The Quest for Meaning. UTP.
Prerequisites: Any 1000-level course
Tuesday | Thursday
10:30am - 11:45am
Room D631
Instructor: Dr. Conor Snoek
New Indigenous Studies Instagram Account
Keep up-to date on events and other happenings in the Indigenous Studies department by following our Instagram Account.
Shining Student Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child) Tatiana Weasel Moccasin
At the University of Lethbridge, Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child), Tatiana Weasel Moccasin has worked as a research assistant, travelled to Mexico for school, and embraced opportunities to enhance her creativity through creative writing and Indigenous art courses. Her future aspirations include becoming a teacher in Indigenous studies and language arts while continuing to advocate for Indigenous voices in education.
"I have so many great experiences here at the University. I loved the friends I've made, the club I joined (All My Relations) and the amazing professors I've been honoured to work with."
Shining Student Sii'piapaikkana (Night Shining) Dakota Wadsworth
Sii'piapaikkana (Night Shining), Dakota Wadsworth's (ISSC '24) time at the University of Lethbridge is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the strength of community. As a proud First Nations student and single mother, she has overcome financial barriers and personal challenges to excel in her studies, all while being inspired by, and inspiring those around her. Her story as a shining example of breaking through barriers to achieve dreams and create a brighter future.
"I used to be so scared to come to the University. But when I got here, I met some professors who were kind, encouraging, and truly there to assist when they could."
Indigenous Studies student and veteran Kendrick Fox found purpose in military service
Naatoiipiksi (Holy Hitter) Kendrick Fox served in Afghanistan in the Canadian Armed Forces following Sept. 11
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Preserving the past for the future with Dhillon alumna Ashley Ens
A proud member of the Gwich’in Nation, Ashley Rae Ens completed both her Bachelor of Management (2016) and Master of Management (2021) at the Dhillon School of Business.
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Introducing the Poomaksin Pens Award: Carrying the word forward
The Dhillon School of Business is proudly launching a new annual tradition: the Poomaksin Pens Award, created to honour a graduating Indigenous student who exemplifies academic excellence, cultural strength and leadership. “Poomaksin” is a Blackfoot …
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