Department of Indigenous Studies

HISTORY. CULTURE. RESILIENCE.

Welcome to the 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 Highlights

Learning Lounge - Positionality with Tara Million and David Kootnikoff

Join Tara Million, Assistant Professor in Indigenous Studies, and David Kootnikoff, Instructor in the English Department, as they discuss the concept of positionality and its critical role in creating an inclusive and respectful classroom environment. They explore how positionality assignments help students reflect on their identities, understand diverse perspectives, and engage meaningfully with challenging topics like colonization and reconciliation. Watch as they share their insights on fostering community, empathy, and critical thinking through this essential practice.

New EDI Scholars to build capacity for equity, diversity and inclusion at University of Lethbridge

Dr. Anatasia Stuart (at left), doctoral candidate Tara Million (centre) and Dr. Bonnie Lee have been named EDI Scholars and will undertake projects aimed at advancing the University’s EDI goals. When complete, these scholars will share their findings with the broader campus community.

“We are thrilled to introduce our newest cohort of EDI champions,” says Hernando (Nando) Ortega Arango, project manager, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Congratulations to our 2024-25 EDI Scholars and thank you to all applicants. This was a highly competitive selection process, and we look forward to collaborating with this exceptional group to enhance EDI capacity.”

Shining Student Malit'i (Satisfied wherever you go or are at), Georgia Walkus

At the University of Lethbridge, inspirational professors and mentors have played a pivotal role in expanding Maliťi, Georgia Walkus's worldview and encouraging her to dream big, leading her to contemplate pursuing Indigenous law …

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Shining Educational Leadership Graduate litspyaapainskiaki (Singing in the Wind), Irene Young Pine

Guided by her past, Irene Young Pine (MEd '24 (BA/BEd '11)) continues her journey towards cultivating the next generation of teachers. Drawing from the reconciliation of her own lived experiences, she looks …

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Fine Arts Shining Student Jackson Paquette

Shining Student Jackson Paquette takes inspiration from his surroundings, from the concrete hallways of the University of Lethbridge, to the sweeping grasses in the coulees.

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Career Bridge: Centre for Work-Integrated Learning and Career Development

Career Bridge

 

Put Your Knowledge to Work 

Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects on campus or by testing your knowledge in a real-life work setting, we can help! The University of Lethbridge is proud to offer you an exceptional opportunity to explore professional development through academic programs and services designed to give you a competitive edge in a fast-changing world.

You have a bright future — experience it via Career Bridge at uLethbridge!

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