Indigenous Awareness Week
Indigenous
Awareness Week
March 2 - 6, 2026
Join us for Indigenous Awareness Week as we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, beliefs and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples everywhere.
Don't miss:The Opening CeremonyThe Powwow
Indigenous
Awareness Week
March 2 - 6, 2026
Join us for Indigenous Awareness Week as we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, beliefs and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples everywhere.
All Week, March 2-6, 2026
Connecting Through Dots - Rock Painting Craft
M-Thu, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
University Library
Visit Ulethbridge Library's REC Room to partake in a self-directed craft inspired by traditional Metis beadwork! Using rocks and acrylic paint pens, mimic the beauty of beadwork with small, colourful dots in intricate designs. Take your completed rock with you, or leave it behind to be transformed into a mosaic displayed in the Library. Everyone welcome.
Faculty Publications Display featuring Indigenous Studies
All Day
University Library
Wondering what your professor has written? Drop in to the Library to see a display of the wide array of publications by past and current Indigenous Studies Faculty.
Bookstore Sale
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Students' Union, Level 2
The University of Lethbridge Bookstore is proud to sell the Iniskim merchandise line, where 15 per cent of all sales will be donated to Indigenous student scholarships and awards.
Monday, March 2, 2026
Opening
Ceremony✸
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
UHall Atrium WH610
Join Iikaisskini Indigenous Services and Elder in Residence Francis First Charger for a blessing over the coals to kick off Indigenous Awareness Week.
Stew and Fry Bread Feast
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Iikaisskini Gathering Centre W650
Join Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for a feast of stew, fry bread and berry soup. Available for the first 250 people.
Teepee Raising Demo
2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Iikaisskini Gathering Centre W650
Join Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for a Blackfoot-style teepee raising. Participants are welcome to take part. Everyone is welcome.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Caring for our People and Stories on the Apani Blackfoot Digital Library
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
University Library
The Apani Blackfoot Digital Library is the outcome of more than a century of documentary work to make Blackfoot knowledge and stories available for future generations. In this talk, Danielle Heavy Head and Christine Clark will discuss the origins and historical context for the creation of Apani, and how the revisiting the objectives of its founders informed the redesign of this critical resource. Everyone welcome. Light refreshments available.
Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
University Library
Join us in discussing books by Indigenous authors in this special edition of BYOB hosted by Good Medicine Stories. Bring your own book to share, or just discover your next read! Everyone welcome and snacks provided.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Teepee Raising Demo
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Science Commons Atrium SA7008 East Patio (Weather permitting)
Join Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for a Blackfoot-style teepee raising. Participants are welcome to take part. Everyone is welcome.
Indigenous Awareness Week Powwow✸
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Science Commons Atrium SA7008
Join Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for an afternoon of dance and celebration in a special powwow in honour of Iikaisskini (Low Horn), Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) '72,
DASc '04), Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations and the Department of Indigenous Studies' 50th anniversary.
Doors open at 11 a.m., Grand Entry at noon.
Traditional Kwakiutl Stories
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
TBD
Singer of Thunderbird Songs Foster Wright will host a cultural storytelling gathering rooted in Kwakiutl oral tradition and Indigenous ways of knowing.
Myth vs Reality: Indigenous People's experience in health care
12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
TBD
The Nursing Students Association is holding an interactive booth where the public can quickly take part in a “myth vs. reality” activity about Indigenous experiences in health care. Pick a card, guess whether it’s a myth or a fact, and learn the truth through short explanations, visuals and real-life perspectives.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Traditional Blackfoot Stories
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
University Library
Elder Us San Gah Gee Joyce Healey, and Siksiikakoan Shane McDougall will lead us in traditional Blackfoot stories in the Library. Join us to experience this vital oral tradition. The event will run 9-10 a.m. and repeat 10-11a.m. Everyone welcome, snacks provided.
Friday, March 6, 2026
Kwak'wala Colouring Books + Fun Jams
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
TBD
An informal drop-in space to colour, hear Kwak’wala language, and share some relaxed songs and stories. Hosted by Singer of Thunderbird Songs - Foster Wright.
Double Ball
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Main Gym, North Court, Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness
Student Mentors (SEARS) with Shane McDougall will host this sports-focused educational event centred on Rez Ball and Indigenous cultural traditions. Students will participate in a Double Ball game while learning about the cultural significance, values, and community context behind the sport.
Iiksisawaato’p Kainaiwa O’tookátákssin: Maana’pii ki niita’piitsitapii saatstakssin
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
L1050
We Visit with Kainaiwa Beadwork: A New Way and the Real Way of Design. Hosted by Hali Heavy Shield and Carol Williams.
Raising Spirit in Blackfoot Territory 3.0: Gender and Generational Justice
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
AH100
Hosted by Ryan Crosschild.
In 2025/26, the University of Lethbridge celebrates the Department of Indigenous Studies' 50th anniversary.