Join us for Indigenous Awareness Week as we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, beliefs and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples everywhere.
A message from Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear
Oki, and welcome to Indigenous Awareness Week 2024 at Iniskim.
We recognize this week as one of great importance at the University of Lethbridge as it focuses on bringing people together, facilitating cooperation, building relationships and celebrating the rich cultures and traditions of all Indigenous Peoples.
This year’s events will begin on Monday, March 11 at 10 a.m. with opening ceremony and blessing by Elder in Residence, Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief) Francis First Charger. Both myself and our president, Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, are pleased to provide remarks. In the afternoon, please join us for a mini powwow and dance demonstration beginning at 12:30 p.m. After the grand entry, witness a traditional Blackfoot Naming Ceremony for the Faculty of Fine Arts.
This year, departments from across the University are all hosting activities throughout the week and there are many events planned each day. I thank everyone for your support, especially Iikaisskini Indigenous Services, who bring this incredible week together. I urge everyone to take notice of the events around Indigenous Awareness Week and to find some time to engage with the activities and with one another.
We are also proud to launch our new line of Iniskim merchandise. As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, 15 per cent of all sales of Iniskim merchandise will be donated to Indigenous Student Scholarships and Awards at the University of Lethbridge. The University of Lethbridge Bookstore will have Iniskim merchandise available starting March 11. The Bookstore will also have a pop-up shop during the Nikso’kowaiksi (All My Relations) Indigenous Students’ Association Indigenous Artisans Market. I encourage you to support this initiative, as well as our local Indigenous entrepreneurs.
This will be Dr. Jayas’s first Indigenous Awareness Week at ULethbridge. Since becoming president and vice-chancellor, he received his Blackfoot name, Ikkayiinnii, which means Fast Buffalo, from Elder Ninna Piiksii (Chief Bird) Dr. Mike Bruised Head (BASc (BA) ’80, BEd ’98, PhD ’22). Dr. Jayas was also gifted a headdress at the installation ceremony at the Fall 2023 Convocation. Ikkayiinnii has been very mindful of continuing to ensure indigenization is a priority at ULethbridge, and as we look to the future of our University, the Iniskim governance framework will be infused within the comprehensive strategic plan.
Let us come together in celebration of our shared campus and the valuable relationships we have cultivated over the years. Read more about all the events taking place this week in the information below. I look forward to seeing you on campus at some of the many events taking place this week.
Hand to heart,
Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04)
Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations
Schedule of events
Join Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for the Opening Ceremony to kick-off Indigenous Awareness Week.
Blessings will be provided by Elder-in-Residence Francis First Charger, along with addresses from President and Vice-Provost Dr. Digvir Jayas and Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations, Dr. Leroy Little Bear.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
In-Person event occurring in Science Commons Atrium (SA7008)
Join host Travis Plaited Hair for a mini powwow and dance demonstration to kick off Indigenous Awareness Week.
This includes a traditional Blackfoot Naming Ceremony for the Faculty of Fine Arts at 12:45 p.m., with Elder Francis First Charger and Dr. Leroy Little Bear.
In-Person event occurring in Science Commons Atrium (SA7008)
Join Elder Gloria Roze and knowledge keeper Tom Child for a presentation on West Coast traditions, with a focus on the Kwakiutl People. The presentation will focus on the importance of bridging cultures, the origins of the West Coast Traditions, and demonstrations of West Coast Regalia and protocol.
Refreshments and snacks will be provided.
In-Person event occurring in Students' Union Ballroom (SU300B)
Are you wondering what to read next? Come see the book trailers that the students in INDG/ENGL 3605 (Advanced Indigenous Literatures) have created.
Each trailer will promote a different book by an Indigenous author. Your "to be read" list will grow quickly!
In-Person event occurring in L1060 (Library Building)
Join Therapeutic Recreation instructor Tiffany Morin from the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Sianna Cherweniuk, Indigenous Learning Facilitator, for a beading workshop.
Learn how to create beaded earrings. All are welcome!
Supplies will be provided; space is limited. Please RSVP to Sianna Cherweniuk: s.cherweniuk@uleth.ca
In-Person event occurring in Markin Hall (M1035)
Tuesday, March 12
Please join the All My Relations Indigenous Students Association for a vibrant celebration at our Indigenous Artisan Market, a special event dedicated to showcasing the talents of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Over two dynamic days, students, faculty, and the broader community have the unique opportunity to engage with and support local creators. Additionally, attendees can look forward to various raffles to add spice to the day. Winners will be announced at the AMR.ISA End of year party on March 14.
In-Person event occurring in University Hall Atrium (W610)
The University of Lethbridge is proud to launch our new line of Iniskim merchandise during Indigenous Awareness Week 2024!
As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, 15% of all sales of Iniskim Merchandise will be donated to Indigenous Student Scholarships and Awards at the University of Lethbridge.
Iniskim Merchandise will be available for purchase at the Bookstore starting March 11, 2024.
You may also purchase your Iniskim Merchandise at our pop-up shop in the U-Hall Atrium from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and Wednesday March 13, 2024.
Join a celebration of traditions with Elder Gloria Roze and Knowledge Holder Tom Child. Enjoy a West Coast fashion show with Indigenous students from the University of Lethbridge to share our knowledge of culture.
There will be singing, and traditional West Coast dancing demonstrated by Indigenous Student Representative Foster Wright.
Drinks and snacks will be provided. Everyone is welcome!
In-Person event occurring in Science Commons Atrium (SA7008)
Join us for snacks and the award-winning Blood Quantum by Mi’kmaq director Jeff Barnaby. Discussion to follow.
From IMDb: "The dead are coming back to life outside the isolated Mi'kmaq reserve of Red Crow, except for its Indigenous inhabitants who are strangely immune to the zombie plague."
Rated 18A (Horror). Free of charge and open to the campus community and the public.
Presented by the cross-faculty Indigenous Authors Series group.
In-Person event occurring in BMO Auditorium (SA8002)
Please join the All My Relations Indigenous Students Association for a vibrant celebration at our Indigenous Artisan Market, a special event dedicated to showcasing the talents of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Over two dynamic days, students, faculty, and the broader community have the unique opportunity to engage with and support local creators. Additionally, attendees can look forward to various raffles to add spice to the day. Winners will be announced at the AMR.ISA End of year party on March 14.
In-Person event occurring in University Hall Atrium (W610)
The University of Lethbridge is proud to launch our new line of Iniskim merchandise during Indigenous Awareness Week 2024!
As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, 15% of all sales of Iniskim Merchandise will be donated to Indigenous Student Scholarships and Awards at the University of Lethbridge.
Iniskim Merchandise will be available for purchase at the Bookstore starting March 11, 2024.
You may also purchase your Iniskim Merchandise at our pop-up shop in the U-Hall Atrium from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and Wednesday March 13, 2024.
Digital reconciliation and Indigenization is at your fingertips. Wikipedia is freely available globally but contains factual inaccuracies we can help rectify.
Drop in and join us in the University Library for guided discussion and live editing.
This event is free and open to the campus community and the public. No previous experience editing Wikipedia required!
In-Person event occurring in University Library Alcove
Join Elder-in-Residence Shirlee Crow Shoe and Santanita Oka, Indigenous Mental Health Outreach Worker, for this Indigenous Wellness Wednesday initiative.
In this special event, learn about the traditional use of Blackfoot smudge boxes. You will also create and paint your very own smudge box!
Limited boxes available. Everyone is welcome!
In-Person event occurring in Iikaisskini Gathering Centre (W650)
In this artist talk, GHOST DAYS: Naatoyiipotaki, Terrance Houle explores the relationship and collaboration with his mother — Naatoyiipotaki: Soaring Flying Holy Woman.
Terrance Houle is an internationally recognized interdisciplinary media artist and a member of the Blood Tribe.
Free admission, everyone is welcome!
In-Person event occurring in University Recital Hall (W570)
Hang out and play with Pronghorn Men’s & Women’s Basketball Teams. This session will include a ULethbridge admissions presentation and an interactive campus tour.
Please confirm that you are joining us by emailing Beth: elizabeth.grier@uleth.ca
In-Person event occurring in Turcotte Hall (TH277)
Join the University of Lethbridge Drama Department for a film screening of Iniskim – Return of the Buffalo, followed by a Q & A with Amethyst First Rider, as part of Drama 2100 Play Reading and Analysis.
Free admission, seating is limited.
In-Person event occurring in University Centre for the Arts (W731)
The University of Lethbridge —Calgary Campus is hosting a fantastic event honouring Indigenous Awareness Week.
Special guest Elder Casey Eagle Speaker will perform smudging and share Blackfoot teachings. We will also be providing traditional Indigenous foods.
Register now, as space is limited. Login to your MyExperience account at myexperience.uleth.ca, go to the “Events Calendar”, and register.
In-Person event (Calgary) occurring in The Iniikokaan Centre, Bow Valley College, South Campus, 2nd Floor
Join the All My Relations Indigenous Students' Association for an evening of fun.
The evening includes refreshments, live music, open mic, games and prizes. Come out to meet and socialize with other Indigenous students. Event is open to all ages, families and the community. Everyone is welcome!
In-person event occurring in Students' Union Ballroom
Noon - 2 p.m. | “Nikso’kowaiksi” All My Relations Indigenous Students Association Art Mural Painting
The All My Relations Indigenous Students' Association will be completing an art mural painting in the Tunnel.
General members can stop by to make their mark on the mural through hand prints.
In-Person event occurring in Students' Union Tunnel
In this artist talk, Sikapinakii Low Horn will speak about their current exhibitions at Casa (Kah’kano’kitopi Saatstakssin, on view until March 23) and at SAAG (IMIITAIKS’IISTSIK’OONI, on view until April 20), as well as their research on Blackfoot cowboys.
Free admission; all are welcome to attend.
In-Person event occurring in University Recital Hall (W570)
Discover Métis events and supports in Lethbridge while getting answers to your questions about post-secondary funding.
Join us to navigate Métis Nation of Alberta supports and connect with resources tailored for your success. Hosted by Yvette Lowen, Lethbridge Métis Council Member.
In-Person event occurring in Iikaisskini Gathering Centre (W650)
In this workshop, Niitsitapi stories, narratives, and oral histories are shared to generate new ground and possibilities for deepening our understanding on how to support gender-empowered relations within our communities and how to deal with territorial disputes and conflicts with other peoples and nations living in the territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Hosted by the Blackfoot Gender Justice Collective, Opokaa’sin, and the University of Lethbridge.
This is a two-day event, continuing on Saturday, March 16 from 8:30-4:30 p.m.
In-Person event occurring in Andy's Place (AH100)
Please pre-register here: Iiyikitapiiks Workshop Registration
Renowned author Chelsea Vowel of manitow-sâkihikan (Lac Ste. Anne) will read from her short-story anthology Buffalo is the New Buffalo. Inspired by classic and contemporary speculative fiction, she explores "Métis existence and resistance through a lens of being Métis...but you don't have to be Métis to get it."
Hosted by the Indigenous Authors Series Group.
Books will be available for purchase. Light refreshments will be provided.
Free admission. Everyone is welcome!
In-person event occurring in the Library Building (L1060)
University of Lethbridge Art Gallery
The University of Lethbridge Art Gallery is excited to show Earth Blanket, a performance video by Lethbridge-based artist Kylie Fineday.
Earth Blanket is a deeply personal piece dealing with land, beading and a sense of home.
The piece will be shown on the projection wall outside of the Art Gallery (W600) all week!