This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
Oki, and welcome to Indigenous Awareness Week at the University of Lethbridge.
We recognize this week as one of great importance at ULethbridge as it focuses on bringing people together, facilitating cooperation and building relationships.
This year’s events, which begin Monday morning with a traditional pipe offering ceremony, are especially meaningful as we recognize some individuals who have helped our community make great strides in the reconciliation process.
I urge everyone to take notice of the events around Indigenous Awareness Week and to find some time to engage with the content and with one another. Let us come together in celebration of our shared campus and the valuable relationships we have cultivated over the years.
One of the key events I want to highlight includes Monday’s opening ceremony at which four members of our community will receive their Blackfoot names. As well, on Wednesday, ULethbridge will become the first post-secondary school to sign the historic Buffalo Treaty.
I want to thank the contributions of two very important individuals, President and Vice-Chancellor Iipisowaahsiiyi (Morning Star) Dr. Mike Mahon and Chancellor Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead, who will be participating in the final Indigenous Awareness Week of their respective terms.
I have great appreciation for the work the University has undertaken over the course of President Mahon’s tenure. As president, his commitment to relationship building has been essential to the advances we have made, and I want to personally thank him and recognize the impact of that work.
The same can be said for Charlie, a man who has always been such a great figure in terms of bringing people together. It is often said that it doesn’t cost any money to have relationships, but what they need is time and nurturing and Charlie is one of the most skillful people I’ve seen in bringing people together and then cultivating those relationships. He too deserves special recognition for his work as chancellor.
Please check the Indigenous Awareness Week web page for more information on all the events taking place this week and I look forward to seeing you there.
Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04)
Vice-Provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations
Contact:
Leroy Little Bear | littlebear@uleth.ca