On Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, the Faculty of Education held a naming ceremony, commemorating the Blackfoot name, Iiniookaksini, gifted by Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04). Iiniookaksini, meaning Bison Wisdom, represents the Faculty of Education’s role in guiding future educators and counsellors to meet the unique needs of diverse individuals living in a changing world.
“Iiniookaksini reminds us that wisdom is not only what we know but how we carry that knowledge in service of others,” says Little Bear. “Wisdom is shared, nurtured and lives in community. This is the culture embedded in the Faculty of Education.”
The naming ceremony was accompanied by the official unveiling of the Blackfoot Mural, “Honouring our Grandmothers”, designed by accomplished multi-disciplinary artist, author, instructor and alumna, Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Holy Light that Shines Bright), Dr. Hali Heavy Shield (BA/BEd ’06, MEd ’12, PhD ’24).
"Creating a visual presence that is inclusive of Blackfoot language and culture is a powerful reminder that we must work daily to pursue truth and reconciliation as well as honour the Blackfoot people and their ways of knowing," says kaakato’ saakii (star woman) Dr. Lisa Starr, dean of the Faculty of Education. "We honour and value the lived experience of our Blackfoot community members and recognize how integral their knowledge is to becoming a teacher, leader or counsellor who serves people and communities."
The first Blackfoot woman to receive a PhD from ULethbridge, Heavy Shield's work is influenced by experiences in her home community, including Blackfoot stories, significant sites, family and women as sources of strength and goodness.
"I feel very honoured and humbled to have my artwork here at the Faculty of Education and the University of Lethbridge as I've graduated from here with my PhD,” says Heavy Shield. “This piece stands as a tribute to the many women in my family who have influenced me and inspired me to continue with art and education."
Among the attendees were Dr. Doug Checkley (BEd '04, MEd '10, PhD '20), instructor and assistant dean of field experiences, and his Science Curriculum and Instruction class. For many of the students, it was their first time experiencing a Blackfoot smudge or prayer.
"I thought it was a great opportunity for our students to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Blackfoot ceremonial practices," says Checkley. "In our debrief after, many students stated they deeply valued the experience, and it was a great segue to exploring how to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in the science classroom."
Closing the ceremony, Starr read the Faculty's Blackfoot Commitment alongside kii Nitsikainaakii (Sunwoman) Annette Fox-BruisedHead (BSc ’00, BEd ’02, MEd ’10), who served as a consultant for Indigenous education with the Faculty of Education providing support for elder relationship-building, in-class Indigenous education and information sharing.
"The University of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Education has been instrumental in supporting the implementation of and fidelity to Indigenous Education for new teachers and school leaders," says Fox-BruisedHead. "The Blackfoot name that was bestowed upon the Faculty, Inniookaksini (Bison Wisdom), was for the great strides and lasting impact the Faculty has had on education. It also gives the Faculty a renewed responsibility to carry the work in a wise way, which honours the people, places and all living beings within our territory. The continuous and constant partnership work with Blackfoot Knowledge Keepers, Elders and community members of the Siksikaitstitapi, ensures that there is a reciprocal and respectful dedication to honour the past, present and future of that relationship."
Starr now hopes that the Blackfoot name and newly unveiled mural will further the Faculty’s ongoing efforts to create a space and culture where students — especially Blackfoot and other Indigenous students — see themselves reflected in the Faculty of Education.
“The ceremony and launch of the mural signified a moment that was neither a beginning nor an end. Being able to walk into Turcotte Hall each day and be inspired by Dr. Heavy Shield’s depiction of powerful Blackfoot women in their traditional headdress provides a daily reminder of how important our commitment to honouring our Blackfoot community and its members is. I am humbled by the experience."
