When Dhillon School of Business faculty member Dr. Don G. McIntyre graduated from law school, his mentor and friend Billy Mair, a citizen of the Tlingit Nation, presented him with an unusual gift: a cherished set of pens. Mair told him they were the weapons for the fight ahead—a reminder that words carry power and responsibility. Years later, that lesson lives on through the Poomaksin Pens Award, named for the Blackfoot word meaning “to transfer,” as with sacred bundles or knowledge.
Presented annually at the University of Lethbridge to a graduating Indigenous student who exemplifies academic excellence, cultural strength and leadership, the award celebrates those who carry forward their voice, culture and contributions into the future. Accompanied by a $500 cash gift, the award is made possible through an endowment from Federal-Williams Communications Inc., a proudly Indigenous-owned company committed to bridging the digital divide through innovative wireless solutions.
This year’s recipient, Martin Roundstone (BMgt '26), embodies the spirit of that transfer of knowledge.
A proud member of the Kainai (Blood) Tribe of southern Alberta and the Northern Cheyenne Nation of Montana, Martin graduates from Dhillon School of Business with a Bachelor of Management, majoring in Indigenous Governance and Business Management. His path has been marked not by a desire for recognition, but by a steady commitment to learning, service and cultural continuity.
Reserved by nature, Martin prefers connection over attention. His accomplishments reflect a remarkable dedication to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous knowledge. At the centre of that work is an artistic practice focused on beadwork, where he studies and creates designs rooted in both Blackfoot and Northern Cheyenne traditions.
The foundation for that learning was laid early through the teachings of his mother and strengthened through the encouragement of his late Uncle Bill and Grandpa Martin. Guided as well by Elders and knowledge keepers, Martin continues to deepen his understanding of traditional materials and techniques, including working with sinew, while exploring the cultural meanings embedded within regalia and design. His goal is not simply personal mastery, but the sharing of knowledge across Nations through practice, relationship and cultural exchange.
That same commitment to growth extends into his academic and professional life. Martin has built a diverse range of experience in administration, management and healthcare, including work as a health care aide and assistant court clerk. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue nursing, viewing it as another opportunity to broaden his skills and expand the ways he can serve others.
Martin's vision for the future includes contributing to Kainai Nation in a leadership or management capacity while helping develop programs dedicated to cultural revitalization and language preservation.
In many ways, his journey reflects the very meaning of Poomaksin. Knowledge, teachings and responsibilities have been passed to him by family members, Elders and community mentors. Through his work, he is preparing to carry those teachings forward and share them with future generations.
The Poomaksin Pens Award recognizes students whose achievements reach beyond academic success. In honouring Martin, it celebrates a young leader whose quiet strength, respect for tradition and commitment to community demonstrate the enduring power of knowledge transferred with care, purpose and responsibility.
The Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge is known for its immersive experiential learning opportunities, connecting learners with industry and its supportive, personalized approach. Study options available in both Lethbridge and Calgary.