Celebrating three decades of Indigenous student support

For more than 30 years, an endowment established by TC Energy has provided critical support for Indigenous programs at ULethbridge

When Bachelor of Management student, Ponokohkyiaao (Elk Bear) Nathan Crow (BMgt ‘24), pictured, started at the University of Lethbridge in 2019, he promised himself that he’d fulfill his potential.

As a graduate from the Dhillon School of Business (DSB) as of spring 2024, Crow has certainly done that. Not only does Crow hold a degree in Indigenous Governance and Business Management (IGBM), he is also the recipient of several ULethbridge scholarships and two highly prestigious scholarships from outside the institution: Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year Future Funds Scholarship and the TC Energy Indigenous Legacy Scholarship.

Crow says his experience at ULethbridge has been a journey of learning, self-discovery and personal development leading to a fulfilling career.

“I grew up in the city of Lethbridge, not around a lot of other Indigenous people, so I didn’t know much about my history until I enrolled at the University and entered the IGBM program. Through IGBM I’ve learned about the true history of Canada and Indigenous Peoples, and I’ve developed a strong sense of pride and resiliency because of it.”

Crow is a member of the Kainai (Blood) Tribe, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy. After starting in ULethbridge’s Indigenous Student Success program, a first-year credit program that sets Indigenous students up for success in further undergraduate studies, Crow quickly discovered IGBM was the perfect place to develop and showcase his leadership qualities and skills.

“I wanted to enhance my knowledge and capabilities while gaining an education that would improve my quality of life. The Indigenous programs, events and support systems offered at the University of Lethbridge were attractive enough to me to leave the job I had and enrol in pursuit of a different career. I knew that at ULethbridge I'd have the opportunity to develop the kind of skills needed to create a career I am truly passionate about through the lens of my culture.”

The supportive environment for Indigenous students at ULethbridge is due in part to support provided by the TC Energy Indigenous Economics and Governance Endowment Fund, established by TC Energy more than 30 years ago. The endowment fund provides sustainable ongoing support for Indigenous business-focused programming at the Dhillon School of Business, including IGBM and the Elders in Residence program, which makes it possible for Elders from the Blackfoot Confederacy to be present on campus several days a month.

Elders offer guidance, cultural teachings and spiritual support to students, staff and faculty, participate in various activities and events and offer information sessions, workshops and class lectures. Elders in Residence are also called upon for opening prayers, smudging, naming ceremonies and to attend significant ULethbridge ceremonies.

Dr. Kerry Godfrey, Vice-Provost (Calgary) and Dean of the Dhillon School of Business, says that funding from the TC Energy endowment has allowed DSB to create a collaborative, unique and thorough Indigenous business program.

“Indigenous business education has been a hallmark of the Dhillon School of Business since inception,” says Godfrey. “The TC Energy endowment has made it possible for us to develop and grow one of the most comprehensive Indigenous-focused management programs in the country. We are very grateful for TC Energy’s vision and ongoing support.”

Crow says that the financial support he’s received and the IGBM program have opened the door to a career where his Kainai heritage is invaluable.

“I am extremely honoured and appreciative to everyone who has helped create Indigenous programs and scholarships at ULethbridge. I’ve found a career path I know will be fulfilling to me and I can’t wait to get started.”

Over the years: Impact of the TC Energy endowment fund

In addition to Elders in Residence and IGBM, over the years, income from the TC Energy Indigenous Economics and Governance Endowment Fund has supported multiple Indigenous projects, programs and workshops, as well as events and activities that celebrate Indigenous culture and traditions on campus.

Here are just a few areas where the endowment has provided support:

• Coordination of Indigenous student tutoring program, available to all Indigenous students free of charge
• Youth and alumni mentorship program
• Establishment of an IGBM campus space, named by Elder Francis First Charger: Mokakit — Practice wisdom, apply your knowledge
• Establishment of the Indigenous Advisory Board
• Launch of the Indigenous Executive-in-Residence program
• Research and coordination of Blackfoot women entrepreneur case study
• Providing the four sacred medicines (tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass) to students, for their own use or for offerings when meeting with an Elder
• Employing students on a part-time basis as tutors and project assistants