On March 17, 2025, in traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory, the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge was gifted the Blackfoot name Mokakit. Meaning practice wisdom, apply your knowledge, Mokakit carries deep significance and marks not just a moment in time—but a legacy, 40 years in the making.

Francis First Charger, Niinaisipistoo (Owl Chief), who bestowed the name on the Dhillon School of Business says that Blackfoot names are gifted when a relationship and trust is built over time. “Schools that have worked in meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities sometimes receive a name as a sign of mutual respect and recognition,” says First Charger. “It's a reflection of the school’s commitment to reconciliation and to including Indigenous voices and knowledge systems in their teaching and practices.”

The path to Mokakit for the Dhillon School of Business began decades earlier. In 1985, the school launched Canada’s first university program specifically focused on Indigenous economic development, governance and business management. The program was known as the Business Enterprise and Self-governing Systems program (BESS). Its vision was to equip students with an Indigenous perspective on business management, community development, governance and entrepreneurship.

Over the years, the program has grown and evolved and is now known as Indigenous Governance and Business Management (IGBM). Students gain significant insight into Indigenous historical, political, legal and economic issues, studying topics such as historical and legal aspects of Indigenous governments, Indigenous business and entrepreneurship, Indigenous peoples and natural resources, Canadian Indigenous tax issues and Canadian Indigenous negotiations. 

With the goal of amplifying Indigenous perspectives within the school, 16 years ago, First Charger became the school’s first Elder in Residence, offering guidance, cultural support and encouragement to the campus community. Soon after, the late Carolla Calf Robe, Napiakii (Old Woman) became the second Elder in Residence. Today, Catherine Hunt, Staah’tsi’naims’skaa’ki (Thunder Pipe Woman Under the Sky), Shirlee Crow Shoe, Miisaminiskim (Long Time Buffalo Stone) and First Charger, all regularly share their stories, teachings and wisdom with students, faculty and staff.

Five years ago, the Dhillon School of Business took another step. In the spirit of promoting reconciliation through education, the school added an Indigenous knowledge requirement to its curriculum. The goal was not just to inform, but to transform. Every graduate now leaves with a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and histories, with the hope they will become leaders in reconciliation not only in business, but in their communities.

These initiatives, part of a broader effort to truly enhance the experience of Indigenous students and bolster reconciliation efforts, also include the creation of an IGBM diploma, a decade long Indigenous mentorship program and the creation of the Aikimmisa Pookaiksi Graduate Management Scholarship—meaning raise up the children—a reflection of the “Every Child Matters” movement.

This past week the Dhillon School of Business hosted its annual Scholarship Dinner, this time, in honour of the Elders in Residence and to raise funds for the Kas’sin Noo nii’ ksi Scholarship (Our Elders as our Guides and Teachers), which will be available to all Indigenous students across the University of Lethbridge.

As the school looks towards how it can further advance Indigenous Business education in Canada, discussions have begun with business schools from coast to coast through the Business Schools Association of Canada (BSAC). The vision is a consortium approach to a groundbreaking PhD in Indigenous Governance and Business Management. Reconciliation is a shared journey; we must learn and work together.

Dean of the Dhillon School of Business, Dr. Kerry Godfrey, E gim mi Nitsitapi (man has a heart for real people or Indigenous people) says receiving the Mokakit name has been deeply humbling and at the same time something the school is very proud of.

“The meaning of Mokakit - to practice wisdom and apply your knowledge embodies our core philosophy as a school where we want all of our graduates to be critical thinkers and doers - to practice wisdom and apply their knowledge on whatever path they choose to follow through life,” Godfrey says.  “I am proud of our school's legacy as we continue to walk the path of reconciliation through education.”