Empowering Futures: The Labuhn Family’s Commitment to Indigenous Leadership and Reconciliation

The impact of philanthropy extends far beyond financial contributions; it is about fostering relationships, creating opportunities and shaping futures. At the University of Lethbridge, the Labuhn family’s deep-rooted commitment to community-building and education will leave a lasting mark on Indigenous students and reconciliation efforts through the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize.

ULethbridge alumni and brothers Harvey (BMgt ’82) and Roland Labuhn (BMgt ’90), have long been dedicated to giving back. Their latest contribution is focused on supporting Indigenous students while fostering allyship among non-Indigenous students. Two $2,000 prizes, with at least one award designated for a student of Indigenous ancestry, recognize students who have shown a commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous communities in Canada. Through this award, the Labuhn brothers continue their family's legacy of philanthropy, reinforcing the importance of relational giving.

“It’s relational, and it’s a gift to us,” says Harvey. “For those of us who have the means, it’s about what it gives back in terms of how it shapes our lives and the relationships we have with our community.”

A Legacy of Giving

Harvey and Roland grew up witnessing their parents’ generosity and community-minded spirit. Their father, an immigrant from Ukraine, managed a concrete factory where he employed a diverse workforce, including individuals from the Blackfoot Nation. For the Labuhn brothers, community-building was not just a lesson — it was a way of life.

“Our parents were refugees who knew nobody but created a community,” Harvey recalls. “We saw how people embraced each other, and that formed our values. Then, with our individual journeys towards University and understanding more broadly over time, southern Alberta and Indigenous issues, we felt like it was the right focus for this scholarship because that's where we saw the greatest need and where we could have the biggest impact.”

Doubling the Impact

The Labuhns' philanthropic journey has taken many forms over the years. Harvey, a retired partner at Avail LLP, has dedicated years to volunteer leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Governors from 2016-2022, and currently serves as an external committee member of the Board.

Roland, a technology partner at Deloitte and founder of R8dius, an Indigenous-majority-owned services firm, has consistently supported initiatives that promote equity and inclusion. Roland has also served on various committees, including joining the drive for student scholarships as campaign co-chair in 2022.

What makes the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize even more powerful is the University’s Board of Governors Matching Fund, which will double the impact of the Labuhn family's donation. This means that every dollar contributed to this fund will provide twice the support for Indigenous students, expanding access to education and strengthening reconciliation efforts.

“It’s really a force multiplier,” says Roland. “It's part of what allowed Harvey and I to pool our funds and know that we can have as big an impact as possible. It helps incentivize donors, and that's great thing.”

Supporting Students, Advancing Reconciliation

The Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize aligns with ULethbridge’s strategic priorities, particularly its focus on Indigenization and reconciliation. By supporting Indigenous students, the prize addresses systemic barriers to education, fosters leadership and amplifies voices that have historically been underrepresented.

“Indigenization is a priority at the University of Lethbridge,” says Naamoipiiksi (Hummingbird) Shanda Webber (BA ’05), Director of Iniskim Indigenous Relations. “Gifts like the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize provide pathways for our students to pursue their post-secondary education. But in addition to that, the Labuhns are showing true partnership in reconciliation. This award emphasizes building relationships based on trust, respect and understanding.”

For the Labuhns, the initiative is personal. Harvey’s late wife, Sue Labuhn, was a passionate advocate for literacy and education. She volunteered with the Westminster Elementary School reading program, helping children find a love for books. One Indigenous student she mentored found inspiration through her guidance, sparking a lifelong passion for reading. In recognition of her impact, the school named its library the Sue Labuhn Memorial Library, and ongoing fundraisers continue to support book purchases and educational resources.

Roland, through his experience raising a son with autism, understands the power of advocacy. He co-founded a non-profit connecting neurodiverse individuals with employment resources.

“Lean in — all of us can have an impact,” says Roland. “Whether you think it's small or not, you impact a broader circle, and when you connect with others and learn about them, that is the core of life. For me, that's the biggest part of the journey.” 

Both Roland and Harvey credit their ULethbridge liberal education with granting them a broader world view. As a management student, Harvey never thought he would be taking an anthropology class. Through this course, he learned a lot about Indigenous Peoples in Southern Alberta.

“It was one of the most interesting classes I ever took,” says Harvey. “Being able to take sociology, psychology, those type of classes, I learned a lot about the community around me that I didn't realize really existed.”

Working in the accounting profession for 42 years, Harvey highlights the value of hiring ULethbridge graduates, particularly through the co-op program. “We want to make sure that there's more people, especially those in the Indigenous communities, who have an opportunity to come to this university and get a liberal education, which I think is just a fantastic thing to have.”

A Commitment to Indigenous Leadership and Allyship

One of the unique aspects of the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize is its inclusivity. While one award is designated for an Indigenous student, the second is open to any student — Indigenous or non-Indigenous — who has made a meaningful impact on Indigenous communities.

“We want to support and recognize the journey of Indigenous students and help them rise up,” says Roland. “And we also want to celebrate those who contribute to Indigenous communities in various ways, whether through research, science, or community engagement. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility.”

Harvey, reflecting on his time on the Board of Governors, acknowledges the importance of collective action.

“One of the things I learned through working with Chancellor Emeritus Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle), Charles Weaselhead is just how much work is being done at the University to support Indigenous students. The more I learned, the more I understood the impact of collaboration. We need to work together to make this work.”

A Lasting Impact

The Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize is more than just an award — it is a catalyst for change. As ULethbridge continues its commitment to Indigenization, the Labuhns’ contribution serves as a model for how alumni can make a lasting difference.

“With rising costs and government cutbacks, university is becoming more challenging to access,” says Harvey. “We hope this prize provides an incentive and a way for students to pursue higher education who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.”

For the Labuhns, their journey has come full circle. Their experiences growing up in a community shaped by diversity, their advocacy work, and their deep connection to ULethbridge have culminated in a legacy that will support generations of students to come.

With the deadline for applications set for April 15, 2025, the first recipients of the Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize will soon be announced. Their journeys, shaped by the support of the Labuhn family, are sure to reflect the values of leadership, allyship, and a commitment to reconciliation — ensuring that the Labuhn legacy continues to inspire.

“To whomever receives this scholarship — be that light that inspire others,” says Roland. “Whether as an Indigenous leader or an ally, keep up the momentum.”

Brothers continue legacy of community building through creation of Labuhn Family Indigenous Impact Prize | UNews

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