Shining Graduate Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Holy Light that Shines Bright), Hali Heavy Shield inspires through artistry and leadership

An accomplished multi-disciplinary artist, author, instructor and mentor, Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Holy Light that Shines Bright), Dr. Hali Heavy Shield (BA/BEd ’06, MEd ’12, PhD ’24) is the first Blackfoot woman to receive a PhD from Iniskim, University of Lethbridge. A member of the Kainai Nation (Blood Tribe), Hali’s research focuses on the Blackfoot healing ways of storytelling. Hali hopes her research will help youth become familiar with the people, culture and landscape of Blackfoot territory.

In 2023, Hali won the Spirit Prize, an award for emerging Indigenous visual artists as they develop their careers and advance their artistic practices. Her goals are to continue her work as a professional artist and to serve her community through leadership and the arts.

Enjoy the journey, especially when you experience hardships. It will be in those challenging times that you will grow and develop character.

Meet Hali: Kind. Generous. Lover of the arts & literacy.
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Major: Education

Why did you choose to pursue graduate studies at ULethbridge?

I decided to pursue my graduate studies at ULethbridge because of my connection to family and community. I am a member of the Blood Reserve and the ULethbridge is both inclusive and sits in the heart of my home community.

What does your research / creative achievement focus on? What do you hope your research / creative achievement will accomplish?

My research focuses on the Blackfoot healing ways of storytelling, where I created an illustrated young adult novella. I hope my research will help youth become familiar with the people, culture and landscape of Blackfoot territory.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

I have many memorable experiences at ULethbridge, however my most memorable would be when I defended my thesis. The committee asked challenging questions and I was excited to share my research.

What is the most important lesson you learned during your time as a graduate student at ULethbridge?

The most important lesson I learned during my time as a graduate student is to make an effort to maintain balance in my life. Quite often, studies can become our priority, and although this remains true, I found I needed to maintain a holistic perspective which includes keeping family, health, and Blackfoot culture at the forefront of everything I do.

Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

My PhD supervisor Dr. Erika Hasebe-Ludt had the most influence on me during my ULethbridge experience. Dr. Hasebe-Ludt guided and mentored me through the most difficult of times. Particularly when there were times I wanted to stop, she kept me going through her dedication to my research and seeing me successful.

Did you receive scholarships and awards?

Scholarships and awards helped me tremendously. They allowed me to continue my research and not have to worry about financial burdens which is common when becoming a student.

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

I plan to continue my work as a professional artist and serve my community through leadership and the arts.

What advice would you like to give those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

My advice would be to enjoy the journey, especially when you experience hardships. It will be in those challenging times that you will grow and develop character. It also goes by fast, so enjoy what you are learning and take advantage of all that ULethbridge has to offer!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy travel, reading and making art.