Niitsiitaakii (The Only Woman), Chataya Holy Singer (BFA - Indigenous Art '23), Administrative Assistant, Iniskim Indigenous Relations Chataya Holy Singer always knew she wanted to be an artist so she enrolled in the Indigenous Art Studio program, graduating in 2023. She then joined ULethbridge as Administrative Assistant for Iniskim Indigenous Relations.
Shining Student Malit'i (Satisfied wherever you go or are at), Georgia Walkus At the University of Lethbridge, inspirational professors and mentors have played a pivotal role in expanding Maliťi, Georgia Walkus's worldview and encouraging her to dream big, leading her to contemplate pursuing Indigenous law or a master's degree in Indigenous studies.
Shining Student Carrie Yellow Horn Carrie Yellow Horn's University of Lethbridge journey is marked by a unique blend of cultural exploration, academic pursuit, and creative expression. As a talented crafter and lover of music, Carrie brings a unique and vibrant presence to the University community.
Shining Graduate Ikinainiahkii (Gently Singing), Camina Weasel Moccasin Ikinainiahkii, Camina Weasel Moccasin's (BA '13, MA '24) pursuit of graduate studies at ULethbridge was driven by her dedication to Blackfoot culture. Reflected in her thesis focusing on Blackfoot sacred and significant sites, she aims to reform heritage management policy and procedure.
Shining Graduate Iinisskiimmaki, Kirsten Lindley, is passionate about Indigenous culture and issues Kirsten Lindley (BHSc '24) plans to centre Indigenous perspectives of health, including Indigenous languages, Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural practices, as health prevention and interventions.
Shining Educational Leadership Graduate litspyaapainskiaki (Singing in the Wind), Irene Young Pine Guided by her past, Irene Young Pine (MEd '24 (BA/BEd '11)) continues her journey towards cultivating the next generation of teachers. Drawing from the reconciliation of her own lived experiences, she looks to advance her work as an educator by teaching Indigenous Education at Ulethbridge.
Shining Graduate Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Holy Light that Shines Bright), Hali Heavy Shield inspires through artistry and leadership Accomplished multi-disciplinary artist, author, instructor and mentor, Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Holy Light that Shines Bright), Hali Heavy Shield (BA/BEd ’06, MEd ’12) is the first female Blackfoot PhD recipient at Iniskim, University of Lethbridge.
Shining Graduate Ma’koyii Aa’poo’wa (Rising Wolf), Allan Blake Tailfeathers perseveres beyond struggle Overcoming significant personal hardship, Shining Graduand Ma’koyii Aa’poo’wa (Rising Wolf), Allan Blake Tailfeathers demonstrates that anything is possible. Blake’s desire to help others & give back to his community led him to ULethbridge’s Faculty of Health Sciences Addictions Counselling program.
Shining Student Piitakomii (Eagle Calling) Marla Medicine Shield, Addictions Counselling major Piitakomii (Eagle Calling) Marla Medicine Shield credits an international exchange and enrolment in the Indigenous Student Success Certificate for broadening her horizons and allowing her to explore multiple career pathways.
Shining Student Tyra Hercina Tyra Hercina's professors have played pivotal roles in her University of Lethbridge experience, shaping Tyra's approach to education, and inspiring her to consider a future as a professor of Indigenous studies.
Red Jingle Dress project a learning and healing process for ULethbridge Health Sciences students In Spring 2023, ULethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences students created a red jingle dress in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Honouring Helen Piper's legacy through support for Indigenous ULethbridge students Wâpanacâhkos (Morning Star) Helen Piper’s unshakable resolve to further her education despite significant setbacks has inspired a generous gift in her memory to help future Indigenous University of Lethbridge students.
Iinaatsii'swaawaakaasaakii (Pretty Spider Woman), Taylor Little Mustache, aspires to lead the next generation of learners Iinaatsii'swaawaakaasaakii (Pretty Spider Woman), Taylor Little Mustache (BA/BEd '19, MEd '23)has found comfort and community as a lifelong learner and graduate at the University of Lethbridge.
Shining Graduate Sooyi'kitstaki (Water Offering), Christine Scout-Bastien With a degree in psychology, Christine Scout-Bastien (BA ’23) has gained an appreciation for the benefits that come with truly listening to, and communicating with those around her, whether they are peers or professors.
ULethbridge Indigenous students discover cultural connections through Mexican Mayan exchange Eighteen Indigenous University of Lethbridge students embarked on an international exchange of a lifetime to Quintana Roo, Mexico, in May. Though they travelled far, discovering cultural connections and forging new friendships brought them closer to home than ever.
ULethbridge hosts Indigenous youth through first-time partnership with national program The University of Lethbridge partnered with the Outland Youth Employment Program to host 25 Indigenous youth this summer, providing opportunities for work experience and post-secondary exploration.
Piitaayinnimaa (Eagle who Captures) Remko Hess captures the spirit of art and identity at ULethbridge ULethbridge has been a catalyst for Piitaayinnimaa (Eagle who Captures) Remko Hess’ (BA ’23) growth, encouraging him to challenge and expand his perspectives. And, in a world filled with colours, brushstrokes, and endless possibilities, Remko soars above and beyond as an artist.
Shining Graduate Eeetoomoo (The One Who Leads), Bernard White Man Left III's indomitable spirit breaks barriers When Eeetoomoo (The One Who Leads), Bernard White Man Left III was young, he didn’t dream of accomplishing all that he has in his 26 years of life. Throughout his time at the University of Lethbridge, Bernard has proven unstoppable in achieving his goals.
Amiikstamik (Iron Bull) Darrell Daniels empowers Indigenous voices and inspires change As a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and a proud member of the Siksika Nation, Amiikstamik (Iron Bull) Darrell Daniels (BA ’23) has exemplified the transformative potential of education through his remarkable journey at ULethbridge.
Shining Graduate Niitsiitaakii (The Only Woman), Chataya Holy Singer's creative journey has only just begun Indigenous Fine Arts graduate Chataya Holy Singer is deeply passionate about her Blackfoot roots, applying her artistic talent to honour and educate others about Blackfoot culture. Chataya plans to continue to lead by example and inspire others to pursue their passions.
Shining Student Apoyaakii (Fair-Skinned Woman), Keely Wadsworth Apoyaakii (Fair-Skinned Woman), Keely Wadsworth wanted her post-secondary education to honour Indigenous history and culture. She knew by enrolling at the University of Lethbridge her dream would become reality. Now four years later, Keely is proud to learn from Indigenous Elders in her classes.
Darrell Daniels, Siksika Education Navigator (Iniskim Indigenous Relations) Darrell Daniels is employing his skills and education gained at the University of Lethbridge into his new career as Siksika Education Navigator, helping Indigenous students find a pathway to post-secondary success. He will graduate in Spring 2023 with his Bachelor of Arts degree.
Shining Student Dillon Apsassin (BA '22) Awards and bursaries have allowed Shining Student Dillon Apsassin to focus more on school and family while creating a more peaceful academic environment. This gift of time and resource has provided opportunities for independent studies where Dillon could further explore his Indigenous culture.
Shining Student Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child), Tatiana Weasel Moccasin Those who came before Shining Student Tatiana Weasel Moccasin inspired her to attend ULethbridge, where she will continue intergenerational healing while learning about Indigenous culture and traditions to become a Blackfoot/English teacher when she graduates.
Thank you for a memorable and historic Indigenous Awareness Week 2023 As Indigenous Awareness Week 2023 has come to an end, we thank Iikaisskini Indigenous Services and everyone who organized or engaged in the many events and opportunities across campus! Read more for a recap of this historic week.