Iikaisskini

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.

Shining Student Iisoimaahkaa (Driving Along the Beach), Blair Many Fingers

It'samahka, Blair Many Fingers has always been drawn to the Iniskim (ULethbridge) campus. While Blair is from the Kainai/Blood reserve, he grew up in west Lethbridge. His earliest memories of campus include being escorted off campus by security for rollerblading in areas he wasn’t meant to explore.

Royal Adkin (BMgt ’18) — Indigenous Student Advisor (Iikaisskini Indigenous Services)

As an Indigenous Student Advisor, Royal Adkin (BMgt ’18) enjoys connecting Indigenous students with resources and helping to elevate their cultural experiences on campus.

Siipoimoststa, Santanita Oka (BHSc '16), Indigenous mental health outreach worker, Iikaisskini Indigenous Services

Meet Santanita Oka (BHSc '14), who works with Iikaisskini Indigenous Services as the Indigenous mental health outreach worker.

How the Indigenous Student Success Cohort Helped Shining Student Siksiikakoan, Shane McDougall Thrive

The Indigenous Student Success Cohort (ISSC) supported Siksiikakoan (Blackfootman), Shane McDougall on his return to school decades after he graduated high school.

Student-led Roots of Growth project reaches maturation with official launch

Born out of a response to a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the Roots of Growth project is reaching maturation as it officially launches at the University of Lethbridge.

What does it mean to engage in truth and reconciliation in higher learning institutions? A conversation with Dr. Apooyak'ii, Tiffany Prete

As we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, it is important to learn and understand how we can take meaningful steps to achieve the goals of the day and the overall mission of truth and reconciliation in Canada.

Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre opens in honour of Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc '72, DASc '04)

Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc '72, DASc '04) knows the importance of education and champions the pursuit of knowledge in everything he does, which is strikingly evident in his work on Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being.

Meet Shining Student Pii-taa Kyaa-tsis, Walker English

Kinesiology student Walker English didn't have far to go when he chose ULethbridge. He grew up in nearby Fort Macleod, Alberta. The strong sense of community he's found on campus has helped him excel.

Q&A with Shining Graduate Alyssa No Runner (Ahkoiinnimakii)

Participating in research as an undergraduate student allowed Alyssa No Runner (Ahkoiinnimakii) (BSc '22) to learn about ways to educate the academic and non-indigenous community on Indigenous culture.

Q&A with Shining Graduate Sydney Shade, Míínaakii

Dhillon School of Business student Sydney Shade, Míínaakii (BMgt '22) is proud to be crossing the stage to receive her degree in Accounting.

Q&A with Shining Graduate and AstraZeneca Aboriginal Nursing Award recipient Amber Whitstone

Shining Graduate and AstraZeneca Aboriginal Nursing Award recipient Amber Whitstone answers a few questions about her time at ULethbridge

EleV Navigator Team receives a Blackfoot name to set their paths forward in a good way

As the six members of the EleV Navigator Team prepare to go into the Blackfoot Confederacy communities of Kainai, Piikani and Siksika, they are being given a traditional sendoff.

Shining Student Piiksipitaakii, Andrea True Joy Fox

Shining Student Andrea True Joy Fox (Piiksipitaakii) (BA/BEd '09) chose to complete her graduate studies at the University of Lethbridge because she had an incredible undergrad experience where she shared meaningful connections with colleagues and instructors.

Rock your Mocs: Stories from the ULethbridge community

For Indigenous Awareness Week, the University of Lethbridge Iikaisskini Indigenous Student Centre has been collecting photos and stories about moccasins from students, staff and faculty. Learn more about moccasins from Elder Shirlee Crow Shoe.

Elders in Residence offer campus community spiritual and emotional support

Through traditional teachings and storytelling, the Blackfoot Elders in Residence at the University of Lethbridge offers guidance, cultural support, and encouragement to the campus community. The Carolla (Napiakii) Calf Robe Elders and Ceremony

Meet the EleV team: Building educational and employment pathways for Indigenous youth

EleV has forged connections with Blackfoot political leadership and the team has built strong relationships within the Kainai Nation, Siksika Nation and Piikani Nation communities to promote education and employment for prospective and current students.

Advancing Indigenous ways of knowing

On September 30, 2021, Canada solemnly paused in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Throughout the week, the ULethbridge reflected on a painful, unjust part of Canadian history on the broadest of scales, committing to continue to take actions to build a better tomorrow.

Joel Tailfeathers, Natoyiinniimaa (BA'05, BEd'07, MEd'21) ambition for furthering his education has resulted in career success

Education has always been a passion for Joel Tailfeathers (BA'05, BEd'07, MEd’21). After spending years teaching in the city of Lethbridge, his decision to pursue grad school to become an administrator was a goal Joel accomplished in his time as a student.

Michelle Fox, Sikotan (BA ’21) — a Blackfoot mother who attributes family and campus community support as reason for success

"I gained knowledge, and pride in my identity as a First Nation woman. I am proud to take my place in becoming a knowledge holder."

ULethbridge unveils t-shirt designed by Chataya Holy Singer, Blackfoot art studio major

“I knew that I was going to come up with a design that contributes to the perspective of what it means to be an Indigenous student in post-secondary. I personally know the impacts that residential schools have within my own family and even myself.”