University of Lethbridge - Iikaisskini Indigenous Services

Today, and each June 21, we come together to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a time to celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada and address what meaningful reconciliation entails.

ULethbridge’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone, and we are in traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory. Iniskim’s commitment to the relationship between the University and Indigenous Peoples has deep roots and connects everything we do.

We honour the past, stay active in the present and plan for the future. At ULethbridge, we weave Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditions into all that we do. We integrate Indigenous perspectives into curricula, research and services. We empower all community members to engage confidently with Indigenous history and ways of knowing, with an emphasis on building and maintaining strong relationships that acknowledge interconnectedness and reciprocity.

Congratulations to Cade Fowler, recipient of the 2026 VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award! 👏

Through his commitment to advocacy, inclusion and supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Cade is helping build a more welcoming campus and community for all.

The annual award recognizes ULethbridge students who are advancing equity and fostering inclusion for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Read more: https://buff.ly/ZQ4RLXH

Accomplished educator, administrator and ULethbridge alumna Naato’saaki (Sunwoman) Annette Fox-BruisedHead (BSc ’00, BEd ’02, MEd ’10) has been named ULethbridge’s new Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations. Fox-BruisedHead has spent more than 24 years as an educator, including more than a decade in school leadership and five years as a central office administrator. From the Kainai (Blood) First Nation, she recently completed a two-year term as principal of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI). She will begin the role as Vice-Provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations on July 1.

Read more: https://buff.ly/qPvUB8L

Congrats to all of the Spring 2026 Indigenous graduates in the Class of 2026 at ULethbridge! 🎓️

In honour of all you have accomplished, please join us for the Iikaisskini Convocation Celebrations on May 28 and 29 in Markin Hall following each convocation ceremony. Grab a snack, get your photo taken, pick up a gift and celebrate with your family, friends and supporters!

Thursday, May 28 & Friday, May 29
11 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.
Markin Hall Atrium

Yesterday, students, faculty, staff and community came together for a to***co planting ceremony on campus as part of the Roots of Growth project. It's a community and student-led initiative that connects people to the land through planting, learning and shared experience.

As part of this initiative, volunteers collectively plant and care for Indigenous, drought-resistant, edible and medicinal plants on campus. The project is a partnership with Naapi's Garden, Eco Stewards, Environment Lethbridge, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, Anandi Botanicals and Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association - KEPA.

Works like “The Red Line” (pictured) are part of the lasting legacy created by influential artist Faye HeavyShield. Through powerful, thought-provoking work rooted in Blackfoot identity and ways of knowing, she has inspired audiences around the world while generously sharing her practice with youth and emerging artists.

The University of Lethbridge will recognize HeavyShield by presenting her with an honorary degree at Spring 2026 Convocation. 🎓👏

Learn more: https://buff.ly/4gEMcSZ