Iniskim Resource Guide | University of Lethbridge

​Iniskim

Indigenous ReSOURCE guide

Our University’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone.

Our name was gifted to us

by Elder Bruce Wolf Child in 2002.

The University of Lethbridge acknowledges and deeply appreciates the Siksikaitsitapi Peoples’ connection to their territory. We, as people living and benefiting from Blackfoot Confederacy territory, honour the traditions of people who have cared for this land since time immemorial. We recognize the diverse population of Indigenous Peoples who attend the University of Lethbridge and the contributions these Indigenous Peoples have made in shaping and strengthening the University community in the past, present and in the future.

Table of Contents 2

Welcome to Iniskim

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Indigenous Programming

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Enrolment & Advising

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Student Supports

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Iikaisskini Indigenous Services

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Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre

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Student Heath & Wellness

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Elders in Residence

20

Mentorship Programs

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Indigenous Events

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EleV Partnership

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Admission Requirements & How to Apply

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Welcome to iniskim!

Like the tree, the roots of Indigenous Peoples go deep in the history, body and blood of this land.

Our ancestors form the base of this tree, the trunk, from which we, their descendants, can build and branch out because of the foundation they laid out for us. Your university path will be filled with many challenges and triumphs as your body and mind grow and develop, but know that the spirit of your ancestors will lift you up along your way. You are standing on their shoulders so that you can reach the sky. Do not stop.

Be steady and move forward on your path, honouring your ancestors who gave you life. You can be solid and wise like the rock, but you first must be brave like the warrior. I believe you can do it. I look forward to joining the many spirits who will be singing an honour song for you on your graduation day.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Iikaisskini (BASc ‘74, DASc ‘04)​ Distinguished Niitsitapi Scholar Special Advisor to the President Adjunct Professor, Dhillon School of Business

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3 Photo courtesy of The Alberta Order of Excellence

Indigenous programming ULethbridge is leading in Indigenous-focused programming and offers several programs and minors related to Indigenous topics: • • • • • •

Aboriginal Health* Indigenous Student Success Cohort (ISSC) Indigenous Studies* Indigenous Art (Art Studio; Art History/Museum Studies) Indigenous Education Indigenous Governance and Business Management*

Major and minor available*

Learn more about our programs

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Did you know?

In 2021, there were 488 self-declared Indigenous students at ULethbridge, representing 6.2% of the student population.

Did you know?

99 Indigenous students crossed the stage during the Spring 2021/22 convocation ceremonies, a record high for ULethbridge!

Dallas David (BA/BEd ’21)

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Shining Student John Little Bear, Piitaa’aohkamii (Eagle Speaker), chose ULethbridge because of the Aboriginal Health program and how close his home is to campus, located on traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory.

In his program, which blends Indigenous Ways of Knowing with Western health concepts, he’s learned ways to support his community through a connection to his culture.

“The knowledge I gained at ULethbridge is vital to overcome the challenges facing Indigenous health.

One of the unique benefits I most appreciate about the Aboriginal Health program is the inclusion of our Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders. To listen to them in a classroom setting helped me as a person and as a future health advocate.”

John Little Bear, Piitaa’aohkamii (Eagle Speaker) Bachelor of Health Sciences Student Major: Aboriginal Health

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John Little Bear

Piitaa’aohkamii (Eagle Speaker) Bachelor of Health Sciences Student Major: Aboriginal Health

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Your Journey Starts Here!

Indigenous recruitment & enrolment advising Our Indigenous Recruitment & Enrolment Advising team is here to help you learn more about ULethbridge and transition smoothly into the post-secondary environment.

We meet with and invite people from Indigenous communities across Canada to visit and attend ULethbridge. We also lead campus tours for prospective students and their families!

Our team provides enrolment advising to prospective and current students, from program exploration and application to first year registration workshops. In addition to advising, we can connect you to many Indigenous student initiatives and supports on campus such as Iikaisskini Indigenous Services, Elders in Residence and our mentorship programs.

Interested in becoming a member of the ULethbridge family?

Check out these opportunities before you enrol!

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Take a campus tour

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Be a student-for-a-day

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Book an enrolment advising appointment

Book an enrolment advising appointment

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Indigenous Student Success Cohort (ISSC) The Indigenous Student Success Cohort is a first-year credit program that provides Indigenous students, who are not fully admissible to the University of Lethbridge, an opportunity to enter into and succeed at university.

Our program provides a solid foundation of core skills in a supportive cohort environment that attends to Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Learning (IWKL).

Admission Requirements: English Language Arts 20-1 or English Language Arts 30-2

Any three of: Aboriginal Studies 20 Biology 20 Chemistry 20 Mathematics 20-1 or Mathematics 20-2 Physics 20 Science 20 Social Studies 20-1 or Social Studies 30-2

A 20-level language

or one Fine Arts course: Art 30 or 31, Dance 35, Drama 30, Choral, Music 30, General Music 30, Instrumental Music 30

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Indigenous Student Supports & Partnerships Community connections Our team at ULethbridge prioritizes going into communities to meet students and provide guidance on the post-secondary process. Our team members are also community members, and carry a wealth of knowledge about their own communities and how to succeed at university.

Counselling Your health matters. In addition to our team of counsellors and mental health workers, you can opt to meet with an Indigenous counsellor to receive traditional, culturally inclusive support.

Calendar of events From round dances to beading workshops, ULethbridge hosts a number of events to recognize significant days and events, such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 10

Elders program Students, staff and faculty have access to several Elders while they are on campus. Our Elders provide cultural support, wisdom and guidance and are on campus regularly during the academic year.

Student resources & referrals Have a question about a specific service or resource? Visit an Indigenous Student Advisor in Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for help with navigating ULethbridge student services.

Mentorship program Did you know? ULethbridge has two mentorship programs that are offered specifically for Indigenous students. Learn more on pg. 21 about options on how you can become both a protégé and/or mentor.

Programs & initiatives ULethbridge is leading in Indigenous-focused programming, offering several majors and minors across our faculties and schools. ULethbridge also offers the Indigenous Student Success Cohort program, a first-year program dedicated to ensuring your success in post-secondary.

Indigenous Students Emergency Bursaries For students needing extra financial support during the semester, ULethbridge offers several emergency bursaries.

Documentation is required for bursary applications.

Alicia Anderson (BSc ’20, MSc ’22) Gates Scholar and PhD Student University of Cambridge

Métis scholar Alicia Anderson (BSc ’20, MSc ’22) has always aimed high through her study of astrophysics at ULethbridge. Her academic aptitude earned her a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, one of the most prestigious awards in the world that will have her study at the University of Cambridge for her PhD. “You start by making connections with professors and I’ve been lucky to have really passionate professors teaching me undergraduate physics and inspiring me to join a research group and take it to the next level. I really owe it all to my department and all the professors who have taught me.”

Alicia Anderson (BSc ’20, MSc ’22) Gates Scholar and PhD Student University of Cambridge Learn more about Alicia 11

SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS Beyond providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment, Iikaisskini Indigenous Services is focused on providing support, guidance and cultural connection for Indigenous students to achieve academic success during their educational journey at ULethbridge.

While you are on campus, Iikaisskini Indigenous Services can facilitate cultural supports and connect you to resources that support your academic, mental, physical, physiological and spiritual needs.

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Visit Iikaisskini Indigenous Services in E610 for support with: • Awards, scholarships and student finance

• Housing resources

• Ceremony and Smudge Rooms

• Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre

• Childcare resources

• Iniskim Alumni Chapter

• Community cultural connections and activities

• Personal, academic, career and employment counselling

• Community services

• Student Success Centre and Accommodated Learning Centre assistance

• Elder Support • First Nations, Metis and Inuit Student Association • Food banks

• Tatsikiistamik Student Lounge 13

Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre In the Blackfoot language, Iikaisskini means “low horn”.

Low Horn represents the charging bison’s stance, its head down and horns low to the ground.

Named after Dr. Leroy Little Bear, the Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre is where we share our stories, teachings and wisdom. It’s a safe place to explore new knowledge, engage in community dialogue and build relationships. Together, we ignite pride and inspire leadership.

The Gathering Centre is supported by generous donations from the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) and an investment from TD Bank Financial Group.

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Our Gathering Centre is open for you to study, relax, visit with friends, family and colleagues or engage in prayer or ceremony to set your path forward in a good way.

Visit the Gathering Centre at W650 in the University Hall Atrium.

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Supporting student health & wellness Counselling and Health Services You can access an Indigenous counsellor in addition to all other counselling services. Self-identified Indigenous students may request to meet with an Indigenous counsellor when they visit Counselling Services.

Students may also be referred to the ULethbridge Health Centre for medical, psychiatric and clinical mental health support and access an addictions counsellor.

Spiritual Wellness At ULethbridge, there are 30 rooms or areas on campus where you are able to smudge to help create a positive mindset and bless a space, including the Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre.

The Elders in Residence program allows you to regularly meet with Blackfoot Elders for wisdom, teachings and blessings.

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Elders in Residence Through traditional teachings and storytelling, our Elders offer guidance, cultural support and encouragement to the campus community. All students are welcome and invited to meet with them.

Our Elders are on campus throughout the academic year.

While on campus, you can visit them in the Carolla (Napiakii) Calf Robe Elders and Ceremony Room (A430) or the Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre (W650).

Shirlee Crowshoe Miisaminiskim (Long Time Buffalo Rock)

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Catherine Hunt Staah’tsi’naims’skaa’ki (Thunder Pipe Woman Under the Sky)

Francis First Charger Niinaisipistoo (Owl Chief) 19

Supporting student growth

Andrea Crowshoe (BMgt ‘19)

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Influence Mentoring Society: Creating innovative mentoring relationships Indigenous students have the chance to connect with Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals across a range of career paths in a protégé/mentor relationship.

Students have access to workshops, intensive learning sessions and experiential learning in a safe, inclusive and culturally aware environment.

Scotiabank Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program: Mentoring the students of tomorrow The Scotiabank Indigenous Youth Mentors program provides support and role modelling to Indigenous students and youth.

Students volunteer to mentor youth to help them achieve their educational goals and participate in cultural programming.

Students can also be matched with ULethbridge Alumni Mentors to provide support during your time at ULethbridge.

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“I am very thankful to all of my professors that provided support throughout the academic year. I cannot wait to see where my academic journey takes me.”

Tatiana Weasel Moccasin

Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child) ISSC Certificate, ‘22 Pre-Education student

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Supporting Indigenous Culture Celebrating the rich cultural heritage, beliefs and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples everywhere, ULethbridge hosts several events and activities throughout the year.

Activities include: •

Welcome Back BBQ

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Indigenous Awareness Week

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National Indigenous Peoples Day

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National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

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Indigenous Convocation Events

Participate in a round dance, learn about Indigenous programming at ULethbridge and meet students, staff and faculty during these annual events!

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Connecting tradition through technology Melissa Shouting (BHSc ‘19) utilizes her traditional knowledge as a Blackfoot artist and researcher with the Mootookakio’ssin (Distant Awareness) project. The project creates a bridge that connects Blackfoot Peoples to historical Blackfoot artifacts housed in British museums.

“We use stories to connect with one another and utilizing the story technique allows us to control the narrative about the item and how it is being delivered.

Storytelling also allows us to showcase who we are as a People, and how we think collectively when it comes to our knowledge systems.”

Learn more about the Mootookakio’ssin project

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Melissa Shouting (BHSc ‘19)​

Program Coordinator and Instructor Faculty of Health Sciences

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Building Educational and EleV reflects a lesson of nature – that leadership is service; that by helping others, we fulfilPathways a greater purpose.

Employment for EleV uplifts Indigenous students embracing learning and leadership. By encouraging students to fly higher through Indigenous Youth education, EleV creates the opportunity for young people to prosper and contribute to their communities.

EleV is an innovative partnership between the Blackfoot Confederacy, ULethbridge and theMastercard Foundation. We create educational opportunities for Indigenous youth and bolster supports to ensure their success.

The EleV Navigators provide in-community support services and communication to guide Blackfoot learners along their education and career pathways.

The EleV Education Navigators assist prospective Indigenous students with the transition to postsecondary, while the EleV Employment Navigators provide current Indigenous students with resources and referrals to assist with the student-toprospective-employee-transition.

Learn more about EleV

n of nature – that leadership is serv rs, we fulfil a greater purpose. us students embracing learning an raging students to fly higher throu 26

Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Iikaisskini (BASc ‘74, DASc ‘04)​

The EleV Program has four overarching objectives: •

Build pathways and enhance access to post-secondary education for prospective Indigenous students;

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Enhance supports to increase Indigenous student success at ULethbridge;

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Leverage current academic and research programming, and infrastructure to build connections between education and economic opportunity linked employment; and

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vice;

nd ugh

Support the development of employment and economic development opportunities through the sharing of connections and resources to balance the principles and visions of the Blackfoot confederacy, and aspirations of the individual nations and aspirations of the individuals.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear tells the story of the gifts of the Three Sisters, represented by corn, beans and squash.

The corn provides the climbing pole for the beans, which provides nutrition for the corn and squash, while the squash provides protective covering for the plants. They are a community, their success depends on each other.

The Three Sisters illustrate the important partnership between the University of Lethbridge, the Blackfoot Confederacy and the Mastercard Foundation.

ULethbridge and the Blackfoot Confederacy have had a long, historical working relationship, and the inclusion of the Mastercard Foundation completes the Three Sisters relationship with regard to Indigenous education.

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Admission Requirements You are the focus of everything we do at ULethbridge!

One academic English Language course: English Language Arts 30-1 Three approved courses chosen from: Aboriginal Studies 30

Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2

Art 30 or Art 31

Mathematics 31

Biology 30

Physics 30

Chemistry 30

Science 30

Choral Music 30, General Music 30 or Instrumental Music 30

Social Studies 30-1

Dance 35

Five Credits in Advanced level CTS Computer Science

Drama 30

One or more distinct languages at level 30

One additional course that has not already been used:

May be from the list above

ust be worth at least 5 M credits (multiple courses worth 5 or more credits can be used)

Must be at 30 level

Cannot be a Special Project

Minimum Average Requirement: 65% 28

How To Apply 1. Apply online.

Application Fee: $140 2. Accept offer.

Offer of Acceptance Seat fee: $200 Important Dates •

Fall Application Deadline: June 30*

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Early Admission Deadline: December 15

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Winter Application Deadline: November 1

*Please note the following exceptions:

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ISSC: August 31

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Faculty of Education: February 1

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Bachelor of Nursing: March 1

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Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation: March 15

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Bachelor of Health Sciences: June 15

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Bachelor of Music: June 15

Start Your Journey at Iniskim This is your moment. Discover the world and explore an array of learning opportunities while receiving the support you need to succeed in your educational journey and prepare for the careers of tomorrow. Your future is bright at ULethbridge.

ulethbridge.ca/future-student

4401 University Drive W. Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4 403-394-3902 iikaisskini@uleth.ca

Get in touch with Iikaisskini Indigenous Services