File photo of Indigenous dancers performing at Lethbridge College. (Photo supplied by Lethbridge College - Rob Olson Photography)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge College to host multiple events for National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 16, 2022 | 11:54 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College is set to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day next week.

Events are scheduled to take place at the college on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. This year marks a return to in-person activities, with events primarily taking place online over the last two years due to COVID-19.

Dr. Samantha Lenci, interim President and CEO of Lethbridge College said, “we are excited for the return of an in-person celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day at Lethbridge College.”

“We are located on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, which is home to several Indigenous communities. Let’s take this opportunity to learn more about, and show appreciation for, their rich cultures and vast contributions.”

Tuesday’s activities will start with an Iissksiniip (Coming to Know and Learn) Coulee Walk facilitated by William Singer III (Api’soomaahka – Running Coyote).

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Singer is a traditional Blackfoot plant knowledge keeper and artist. Singer has created the Coulee Walk in conjunction with the college’s Indigenous Services team.

READ MORE: Lethbridge College unveils new coulee plant walk highlighting Blackfoot history

Tuesday will also include an announcement from the college on the new Aiitsi’poyoip Blackfoot Speaking Award at 12:30 p.m. This will take place along the coulee edge west of the Garden Court Restaurant, weather permitting. The award is a result of the college’s participation in the McConnell Foundation’s Social Innovation Lab on Reconciliation in the Postsecondary Sector. The lab launched last fall and aims to support small regional teams as they tackle a specific opportunity facing them in their efforts for reconciliation.

Activities will take place in the afternoon in The Cave. These include a beading workshop led by Laryette Collete, a student in Lethbridge College’s Business Administration program; Blackfoot Ambassadors powwow dancers; Métis jigging; and an Indigenous Peoples showcase featuring berry soup and frybread, as well as information booths on various Indigenous cultures, including Blackfoot, Ojibway and Métis.

Lowell Yellowhorn (Spiitawakasi – Tall Deer), the college’s Indigenous Services manager, said “a key part of celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day at Lethbridge College is highlighting our very diverse Indigenous community.”

“We’ve done a great job with sharing the Blackfoot culture and history over the years, but we also want to take the opportunity to celebrate the other Indigenous communities we have here on campus.”

The events at Lethbridge College for National Indigenous Peoples Day are open to the public. More information, including a full schedule, is at the Lethbridge College website.