Lethbridge College will receive $120,000 per year over the next three years towards a project that will use art and Blackfoot worldviews to support marginalized populations. (Photo: Lethbridge College)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge College receives $360,000 grant for new research project

Dec 18, 2023 | 3:07 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College has received significant funding for a research project.

The school will receive $120,000 per year over the next three years towards a project that will use art and Blackfoot worldviews to support marginalized populations as they reintegrate into the community.

The grant comes from the College and Community Social Innovation Fund, and 2023 marks the first time Lethbridge College has been a recipient of the fund.

The program will host weekly meetings of a social recreational support group, which involves creating art, sharing food, building relationships and learning about health and wellbeing.

Project director Dr. Kirsten Fantazir said, “The program will honour the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) people through a relationship that is respectful, relevant, reciprocal and responsible by using Indigenous ways of knowing and learning.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

She added, “We are honoured to be working closely with the Ninastako Cultural Centre and our local judiciary to develop and implement a program that will facilitate and support reconciliation within our community.”

The Community Integration Through Art – Pissatsinaskssini (CITAP) program will be implemented with the funding. Each CITAP meeting will involve a member of the research team, an artist or craftsperson and the participants. In addition, an Elder, a knowledge keeper, a health or wellness professional, or a service organization representative will be a part of the meetings as well.

The program will be open to anyone of any race or ethnic background.

Jami Albright-Tolman, Justice Studies instructor and CPSAR research associate said, “Blackfoot worldviews, language and arts will be infused throughout the program for all participants. We want to normalize the use of Blackfoot worldviews for everyone, rather than just for Indigenous peoples.”

Further information about the project can be found on the Lethbridge College website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.