Dr. Leroy Little Bear has been appointed Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations, at the University of Lethbridge, November 24, 2022. (Photo: Alberta Order of Excellence/ U of L)

By Sarah Jones

University of Lethbridge welcomes Vice-Provost for Iniskim Indigenous Relations

Nov 24, 2022 | 3:52 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A University of Lethbridge (U of L) alumni and Indigenous governance expert has been appointed to take on a brand-new role.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear has been designated as the Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations, a role that replaces a combination of previous positions on campus.

He currently reports to U of L president and vice-chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon as a senior advisor, and is also an adjunct professor in the Dhillon School of Business’ Indigenous Governance and Business Management program.

Mahon says, “It is essential we continue to build and nurture positive relationships with Indigenous communities and foster an environment that is supportive, inclusive and engaging for faculty, staff and students.”

“We are Insikim, and from the day our university was born, we have accepted with honour the responsibility of upholding the historic prominence of Blackfoot and all Indigenous peoples,” he went on. “Our commitment to Indigenization and decolonization is unwavering and I’m both confident and thankful Dr. Little Bear will lead us on this continuing journey.”

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The U of L says in a press release that it is elated to appoint such a respected academic leader as they look to meaningfully implement the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

In doing so, the University promises to ensure a safe and welcoming community for Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and community members; while implementing and incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into studies.

Little Bear says, “I am honoured to accept this role in advancing Indigenization and decolonization throughout the University of Lethbridge and pleased to see this commitment to furthering reconciliation on our campuses and in society through the elevation of this role to the provost team.”

Little Bear continued, “It has been my goal since we first established Indigenous studies at ULethbridge in 1975 to promote our university to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike and to graduate future leaders for our communities.”

Little Bear holds numerous awards that include the University of Lethbridge Ingrid Speaker Research Medal from 2017, the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2016 and holds doctorates at the U of L, and the University of Northern British Columbia.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now