A new scholarship for Indigenous students at the University of Lethbridge received significant financial support at a recent fundraising event.
Last month, the Dhillon School of Business raised a glass to 40 years of Indigenous business management education at its annual scholarship dinner.
The evening featured Indigenous art, music and dance while raising funds for the establishment of the Kas’sin Noo nii’ ksi Scholarship, which in this context, means, “Our Elders as our guides and teachers”. The bursary will be available for all Indigenous students at the U of L in any program.
In total, over $110,000 was raised through ticket sales, donations, a silent auction, the CPA Education Foundation and the U of L Board of Governors match funding initiative.
“I truly believe education is an opportunity towards prosperity, both individually and in society,” says E gim mi Niitsitapi (man has a heart for Real People or Indigenous People) Dr. Kerry Godfrey, dean of the Dhillon School of Business (DSB).
“Anything we can do to improve opportunity and remove barriers to access is what I’m hoping this scholarship is the start of, and even greater things to come.”
ELDERS IN RESIDENCE
The local post-secondary is also highlighting its Elders in Residence program, which was founded in 2008 and plays an integral role in helping Indigenous students.
Indigenous Learning and Program Coordinator at the Dhillon School of Business, Rhonda Crow, says an assessment found that students at the U of L wanted to see and have access to Indigenous Elders, for advice and to help with any challenges that may face in their education.
Niinaisipistoo (Owl Chief) Dr. Francis First Charger became the first Elder in Residence. The late Napiakii (Old Woman) Carolla Calf Robe later joined, followed by Staah’tsi’naims’skaa’ki (Thunder Pipe Woman Under the Sky) Catherine Hunt, and Miisaminiskim (Long Time Buffalo Stone) Shirlee Crow Shoe.
“Our role is we support the students. We listen, and we advise them and encourage them to continue on with their studies,” says Crow Shoe.
The Elders in Residence are available to support all U of L students and employees.
