Photo: University of Lethbridge photo Leroy Little Bear is stepping down from his vice-provost position at U of L and in doing so is leaving behind a legacy at the institution.
By Alexandra Noad
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Lethbridge Herald
The well-respected advocate, educator and leader Leroy Little Bear (Iikaisskini-Low Horn) will be stepping down from his role as vice-provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations come the end of June.
Born and raised on the Blood Reserve, Little Bear was one of the first Indigenous students to complete a program of study at the University of Lethbridge.
He would later go on and create the first Native American Studies, which is now known as Indigenous Studies, at the University of Lethbridge, which was the first of its kind in Canada.
He also created and served as the director of the Harvard University Native American Program from Jan. 1988 to June 1999.
Little Bear was also instrumental in bringing about the Buffalo Treaty between First Nations from both sides of the Canada U.S. Border.
Shanda Webber, director of Iniskim Indigenous Relations, says despite all of his accolades, Little Bear is a very down to earth person, who embraces all of his Blackfoot Values.
“He is what we (Blackfoot people) call Nisitapi, or a real person, and he truly encompasses the Nisitapi values of trust, respect, compassion, understanding and he’s just this truly humble human being who wants the good for not only our Indigenous students, but our Indigenous communities and our non-Indigenous communities to work together in harmony.”
Little Bear says he thoroughly enjoyed his experience as vice-provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations and the impact he was able to have on Indigenous programing for the university and the relationships he built.
“I used to be a professor and really enjoyed it, I love teaching, but it was also a great opportunity to contribute to the operation of the University, the implementation of programs and especially, in my case, the implementation of Indigenous programs (and) establishment of relationships, that was a fantastic experience.”
Last Friday, the University held a celebration in Little Bear’s honour, which raised proceeds for the establishment of an endowed student award which will continue his legacy, an event Little Bear says he is “still reeling from.”
Following Little Bear’s departure, Annette Fox-BruisedHead will take on the role as vice-provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations on July 1.
The legacy Little Bear leaves will be felt for generations to come and Webber says he was more than just a vice-provost
“We see him as our first inaugural vice provost, but more than that he’s our leader, he’s our friend, he’s our colleague, he’s our confidant (and) at the end of the day he’s our papa, because he considers us all family.”
While he will be stepping down from his role as vice-provost, Little Bear says there is still work to be done, and will be stepping into the role as an advisor to the president’s office at the University of Lethbridge.