Elder in Residence getting honourary degree at U of L fall convocation

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on September 12, 2024.

The University of Lethbridge will be awarding an honorary doctorate to its Elder in Residence Francis First Charger at the fall convocation. U of L photo by AE Cross

The University of Lethbridge will be awarding an honorary doctorate to its Elder in Residence during the fall convocation.

Elder Ninnaisipistoo (Owl Chief) Francis First Charger has been an Elder in Residence for the university since 2008 and his advice has been invaluable to staff, students and faculty.

First Charger started his work at the university with the Dhillon School of Business providing guidance, support, class lectures and hosting many visitors. This work eventually expanded for all students, staff and faculty.

Chancellor Terry Whitehead says the contributions Francis has made for the university has been immeasurable.

“He played a key role in helping the University acquire its ceremonial pipe, commissioning Jerry Potts from the Piikani Nation to handcraft the pipe. Furthermore, his knowledge of Blackfoot culture and Indigenous ways of knowing, coupled with his broad experience in business, have benefited many people and organizations in southern Alberta,” said Whitehead.

First Charger was raised following Blackfoot culture, ceremonies and traditional Blackfoot values have guided his life.

Leroy Little Bear says First Charger has been a spark of knowledge for both the university and other organizations of southern Alberta.

“Many years ago, a ‘spark’ manifested somewhere on Blood Reserve in southern Alberta. That ‘spark’ continued to shine for a number of years almost unnoticed but suddenly that ‘spark’ manifested as a source of knowledge, wisdom and service. That ‘spark’ is ‘Ninnaisipistoo’ (Francis First Charger). Francis continues to be a spark of knowledge and service to his community and the University of Lethbridge in many different capacities. The awarding of an honorary degree ensures that the ‘spark’ will never die out and will always be remembered,” said Little Bear.

The University of Lethbridge will present First Charger with an honorary Doctorate of Laws at 10 a.m. on Oct. 19.