University of Lethbridge honours Francis First Charger

The University of Lethbridge will honour Francis First Charger with an honourary degree at Fall 2024 Convocation ceremonies Saturday, Oct. 19.

First Charger has been an elder in residence at the U of L since 2008 providing advice to staff, students and faculty members.

“The contributions that Francis has made to the university are innumerable and we are extremely pleased to award him an honourary degree,” university chancellor Terry Whitehead said.

“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.”

First Charger began his work at the university with the Dhillon School of Business as an elder in residence, providing guidance and support, occasionally giving class lectures, and hosting many visitors.

This work has now expanded for all students, staff and faculty members at Iniskim.

In addition, First Charger has served on the General Faculties Council as part of their Iniskim Education Committee and is a member of the Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Iniskim Governance Process.

First Charger also participates in Talking Circles at the Iikaisskini Student Gathering Centre and advises and supports students, staff and faculty in the Department of Indigenous Studies and other departments as needed.

First Charger’s presence and guidance help students feel welcome and give them a safe space to grow as people and develop their curiosity, knowledge and skills. 

“Many years ago, a  spark manifested somewhere on Blood Reserve in southern Alberta,” said Dr. Leroy Little Bear. “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 Francis First Charger. Francis continues to be a spark of knowledge and service to his community and Iniskim University of Lethbridge in many different capacities. The awarding of an honourary degree ensures that the spark will never die out and will always be remembered.”

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

First Charger brought many skills with him when he became an elder in residence.

In addition to his knowledge of Blackfoot culture and Indigenous ways of knowing, First Charger brought a broad base of experience in business management, administration and accounting after working at Red Crow Community College and the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project.

First Charger was one of the key figures in co-ordinating the export of Timothy hay to Pacific Rim countries for the Blood Tribe.

At Red Crow College, First Charger was involved in a visit to Guatemala for possible academic work.

Beyond the Kainai First Nation, First Charger has lent his expertise and time to many local organizations, including Lethbridge Polytechnic, the City of Lethbridge, Community Futures Treaty 7, Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society and the First Nation Forestry program.