Lethbridge College is pleased to announce Métis Elder Dr. Lloyd Cavers, a life-long educator with decades of experience as a teacher and administrator, has recently joined the Indigenous Services Cultural Support Program.
As the college’s Métis Elder, Cavers will make regular visits to campus so students and employees can benefit from his support, guidance and traditional knowledge.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Lloyd Cavers on campus to support and guide our students,” says Dr. Brad Donaldson, President and CEO of Lethbridge College. “Coming from a teaching background, Dr. Cavers will be able to connect with employees and students. We are looking forward to his long tenure, and the opportunity to learn from him.”
Cavers, who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Winnipeg, a master’s degree from the University of Manitoba and a doctorate from the University of British Columbia, retired in 2000 as Superintendent of the Livingstone Range School Division. Since then, he’s been a dedicated Elder with the Métis of southern Alberta.
“I love teaching, I adore teaching,” says Cavers. “In my 25 years as an educator, I was involved in schools all over southern Alberta – as far east as Grassy Lake, west to the Crowsnest Pass, north to Nanton, south to the Montana border and several schools in between. But one thing I really missed when I became an administrator was teaching.”
In addition to sharing Métis culture and history through workshops, events, classroom visits and more, Cavers says he also hopes to be an extra ear to listen, and a source of support and encouragement for students along their path of higher education.
“We all know how low the graduation rate is among Indigenous peoples, generally,” he says, “and I can see the college playing an important role in changing that because there's absolutely everything here that they need. They can start, and then go on and on and on.”
The first big event for Cavers in his new role as a college Elder will be Métis Sash Day on Nov. 16. Organized by Brittany Lee, Indigenous focused career and academic advisor and fellow Métis Nation member, the day’s activities will honour the culture, history and contributions of the Métis community.
Valued members of the college’s Cultural Support Program also include Blackfoot Kaahsinnooniks (grandparents) Betty Ann Little Wolf (Anatsi'piiksaakii/Pretty Bird) and Peter Weasel Moccasin (Miiniipooka/Berry Child).
For more information on Indigenous Services at Lethbridge College, visit lethpolytech.ca/departments/indigenous-services.