Each year, Stone Pipe Days reminds us of something essential about who we are and who we are striving to become: a polytechnic community grounded in respect, learning and relationship.
Lethbridge Polytechnic is also known as Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan, Stone Pipe, for our place in sharing knowledge for the betterment of people. Our campus is situated on lands the Blackfoot people have traditionally inhabited and acknowledging that truth carries a responsibility. It calls on us not only to recognize where we are, but also to deepen how we live, learn and work on Blackfoot Territory.
This week-long celebration brings students, employees and the broader community together to honour the Siksikaitsitapi, the Blackfoot people, and to celebrate culture and heritage. This year’s theme “coming together in a holistic way” is both an invitation and a challenge. It reminds us that learning is more than what happens in a classroom. It is also relational and cultural. It happens when we listen with humility, show up with care and make space for perspectives and traditions that expand our understanding.
For me, this is also a moment to reflect on the work we do all year to foster connection, Kakyosin, through ongoing, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous partners and through the supports that help Indigenous learners feel welcomed, respected and able to succeed while being fully themselves on campus.
Lethbridge Polytechnic and the Blackfoot Confederacy recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening the relationship between our institution and the Blackfoot Nations. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to continue learning from one another and to create opportunities for Blackfoot learners and communities.
It also represents something hopeful. It represents a future where Blackfoot knowledge continues to shape learning at Lethbridge Polytechnic and where our work together continues to grow in meaningful ways. I’m grateful to the Indigenous partners, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, students and employees who contribute to this work.
Stone Pipe is not simply a name we carry; it is a commitment we live, strengthened each time we deepen relationships and honour Blackfoot Territory for the betterment of people.
