Charles Weaselhead named to Order of Canada

Former University of Lethbridge chancellor Charles Weaselhead has been appointed to the Order of Canada.

Weaselhead served as chancellor for fouryears from 2019-2023. He says he was honoured to be appointed to the Order of Canada.

"It's quite an honour to be a recipient and chosen for the membership of the Order of Canada and the work that I do, I really enjoy doing the work," said Weaselhead.

Weaselhead has dedicated his life to help his people heal from the trauma of residential schools, which he is a survivor of himself.

"My long standing has been very dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for not only the Indigenous communities that I worked with directly, but throughout the country," said Weaselhead.

Weaselhead has also served as the Blood Tribe Chief during which he was appointed as the Treaty 7 Grand Chief. He has spent time educating many Chiefs, which in turn have helped him become the person he is today.

"There's many other organizations that I've worked for that have made me a better person, better person to understand, the ways that are I can serve not only my community, but the community at large to the best way that I can," said Weaselhead.

Being appointed to the Order of Canada isn't going to change Weaselhead as a person. He says the work he has done isn't a job, it's a way of life.

Weaselhead says he is grateful for the Elders who has taught him traditional ways which has helped him stay grounded in the work he does.

"I also want to make sure that I don't leave out our Elders who have provided me with a cultural and traditional strength to remain grounded in my own culture so that I can use it to do the work that I do every day."

Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald