An experienced administrator with a proven track record of developing new and innovative Indigenous cultural programming and supporting environments dedicated to truth and reconciliation, Naamoipiiksi (Hummingbird) Shanda Webber (BA '05), has been named Director, Iniskim Indigenous Relations.
Shanda Webber brings over 18 years of experience with a focus on Indigenous education and support services.
The new position reports directly to the Vice-Provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations, Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) '72, DASc '04), and plays an integral role in the University of Lethbridge's commitment to advancing Indigenization, decolonization and reconciliation, supporting strategic leadership and providing operational leadership for institutional Indigenous strategic initiatives at Iniskim.
"The search and hiring process was extensive and we had many very worthy candidates. I'm excited to welcome Shanda to this very important role," says Little Bear. "Shanda brings over 18 years of experience within the post-secondary environment with a focus on Indigenous education and support services. Her experience from both Lethbridge Polytechnic and University of Lethbridge, recently including her leadership with the Mastercard Foundation EleV partnership, will be especially valuable."
Webber earned a ULethbridge Bachelor of Arts in 2005, graduating with Great Distinction and earning a spot on the Dean's List. Her honour's thesis: What is "Indian", Anyways? was an analytical analysis of the construction of First Nations peoples' identity and how this image is differently perceived and projected in various contexts and circumstances.
She began her professional career at the then Lethbridge College (now Polytechnic) as an Aboriginal Educational Liaison Officer in 2006, and advanced her career in numerous positions concluding in the role of Manager, Indigenous Services before leaving to join ULethbridge in 2021. During her time on campus, Webber has been a key contributor in developing Indigenous learning and was most recently working as Director, Strategic Indigenous Learning Initiatives.
As the strategic lead for the MasterCard Foundation EleV Project, Webber collaborated with internal and community partners in the enhancement of existing programming and the development of new programming to equip, support and enable Indigenous youth to access and be successful in attaining a post-secondary education. In addition, Webber has worked closely with executive level management in the development of institutional key performance indicators, goals and measures; developed Indigenous learning strategies, including the design, delivery and deployment of creative learning opportunities; analyzed and evaluated current operational processes and performances; and contributed to ULethbridge's short-term and long-term operational plans across campus to identify Indigenous students' learning and support needs making Indigenization a priority on campus.
Webber was inducted into the University of Lethbridge Alumni Honour Society in 2018. She considers herself a very humble Indigenous woman who is continuing to learn her Ojibway history and culture, of which her father is from the Brokenhead First Nation, located in Treaty 1 territory near Winnipeg, Manitoba, and her mother is of settler origin.
"I am truly honoured to have been chosen for this important role," explains Webber. "As a guest to Blackfoot territory where I have made my home for the last 23 years, it is my commitment to continue to be an ally, working in partnership with the Blackfoot Confederacy and surrounding Indigenous organizations and communities to build relations in a good way and to continue to make Indigenous education a priority by increasing access to education and meaningful employment for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit students."
"This position will work out of the Iniskim Indigenous Relations Office and most extensively with both the Blackfoot Confederacy and University of Lethbridge leadership, faculty, staff, Elders and community members to co-create pathways for Indigenous student success," adds Little Bear. "I am very much looking forward to working with Shanda in this new position."
Webber will begin her role in October.
