Leroy Little Bear

Leroy Little Bear is a Blackfoot researcher, professor emeritus at the University of Lethbridge, founding member of Canada's first Native American Studies Department, and recognized leader and advocate for First Nations education, rights, self-governance, language and culture. Little Bear was a member of the legal team working to negotiate the Constitution of Canada's Section 35 from 1981–1987. He wrote the Kainaisini, the constitutional framework for Blood Tribe governance, in 1984, and the Blood Tribe Police Commission in 1985. He drafted the declaration for formally re-establishing the Blackfoot Confederacy in 2000.

Little Bear advocates for supporting Indigenous worldviews in education, especially through language. He sees understanding worldviews as key to the work of truth and reconciliation in Canada. He stated: "The best way of changing ways of thinking is to change ways of thought ... Changing the language and thinking in a new language is the best way to accomplish this notion of renewal." This working group originated the concept and created the initial draft of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Little Bear also contributed several publications on criminal justice issues, land and aboriginal title, and fishing rights to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

Little Bear has played an integral role in recognizing the buffalo's cultural impact on First Nations across North America. He co-instigated and authored the Buffalo Treaty, a treaty between 13 North American First Nations to re-introduce the buffalo back to their respective lands. He is also the founder and President of the International Buffalo Relations Institute.

Awards and recognition Little Bear holds honorary doctorates from the University of Northern British Columbia and the University of Lethbridge.