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.
With expertise and training in law, Little Bear has made significant contributions in areas of First Nations constitutional rights, justice and self-determination.
Little Bear became the first Indigenous person cited in the Supreme Court of Canada with his 1977 paper, A Native Concept of Title.
An active researcher and writer, Little Bear has written numerous articles and books on topics such as self-governance, and the relationship between the Canadian federal government and First nations.
[10] For example, identifying and examining the impacts of the oil and gas industry on the land from an Indigenous worldview, as well as a scientific perspective.
[11] This working group originated the concept and created the initial draft of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
[13] Little Bear has played an integral role in recognizing the buffalo’s cultural impact on First Nations across North America.