A legacy gift in memory of her grandmother, Rosie Day Rider

Carolyn’s Blackfoot name is awanáánaakíí (Rattle Woman).

“You start thinking about these things more as you age. We always knew that we would probably leave our estate to charities. And, of course, I couldn’t forget my faculty. They’re like my family.”

Carolyn Wagner, ’06 BA(NativeStuHons) and Russ Oswald, ’85 BSc(MechEng), have set up a bequest to establish an endowment at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies. 

“There is a feeling of comfort knowing that whatever is left will be looked after in a good way. Who knows when we’re going to pass? But whenever that time comes, I have a lot of confidence that the faculty will put the money to best use,” says Carolyn.

The endowment is in memory of Carolyn’s grandmother, Rosie Day Rider.

“My grandmother ‘adopted’ me in 2000. She was a highly respected Elder in Blackfoot country and all over.” Carolyn adds, “she worked a lot with families. She was a ceremonialist and a leader of máóto’kiiksi (Buffalo Women’s Society). Her maternal line has all been leaders of this society. Having her name on the endowment speaks to women’s issues and women’s work and the importance of women in Indigenous cultures.”

After working for the government for most of her adult life, Carolyn returned to school in 2003 to get a degree at the U of A’s Faculty of Native Studies. “I’ve had a lifelong interest in Indigenous cultures.” She adds, “my family and other Elders have given me so many teachings. These really helped me in my undergrad studies.”

After graduating, Carolyn worked in various roles, including at the Faculty of Native Studies. 

Carolyn and Russ’ endowment is designated to support initiatives that preserve, celebrate and share the rich heritage, history and knowledge of the Treaty 7 First Nations communities. “We hope the endowment will help spread the news about Truth and Reconciliation. And that people become more interested in Indigenous cultures because they are so beautiful.”

She adds, “in Indigenous cultures, they talk about the seven generations – thinking about the people that come after us and how we can support them. Since we don’t have children, we want to support future children and adult learners.”

Carolyn and Russ’ legacy gift will have a tremendous impact. It will support research, scholarships, awards, bursaries, Elders and knowledge keepers, curriculum development and more. 

Thank you, Carolyn and Russ, for your commitment to Indigenous peoples and Truth and Reconciliation. Your legacy will provide space for reconciliation through the empowerment of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, faculty and community members.