Dr. Leroy Little Bear is a Blackfoot researcher, professor emeritus at the University of Lethbridge, founding member of Canada's first Native American Studies Department, founding director of the Native American Program at Harvard University and recognized leader and advocate for First Nations education, rights, self-governance, language and culture. In the spring of 2003, Dr. Little Bear was awarded the prestigious National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Education, the highest honour bestowed by Canada's First Nations community.

With expertise and training in law, Little Bear has made significant contributions in areas of First Nations constitutional rights, justice and self-determination. He played a significant role in Canada's constitutional changes. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the Officer Order of Canada (2019), and the Alberta Order of Excellence (2016). Along with his wife, Amethyst First Rider, Dr. Little Bear brought about the historic Buffalo Treaty between First Nations on both sides of the USA-Canada border in 2014.