Creating safe and welcoming places on campus and through sport is at the forefront of everything Ryan Francis stands for. In 2019, he co-founded the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program, which operates in Eskasoni, Membertou and Truro, NS (close to Millbrook First Nation and Sipkne’katik First Nation), and has seen nearly 200 school-age girls participate. He believes that representation and connection are vital for a positive experience in hockey and that helping Indigenous girls to experience the game with their peers is important.
Huskies hockey player Erin Denny (of Eskasoni First Nation) has been involved since the beginning, providing the girls with insight into her lived experience and encouraging them to feel seen, heard and understood in an environment that is comfortable and familiar.
“As a SMU hockey player, it’s great to be able to connect with the broader community,” says Denny. “Through this program, I can contribute to the development of young athletes and show these girls there is a place for Indigenous youth in sport at every level.”
Did you know? Ryan Francis, the university’s first Indigenous Visiting Fellow, works closely with our Centre for the Study of Sport and Health on initiatives that increase the knowledge and awareness of Indigenous participation in sport, such as the Red Tape Game and Indigenous Sport Week.