Consent Awareness Week: Oct. 1-8, 2026

Consent Awareness Week is an annual initiative led by the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative (SVPI) under Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Support Centre. The initiative centres on building a campus culture grounded in consent, respect, safety and open communication.

Held Oct. 1–8, Consent Awareness Week provides opportunities for the Saint Mary’s community to learn more about consent, boundaries and healthy relationships, and to consider how we can all contribute to a culture where consent and respect are part of everyday interactions.

Explore the initiatives and activities taking place throughout Consent Awareness Week and learn more about consent and sexual violence prevention at Saint Mary’s.

Therapy Dog Drop-In

Thursday, October 1
1:30-3:30 p.m.
5th Floor Student Centre Lounge

Drop by for fur-filled break to destress with a certified therapy dog.

Football Tabling: Spin for Consent

Friday, October 2
7-9 p.m.
Huskies Stadium

Learn, spin and win with SMU’s Athletic Ambassadors at our pop-up info table during the men’s homecoming football game!

Consent Tabling at the Women's Rugby Game

Saturday, October 3
2-4 p.m.
Huskies Stadium

Learn, spin & win with SMU’s Athletic Ambassadors at our pop-up info table during the women’s homecoming rugby game!

Crafting & Consent

Tuesday, October 6
4-6 p.m.
5th Floor Student Centre Lounge

Drop by to make a craft and join in conversations about consent at Saint Mary's. Craft materials will be provided or you can bring your own project to work on!

Sex Trivia with SMUSA

Wednesday, October 7
7-9 p.m.
The Gorsebrook Lounge

Drop by The Gorsebrook Lounge for a chance to learn, answer trivia and win some prizes!

Book Club

Thursday, October 8
4-6 p.m.
5th Floor Student Centre Lounge

Join the SVPI team for our inaugural book club meet & greet. Help choose our first book and enjoy some light refreshments on us!

Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month

October is Mi’kmaq History Month, a time to celebrate and learn about Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.

The theme for Mi’kmaq History Month 2026 is Healing and Wellness, and is based on teachings shared by the late Elder Murdena Marshall. From the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC), “This year’s theme invites people across Mi’kma’kik to reflect on healing as a lifelong journey—one rooted in understanding ourselves, our histories, our relationships, and our responsibilities to one another.”

Learn more at mikmaqhistorymonth.ca.

October 1 is Treaty Day, which commemorates the treaties between the Mik’maq people of Nova Scotia—who have occupied the land for thousands of years—and the Crown. Learn more about Treaty Day here.

Saint Mary's University acknowledges that the university is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. Learn more.

2026 Mi’kmaw History Month poster celebrates lifelong healing journeys. Designed by the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) in partnership with artist Gerald Gloade and in collaboration with Elders, cultural practitioners, translators, and the Mi’kmaw History Month Committee.

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Events

Indigenous Film Series

Every Thursday, October 1-29
6-8:30 p.m.
Patrick Power Library, Room 135

In recognition and celebration of Mi’kmaq History Month this October, join us every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Patrick Power Library Classroom for an evening of impactful cinema, honest conversations, and free snacks.

We'll be screening a mix of thought-provoking films that explore challenging realities, celebrate Indigenous resilience, and showcase incredible storytelling. Whether you are looking to expand your worldview, support Indigenous arts, or simply unwind with friends and free snacks after a long day of classes, there is a seat for you.

• October 1 - Finding Dawn

• October 8 - Singing Back the Buffalo

• October 15 - The Secret Path

• October 22 - 8:37 Rebirth

• October 29 - Rhymes for Young Ghouls

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Mi’kmaq Heritage Game Night

Friday, October 23
7 p.m.
Huskies Stadium

Cheer on the Huskies football team as they host the Mount Allison Mounties at Huskies Stadium! The game will open with Mi’kmaq drummers and an honour song, with drumming at halftime and an Indigenous vendor market.

Get tickets

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Resources

Indigenous Student Advising and Student Space

The Indigenous Student Advisor at SMU acts as a bridge between Indigenous students, Saint Mary’s University and community organizations, supporting students through academic, personal and cultural guidance. Students can make an appointment with Kylar Johnson, the Indigenous Student Advisor at Indigenous.Advisor@SMU.ca. 

Qomuti is an on-campus space designed by and for Indigenous students. Located in Loyola Academic Room 286, Qomuti (pronounced ho-mo-dee) is a Mi’kmaw word meaning “a place of safe haven.” This space was created through community consultation and is intended to be a welcoming home on campus for Indigenous students to gather, study, share, smudge, and feel rooted in culture and connection.

Find out more about the space and how to connect with Kylar at smu.ca/indigenous-community.

Kylar Johnson, Indigenous Student Advisor, holds a smudging ceremony on campus ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Kylar Johnson and members of the SMU community offered drumming and song at Spring Convocation 2026

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Patrick Power Library

The Patrick Power Library strives to reflect Mi’kmaw presence, history and knowledge within our spaces and collections. We are proud to be the home of exhibits that support this vision, including a locally crafted dreamcatcher and Ta’n Etl-klo'tasik koqoey (a phrase meaning “where the items are kept or taken care of”), an exhibit celebrating the enduring legacy and culture of the Mi’kmaq people. This exhibit features a collection of Mi’kmaw cultural objects selected by community members and is on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.

The Patrick Power Library has developed a resource collection that includes books and videos related to Mi’kmaq History. Be sure to also look at the Library’s Indigenous Studies Subject & Research Guide. All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card or accessed online using your SMU email and password.

Red Dress Installation

The Red Dress installation will be on display in the Library from October 2-9 in honour of Sisters in Spirit Day, which is observed annually on October 4 to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse (MMIWG2S+) people. This video on LinkedIn shows last year’s installation of red dresses accompanied by powerful messages.

Fred Smithers Centre launches live chat for digital support

The live digital chat offers a new way for students to connect with the FSC team.

Members of the Saint Mary’s community can now connect with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC) through a new live chat service, providing a convenient way to ask questions and connect with the team online.

The live chat works like a digital drop-in. During staffed hours, students and other members of the Saint Mary’s community can use the chat to ask questions related to FSC services and support, with a member of the FSC team available to respond in real time.

Live chat hours:

• Mondays: 10 a.m.–noon

• Wednesdays: 9–11 a.m.

• Thursdays: 2–4 p.m.

“Reducing barriers is at the heart of what we do at the Fred Smithers Centre,” says Becca Chaytor, Interim Manager, Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility. “Adding a live digital chat tool gives students another way to connect with us in a format that may feel more comfortable and accessible than a phone call or an in-person visit. It means students can ask a question when they have one, without having to worry about knowing exactly where to start or which person to contact. It’s another small but meaningful way we can make support easier to access.”

How to use the live chat

A grey and white chat icon is located at the bottom right section of the browser window on the FSC site. When the live chat is active and an FSC team member is online, the chat icon will turn red.

To start a conversation:

1.       Click the chat icon to open the chat window.

2.       Enter your name and email address.

3.       Select your visitor type.

4.       Type your question into the Message box.

5.       Select submit.

A member of the FSC team will join the conversation shortly!

Visit the Fred Smithers Centre’s Guided Video Tutorials for a step-by-step demonstration of the chat function.

What if live chat isn't available?

If you visit the chat outside of staffed hours, the chat icon will appear light grey to indicate the chat is not active, and an away message will let you know the team is not currently online.

You can leave a message through the chat, and the FSC team will follow up by email as soon as possible.

Privacy disclaimer

Please do not share sensitive or personal information, such as medical diagnoses or documentation, through the live chat. If you need to provide the Fred Smithers Centre with sensitive or personal information, please send it by email so it can be shared and stored securely.

Please note that FSC chat conversation transcripts are saved and can be accessed by both the user and members of the Fred Smithers Centre team.

Feedback is welcome!

The FSC welcomes feedback from students using the new service. After a chat session, users may be invited to provide a brief rating or feedback about their experience.

Chat users can also share feedback with the FSC at fsc@smu.ca.

Saint Mary’s University welcomes Mark Gosine as Chair of the Board of Governors

Mark Gosine

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce that Mark Gosine BA’95, KC, ICD.D, is the new Chair of its Board of Governors.

A Saint Mary’s alumnus and longtime member of the Board, Gosine joined the Board of Governors in 2019 and has taken on progressively senior leadership roles. He became Chair of the Governance Committee in 2020 and, in 2022, Chair of the Finance Committee and Vice-Chair of the Board. He succeeds Alan R. Abraham Jr. BComm’80, who served as Chair from 2022 to 2026.

“Saint Mary’s gave me an education and a community that have stayed with me throughout my career, and it’s an honour to serve the university as Chair,” says Gosine. “I’m grateful to my fellow governors for their confidence. I look forward to working with Dr. Khan and our whole community to keep Saint Mary’s strong for students today and for generations to come.”

Gosine brings extensive international business and legal experience to the role. A senior legal executive, lawyer and business adviser, he has worked with boards and management teams on strategy, governance, major transactions and complex business matters across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

He was formerly Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of WildBrain Ltd. (formerly DHX Media), where he oversaw the company’s global legal and regulatory affairs and played a key role in its international growth. His experience has also included board roles with private and joint-venture companies, including businesses co-owned with the Charles M. Schulz family and Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

Today, Gosine advises public and private companies through his business, media and technology law practice, providing strategic, transactional and general counsel services. He has also served as part-time faculty at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

Gosine holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and was appointed Queen’s Counsel, now King’s Counsel, in 2020. His professional recognition includes the Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist for Canada, the Canadian Lawyer Innovation Award for In-House Dealmakers and the Lexpert Canadian Deal Makers Mid-Market Award.

His first career was in music, which he pursued after studying jazz at St. Francis Xavier University. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Saint Mary’s in 1995 before earning his law degree from Dalhousie University.

“I am delighted to welcome Mark Gosine as Chair of our Board of Governors,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Michael Khan. “Mark has served Saint Mary’s with dedication since joining the Board in 2019, bringing thoughtful leadership to both governance and finance. His international experience and deep connection to this university will be tremendous assets in the years ahead.”

Students from across Canada put their ideas to the test during Innovation Sprint with Blyyss

Student presenters at the Innovation Sprint for Blyyss.

On September 19, 20 students from four Canadian universities came together at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University for an Innovation Sprint with Blyyss, a Nova Scotia-built grocery platform that helps people find affordable food and shop with local, independent grocers. 

Over the course of the afternoon, six teams of three to four students were challenged to develop a strategy to attract and retain grocers for Blyyss’ flyer feature, which helps users discover deals and promotions from local grocery stores. 

The four-hour sprint gave students a chance to work together, share ideas and turn their thinking into a short pitch. Students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, Memorial University and Athabasca University took part, with students bringing different backgrounds and perspectives to their teams. 

Teams present a one-minute pitch. Selected teams moved on to a second round, where they had three minutes to present.

The challenge was especially meaningful for the founder Conrad Scotchburn BComm’26, a Saint Mary’s alumnus who is currently completing his degree, Master of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) at the university. Conrad is a 2026 Frank H. Sobey Award recipient. He also founded the Saint Mary’s University Artificial Intelligence Society and played on the SMU Men’s Basketball team. 

“I brought a real problem to the Innovation Sprint, one we hadn't solved ourselves and left with ideas I'm using and testing. The students asked questions I hadn't thought to ask and the energy in that room was vibrant and useful to me as a founder. I'd do it again without hesitation!” — Conrad Scotchburn, Founder and CEO of Blyyss 

Teams had an hour and a half to develop their ideas before presenting a one-minute pitch. From there, selected teams moved on to a second round, where they had three minutes to present their strategy followed by a question-and-answer period. 

The winning team was made up of Connor Stewart and Patricia Tagliapetra from Dalhousie University and Jameka Woodside from Saint Mary’s University. Cooper Roberts, Nathan Crowell and Reva Bharadwaj from Saint Mary’s placed second, while Erik Batista from Memorial University, Nafey Narmeen and Zonaira Abro from Saint Mary’s and Suman Singh from Athabasca University placed third. 

“The experience has been nothing short of exceptional. It was a great intellectual exercise that allowed me to network with like-minded peers, build my confidence in collaborating with others and learn to incorporate, build on and tweak one another’s ideas to create a final piece. In the end, our collective efforts earned us first place.” — First Place Winner, Jameka Woodside, Commerce student at Saint Mary’s  

The Innovation Sprint is part of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre’s efforts to give students opportunities to build their skills, meet other students from across the region and work directly with local businesses. 

If you’re interested in being a part of a future Innovation Sprint, learn more here.  

Collaboration to uncover the history of Acadie’s capital formalized by Saint Mary’s University and French research partners

Version française

Delving deeper into the history of the political and religious capital of 17th-century Acadie at Fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce National Historic Site of Canada at Fort Point, near La Have, Nova Scotia, is the subject of a new Memorandum of Understanding between Saint Mary’s University and a consortium of French research institutions.  

Saint Mary’s University and a consortium of French research institutions are formalizing a new international partnership to advance archaeological and historical research at Fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce National Historic Site. Saint Mary’s is joining researchers from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), University of Grenoble Alpes, and Direction des Archives et de l’Archéologie d’Indre-Loire as members of the newly established La Hève Research Consortium. 

"This project aims to update knowledge - currently incomplete and little-known - regarding a historical heritage shared by Canada and France," said Dr. Frederic Aitken, Chargé de recherche hors classe CNRS. "A cross-university Franco-Canadian collaboration involving various multidisciplinary research laboratories, private-sector entities such as museums, and civil society stakeholders will enable the pooling and enrichment of diverse forms of knowledge." 

From left, Nicolas Robinet,Ingénieur d’étude UGA, Wesley Weatherbee, Archaeologist and Anthropology Laboratory Technician, Saint Mary's University, Dr. Frederic Aitken, Chargé de recherche hors classe CNRS, and Dr.  Adam Sarty, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Saint Mary's University, Jonathon Fowler, Professor of Archaeology, Saint Mary's University, gather at the university.

"This MOU is the next important step in our ongoing collaboration, said Dr.  Adam Sarty, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Saint Mary's University.  “By bringing together researchers from Saint Mary’s, France and our local community, we can apply new technologies, expertise and perspectives to a site that still has much to tell us. This partnership also creates exciting opportunities for our students and for the public to engage directly with archaeological research.” 

Aerial view of the Fort Point peninsula, where Fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce stood in the 17th century. LaHave river to the right.

Saint Mary’s researchers have been investigating the site since 2024, combining archaeological excavations with advanced remote-sensing techniques, including electromagnetic induction, ground-penetrating radar, drone-based multispectral imagery and LiDAR. Their work provides new evidence from the surviving remains of the settlement and challenges the longstanding assumption that the fort was entirely lost to coastal erosion. To date, researchers have identified evidence of a palisade line, earthworks and ground levelling, a relatively well-preserved structure believed to be the chapel, and an artifact-rich midden containing pottery, Venetian glassware, gunflints and other materials, providing new insights into life at the fort. 

The research is also bringing new context to artifacts recovered during earlier investigations and held in regional collections. Objects in the DesBrisay Museum collection in Bridgewater, including a muzzle-loading pistol barrel and a lead pilgrim token, have been re-examined in light of the current research and relocated to the Fort Point Museum for interpretation. The work builds on earlier archaeological investigations at the site, including a 1977 project in which Saint Mary’s University Anthropology students participated. 

Saint Mary's University Archaeologist and Anthropology Laboratory Technician, Wesley Weatherbee, begins a ground penetrating radar survey of the 17th century chapel of Fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce.

"Lunenburg County Historical Society has long been committed to bringing attention to the importance of Fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce and its place in the history”, said Jessie Grigg-Farquhar, Executive Director, Lunenburg County Historical Society / Fort Point Museum. "We’re excited about what this new research partnership can bring to our understanding of the site and of early life in LaHave. As a small, volunteer-supported museum with limited financial and human resources, partnerships like this give us an opportunity to contribute to meaningful research and expand what we know about this important part of our history." 

Community engagement has been central to the project, with Saint Mary’s researchers working closely with the Fort Point Museum and hosting public archaeology excavations that allow visitors to see the research firsthand. The La Hève Research Consortium will build on this foundation through further archaeological and historical research, artifact analysis, student learning, knowledge sharing and public engagement, with the shared goal of increasing awareness of the significance of Fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce in Nova Scotia, Canada and France. 

Established in 1632 by French Naval Captain and Knight of Malta Isaac de Razilly, Fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce served as the capital of Acadia and the administrative, legal and religious centre of the French colony of La Hève. The site is an important part of the early history of the Atlantic region and Canada, as well as of the longstanding historical relationship between Canada and France. The area also has an earlier connection to French exploration as Samuel de Champlain visited the region in 1604, naming it after La Havre de Grâce in France, and it was among the earliest locations mapped during his voyages. 

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Media Contact: Margaret Murphy, AVP, External Affairs  
Email: Margaret.Murphy@smu.ca 
Phone: 902-229-2264 

Une collaboration entre l’Université Saint Mary’s et des partenaires de recherche français du CNRS et de l’Université Grenoble Alpes pour mieux connaître l’histoire de la capitale de l’Acadie

English version

Une nouvelle entente entre l’Université Saint Mary’s et un consortium d’établissements de recherche français permettra d’approfondir les connaissances sur le fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce, capitale politique et religieuse de l’Acadie au XVIIe siècle. Le lieu historique du Fort-Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce de La Hève se trouve localisé sur le site de Fort Point, près de LaHave, en Nouvelle-Écosse. 

L’Université Saint Mary’s et ses partenaires français officialisent leur collaboration afin de faire progresser les recherches archéologiques et historiques sur ce site. L’Université se joint à des chercheurs issus de deux laboratoires de l’Université Grenoble Alpes (i.e. G2ELab et PACTE) au sein du nouveau Consortium de recherche de La Hève sous l’égide du CNRS. 

« Ce projet vise à actualiser les connaissances, encore incomplètes et peu diffusées, sur un patrimoine historique commun au Canada et à la France, a déclaré Frédéric Aitken, chargé de recherche au CNRS. Une collaboration franco-canadienne entre établissements universitaires, faisant appel à divers laboratoires de recherche pluridisciplinaires, à des organismes tels que les musées et à des acteurs de la société civile, permettra de mettre en commun et d’enrichir différentes formes de savoir. » 

Nicolas Robinet, Ingénieur d’étude UGA, Wesley Weatherbee, Archaeologist and Anthropology Laboratory Technician, Saint Mary's University, Dr. Frederic Aitken, Chargé de recherche hors classe CNRS, Dr.  Adam Sarty, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Saint Mary's University, Jonathon Fowler, Professor of Archaeology, Saint Mary's University.

« Ce protocole d’entente marque une nouvelle étape importante dans notre collaboration, a déclaré Adam Sarty, doyen des études supérieures et de la recherche à l’Université Saint Mary’s. En réunissant des chercheurs de Saint Mary’s et de France ainsi que des membres de la communauté locale, nous pourrons apporter de nouvelles technologies, compétences et perspectives à l’étude d’un site qui a encore beaucoup à nous apprendre. Ce partenariat offrira aussi à nos étudiants et au public des occasions stimulantes de participer directement à la recherche archéologique. » 

Vue aérienne de la péninsule de Fort Point, où se dressait le fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce au XVIIe siècle. La rivière LaHave est à droite.

Depuis 2024, les chercheurs de Saint Mary’s étudient le site en combinant des fouilles archéologiques et des techniques avancées de télédétection, notamment l’induction électromagnétique, le géoradar, l’imagerie multispectrale par drone et le LiDAR. L’étude des vestiges de l’établissement apporte de nouveaux éléments qui remettent en question l’hypothèse longtemps admise selon laquelle le fort aurait entièrement disparu sous l’effet de l’érosion côtière. À ce jour, les chercheurs ont relevé des traces d’une palissade, de terrassements et de travaux de nivellement, ainsi qu’une structure relativement bien conservée qui pourrait être la chapelle. Ils ont également repéré un dépotoir riche en artéfacts, dont des poteries, de la verrerie vénitienne et des silex de fusil, qui éclairent la vie au fort. 

Les recherches apportent aussi un nouvel éclairage sur des objets trouvés lors de fouilles antérieures et conservés dans des collections régionales. Des pièces de la collection du DesBrisay Museum, à Bridgewater, notamment un canon de pistolet à chargement par la bouche et une médaille de pèlerin en plomb, ont été réexaminées à la lumière des recherches actuelles et transférées au Fort Point Museum pour y être présentées et interprétées. Ces travaux s’inscrivent dans la continuité des recherches archéologiques menées auparavant sur le site, notamment un projet de 1977 auquel ont participé des étudiants en anthropologie de l’Université Saint Mary’s. 

Wesley Weatherbee, archéologue et technicien du laboratoire d'anthropologie de l'Université Saint Mary's, commence un levé au radar de pénétration de sol de la chapelle du XVIIe siècle du fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce.

« La Lunenburg County Historical Society s’emploie depuis longtemps à faire connaître l’importance du fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce et sa place dans l’histoire, a déclaré Jessie Grigg-Farquhar, directrice générale de la Lunenburg County Historical Society et du Fort Point Museum. Nous avons hâte de voir ce que ce nouveau partenariat de recherche nous apprendra sur le site et sur les débuts de la vie à LaHave. Pour un petit musée soutenu par des bénévoles et disposant de ressources financières et humaines limitées, de tels partenariats nous permettent de contribuer à des recherches importantes et d’approfondir notre connaissance de cette partie de notre histoire. » 

La participation de la communauté occupe une place centrale dans le projet. Les chercheurs de Saint Mary’s travaillent en étroite collaboration avec le Fort Point Museum et organisent des fouilles archéologiques ouvertes au public, qui permettent aux visiteurs d’observer les recherches de près. Le Consortium de recherche de La Hève poursuivra ce travail par de nouvelles recherches archéologiques et historiques, l’analyse d’artéfacts, la formation d’étudiants, le partage des connaissances et la participation du public. Ses membres ont pour objectif commun de mieux faire connaître l’importance du fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce en Nouvelle-Écosse, au Canada et en France. 

Établi en 1632 par Isaac de Razilly, capitaine de la marine française et Commandeur de l’Ordre de Malte, le fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce a servi de capitale de l’Acadie et de centre administratif, judiciaire et religieux pour les colonies françaises en Acadie. Le site occupe une place importante dans l’histoire ancienne de la région de l’Atlantique et du Canada, ainsi que dans les liens historiques de longue date entre le Canada et la France. La région est également liée à une période antérieure de l’exploration française : Samuel de Champlain s’y est rendu en 1604 et il a cartographié la région sous l’appellation de « Port de la heve » en mentionnant sur cette dernière un point de vue remarquable qui est dénommé « Le Cap de la Héve » associé à la lettre F. Le nom évoluera ensuite en cap de la Hève en référence au cap du même nom situé au nord du Havre de Grâce, en France.

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Contact pour les médias 

Margaret Murphy, vice-rectrice adjointe aux relations extérieures 
Courriel : Margaret.Murphy@smu.ca 
Téléphone : 902-229-2264 

Contact médias

CNRS/Université Grenoble Alpes  
Nom Aitken Frédéric, chargé de recherche au CNRS 
Courriel :  frederic.aitken@g2elab.grenoble-inp.fr 
Nom Robinet Nicolas, ingénieur d’étude UGA 
Courriel :  nicolas.robinet@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr 

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre opens it's doors for an afternoon at home

Students explored the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at their open house event

On September 17, the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre welcomed more than 100 students through its doors for an afternoon of exploring, creating, connecting and most importantly, feeling at home.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Centre became a “home away from home,” with each room offering something different for students to discover. From trading keychains for the chance to win Magnetic World tickets to building robots, exploring AI and enjoying free ice cream, there was plenty happening throughout the afternoon.

At the front door, the “Ask Us Anything” booth gave students a place to start, whether they had questions about entrepreneurship programs, courses, resources, student opportunities or simply wanted to learn more about the Centre.

From there, students could take part in the Trade-Up Challenge, starting with a small item and trading their way up in hopes of winning two Magnetic World tickets. Four special trades were hidden around campus, making the challenge a little more exciting. The custom keychains and special trade items were created by BW Works, an alumni business founded by Brayden White BComm’26.

The Imagination Station gave students a chance to get up close with one of the Centre’s latest featured products, the SmartDuvet. Students could also test their problem-solving skills in the AI Playground Escape Room, build a mini 2D drawing robot with alumni entrepreneur Mohammed Issa, BComm’16, in the STEAM Lab, or grab a free ice cream sundae from Saint Mary’s student Arsh Shaikh’s Flynn’s Dairy Bar.

In the podcast studio, students were invited to pull up a seat by the “fire” and share an idea they would bring to life or a problem they would solve.

More than anything, the Open House gave students a chance to see the Centre not just as a place to access programs and resources, but as a space where they can ask questions, meet people, try new things, and find a community.

Want to see what’s happening next? Sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming programs, events, opportunities and everything happening at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.

Undergraduate students gain summer research experience across campus

This summer, many Saint Mary’s Students were awarded paid positions to conduct research alongside their professors

With the fall term underway, we’re celebrating another successful summer of students working on research in their fields alongside their professors across campus.

These paid positions in labs and in the field are an excellent way for students to expand on the lessons learned in their undergraduate classes and apply their skills to real-world applications.  

Students in the Faculty of Science are often found outside all summer—biology students wear hip waders to study fish, while others track birds as they grow and leave the nest. Chemistry students work on precision equipment in their labs, and psychology and environmental science students do key work that advances their fields of study. A team of astronomy and physics students focused on stars and black holes. Most plan to continue their research in subsequent summers and in graduate school.  

“Students are often part of long-term projects run by professors. The hands-on nature of this work advances their understanding of their chosen subjects beyond what they learn in the classroom,” says Dr. Laura Weir, interim Dean of Science.  

“On top of conducting meaningful research with their team, this work gives our students the tools to think creatively and to test, analyze, and follow projects through to completion — skills they will use in their undergraduate classes, future research and in their careers.”  

These paid research positions are funded by federal government agencies including the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Awards program and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Others are offered thanks to generous donors, grants and funding from Saint Mary’s. In most cases, awards are made possible through contributions from professors’ research grants. Award recipients receive funding to undertake 12 to 16 weeks of full-time work between May and August. 

To provide research opportunities to even more Saint Mary’s students, the Faculty of Science introduced a new award category for full-time students two years ago. Designed for student-professor teams who propose a research project together, the Dean of Science Access to Research Awards focus on the proposed research project; as long as the student is in good academic standing, their GPA is not a selection criterion. These awards are jointly funded by the Dean of Science Office and various faculty grants.  

“Every year we are impressed with the background our most dedicated and capable students bring to these research positions,” says Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies. “They add skills and a depth of knowledge that they can use immediately in their classes, but the true value is the way they strengthen students’ prospects for post-graduate studies and their careers. These invaluable experiences will serve them as they move through the workforce.”  

“Many students further their academic careers through undergraduate research opportunities like these,” says Dr. Sarty. “The competitive salary is a boost to students who need to work to support their studies, easing their financial burden.”  

How are students chosen?  

Most positions are earned based on academic record, breadth of experience and background, and the student’s application letter. Students can apply after their first year of full-time study.

Interested in applying for a summer research award for next year? Visit this website for updates later in the term, and follow your faculty’s social media for news and deadlines.

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Iyinoluwa David Amore

Summer research award: First-Year Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Robert Singer (Chemistry) 

Project: I made lobster- and crab-shaped ligands that contain a pyridine group using a CEM microwave. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The Tim Hortons in the Loyola Building. 

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Laura Bartlett 

Summer research award: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Explorer Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Vasiliki Athanasakou (Accounting)  

Project: The project examines strategic partnerships between corporations and nonprofit organizations, with a particular focus on understanding why firms form cross-sector partnerships and how these collaborations contribute to corporate governance and sustainability. My responsibilities include conducting qualitative analyses of corporate partnership announcements, developing databases of nonprofit organizations, and reviewing the academic literature. 

Future plans: I hope to complete a Masters of Economics and study abroad. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The Fred Smithers Centre and the staff there. 

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Sarah Chiasson 

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Colleen Barber (Biology) 

Project: This summer, I studied the European starlings nesting on the campus of Saint Mary’s University. This work involved recording bird songs, documenting materials used for nest building, and analyzing DNA samples collected in the field. I am also continuing my honours thesis project, which examines a specific reproductive strategy used by European starlings whereby females lay eggs in the nest of other females. 

Future plans: I am hoping to continue ornithological research as a graduate student. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The lovely people I have met and the community I have built. 

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Claire Cullinan 

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Christa Brosseau (Chemistry) 

Project: I am working on wrapping up my honours project, which focused on developing a sensitive, low-cost, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy-based diagnostic assay using nanobody-functionalized gold nanoparticles for the detection of HER2 (a breast cancer biomarker), to enable more accessible breast cancer diagnostics. 

Future plans: I will be attending McGill University for a master's in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience. I will be working at the Douglas Research Centre examining whether alterations in cerebral blood flow network organization link modifiable lifestyle behaviours (e.g., physical inactivity, sleep disturbance, smoking) to persistent negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in severe mental illness. 

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU is the Dr. Brosseau student office (which has a kettle for tea!). 

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Chloe Delano 

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Jason Ivanoff (Psychology) 

Project: My summer project is to support ongoing cognitive neuroscience research in the lab. Over the summer, I will create training materials for EEG equipment and data analysis, assist with participant recruitment and data collection, help program research experiments, and conduct literature reviews and meta-analyses to support current studies. 

Future plans: I plan to continue my education by pursuing a master's degree in Sport Psychology, with the goal of expanding my knowledge and developing a career in this field. 

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU was the opportunities it provided to grow both personally and professionally. I was able to explore potential career paths, gain valuable experiences, and build lasting friendships and connections that made my time at SMU memorable. 

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Mitra Gokulnath 

Summer research award: Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Aldona Wiacek (Astronomy and Physics / Environmental Science) 

Project: Investigating the presence of tiny ice crystals known as "diamond dust" in the Canadian Arctic atmosphere and how they influence climate systems. 

Future plans: To pursue an Honours degree building on this research and continue to graduate school after completing my undergraduate studies. 

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU is the support and encouragement I’ve received from professors. Feeling that my hard work is recognized has been incredibly motivating, and having mentors who genuinely believe in me has made a huge difference in my university experience. The opportunities I’ve been given and the confidence my professors have placed in me have made me feel truly valued as a student. 

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Mackenzie Hayduk 

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet (Astronomy and Physics) 

Project: Intermediate-mass black holes could explain how supermassive black holes grow, but few convincing detections exist. This project finds the mass of an intermediate-mass black hole in the globular cluster Omega Centauri by modelling the orbits of five fast-moving stars. 

Future plans: My undergraduate research and conference experiences have only made me more excited to take the next step toward my Ph.D. in astrophysics (hopefully in Germany/Korea) after I graduate. My extracurricular experiences through SMU as a Varsity athlete, BGO tour guide, and outreach officer have also added to my long-term career goals of continuing community engagement and athletics throughout my career in research.  

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite things are the communities I have been welcomed into as an astrophysics student, athlete, and outreach enthusiast. Whether discussing research-related problems with fellow undergrads, racing against my teammates, or meeting passionate high school students and teachers, I appreciate the opportunities SMU facilitates for building connections.

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Alexa Ikejiani 

Summer research award: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Explorer Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Nicole Conrad (Psychology) 

Project: This summer, we are investigating different exogenous factors that promote good mental health outcomes in children with reading difficulties. This review uses a dynamic systems framework that understands mental health as an emerging interaction between the individual and their environment. This framework helps highlight the role of environmental supports and the potential barriers that individuals may face in accessing them. 

Future plans: I plan to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with research focused on literacy development, early psychoeducational assessment, and improving the long-term outcomes for children with reading difficulties. 

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU is the welcoming and supportive community. This community has been a major driving force behind my success as both a student and an emerging researcher. Here at SMU, I feel very connected to my peers, professors, and supervisors, making me excited to come to campus every day, even during the slower summer months! 

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Sydney Lewis 

Summer research award: Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Danielle Tokarz (Chemistry) 

Project: Used ultrafast laser microscopy to investigate the structure of biological samples, such as collagen fibrils and banana starch, under various conditions. 

Future plans: Completing an Honours degree in Chemistry. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The small class sizes. 

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Claire MacLean 

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Christa Brosseau (Chemistry)  

Project: Examining redox processes of natural methylxanthines using a technique called electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. 

Future plans: Gap year before continuing on with grad school 

Favourite thing about SMU: The small class sizes and access to research opportunities 

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Benjamin McIsaac

Summer research award: Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Rob Thacker (Astronomy and Physics) 

Project: I am using computer simulations and statistical tools to study galaxy cluster mergers and how the gas within them mixes. More specifically, I am attempting to determine which regions are mixed primarily by diffusion and which regions are mixed primarily by folding. 

Future plans: I am currently exploring my options after completing my degree, including the possibility of pursuing graduate studies in astrophysics or a related field. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The smaller class sizes and the accessibility of professors 

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Keegan Riggs 

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Luigi Gallo (Astronomy and Physics) 

Project: Using normalized excess variance to detect ultra-fast outflows in active galactic nuclei. 

Future plans: I’m planning on getting my master’s degree, then PhD, and becoming a professor 

Favourite thing about SMU: I like its location in the city. 

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Daryan Schaefer 

Summer research award: First-Year Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Danielle Tokarz (Chemistry)  

Project: This summer, I’m working on improving our laser imaging system so that it can use backward Second Harmonic Generation (SHG), a technique that allows us to study thicker samples such as teeth. Using backward SHG imaging, I hope to gain a better understanding of how regenerative endodontic treatments promote healing and tissue regeneration, and how the regenerated tissue compares to original tissue. 

Future plans: Get my DDS at Dalhousie Dentistry and then complete an MD-integrated Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The piano in the Student Centre. 

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Chloe Staple 

Summer research award: First-Year Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Hany Fahmy (Economics)  

Project: I'm helping my economics professor complete textual analysis. This means I'm assisting machine learning in constructing a news-based climate policy sentiment index. After labelling a few thousand sentences, we will be training the AI, which will later be used by him. 

Future plans: As a first-year student, I'm still not completely sure of my future; however, I plan on doing a double major in Accounting and Finance, and after graduation, I will hopefully complete my CPA and CFA. 

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU is the Enactus team. Everyone is so kind there, and being surrounded by like-minded students makes me want to work even harder towards my goals. Participating in the Enactus Regionals and Nationals in Montreal this year was an amazing experience! 

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Benita Tabuku 

Summer research award: Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award (BSc student in Computing Science) 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Hai Wang (Finance)  

Project: I am working on a research project that analyzes risk-related information in public firms' 10-K reports. Using Python, we extract and analyze relevant disclosures to assess the firms' Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) maturity. 

Future plans: I am currently considering career paths in either data analytics or computer networks and cybersecurity. This summer research position is a great opportunity for me to learn more about data analytics and gain hands-on experience, which will help me better understand the field and decide which career path is the best fit for me. 

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU is living in residence. I like being close to my classes, there is no need to commute, and I can even wear heels during the winter semester! I am also close to my friends and campus activities. Some of my favourite moments have been the simple ones, like playing Uno with my friends in the floor lounge. Living in residence has been one of the best parts of my university experience :) 

Megan Barkhouse 

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Anne Dalziel (Biology) 

Project: This summer, I worked on my Honours project researching the persistent effects of low salinity exposure on the gene expression of Eastern oysters, and how this affects their performance when re-exposed to low salinity. I am learning and using a lot of new procedures and skills in the lab. I also feed and care for the fish in the SMU fish lab. 

Future plans: I am very interested in medicine, and so I plan to continue my education and pursue a career in the medical field as either a researcher or a physician. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The campus is very beautiful in the spring when all the flowers are blooming! 

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Kiera Blackadar 

Summer research award: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Explorer Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Margherita Cameranesi (Psychology) 

Project: This summer, I have been assisting with the FYRe-NS Finding Your Resilience study, researching gender-based violence experiences of young newcomers to Nova Scotia. Participants are surveyed about their experiences of resilience, community, mental health and service needs upon their arrival in Nova Scotia. This project aims to identify service gaps in education, healthcare and social services to detail areas for improvement. 

Future plans: I plan to pursue a career in clinical psychology and am interested in both forensic and trauma therapy specializations. I hope to apply my educational experiences to advocate for policy and systemic changes, pushing for improved mental healthcare access and supports for justice-involved individuals. 

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU is the shared dedication of both faculty and students in creating learning opportunities outside of the classroom and in building community. Regardless of year of study or your desired level of campus involvement, there are so many ways to get engaged in campus life. Be it volunteering, guest lectures, research participation, or societies and clubs, there are numerous accessible ways to broaden your horizons and build your circle at Saint Mary's. 

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Zane Collins

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Ellie Goud

Project: I investigated the effects of liming on lakeshore sphagnum moss physiology and growth. In the field, I used an instrument known as the Licor 600 to measure chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in sphagnum moss growing in different lime treatments. To measure differences in morphology, I collected shoots from each treatment and measured select functional traits, including capitulum area, dry mass, and fascicle density. The final part of this project will be sending samples off for isotope analysis to gain information on their lifetime photosynthesis.

Future plans: Once I have completed my undergrad, I hope to pursue a master’s degree and continue to work on research in the field of plant ecology.

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU is the people.

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Kristen Cowan 

Summer research award: Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet (Astronomy and Physics)  

Project: This research project investigated the effect of forming fewer low-mass stars early on in Milky Way-like globular clusters. This distribution of stellar masses, known as a bottom-light initial mass function (IMF), is thought to fit observational data well and may be more suitable for studying globular clusters than the universally adopted Kroupa IMF (2001). 24 N-body simulations were run using the Cluster Monte Carlo Code (CMC) comparing the two IMFs to quantify their effect on long-term evolutionary properties of the cluster, and the Black Hole populations that form within. 

Future plans: I hope to further the scope of this study in future research and obtain a Master of Science in Astronomy. I hope to build a career in research on black hole formation channels and star cluster dynamics, as well as science communication and education. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The plant wall in the Atrium 

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Ariel Day 

Summer research award: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Explorer Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Veronica Stinson (Psychology) 

Project: I am working on several ongoing projects focusing primarily on victim impact statements (VIS) and offender character evidence (OCE) in court sentencing decisions. We are looking at how the submission of VIS and OCE impact the sentencing decision (length, 'severity', considerations) across Canada, as well as investigating the demographics of individuals who submit victim impact statements, to identify the barriers that victims face in the court process. We are also working on a project that explores the use of virtual or hybrid components in court proceedings in Nova Scotia. 

Future plans: I want to get my Master’s degree and PhD in forensic psychology. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The community 

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Grace Hallewell 

Summer research award: First-Year Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Nicole Conrad (Psychology) 

Project: This summer I have been a research assistant as part of Dr. Conrad’s Literacy Lab in the Department of Psychology. Our main research this summer has focused on children who experience difficulties with reading. The aim of this research is to review previous studies and identify which aspects of these children’s environments have been shown to improve or maintain good mental health. 

Future plans: I plan to graduate from SMU in 2028 with Honours in Psychology and a minor in English. Afterwards, I will continue my education in the field of psychology by completing a master’s degree and a PhD. I am interested in pursuing a career that involves both research and working with clients. 

Favourite thing about SMU: I like SMU's size because it lets you get to know other students and faculty members better. 

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Rohen Hayne 

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. David Chiasson (Biology) 

Project: I am working on a project aimed at identifying key factors that support nitrogen-fixing symbiosis in legume plants. We use molecular biology, genetics, and microbiology techniques to study this relationship. 

Future plans: Explore future opportunities in science and healthcare. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The Atrium 

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Enrique Jaldo 

Summer research award: Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Greg Christian (Astronomy and Physics) 

Project: Working together with my professor to understand the 26Al(P,y)27Si reaction that occurs in stars, by simulating them in particle accelerators and trying to determine the most optimal angle for neutron detectors 

Future plans: Astrophysicist 

Favourite thing about SMU: Working with a close-knit community that is always open to helping each other out 

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Maddie Lloyd 

Summer research award: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. David Chiasson (Biology) 

Project: Contributing to research on how plant signals influence bacterial gene regulation through protein expression, purification, and the study of protein–DNA interactions. 

Future plans: Become a dentist. 

Favourite thing about SMU: The campus. 

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Dylan Main 

Summer research award: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Explorer Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Jamie Livingston (Criminology) 

Project: Along with Dr. Livingston, I am conducting a scoping review to examine how civilian (non-police) mental health crisis response programs define and operationalize the concept of a crisis. As these programs continue to expand as alternatives to police-led responses, there is considerable variation in how crisis situations are understood, assessed, and managed. I am looking for evidence on definitions of crisis, eligibility and exclusion criteria, risk and safety assessments, and the circumstances under which police involvement is required.  

Future plans: Psychologist / Counsellor 

Favourite thing about SMU: The cool study spots around campus and great experiences with professors (shoutout Dr. Cameron and Dr. Bourgeois) 

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Muhammad Arham Mussawar 

Summer research award: Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Stavros Konstantinidis (Mathematics and Computing Science) 

Project: This summer project will explore new ways to find patterns in two related pieces of information at the same time. 

Most existing research looks at how to match a pattern within a single word or sequence. In this project, we will study how to match two-dimensional patterns to pairs of words. These pairs could represent related data, such as two genes, two programming expressions, or two connected strings of information. 

The goal is to develop and analyze algorithms, using ideas from pattern expressions and finite-state machines, that can recognize these kinds of paired patterns efficiently. This work could help identify relationships between paired data in areas such as biology, programming languages, and data analysis. 

Future plans: I am entering my fourth and final year of an Honours Computer Science degree. My main academic interests are algorithms, theoretical computer science, and artificial intelligence. This summer research project connects closely to my future plans because I hope to continue studying this area through my honours thesis, especially topics related to pattern matching, finite-state machines, and formal languages. 

After completing my undergraduate degree, I am considering pursuing a master’s degree to further develop my research skills and deepen my knowledge in theoretical computer science and AI. In the future, I could see myself working either as a software engineer or continuing in academia with the goal of becoming a professor. Through this project, I hope to strengthen my skills in algorithm design, coding, research writing, and presenting research. 

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU is the supportive academic community. As a Computer Science student, I appreciate the opportunity to learn from amazing professors who are approachable and passionate about their fields. The welcoming environment at SMU has made it a great place to learn, ask questions, and grow as a student. 

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Evan Spencer 

Summer research award: Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award 

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Robert Singer (Chemistry)  

Project: The project is focused on the synthesis of N-heterocyclic carbene derived ligands with main group donors and studying their coordination to various transition metals and main group atoms. The main goal of the research is to study the bonding and geometry of these coordination complexes and discover structures that have never been synthesized before. This is made possible by characterization by single crystal X-Ray diffraction which provides data regarding the exact location of the atoms in a given crystalline material which can be used to determine the structure of the compound. 

Future plans: After finishing my Honours in Chemistry at SMU next year, I plan to attend graduate school to obtain my PhD in chemistry focusing on inorganic chemistry and X-Ray crystallography. I hope to stay in academia for my career as well, with the goal of becoming a professor of chemistry. I am passionate about teaching and research and hope to apply that to my own research group in the future, which would be directed towards providing undergraduate students with opportunities to perform meaningful research. 

Favourite thing about SMU: My favourite thing about SMU is access to research for undergrads. This is an opportunity that most students across Canada do not have, but due to the size of our institution, students are able to contribute to meaningful research and run their own research projects, which is not the case at larger institutions. My other favourite part about SMU is the size of my department. The chemistry department is small enough that I know all the professors and they know me, and most of the students as well. This allows for easier access to support and guidance while also having the ability to form connections much more easily. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Saint Mary's

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to recognize and reflect on the intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused to Indigenous families and communities, to honour those who have been affected by this injustice, and to ensure public commemoration of this history as a vital part of the reconciliation process.

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, administrative offices will be closed and there will be no classes or labs on Wednesday, September 30. The Patrick Power Library will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check smu.ca/dining for food service hours.

Orange Shirt Day

September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day , which began in 2013 to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools. Members of the SMU community are encouraged to wear their orange shirts to campus on Tuesday, September 29, ahead of the September 30 closure. Orange t-shirts are available to purchase at the SMU Bookstore, with proceeds going to the Mi’kmawey Debert Indian Residential School Legacy Project.

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Events on campus

Smudging Ceremony and Webinar

Thursday, September 24, 2026

• 2:15 p.m. Smudging ceremony in the Quad area

• 2:50 p.m. Welcome and opening remarks | CLARI (Atrium Room 340)

• 3:00 p.m. Webinar screening: Honouring Indigenous Leadership: Perspectives for a Shared Future

• 4:00 p.m. Debrief and discussion

Smudging is a cultural ceremony practised by a wide variety of Indigenous peoples in Canada and other parts of the world. Although practices differ, smudging is used for medicinal and practical purposes as well as for spiritual ceremonies. The practice generally involves prayer and the burning of sacred medicines, such as sweetgrass, cedar, sage and tobacco. All are welcome to attend.

Image: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Honouring Indigenous Leadership: Perspectives for a Shared Future (Webinar)

English with French and ASL interpretation

This session invites participants into a thoughtful conversation on the leadership, truths and lived experiences shaping Indigenous futures across Canada and Turtle Island. Grounded in community knowledge and guided by those closest to the work, the session will explore the realities of Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, the ongoing fight for First Nations child rights, and the calls for justice from the MMIWG2S movement.

RSVP here to attend the screening in CLARI

Watch the other daily lunch and learn webinars offered by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, happening September 21-25.

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Residence Life Booth

Monday, September 28, 2026

Join the Res Life team in the Loyola Colonnade outside of Tim Hortons to write “What Truth & Reconciliation means to me” on a paper orange t-shirt. The notes will be posted on the Res Life bulletin board in Loyola Residence.

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Qomuti - SMU’s space for Indigenous students

Located in Loyola Academic Room 286, Qomuti (pronounced ho-mo-dee) is a Mi’kmaw word meaning “a place of safe haven.”

Qomuti was designed and named in consultation with students and built with intention: a space where Indigenous learners can study, share, smudge without barriers and feel seen.

To access the space, students can contact Kylar Johnson, the Indigenous Student Advisor. Students can also meet with Kylar in his office located in the Burke Building. Learn more about this space.

Kylar Johnson and students gather in Qomuti

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Patrick Power Library

Permanent Mi'kmaw Heritage Exhibit – Visit the Library to see Ta’n Etl-klo'tasik koqoey (a phrase meaning “where the items are kept or taken care of”), an exhibit celebrating the enduring legacy and culture of the Mi’kmaq people. This exhibit features a collection of Mi’kmaw cultural objects selected by community members, and is on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.

The Patrick Power Library has developed a resource collection that includes books and videos related to Truth and Reconciliation. All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card or accessed online using your SMU email and password.  

Other resources to support learning and reflection about Indigenous culture and experience include: 

Indigenous Studies Research Guide – Your starting point for academic and community-based resources on Indigenous research topics, featuring suggested journals, search strategies, databases, government information and other resources. 

SMU Theses on Mi’kmaw and Indigenous Research – Discover original research by Saint Mary’s University community members in the Institutional Repository. 

Streaming Media Collections – Watch Indigenous films and documentaries through the NFB, CBC Curio, Films on Demand, Audio Cine and Criterion databases. Access is available through the Library. 

The library will be featuring an Indigenous puzzle and Mi'kmaq colouring sheets at the activity table and there will be Orange Shirt Day buttons available while supplies last.    

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Related links

• Indigenous Community online hub

• News for and about the Indigenous community at Saint Mary’s

• More information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation