June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Saint Mary’s University acknowledges its location in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. The Mi’kmaq flag flies proudly on the University’s campus.
Visit the online Indigenous Community hub to see news, events and resources.
Meet the new Indigenous Student Advisor
Kylar Johnson, a recent graduate of the Sobey School of Business, has returned to SMU and recently assumed the Indigenous Student Advisor role in Student Affairs and Services.
Kylar is from the Mi’kmaw community of Potlotek First Nation in Unama’ki and credits his time working with the Red Road project in his hometown for helping him become more in touch with his culture and broadening his knowledge. He furthered his experience volunteering at the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre, gaining new insight into Inuit culture.
“SMU has a vibrant Indigenous community and I look forward to fully immersing in this journey with students and amplifying their narratives within the context of the institution.”
Learn more about Kylar and his role, and follow @smu_studentlife for updates from Kylar throughout the month of June.
Creation-Centred Design: A Pathway for Problem Solvers
Friday, June 14, 2024
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, Discovery Zone
Join Akwekon for a hands-on workshop on Creation-Centred Design, a transformative approach that harmonizes innovation with Indigenous wisdom and perspectives. This workshop, led by Michael Maracle-Polak and Keisha Turner BA’12, will immerse you in a methodology that respects and incorporates traditional knowledge into modern design and problem-solving processes.
Reading collection
The Patrick Power Library is featuring a collection of library resources for National Indigenous History Month, on display on the ground floor of the library. Book recommendations will be shared online throughout the month on our social channels (@smuhfxlibrary). All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card, or accessed online using your SMU email and password.
Browse the full National Indigenous History Month collection online.
Also, check out the library’s Indigenous Studies guide, with more book recommendations, suggested journals, databases, government information, and other resources.
Learn about the weekly themes of National Indigenous History Month 2024:
Environment, traditional knowledge and territory
Children and youth
Languages, cultures and arts
Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
Call for participants: First Nations athletes' transitions to university sport and everyday life
Call for Research Participants for a study on First Nations athletes' transitions to university sport and everyday life. The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health is seeking participants ages 18+ to complete a 20-30 minute survey by July 5.
Learn more and complete the survey.