SMUSA President Augustina Tucker, Indigenous Student Advisor Kylar Johnson, SMU President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray
On June 12, in the heart of National Indigenous History Month, Indigenous Student Advisor, Kylar Johnson, joined by President Summerby-Murray and SMUSA President Augustina Tucker, formally unveiled the name of the new Indigenous Student Space: “Qomuti” (pronounced ho-mo-dee), a Mi’kmaw word meaning “a place of safe haven.”
The name was chosen by Indigenous students through an open, community-led process, reflecting the space’s role as a home on campus where students can gather, feel rooted in culture and build connection.
“We really need that safe space of community,” Kylar shared. “And I think our selected name today represents that perfectly.”
The Indigenous Student Space was designed in consultation with students and built with intention: a space where Indigenous learners can study, share, smudge without barriers and feel seen. While the room has quietly served students since fall 2024, the June naming ceremony marked a formal celebration of what it has already come to represent, a sense of home.
Kylar welcomes SMU community members to Qomuti, the newly-named space for Indigenous students on campus
Kylar shared his own journey at Saint Mary’s, beginning as a student, reflecting on the evolution of a dedicated Indigenous space on campus. From makeshift gathering spots to designated space in the Burke building, and finally finding home in Loyola Academic, the path to Qomuti was paved with persistence and community vision. “When I first heard this space might happen, the first thing someone said to me was, ‘Did you get that in writing?’” Kylar chuckled. “That really speaks to where trust was at the time. But today,” Kylar smiled, taking in the newly named space, “I see that trust growing.”
To emphasize just how comfortable students have become in the space, Kylar revealed the runner-up in the naming process: “The Band Office”, a playful suggestion from students that reflects humour, community and a deep sense of belonging.
The realization of the new space was also made possible by the contributions of past staff. Notably, Kyle Cook, who served as interim Indigenous Student Advisor in summer 2024, helped reignite the project by initiating key conversations with university leadership and advocating for renewed exploration of the Loyola space. His initiative played a pivotal role in moving the vision for a permanent Indigenous student space forward.
The name unveiling also included the dedication of two plaques, each commemorating a piece of art now rooted in the student experience on campus. The first honours a pewitekemkewey (dreamcatcher) suspended in the main foyer of the O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre. This woven piece was created in 2020 by former Saint Mary’s student Isaiah Bernard and his father, Wilbert Marshall, of Potlotek First Nation. The pair collaborated to create the pewitekemkewey as a gift to the Saint Mary’s community, bringing Mi’kmaw tradition and teachings into a central and welcoming space.
The second plaque recognizes a vibrant installation within the Indigenous Student Space by Mi’kmaw artist Loretta Gould. Titled “The Seven Sacred Teachings”, the work was selected by Indigenous students from a collection of options. Depicting seven Indigenous figures standing in unity beneath a glowing sunset, each figure wears distinct regalia with animal imagery representing one of the Seven Sacred Teachings: love; respect; courage; honesty; wisdom; humility; and truth. The installation’s mosaic-like composition and vibrant colour palette capture themes of community, identity, and continuity. For the students who chose it, it serves not only as a visual centrepiece but also as a source of inspiration and reflection.
During the ceremony, SMUSA President Augustina Tucker reflected on the deep significance of naming this space. “This land – Mi’kma’ki – has been a place of learning, community and storytelling for thousands of years,” Augustina acknowledged. “Today’s ceremony is more than a celebration; it’s a moment of recognition, reflection and respect.”
She noted that the dedicated space is a long-overdue step in the university’s journey toward reconciliation, and a testament to the leadership and resilience of Indigenous students past and present.
“The new student space is not just a room; it’s a home where Indigenous students can feel safe, seen and supported. Its name will reflect heritage, language and history, reminding us that Indigenous identity is not something to be accommodated, but something to be centred, uplifted and celebrated.”
President Summerby-Murray also addressed the gathered guests, emphasizing that the ceremony itself is an act of reconciliation, but one that must continue beyond the moment.
“We want to ensure that when we leave this celebration, we are changed people; our identity adjusted by the learning we gain in this space, by the celebration of identity in community,” President Summerby-Murray challenged.
“Today is an act of reconciliation,” he added. “We must look at reconciliation as a verb instead of a noun; an action we take together, not just an idea we talk about. Today is one step forward, but it must be part of ongoing commitment.”
See photos from the Qomuti event
