Going for gold: Shining the spotlight on Saint Mary’s Olympians

Saint Mary’s has a history of excellence in athletics, and the accomplishments of our athletes extend far beyond Huskies stadium.  

Along with winning championships and producing Academic All-Canadians in spades, SMU students—past and present—have contributed heavily to Team Canada’s Olympic effort in a wide range of sports.  

As elite athletes gather for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, we compiled a list of our own impressive Huskies with Olympic ties. From athletes to coaches, broadcasters and more, we are proud to celebrate our alumni and students’ athletic achievements.

Photo: CBC

Steve Armitage BA’68 DCL’09

Armitage is a fundamental part of Canada’s sporting history. During his time at Saint Mary’s, he served as a quarterback for the Huskies Football team while commentating for the CBC Halifax late-night sports slot. His career included a 38-year stint with CBC Sports, where he covered 13 Olympic Games, and, among other accolades, was nominated for a Gemini Award in 1998 for his work covering speed skating at the Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. Armitage's last Olympic appearance was at the 2022 Beijing Games.  

He received an Honorary Doctorate from Saint Mary’s in 2009 to honour his longtime commitment to professional excellence.  

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Photo: CBC

Signa Butler BA’96 

An athlete-turned-sports-broadcaster, Signa Butler knew from an early age that she’d pursue a career in sports. Growing up as a multi-sport athlete in soccer, basketball, gymnastics and field hockey, she ended up playing for the Huskies Women’s Soccer team during her incredible five years at SMU. Butler joined the CBC in 2000 and has covered 12 Olympic Games as a play-by-play commentator. She is one of the only women broadcasters to cover nearly every sport on the network.  We’ll hear her again during the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy.  

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Photo: Olympics.ca

Andrew Russell MBA’14 

Now Chief Growth Officer (CGO) at Made with Local, the Dartmouth, NS-born Russell was a member of the Canadian Team at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, where he competed in Canoe/Kayak racing. He achieved Canada's best-ever combined results in the C-2 1000m and 500m events, placing fifth and sixth , respectively.  

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Dylan Di Perna BComm’20 

After a stunning career with the SMU Men’s Hockey team, Ontario-born Di Perna is making his Olympic debut representing Team Italy in the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Milan. This will be Italy's first return to Olympic hockey since 2006.

Photo: Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame

Jamie Bone BComm’89 

A legendary wheelchair sprinter and Paralympian, Bone dominated the 1988 Seoul Paralympics, where he was the only Nova Scotian on the Canadian team. Winning three gold medals (100m, 200m, and 400m) and setting multiple world and Paralympic records, Bone’s Olympic record eventually led him to being inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1997.  

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Photo: Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame

Jackie Barrett BComm’98 

A prolific powerlifter known as the "Mississippi Moose," Barrett finished his career with 20 gold medals and 13 first-place finishes at the World Special Olympics. In his last year of competition, he set three Special Olympics records, lifting a combined 1,272.5 kg across the squat, deadlift, and triple combination events. He made history in 2021 as the first Special Olympics athlete inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. 

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Photo: Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press

Kori Cheverie BA’12  

An alumna of the SMU Huskies Women’s Hockey team, Kori Cheverie served as an assistant coach for Team Canada during its gold-medal run at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. She returns with fellow alum Troy Ryan to coach Team Canada again in 2026, an achievement highlighted by SMU’s Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health, which aims to support women in high-level coaching positions.

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Photo: CBC

Katie Pegg (Current student) 

Current biology major and Paralympian Katie Pegg stunned in her first Paralympic games, bringing home Bronze in shotput for Team Canada in Paris in 2024. Finishing seventh in the world, Pegg—who was born with a missing radial bone in her right arm—had an eight-year football career as a defensive lineman before getting back into shotput here at Saint Mary’s.  

SMU Huskies basketball alumna receives prestigious award in Ottawa

Clara Gascoigne BComm’23 MBA’25 leading the Huskies to greatness during her time on the court

Clara Gascoigne’s time at Saint Mary’s was anything but ordinary.

Breaking records in the classroom and on the court, the Sobey School of Business graduate made a name for herself as one of the most decorated players in U SPORTS women’s basketball, earning accolades like U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year and AUS Most Valuable Player, while leading the Huskies to three straight AUS Championships.

Academically, she’s just as talented, earning five U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian selections and several scholarships.

Her road to success was carved through years of hard work, exemplary leadership and grit, culminating in her being recognized as a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian last week in Ottawa, Ontario.

Putting the “student” in “student-athlete”

Student-athletes have a unique blend of responsibilities as they balance study schedules and exams with training and competition. Reaching the top in both categories is difficult, and U SPORTS Top 8 recognition is a mark of that incredible achievement.

The Top 8 distinction represents the highest individual academic honour bestowed by U SPORTS, as student-athletes must maintain an academic average of 80 per cent or higher while continuing to compete in their chosen sport. From that group of high-achieving, high-performing athletes, only eight are selected annually to represent this dual achievement. See the 2024-2025 cohort of Top 8 Academic All-Canadians here.

Gascoigne represented Atlantic Canada over two days of recognition and celebration, earning private tours of the Senate and the House of Commons, as well as a Parliament Reception and a meeting with the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. She also met with Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax.

“I got the call that I had won just before Christmas. I feel very honoured and humbled to have been chosen.”

— Clara Gascoigne on being chosen as a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian

A group of Top 8 Academic All-Canadians were recognized at an event in Ottawa in January 2025. Credit: Michael P. Hall

Clara Gascoigne accepts her Top 8 Academic All-Canadian award. Credit: Michael P. Hall

Top 8 student-athletes were invited to the Senate and House of Commons. Credit: Michael P. Hall.

This experience isn’t just another feather in Gascoigne’s cap: it represents a journey of growth and evolution unique to the student-athlete experience she had at SMU.  

Journey to the top

Gascoigne’s road to academic success started during the first year of her Bachelor of Commerce – but not how you’d expect.

“The first couple of weeks can be slow, and you’re really enjoying the university experience – so it kind of lulls you into a more relaxed rhythm that changes very, very quickly once you get to midterm season,” she says. Between adapting to the increased time-management needs of university, adjusting to life outside of high school, and juggling training and game schedules on top of that, she was in for a shock when that first mid-term season came around.

“I remember I didn’t get the grades I wanted in that first set of mid-terms, and I immediately recognized that was completely self-inflicted.”

Gascoigne leaned on the resources available to her at SMU and took great advice from her coaches, classmates and teammates to get back on track academically.

“I feel like this is an experience a lot of people can relate to in their first year, and as a student-athlete, that experience was amplified by my training schedule and game commitments.”

“Time management was a very necessary skill to balance my academics with my athletics, and I felt very strongly about leading by example. I wanted to set a standard for our team and put an emphasis on the ‘student’ in ‘student-athlete’ – which is something I think SMU does really well.”

Learning to manage her time and energy was essential to her success. As she grew into her role as Team Captain, she made a point of modelling those systems for her teammates – a trait that has stayed with her after completing her Master of Business Administration in May 2025.  

Life after sport

Although Gascoigne hasn’t touched a basketball since graduation, she continues to draw on her student-athlete experience in her work with Doane Grant Thornton Halifax, a job she secured in part through her robust education with the Sobey School of Business.

“Being a team player and understanding how to work collaboratively towards a common goal is a great skill to bring to the job market – and it’s a skill you build in spades as a student-athlete.”

With her BComm and MBA behind her, her eye is already on her next prize as she works towards her official designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Once she’s made a name for herself in the workforce, she intends to return to sports as a coach — leading the next generation of athletes to follow in her footsteps.

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Related:

• 2024-25 Huskies Athletic Awards Night: Gascoigne, Gentile named Athletes of the Year

• Clara Gascoigne earns 2025 James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award

• Clara Gascoigne named U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Canadian

• Clara Gascoigne named AUS Women's Basketball MVP & DPOY

• Women's Athletics leading the pack at SMU

Watch: U SPORTS 2025 Women’s Defensive Player of the Year: Clara Gascoigne

SMU Huskies continue campus tradition with upcoming Red Tape hockey games

SMU Huskies players put red tape on their hockey sticks as a visual statement against racism in sport.

Saint Mary’s University has a deep connection with the Red Tape movement.  

The movement began in 2019, when former SMU student Logan Prosper—of We'koqma'q First Nation—was on the receiving end of racial abuse during a minor hockey game in Cape Breton (Unama’ki). Logan, and his father Phillip Prosper, started what is now an internationally recognized statement against racism, wherein hockey players wrap their sticks with red tape as a sign of solidarity with athletes in all levels of hockey.  

The movement picked up quickly, as athletes across Canada spoke out about their experiences with racism in the sport, noting the generational impact of the issue and the effect it continues to have—especially on Indigenous youth.  

SMU Huskies were early adopters of the movement, launching their first Red Tape game in January 2020 in support of the Prospers’ vision. Five years later, Saint Mary’s continues to host Red Tape games in solidarity with athletes across Canada and the world, and this year is no different.  

Former SMU Husky Erin Denny BSc’25 hits the ice at one of last year’s Red Tape games.

This year, Ryan Francis (Saint Mary’s first Indigenous Visiting Fellow) is once again working together with Athletics & Recreation and the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health to organize the Red Tape events on Saturday, November 22.  

Francis grew up in Cole Harbour—an area known for its hockey history—and is from Wasoqopa'q First Nation. He’s had his own experiences with racism during his time in hockey, and he has done exemplary work to address systemic barriers in the sport, including launching the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program, a program that sees him working closely with former SMU Husky Erin Denny BSc’25. 

Francis also founded the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, an organization that “[provides financial support] to communities, and charities in Atlantic Canada who lead initiatives that create opportunities for Indigenous women and girls to experience sport, recreation, and physical activity in a meaningful way.” 

This Saturday, November 22, Saint Mary’s will host two games – one with the women’s hockey team and one with the men’s hockey team – to raise awareness of the movement. The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health will also be hosting a draw for six copies of Beyond the Rink to encourage attendees to examine the “complicated role of sports in residential school histories.”  

“What makes this matter is the ongoing commitment and recognition of this cause,” says Francis. “Showing up every year and saying that this matters and that this is a priority for the athletic community is a key part of how the university creates [more inclusive space for Indigenous athletes.]”  

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To support the movement by attending our Red Tape Games, see the Huskies website here: Saint Mary's Huskies - Universe  

For more about the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, see the website at Home | GFMF.  

Huskies Indigenous Heritage Weekend creates space for community in sport

Erin Denny BSc’25 drops the puck at the women’s hockey game during Indigenous Heritage Weekend

Coaches and teammates wear Every Child Matters t-shirts in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The women’s volleyball team brings the action during their game with Acadia

The women’s volleyball team stands for the National Anthem played in Mi’kmaq

The SMU Huskies held a successful Indigenous Heritage Weekend in October during Mi’kmaq History Month, celebrating Indigenous contributions to athletics with a full lineup of home games. Teams showed support by playing the national anthem in Mi’kmaq and wearing “Every Child Matters” t-shirts to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The weekend also featured a puck drop by SMU Huskies hockey alum Erin Denny BSc’25.  

Ceremonial puck drop with Erin Denny during the women’s hockey game

Denny’s work as a champion of representation and belonging in hockey has been recognized by Hockey Nova Scotia with the Erin Denny Award and the Erin Denny Scholarship, which were launched earlier this year.  

Denny’s hockey journey began as a child, watching her older sister learn to skate in their community rink. Although the girls’ skate time wasn’t hockey-related, they did wear hockey gear, and Denny’s curiosity was piqued.  

“The first time I tried skating as a kid, I hated it,” Denny says. “It was full ‘get me off the ice’, tears, everything.” It wasn’t until the next year that Denny took to the ice again, and the rest is history. Denny became increasingly involved in hockey, both in her community of Eskasoni and beyond. As her passion for the sport grew, so did her vision.  

“When I was younger, my goal was to play in the NHL, and young me didn’t realize that that wasn’t a possibility because they didn’t have women’s hockey.  My next goal, after that, was to play on the women’s Olympic team, because that was the next biggest opportunity. This really motivated me to become the athlete I wanted to see—I wanted to be an Indigenous athlete playing at that level—to be a role model for girls in my community.”   

“I wanted to be an Indigenous athlete playing at that level—to be a role model for girls in my community.  ”

— Erin Denny BSc'25

Denny played for the SMU Huskies from 2021-2025

Reflecting on her time with the Huskies, Erin says, “Being part of the SMU Women’s Hockey team was an incredible way to make space for women and girls in hockey, as girls from my community could come out to games and watch me play on a university team with other women, who all looked different from me. An opportunity to ‘see her, be her.’” 

Initiatives like Indigenous Heritage Weekend and the Red Tape Movement are a vital elements when advocating for change, says Denny. Creating spaces dedicated to Indigenous athletes and their accomplishments creates pathways for the next generation to make sport more inclusive.  

“It makes a huge difference when you see someone that shares the same features as you,” says Denny. “To know they’re Indigenous, to know you share a community, and to see them succeeding has a real impact.”  

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Want to get involved in supporting Denny’s vision? Stay tuned for more information on the SMU Huskies Red Tape Double Header at the end of November.

Huskies celebrate excellence in sport at the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

2025 Huskies Sport Hall of Fame Inductees during Homecoming ceremony

This year marks an extraordinary moment for Saint Mary’s athletics, with four major inductions recognizing the achievements, history and impact of standout Huskies teams, athletes and builders. From the ice to the hardwood, Saint Mary’s champions have been honoured at both the Huskies Sports Hall of Fame and the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, highlighting a legacy of excellence that continues to shape the university’s athletic culture.

Three new inductees enter the Huskies Sports Hall of Fame

As part of Homecoming Weekend, Saint Mary’s welcomed three exceptional additions to the Huskies Sports Hall of Fame: Marc Rancourt (Athlete), longtime head coach Trevor Stienburg (Builder) and the 2009-10 men’s hockey team – the first Huskies squad to capture a national title.

More than 200 alumni, friends and family gathered on October 4 for the celebration, which also included a Homecoming brunch and ceremonial puck drop before the men’s hockey home opener. With Saint Mary’s preparing to host the 2026 University Cup, the event offered a fitting tribute to the program’s storied history.

Marc Rancourt BComm’09 MBA’10

Marc Rancourt BComm'09 and MBA'10 (Athlete)

One of the most decorated players in program history, Rancourt captained the Huskies to their first national championship in 2010 and remains the university’s all-time assists leader. A former CIS Player of the Year and two-time All-Canadian, he amassed 216 points over his university career before moving on to professional hockey in North America and Europe. Today, he resides in Calgary with his family and works as Senior Director of Diversified Industries at ATB.

2009-10 Men’s Hockey Team (Team)

The 2009-10 Huskies delivered one of the most memorable playoff runs in SMU hockey history. Entering the AUS postseason as the third seed, the team swept Moncton, surged past Acadia and defeated STFX to claim a second consecutive conference title. At the University Cup in Thunder Bay, the Huskies recorded wins over McGill and Manitoba before securing the national championship in overtime against Alberta, clinching the program's first national title. Tournament MVP Andrew Hotham and three other Huskies earned national all-star honours.

Trevor Stienburg (Builder)

Across 23 seasons, head coach Trevor “Stieny” Stienburg transformed Huskies hockey into a national contender. He guided the team to three AUS championships, oversaw the program’s landmark 2010 national title and produced more than 140 Academic All-Canadians. A three-time CIS Coach of the Year, Stienburg retired from SMU in 2020 and now serves as an amateur scout for the Seattle Kraken.

1979 Men’s Basketball team honoured by Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame

Archive photo: 1979 SMU Men’s Basketball team during a game

Adding to this landmark year, the 1979 Saint Mary’s Huskies men’s basketball team was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame. Widely regarded as one of the greatest university teams in Canadian history, the Huskies dominated the 1978-79 season en route to a second consecutive national championship, and their third in seven years.

Led by standout guard Mickey Fox and strengthened by key newcomers Kevin Wood, Percy Davis and first-year talent Jeff Gourlay, the team combined explosive scoring with exceptional depth. Veterans Ross Quackenbush, Tom Kappos, Rick Plato, Ron Blommers and Derrick Lewis anchored a roster that averaged more than 100 points per game and finished with an impressive 17-1 conference record.

At the national championship in Calgary, the Huskies defeated Windsor and York before securing the title with a decisive win over Victoria. Their induction honours a team whose talent, cohesion and championship legacy helped define an era of SMU basketball excellence.

Team members included: Mickey Fox, Kevin Wood, Percy Davis, Ross Quackenbush, Tom Kappos, Rick Plato, Derrick Lewis, Jeff Gourlay, Head Coach Brian Heaney, Assistant Coaches Jim Collins and Willie Follette and Manager John Landry.

Two Huskies, one unbreakable friendship

Skip Oliver BA'67 LLD'02 and David Murphy BA'66 together on Saint Mary’s campus

From the moment they start talking, you can tell that Skip Oliver LLD'02 BA'67 and David Murphy BA'66 share a bond that runs far deeper than football. There’s the easy laughter, the way they finish each other’s sentences, and the countless stories that spill out—proof of a friendship that has endured for more than 60 years. 

That bond began in 1963, when Skip arrived at Saint Mary’s University. Back then, the campus was small and the football program was still finding its footing under coach Bob Hayes. 

“My first thought was, ‘What did I get myself into?’” Skip laughs. “Campus was small.” 

David remembers their first meeting off the field as if it were yesterday. “So, there’s this little place called Gus’s Canteen—different food from the main cafeteria, and if you have a cheeseburger there, it just tastes better. I’m sitting there one day, and in walks Skip. He’s wearing a beautiful London Fog raincoat, umbrella over his arm, and a hat. I’m thinking, this guy has no idea what he’s walking into—he won’t last a week. So I go right over, introduce myself, get a good handshake, and a look in the eye. I think, yeah, this guy’s going to be my friend.” 

Skip grins at the memory. “He had these dorky glasses on, and I thought, This guy’s kind of a geek, I feel sorry for him. But we became such good friends. He even came down to Pennsylvania to live with me for a summer.” 

That summer, working long shifts in a Pennsylvania soda pop factory led to spending time together later in life, relaxing together at summer homes in St. Margaret’s Bay. 

Their friendship is built on more than the camaraderie of the football field—it is rooted in shared experiences, trust, and a genuine care for each other’s lives beyond the game. 

And in between the practices and studies? “Let’s just say we got into our fair share of trouble,” Skip admits with a laugh. “But we always knew—no matter what happened—we could count on the other guy to be there and bail you out. In fact, I think all that practice getting David out of jams is what made me such a good lawyer later on,” he adds with a smirk. 

Their friendship extended beyond the Saint Mary’s campus. Skip built a legal career in Pennsylvania; David earned his surgical certification at NYU. They leaned on each other through demanding careers, celebrated weddings—Skip was even married at the chapel on the Saint Mary’s campus with David by his side—and kept their traditions alive, like attending 32 Super Bowls together. 

“I don’t know what I would’ve done without Skip’s support,” David said, and Skip agreed. 

For Skip, Saint Mary’s was more than a stepping stone—it was a launchpad. “I got involved in everything—yearbook, newspaper—and earned the Athletics M, Literary M, and Gold M awards. I was even named Man of the Year,” he said proudly. 

He also helped to strengthen the football program. “I invited Coach Al Keith to my hometown, and we sent eight players to Saint Mary’s. Those guys helped win the 1973 championship. I’m proud to have played a part in that,” said Skip. 

David’s ties to the university run just as deep. Alongside his medical career, he coached at Saint Mary’s, served two stints on the Board of Governors, and returned twice as Athletic Director. “Saint Mary’s is at my core,” he says simply. 

David and Skip met with SMU President Dr. Michael Khan during a recent campus visit

Looking back, Skip offers this advice to today’s student-athletes: “You get out of your university experience what you put into it. Put in friendship, loyalty, hard work—and you’ll carry those rewards for the rest of your life.” 

David nods. “The friendships, the teamwork, the life lessons—they stay with you long after the final whistle.” 

Even now, they continue to support Saint Mary’s through mentorship, attending games and supporting the university financially, with the football program at the top of their list. 

To both of them, Saint Mary’s is more than where they earned their degrees and played football.  

“It’s where we found family,” David said. “And that’s something worth giving back to.” 

Resources, learning opportunities highlighted for National Indigenous History Month

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.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21, the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration. Learn more.

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.

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Indigenous Innovation Design Sprint

June 2-3, 2025
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre
Sobeys Inspiration Hub, 5907 Gorsebrook Avenue

Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship are transforming Canada’s economic and cultural future. With Indigenous entrepreneurs launching businesses at 5x the national rate and contributing over $56 billion to Canada’s GDP, the momentum is undeniable. 

Yet barriers persist — from limited capital to systemic inequities. 

On June 2 from 3-5 p.m. and June 3 from 1-5 p.m., FlintHub (United College–University of Waterloo) and the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative (Saint Mary’s University) are proud to host the Indigenous Innovation Design Sprint—a two-day, hands-on event bringing together Indigenous entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to co-create bold, community-driven solutions. 

Why Attend?​ 

• Learn Indigenous-led & human-centred innovation methods 

• Build ideas with community, not for it 

• Connect with peers, mentors, and allies 

• Leave with real tools, fresh energy, and momentum 

Open to all — entrepreneurs, youth, funders, creatives, and those who want to do better. 

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Faculty and staff are invited to participate in an Indigenous Blanket Exercise on Thursday, June 19, from 1–4 p.m., in Room 324 of the Sobeys Inspiration Hub.

The Blanket Exercise is an experiential workshop that explores the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, and helps people to understand how the colonization of this land impacts those who were here long before settlers arrived.

This session will be led by several staff members from Mi'kmaw Kina’matnewey, an educational organization.

To sign up, please email EDI@SMU.ca.

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A place of belonging: Indigenous student space officially named “Qomuti”

Kylar Johnson at the naming ceremony for the Indigenous student space

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.”

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.”

Read more

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Taking action to support Indigenous students

Kylar Johnson with the team from Eastward Energy

Saint Mary’s University announced a new bursary aimed at supporting Indigenous students, thanks to a generous donation from Eastward Energy. The Eastward Energy Indigenous Opportunities Bursary, available in September 2025, will provide financial assistance to five Indigenous students each year for the next five years. This initiative will help alleviate barriers to post-secondary education and empower future leaders within Indigenous communities.

"This bursary not only helps Indigenous students financially but also affirms the commitment of the university to provide them with the support they need to thrive,” said Kylar Johnson, Indigenous Student Advisor at Saint Mary’s. “It is a tangible, real-world example of creating change. By creating these opportunities, we are reinforcing the importance of community and reconciliation, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and valued throughout the university experience."

Read more

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Red Tape Hockey Game raises awareness around racism in sport

Erin Denny faces off against a STU player during the puck drop with Logan Prosper, Phillip Prosper and Sydney Daniels

In 2019, former Saint Mary’s student Logan Prosper of We’koqma’q First Nation was on the receiving end of a racial slur during a minor hockey game in Cape Breton (or Unama’ki). After that, he put red tape on his hockey stick as a visible reminder that such intolerance has no place in hockey and sport more broadly.

In February, the SMU Women’s Huskies hosted the annual Red Tape hockey game at the Dauphinee Centre against the St. Thomas Tommies. Logan and Phillip Prosper of We’koqma’q First Nation, and Sydney Daniels, a former Harvard University hockey player of Mistawasis First Nation, held a ceremonial pre-game puck-drop. Ryan Francis of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey emceed a pre-game reception.

"We have an opportunity through sport to be a voice for change," said Scott Gray, Saint Mary's Director of Athletics and Recreation. "These Red Tape events and our other work with the McCain & McLean Centre will continue demonstrating our shared commitment to being that voice."

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An exploration of Indigenous history, perspectives and culture through the Saint Mary’s lens

At Saint Mary’s, Indigenous culture is reflected in several ways. The Patrick Power Library is host to the Mi’kmaq Cultural Materials Display as part of an ongoing collaboration with the Nova Scotia Museum, the Indigenous Student Advising Office and the Indigenous Students’ Society.

Found on the main floor of the Library, the display includes beaver incisors for carving and woodworking, fragments of pottery, an axe head and other artifacts. This collection is accompanied by a selection of books written by Indigenous authors and books about Indigenous cultures.

Around campus, you will also find two pewitekemkewey (dream catchers). The main foyer of the O'Donnell Hennessey Student Centre and the Patrick Power Library are the home to these beautiful pieces, created by former SMU student Isaiah Bernard and his father, Wilbert Marshall, of Potlotek First Nation, in 2020. In 2021, a community drum became a permanent part of the university’s campus, events and ceremonies, reinforcing the collective commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

Read more about Saint Mary’s place in Mi’kma’ki, Indigenous learning and research, and recognition of MMIWG2S on campus.

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Indigenous Student Advisor 

Kylar Johnson, shown in the blue sweater, chats with students in the Indigenous Student space

Kylar Johnson BComm’23 is from the Mi’kmaw community of Potlotek First Nation in Unama’ki. As the Indigenous Student Advisor for Saint Mary’s, Kylar connects with Indigenous students to provide resources, supports, and services broadly across Mi'kma'ki, community partners, and the Elder In Residence. Learn more about Kylar and his role.

Students can meet with Kylar in the Indigenous Student space located in Loyola 268. Email Indigenous.Advisor@smu.ca to connect with Kylar.

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Explore our library collection

Ta’n Etl-klo'tasik koqoey exhibit

A selection of books featured in the Indigenous collection

The Patrick Power Library is proud to offer a wealth of resources that support learning, reflection and celebration during National Indigenous History Month:

Online Book Display – Explore a curated collection of books by and about Indigenous Peoples. All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card or accessed online using your SMU email and password.  

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.

Indigenous Peoples of North America Database – A digital archive covering the political, social, and cultural history of Indigenous Peoples from the sixteenth century into the twentieth century. Access is available through the Library.

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. Some film selections include:

• The Pretendians (2022, directed by Paul Kemp & Drew Hayden Taylor, CBC Television)

• Jordan River Anderson: The Messenger (2019, directed by Alania Obomsawin, NFB Canada)

• The Grizzlies (2018, directed by Miranda de Pencier, Mongrel Media)

• Wildhood (2021, directed by Bretten Hannam, Films Boutique)

• Night Raiders (2021, directed by Danis Goulet, Elevation Pictures)

• Kayak to Klemtu (2018, directed by Zoe Leigh Hopkins, Scythia Films & Stellar Citizen)

• Beans (2020, directed by Tracey Deer, Mongrel Media)

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 on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum.