Fulbright Canada Community Leadership Program

Settling in a new country is full of unknowns. Immigrants navigate the uncharted waters of adjusting to a new culture, new surroundings, and a new life. During a time of great transition, understanding financial practices and rules in their new country can be daunting.

Fulbright Canada, in partnership with the United States Embassy in Ottawa and Sobey School of Business of Saint Mary’s University, recently hosted a Community Leadership program. This one-of-a-kind event connected 50 new immigrants from 23 different countries and five continents: Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America. The speakers, session chairs and facilitators included finance professors from Dalhousie, Saint Mary's and Mount Saint Vincent University as well as practitioners from Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal, Health Canada, Investment Group and McInnes Cooper. The two-day event also received support from the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia to connect immigrants to the informative material.

Participants engaged in discussions, breakout sessions and had opportunities to network. Presentations covered personal financial management, consumer credit, real estate management, safeguarding from scammers, career choices and taxation.

The program was developed by Fulbright Canada Research Alumni Chair and former Dalhousie University professor and current professor of economics at the University of New Brunswick, Dr. Fazley Siddiq. The program’s creation also involved a Strategic Committee including two Sobey School of Business faculty members, Dr. Mohammad Rahaman and Dr. Ashraf Zaman.

“First and foremost, our goal is to help immigrants integrate within the greater Canadian society,” says Dr. Siddiq. “This program is focused on giving them more than basic financial skills. We’re giving them financial management skills which includes everything from making good investment decisions to informed choices with respect to mortgage loans, car loans, saving for retirement and more.”

Dr. Fazley Siddiq

Zahra Bazzi and Shiella Macion attended the Fulbright Community Leadership program. They both felt it was beneficial.

“This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to learn about personal financial management in Canada,” says Bazzi. “The sessions were very informative.”

“I appreciate the networking opportunity and to get to know people who don’t necessarily have the same background as me but have immigrated to Canada,” says Macion. “I have a background in the finance industry, but there are things that I have learned that are enhancing my understanding.”  

Zahra Bazzi and Shiella Macion

The event also included special guests: U.S. Consul General for Atlantic Canada Lyra Carr, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, the Honourable Steve Craig, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Honourable Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education, Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, and Jennifer Watts, CEO of ISANS.

The Honourable Steve Craig, Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rob Summerby-Murray, U.S. Consul General for Atlantic Canada Lyra Carr, Sobey School of Business Dean Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Fulbright Canada Research Alumni Chair Dr. Fazley Siddiq and Halifax Mayor Mike Savage.

Saint Mary’s University’s Sobey School of Business hosted the program. The school is the oldest and largest business school in the Atlantic region, and it was more than happy to welcome the participants, subject matter experts and special guests.

“Partnering with Saint Mary’s helped us reach a lot of people. There are many immigrants living in Halifax, and the city has numerous experts from academia and the banking sector who volunteered their time to be here,” says Dr. Siddiq. “When I spoke to the Sobey School of Business’ Associate Dean, Dr. Mohammad Rahaman, he was quick to suggest that the university host the event.”  

Dr. Siddiq hopes participants walked away from the session with a good knowledge of financial management and that they feel inspired to continue to learn and ask questions.

Ramadan in Unity brings SMU Muslim community together

Students at Ramadan in Unity at Saint Mary’s

Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar, began on March 22. It is marked by compulsory acts guided by the five pillars: faith, prayer, charity, fasting and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Those taking part in Ramadan participate in daily fasting during daylight hours, having one meal, Suhoor, before the sun rises and one meal, Iftar, after the sun sets. Prayer also takes place five times a day during the month-long observance.

“Here at Saint Mary’s, we have a diverse community of learners, faculty and staff,” notes Lynn Cashen Basso, Assistant Director, Student Culture and Experience, Student Affairs and Services (SAAS). “Through various initiatives, we strive to support an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for all.”

Iftar kits were prepared by the Student Success Centre and SMUSA Community Food Room

This year, SAAS undertook several initiatives to support those within the SMU community who were observing the holy month of Ramadan. “It is important to create opportunities for open and inclusive dialogue that reinforces our commitment to fostering a community that is based on respect and belonging,” elaborates Cashen Basso.

Led by the division of Student Culture and Experience, SAAS, in collaboration with both the Saint Mary’s Muslim Students Association and Saint Mary’s Students Association (SMUSA), the university coordinated the creation of new guidelines for the multi-faith space where students could step away for prayer throughout the day without having to leave campus with extended hours for Ramadan.

The Community Food Room, a shared initiative with SAAS and SMUSA, handed out 266 Iftar kits over five distribution days to support those breaking fast at sundown. Most notably, the International Student Centre collaborated with the Saint Mary’s University Muslim Society to host the inaugural Ramadan in Unity event.

“To have the opportunity to openly acknowledge Ramadan at Saint Mary’s is extremely meaningful,” explains Ammar Abdul Shakoor, President, Muslim Students Association. “This ensures that Muslim students feel welcomed and know they have a safe space on campus.”

The event was open to members of the Saint Mary’s—and broader Halifax—Muslim community, as well as non-Muslim students across the city. “We wanted an opportunity to share our holy month and its significance in Islam with our peers,” Shakoor elaborates. “Our goal was simply to unite and come together as one in a welcoming environment, which is why we called the event, Ramadan in Unity.”

Ramadan in Unity boasted special guest speakers, SMU President, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, the Ummah Masque Imam, Abduallah Yousri, community leader, advocate and local Imam Mohammed Yaffa, and SMUSA Vice-President of Events, Toky Tajwar.

“Religion and faith are of paramount importance to many at Saint Mary’s,” describes President Summerby-Murray. “Supporting our students, faculty and staff in this way reinforces our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive academic environment and allows us opportunities to learn from each other and broaden understandings that go beyond our own lived experiences.”

To learn more about Ramadan, visit Islamic Relief Canada.

International student experience comes full circle for Shanshan Luo BComm‘07

This year marks the 21st Asian Heritage Month in Canada. This month-long celebration honours Canadians of Asian Heritage, recognizing their contributions to building a dynamic and prosperous country. Here at Saint Mary’s, diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is notable throughout our vibrant community.

Shanshan Luo BComm’07

Shanshan Luo came to Saint Mary’s in 2002 as an international student from China to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce. Throughout her time as a student, Luo received guidance and support through the International Student Centre and The Language Centre. “Saint Mary's has been very unique to me,” claims Luo. “It’s like my first point in Canada and it made me never want to leave.”

Shortly after Luo graduated in 2007, she secured a position with The Co-operative Education office as an Office Coordinator. She then moved to the International Student Centre as Office Coordinator, before transitioning to her current position as International Student Advisor. Luo has been in that role for 13 years now and is extremely passionate about supporting international students in their transition to Saint Mary’s and Halifax.

“I deal with everything from immigration guidance to student engagement,” explains Luo. “I consider myself a bit of an in-house mother for our international students, supporting them through challenges in relationships and with roommates, financial struggles, diaspora and more.”

Having spent the first half of her life growing up in Yunnan, China, and the second half of her life in Canada, Luo credits her diverse blend of cultural upbringings in forming a worldview that has been paramount in her role within the International Student Centre.

Shanshan with students at Peggy’s Cove, NS

“My identity is mixed in diverse ways which gives me an advantage when dealing with international students,” notes Luo. “My duality allows me to relate with students and assist them in more personalized ways in transitioning and accessing supports.”

In the midst of Asian Heritage Month, Luo takes time to reflect on her experience as an Asian international student and immigrant. “I have been fortunate to experience an incredibly welcoming environment at Saint Mary’s,” describes Luo. She describes her colleagues as open-minded and very inclusive, giving her a strong sense of belonging at SMU. Luo notes that it can be challenging transitioning to a new cultural norm and finding space for yourself, and she commends Saint Mary’s for acknowledging observances like Asian Heritage Month.

“Saint Mary’s University is really a number of cultures mixing and combining, and when all sides are being respectful and open-minded, we are able to be successful.”

To learn more about resources for international students visit The International Centre.

President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU)

Halifax, N.S. – Dr. Robert (Rob) Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-chancellor Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, N.S., has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).

Dr. Summerby-Murray will serve a two-year term as Chair, effective immediately.

In addition to Dr. Summerby-Murray, AAU Council (Presidents) appointed the following to the AAU Executive Committee:

• Dr. Denis Prud’homme, Recteur, Université de Moncton, Vice-chair 

• Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President, University of New Brunswick

• Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President, University of Prince Edward Island

• Dr. Neil Bose, President Pro Tempore, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

• Dr. Andy Hakin, President, St. Francis Xavier University

• Dr. Peggy Shannon, President, NSCAD University

Upon his appointment, Dr. Summerby-Murray, noted that the core values of the region’s universities are centred upon research and innovation, student success, social mobility, community engagement, leadership, and accountability.

“These core values are central to the contribution of strong public universities to regional prosperity and social and cultural development,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.

“Ensuring our campuses are innovative, accessible, safe, secure and welcoming to all students is fundamental to making Atlantic Canada an education destination, locally, nationally and internationally,” he said. An important continuing agenda item for the AAU will be the fostering of its positive working relationship with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to facilitate the efficient processing of international student visa applicants accepted by our universities and to ensure alignment between immigration policies and the social and economic growth aspirations of Atlantic Canada.

“Universities play a significant role in regional population growth by attracting, educating, and helping retain international students in communities across Atlantic Canada. We will continue to work collaboratively and cooperatively with our provincial and municipal governments to create affordable student housing on and off campus as well as reliable and efficient public transit systems,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray.

He also noted that, “our university leaders know that improving access to healthcare is a top priority for Atlantic Canadians. In addition to graduating thousands of students annually who have been educated and trained to work in all aspects of healthcare delivery, our institutions are also focused on promoting healthy and active lifestyles among our students, values that will remain with them, their families, and communities in which they reside into the future.” 

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) represents the interests of universities across the region, ensuring public visibility for the important role they play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation, and in contributing to the economic, cultural and social prosperity of life in Atlantic Canada.

Construction to affect access to Loyola Building, May 8-12

Contractors working with the university on the E&I Hub construction project will soon be laying new floor tile in the northeast lobby of Loyola Academic, which will temporarily impact how the space is accessed.

Please note the following:

• From May 8 – May 12, access from the Tim Hortons area to the northeast lobby (near the ATM) will be re-routed through side corridors. This area will be reopened as soon as the floor tile has been laid.

• Access through the northeast lobby doors will be maintained, but interior routing is impacted. There will be ample directional signage posted by the construction team to re-route foot traffic.

Thank you for your patience and understanding with these disruptions as Saint Mary’s moves forward with this exciting project.

Food Service hours: Spring Term 2023

Wondering what’s open for food options on campus this spring?

Until the Spring semester starts on May 8, food service options are limited to Tim Hortons and C-Store. Both are accessible, despite the construction in the building. Locations and hour details are available here.

Once the Spring semester starts, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, C-Store and the Gorsebrook Lounge will be open. Click here for their hours.

Questions? You can always check out the SMU Dining website to see what's open.

New award aims to help solve wicked problems

Diego Rodrigues and Douglas Coll BComm’89

As one of the first recipients of the LeaderVision Atlantic Wicked Problems Award, Diego Rodrigues has a unique opportunity. The award provides financial support to students pursuing projects related to tackling some of society’s most pressing—and most challenging—problems. For Diego, this means finding a solution to the issue of young men joining the drug trade in the slums of his home country of Brazil.

Douglas Coll BComm’89 was inspired to establish the award when he read about Saint Mary’s University’s Wicked Problems Lab in the summer of 2021. As President of LeaderVision Atlantic Ltd., Douglas works with clients around the world to develop their skills in issue-framing and divergent thinking—skills that students develop at the Lab. 

“It’s my absolute pleasure to support these incredible students at Saint Mary’s,” says Coll. “I am blown away by their intellect and the creativity of their ideas. The skills they are building through the Wicked Problems Lab will set them up for huge success in whatever career they pursue – and I’m honoured to have played a small part in their endeavours.”

The recipients of the awards will continue their work throughout the school year, and will share their findings publicly through the Wicked Problems Lab website.

For his part, Diego is grateful for the opportunity the award provides.

“Alumni and donors like Mr. Coll have a significant impact on the lives of us students,” he says, “because of their generosity in investing their time, money and, most importantly, knowledge with future generations.

“In my case, as an international student, this award allowed me to continue my studies and gain some breathing room in my tuition fees. It was a true miracle for which I will be eternally grateful.”

Crafts___Ship exhibition open at Saint Mary's University Art Gallery

Written by Inbal Newman

The word “craft” suggests humbleness. Whether referring to household items or handmade decorations, it brings to mind the things we keep around us daily. However, in the hands of three South Shore artists who combine a heaping portion of skill with a pinch of whimsy, craftsmanship and fine art effortlessly co-exist. Artists Carley Mullally, Gillian Maradyn-Jowsey of Lunenburg, and Inbal Newman of Mahone Bay create a cozy world contained within the finely-crafted pieces in Crafts___Ship, a group exhibition now on display at St. Mary’s University Art Gallery.

Every visitor will have some familiarity with the kinds of domestic objects on display like pottery, quilts, rugs and wallpaper. Some visitors may even recognize craft techniques like crochet and sailmaker’s stitching or locally relevant materials like lobster bands and a wooden dory. “Basically anything you would find washed up on the beach,” describes Mullally of their supplies. Yet the artists weave clever touches into each piece that breathe fresh perspective into an exhibit of traditional crafts.

The smaller side gallery, set up as a workshop, offers a peek into what fuels the exhibited pieces. Here, visitors can look closer at tools, materials, and inspirations. Sketchbook pages, schedules, and photos fill every wall alongside books on ceramics, fancy knots, and expressions of Lunenburg County. This room provides a visual insight into the artists' process not often shown in galleries and welcomes visitors into the studio environment where artwork first takes shape.

Meticulous hand-crafting and process is a central theme of the show, though playfulness shares an equally important role. The name of the exhibit itself offers a kind of madlib, with “man” removed from the center of “Craftsmanship” to emphasize crafts and South Shore culture while leaving the rest as a fill-in-the-blank. The union of serious skill and fun transforms everyday objects like rugs, quilts, and flags into extraordinary works of art.

Crafts___Ship is on view at St. Mary’s University Art Gallery until April 16, 2023. Gallery hours are 11 am - 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. See smuartgallery.ca for details.

Athletics and science summer camps

Saint Mary’s University summer camps offer exciting opportunities for hands-on learning, skill-building and fun for kids and teens! Check out our science and Jr. Huskies athletics camps available this summer.

Science

Marine Mammal Camp 
July 29-August 7, 2023
Ages 14-17

Campers will work together to explore the biology and evolution of marine mammals using surveys, photo-identification, acoustic monitoring, DNA analysis, examination of marine mammal skeletons, and more! Camp begins at Saint Mary’s University and moves to Campobello Island, New Brunswick, where campers will participate in the daily operations of scientific fieldwork and field camp life.

Marine Mammal Summer Camp is presented by Saint Mary’s University and the Canadian Whale Institute.

Due to the nature of the camp and the travel involved, there are limited spaces for campers. Because of this, interested students must apply and be accepted to Marine Mammal Camp before they can register. Applications are due by April 11, 2023.

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Forensic Science Camp

• July 10-14, 2023

• July 17-21, 2023

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Ages: 14-17

This camp will introduce campers to the basics of the field of forensic science. Through hands-on application of lab and field-based research techniques and practices, campers will work together to explore how the sciences are applied in forensic situations as well as the theories and principles underlying these applications.

Cost is $375. Applications are due by May 8, 2023.

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Jr. Huskies Athletics

Basketball

All genders
Five-Day Camp
July 3-7, 2023
9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Supervised from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Ages 5-12

Five days of fundamental skill development, modified games and fun-filled basketball activity. Quality coaching by Varsity Head Coaches for Men's and Women's Basketball, assistant coaches and some of the best student-athletes in Canada. The cost is $240, which includes a camp t-shirt.

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Boys

Five-Day Camps

• July 24-28, 2023

• July 31-August 4, 2023

• August 7-11, 2023

9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Drop-offs and pick-ups between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Ages 5-13

Emphasis on individual skill development and team concepts of offence and defence. Also, skills contests, game situation drills and full-court games. Quality coaching by Varsity Head Coach Jonah Taussig and Men's Basketball Huskies members. There is limited registration for each camp, and cost is $240, including a camp t-shirt.

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Girls

Five-Day Camps

• July 10-14, 2023

• August 14-18, 2023

9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Drop-offs and pick-ups between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Ages 5-13

These camps emphasize individual skill development and team concepts of offence and defence. Also, skills contests, game situation drills and full-court games. Quality coaching for girls’ basketball camp by Head Coach Scott Munro and Women's Varsity Huskies members. The cost is $240, which includes a camp t-shirt.

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Hockey

All genders

SMU Prospects Training Camp
August 28-31, 2023
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Players born 2010-2011, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014
Girls: born 2009-2010

For Elite Level AA/AAA players. Extensive off-ice training, information and exposure to cutting-edge training techniques. On-ice sessions focus on five skills components, competing situations and small area games. Interactive classroom teaching and specialized individual goaltender training.

Registration is limited. The cost is $425, which includes a hockey jersey.

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Goaltending Camp
August 1-4, 2023 (4 day camp)
Players born 2010-2012: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
2008-2009: 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m.
2007+: 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m.

Multiple on-ice daily sessions plus classroom sessions and off-ice activities for 2010-2012 & 2008-2009 groups. 2007+ group has one on-ice session and off-ice gym/workout per day.

Registration is limited. The cost is $599, which includes a hockey jersey. 2007+ group cost is $259.

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Boys

Jr. Huskies Dynamic Skating and Skills
August 7-11, 2023
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Players born 2011-2012, 2013-2014 (FULL DAY): 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Players born 2017-2018 (HALF DAY): 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Players born 2015-2016 (HALF DAY): 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Extensive off-ice training, information and exposure to cutting-edge training techniques. On-ice sessions include five skills components, competing situations and small area games. Daily goaltender instruction and interactive classroom teaching.
Registration is limited. The cost is $250 for a half-day and $495 for a full day, including a hockey jersey.

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Jr. Huskies Defensive and Offensive Camps
August 21-25, 2023
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Players born 2011-2012 & 2013-2014: Scoring & Battling Camp
Players born 2011-2012 & 2013-2014: Advanced Defensive Development

Defensive camp on-ice sessions include lateral and backward skating, situational passing, shooting from the point and defending. Offensive camp on-ice sessions include shooting, deking, scoring skills in small spaces, balance/strength on skates, puck protection, and power moves for body positioning. 1:5 instructor-to-student ratio and interactive classroom teaching. Ten hours (minimum) of on-ice training.

Registration is limited. The cost is $549 which includes a hockey jersey.

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Girls

Five-Day Development Camp
August 14-18, 2023
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Players born 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2017

All sessions are run by SMU coaching staff and players. This an excellent opportunity to get ready for the upcoming season! This week-long camp is designed for players wanting to improve all aspects of their game. The daily schedule includes two on-ice sessions, off-ice fitness, an off-ice puck skills session and an instructional classroom session. Players will be challenged in a fun learning environment, playing in small area games and other compete-type stations.
Registration is limited. The cost is $435 and $350 for goalies.

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Soccer

Micro Huskies (All genders)

• July 3-7, 2023

• July 10-14, 2023

Half Day 9 a.m.-noon, Full Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Drop-off/pick-up 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Ages 5-7

Micro Huskies allows young players to develop physical literacy and fundamental movement skills like running, jumping, landing, passing and dribbling in a fun setting built around play and positive reinforcement.
The cost is $125 for a half day and $200 for a full day.

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Mini Huskies (All genders)

• July 3-7, 2023

• July 10-14, 2023

Half Day 9 a.m.-noon, Full Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Drop-off/pick-up 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Ages 8-10

Mini Huskies allows players to develop their movement ABCs - agility, balance, coordination and speed - and learn the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing fun, cooperation and maximum time on the ball within a challenging environment.
The cost is $125 for a half day and $200 for a full day.

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Jr. Huskies (All genders)

• July 3-7, 2023

• July 10-14, 2023

Half Day 9 a.m.-noon, Full Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 11-13

Junior Huskies is geared toward players looking to improve their skills and soccer IQ. The sessions will focus on advanced soccer skills and introducing position-specific techniques and concepts.
The cost is $125 for a half day and $200 for a full day.

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Volleyball

Girls

• August 21-25, 2023

• August 28-September 1, 2023

9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 12-18

The overall goal of this camp is to provide an environment where volleyball players can develop their skills and have fun playing the game. Campers will be grouped by age and/or experience level (preference can be accommodated to provide social experience within the context of the camp goals - campers can choose to change groups if they prefer). Classroom sessions will be included (for example strength training, sports taping, nutrition, etc.).

Registration is capped at 80 campers. The cost is $250.

Football

All genders

July 24-26, 2023
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 6-12 (Non-contact) & 9-14 (Contact)

Full gear required for contact camp. Cost for non-contact camp is $150 and cost for contact camp is $190.

Thinking, Making, Crafting: Crafts___Ship

Photo: Pam Corell

Learn about the latest exhibit at the Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery, Crafts___Ship, in an article for Billie by Elissa Barnard.

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By: Elissa Barnard, Billie: Visual ∙ Culture ∙ Atlantic

In Crafts___Ship: Carley Mullally, Gillian Maradyn-Jowsey and Inbal Newman, three Nova Scotia artists distort the notion of craft as a female domestic art in a cheerful, cozy show steeped in the Maritimes’  history of rural life and seafaring at Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery.

To walk into the gallery is to enter a playful, storybook home of multi-coloured, ceramic candlesticks, a cozy heart towel and a dory with yellow, blue and orange pompoms and tassels. While bringing humour and whimsy to their work, this trio is rigorously contemporary in examining gender, women’s history, Nova Scotia craft history and the value and nature of craft itself.

Related news and events:

• Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery website

• Crafts___Ship: Open Studio workshops, March 15, 2023

Celebrating African Heritage Month

February 1 marks the official start of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of people of African descent.

The 2023 theme, Seas of Struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore, honours the strength and determination of people of African descent from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia and reflects the key role the sea has played in this history.

To help mark the month's significance, the tri-colour Pan-African flag will be raised in front of the McNally building. The red, black and green flag was created in 1920 to represent the people of the African Diaspora. 

At Saint Mary’s, in addition to events listed below, we will be celebrating BIPOC members of our community on @smuhuskies with Black student athlete profiles featured throughout the month, and within the February edition of the Saint Mary's Entrepreneurship Centre's newsletter, The Entrepreneurial Minute, with a spotlight on BIPOC entrepreneurs. Be sure to subscribe to SMUEC's monthly newsletter here to receive the next edition in your inbox at the end of the month!

Related stories

• The Turner Bursary for African Canadian and Indigenous Women

• Black joy on campus: Reflections from student Fisson Tibbo

• Huskies host Black Heritage Night basketball doubleheader

• Creating a Black Student Society at SMU: Reflections from inaugural president, Oratile Mogae 

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Patrick Power Library

Throughout February, the Patrick Power Library is featuring a collection of library resources for African Heritage 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. Browse the full African Heritage Month collection online: bit.ly/pplDisplays

Related: Patrick Power Library & Student Affairs share literary display for African Heritage Month

Dynamic Rural Business Series

Monday, February 6
5–8 p.m.

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) and the Sobey School of Business are launching the Rural Black Businesses Series at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

The focus of this event is to bring together rural NS black entrepreneurs and create a space to discuss their challenges and their successes.

CCDI Webinar: Unlearning anti-Black racism

Thursday, February 9
2–3 p.m.

The conversation around anti-Black racism has mostly focused on strategies for eliminating racism within organizations and communal settings. However, tools and strategies can only go so far when we have been socially conditioned into anti-Blackness. In this webinar, we will explore how we can unlearn internalized anti-Black racism.

This webinar is presented by The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).

Saint Mary's Huskies celebrate Black Heritage Month with community events

The Saint Mary's University Department of Athletics is proud to announce its celebration of Black Heritage Month this February, including our 'Black Heritage Day Basketball Doubleheader' on Saturday, February 11.

Throughout the month, Saint Mary's University will be highlighting some of our many incredible Black student-athletes whose impacts and achievements are important pieces of Huskies history, today, and every day.

On February 11, Saint Mary's will showcase a range of cultural events and activities at our women's and men's basketball games against crosstown rival Dalhousie Tigers.

Learn more

Movie night for Black students: Love and Basketball

Wednesday, February 15
Library Classroom
6:30 p.m.

Join us for a screening of the movie Love and Basketball. Hosted in collaboration with the Black Student Coordinator and Patrick Power Library. Snacks provided.

Kemet Udjat: An African Heritage Month film festival

March 13–15
5–8 p.m.
Scotiabank Conference Theatre (SB 201)

Register here 

Join us for three nights of film screenings, discussions and light refreshments. The films will all be shown in person, and the March 14 film will also be available for viewing online. More details to follow.

• Monday, March 13: Le Mythe de la femme noire (2023, 1 hr 34 mins), directed by Ayana O’Shun

• Tuesday, March 14: I Am Not Your Negro (2016, 1 hr 35 mins), directed by Raoul Peck
  (Note: This film will be available to view in person and online.)   

• Wednesday, March 15: Nowhere in Africa (2001, 2 hrs 21 mins), directed by Caroline Link

Presented by Dr. Jean-Blaise Samou, Francophone & Intercultural Studies, with the support of the Office of the Associate Vice-President Diversity & Excellence and the Alliance Française Halifax

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Resources

• Lynn Jones African Canadian & Diaspora Collection

• African Descended/Black Student Support

• African Heritage Month events in Halifax
  
  
  

Saint Mary's to host CFL's Touchdown Atlantic 2023

The east coast's biggest celebration of football – Touchdown Atlantic – will return to the region on Saturday, July 29, 2023 as the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts will take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Huskies Stadium in Halifax, N.S.

"Saint Mary's University is pleased to welcome the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders to Huskies Stadium in Halifax this summer," said Scott Gray, Saint Mary's Director of Athletics & Recreation. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our campus and community, and in particular, our football program, to experience the excitement of professional football. We are very grateful to the CFL for this incredible opportunity to play host to this event."

The regular season match-up is set for Huskies Stadium on the campus of Saint Mary's University, with kick-off at 5 p.m. in Halifax (Atlantic Standard Time), which is 4 p.m. in Ontario (Eastern Time) and 2 p.m. in Saskatchewan (Central Standard Time).

"Touchdown Atlantic brings our fans together in a fun and exciting way," said Randy Ambrosie, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

"It's our way of showing our friends in Atlantic Canada that they're an important part of the CFL family – and inviting our fans from across the country to 'come for the game and stay for a vacation.'"

Next year's edition builds on the success of Touchdown Atlantic in 2022. Last summer's game, also played between Saskatchewan and Toronto, sold out in less than 24 hours and featured a packed house of 10,866 at Raymond Field on the campus of Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S.

Through job creation and wages, event expenditures and spending by out-of-town travellers, the event supported more than $12.7 million in overall economic activity across Nova Scotia. Tourism operators say Halifax is ready for CFL football – and another strong contingent of visiting CFL fans.

The Saint Mary's University football program is one of the most successful in the country and one of the most popular in the region. The Huskies have reached the Vanier Cup nine times, winning the national championship of Canadian university football on three occasions (1973, 2001 and 2002).

"Saint Mary's University has a proud tradition of excellence for student-athletes – including in Huskies' football," adds Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary's University. "The opportunity to host the CFL's Touchdown Atlantic football game in July 2023 is an opportunity to demonstrate this proud tradition to a national audience. We are delighted to partner with the Canadian Football League in this initiative to bring superior athletes to our campus and to Atlantic Canada."

Ticket details for Touchdown Atlantic 2023 will be announced in the new year. Fans can subscribe to the CFL Newsletter for the latest updates and information.

QUOTES

"I am thrilled to welcome the CFL back to Halifax for the 2023 Touchdown Atlantic game. This past season we hosted several events that re-introduced fans from across the region and the country to our Atlantic hospitality as a sports city. Halifax is excited to be the host city for the rematch between the Roughriders and the Argonauts. Having the game in Halifax will allow us to give the CFL and its fans an experience that will have them coming back for more."
​– Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax Regional Municipality

"There are few, if any, places on the planet I enjoy visiting more than Atlantic Canada. You've opened your arms to us in the past and welcomed us like family members and I celebrate your formidable history of embracing others. We once again are looking forward to your unique hospitality; a combination of warm hearts, down home music and some of the most delectable food imaginable. We look forward to being the home team on July 29, and to being the visiting team in the future when the CFL permanently calls Atlantic Canada home."
​– Michael "Pinball" Clemons, General Manager, Toronto Argonauts

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Halifax after an incredible visit for Touchdown Atlantic in 2022. The people of Nova Scotia welcomed us with open arms and it was so special to see how many of our fans traveled thousands of miles to join us. I know I speak for all Rider Nation when I say we can't wait to go back and share that amazing East Coast experience again in 2023!"
​– Craig Reynolds, President and CEO, Saskatchewan Roughriders 

"Halifax was host to many successful Touchdown Atlantic related events last year, so we're very pleased the CFL is bringing the game itself to our region. Halifax has a reputation as a great sports city, from hosting international sporting events to supporting our local teams, and the tourism sector is ready to showcase our region and hospitality to CFL fans and visitors."
​– Ross Jefferson, President and CEO, Discover Halifax