PWHL's Victoria Bach inspires young hockey players during campus visit

Victoria Bach (center) with SMU women’s Huskies hockey players

The Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health had the pleasure of hosting Victoria Bach from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) at the Dauphinee Centre on campus on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Bach, originally from Milton, Ontario, and a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, visited Halifax as part of a series of events organized by the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, initiated by SMU’s former Indigenous Visiting Fellow Ryan Francis.

The event was aimed at young girls who play hockey in Nova Scotia and drew approximately 50 spectators. Centre Director Dr. Cheryl MacDonald facilitated a question and answer session, followed by Bach raffling off a game-used stick and signing autographs. Later, she spent time with current members of the Huskies women’s hockey team.

As the session concluded, Bach shared her wisdom with the young attendees, saying, “Remember, every time you get the chance to step on the ice is an opportunity to get better.” She emphasized, “If you work really hard and have confidence in yourself, you’ll never have any regrets—whether it’s hockey or anything in life—and at the end of the day, have so much fun. That’s what it’s all about.”

Dr. Cheryl MacDonald and Victoria Bach speak with young hockey players

“What an incredible opportunity for the Centre to host not only a world champion and professional ice hockey player but also a member of a First Nation who serves as a role model for young Indigenous girls,” remarked Centre Director Dr. Cheryl MacDonald. “I extend my gratitude to Ryan Francis and the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund for their partnership, and I appreciate Victoria for being so generous with her time today.”

Hours later, Bach’s PWHL Toronto head coach and Saint Mary’s alumni, Troy Ryan, led the Canadian national women’s team to secure a gold medal with an overtime victory over the USA at the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) Women’s World Championship in Utica, New York. Bach had previously won gold with Team Canada in 2021 and 2022 and remains an integral part of the national program. She has also competed in the former Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) and the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) before joining the PWHL.

Bach holds a Bachelor of Communication from Boston University, where she made history as the first player to score over 100 goals in the women’s hockey team's program. She missed the first eight games of the inaugural PWHL season as she was completing teacher’s college through Brock University.

The McCain McLean Centre continues its monthly online speaker series on ice hockey culture on Wednesday, April 24, with Dr. Janice Forsyth (UBC) and Dr. Taylor McKee (Brock University), who will discuss Indigenous participation in ice hockey. Interested individuals can register to receive the Zoom link on the Centre website.

Saint Mary's community gathers for Campus Reflection Walk

On Thursday, September 28, members of the Saint Mary’s community gathered for a Campus Reflection Walk in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Dr. Robert Sumerby-Murray, Saint Mary’s President, and Dr. Rohini Bannerjee, Associate Vice-President (Diversity Excellence), welcomed more than 80 students, staff and faculty as they gathered for an opportunity to connect with and acknowledge Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of L’nu, on which Saint Mary’s is located.

The collaborative event consisted of an accessible route, marked with ten posters, each prompting questions or statements for reflection, as Treaty people, in considering the 94 Calls to Action brought forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. “Everyone took their time on the walk,” says Dr. Bannerjee. “There were moments of silence and moments of deep conversation.”

In particular, Dr. Bannerjee made note of the student participants who joined from The Language Centre, noting, “their presence embodied curiosity and a commitment to better understanding T&R from the point of view of visitors to the land.”

At the end of the route, members of the Residence Life team hosted a final reflections table, with orange t-shirt paper cut-outs for people to write their thoughts, express their gratitude toward the land or highlight something from the walk that resonated with them. The reflections will be on display on the bulletin board across from Loyola Residence (LR) 108 for the month of October, with new pieces being added throughout the month.

Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month at Saint Mary's

October is Mi’kmaq History Month! This year marks the 30th anniversary of this important celebration of Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.

This year, there is a special focus on highlighting traditional sports, games and pastimes central to Mi’kmaw culture. These activities help young people develop their understanding of Mi’kmaw culture and carry those teachings into adulthood.

Visit mikmaqhistorymonth.ca to learn more and to download a copy of the 2023 poster!

Saint Mary's University acknowledges that the university is located on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the "Treaties of Peace and Friendship" which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725.

Resources and related links:

The Patrick Power Library's Mi'kmaq History Month collection is on display throughout the year. Access the collection on campus or online this month to learn more about Mi'kmaw culture and history. The Library is also proud to host an exhibit of Mi'kmaw cultural artifacts on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum. These important artifacts represent a range of landscapes, sites, traditional activities and cultural periods in Mi'kma'ki. Everyone is welcome to visit the exhibit!

The library has also created an online Indigenous Studies guide. This guide is a resource for research and study in the interdisciplinary aspects of Indigenous studies. It particularly focuses on Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

• Saint Mary’s Indigenous Community

• Learn more about Mi’kmaq History Month, and the 2023 theme!

Dr. Joshua Nichols to deliver the 2023 Marshall Lecture in Public Philosophy

Dr. Joshua Nichols

Questions of truth and reconciliation in law will be the focus of the 2023 Marshall Lecture in Public Philosophy, taking place September 28 at Saint Mary’s University.

Dr. Joshua Nichols of McGill University’s Faculty of Law will deliver this year’s lecture, titled “Undoing the Colonial Double-Bind: Interpretation and Justification in Aboriginal Law”. Dr. Nichols is Métis from Treaty 8 Territory in British Columbia. His research centers on the legacy of British Imperialism and the conflictual constitutional relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples.

Nichols is the author of A Reconciliation without Recollection: An Investigation of the Foundations of Aboriginal Law in Canada (University of Toronto Press, 2020), which has been lauded as a “truly significant contribution” to the understanding of reconciliation today.

In the book, he "investigates the idea of reconciliation through a brilliant exploration of its use and misuse in Canadian legal discourse," says a review by Mark D. Walters, Dean and Professor of Law, Queen’s University. "In eloquent and powerful terms, he argues that genuine reconciliation demands that we remember our shared histories and see in law redemptive possibilities based on the kind of intercultural dialogue and respect that shaped treaty relationships in the past.”

In his lecture in Halifax/Kjipuktuk, Nichols will discuss the idea that Aboriginal law in Canada is caught in a colonial double-bind. On the one hand, the courts have acknowledged the pre-existing sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. On the other hand, the courts have accepted the sovereignty and legislative power of the Crown as against and over Indigenous peoples. By appealing to legal reasoning found within relevant case law, including the Quebec Court of Appeal’s recent reconsideration of Van der Peet in the C-92 Reference, Nichols aims to provide a way to deal with the double-bind using legal tools the courts already possess.

“The Marshall Lecture in Public Philosophy has been a great forum for bringing academics to campus to discuss topics of interest to the general public,” says Dr. Todd Calder, a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy and Chair of the Marshall Lecture Committee.

“We are particularly excited this year to have a speaker whose presentation is directly relevant to questions of truth and reconciliation, in the days just prior to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.”

The annual lecture series tackles complex contemporary questions through a philosophy lens. Last year, Dr. Hallie Liberto of the University of Maryland discussed “Three kinds of victim blame: and what is wrong with each?” Previous speakers have explored such topics as climate change ethics, the dilemmas of protecting religious freedoms, and the delegation of human decision-making to machines.  

This free public lecture is presented by the Department of Philosophy, with support from The Rowland Marshall Public Philosophy Lecture Fund. It begins at 7 p.m. in the Scotiabank Conference Theatre in the Sobey School of Business, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend.

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Related links:

• Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

• “I wanted to have an impact”: A feature story on Dr. Rowland Marshall

• Event posting: The 2023 Marshall Lecture in Public Philosophy

Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, administrative offices will be closed, and there will be no classes or labs on Friday, September 29.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for a day to “honour survivors, their families,  and  communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” 

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. Orange t-shirts are available for purchase at the Campus Store, with proceeds going to a local Indigenous organization.

To help commemorate this day and to provide opportunities for learning, reflection and action, the following events will take place:

Events

Reconciliation, what does it mean to you?
September 27, 2023
10 a.m.
Loyola Colonnade
Stop by the Loyola Colonnade (across from Tim Horton’s) and share what reconciliation means to you. The Residence Life Multicultural Committee will display input from the SMU community on a display board of mini orange t-shirts.

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Reflective Campus Walk
September 28, 2023
2-3 p.m.
Meet at the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre
All members of the Saint Mary’s community are invited to join Elder Debbie Eisan for a reflective walk around campus.

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Moving from reconciliation to reconciliACTION: Engaging and supporting Indigenous communities
September 28, 2023
2-3 p.m.
Webinar

Join us for this panel discussion with Indigenous leaders and allies alike as we ask the question: where should organizations focus their resources and energy to ensure the longevity and health of those connections and start to create safer working environments for Indigenous employees?

Registration is free for anyone with a smu.ca email address.

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The Marshall Lecture in Public Philosophy
September 28, 2023
7-8:30 p.m.
Scotiabank Conference Theatre

Undoing the Colonial Double-Bind: Interpretation and Justification in Aboriginal Law

Dr. Joshua Nichols (McGill University, Faculty of Law) is Métis from Treaty 8 Territory in British Columbia.

In this lecture, Dr. Nichols discusses the idea that Aboriginal law in Canada is caught in a colonial double-bind. On the one hand, the courts have acknowledged the pre-existing sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. On the other hand, the courts have accepted the sovereignty and legislative power of the Crown as against and over Indigenous peoples. By appealing to legal reasoning found within relevant case law, including the Quebec Court of Appeal’s recent reconsideration of Van der Peet in the C-92 Reference, Nichols aims to provide a way to deal with the double-bind using legal tools the courts already possess.

Read more about this year’s Marshall Lecture in Public Philosophy.

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Resources and related links

• The Patrick Power Library has developed a resource collection including books and videos related to Truth and Reconciliation. Be sure to also visit their Indigenous Studies Research Guide

• More information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

NAIG 2023: What to expect on campus

Saint Mary’s is set to welcome hundreds of young Indigenous athletes as well as their supporters to campus for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games — the largest sport and culture event in Atlantic Canada’s history since contact.

Below are some helpful details about what to expect during this exciting event:

• Athletes will start arriving on July 14 and will be on campus until the Games finish on July 23. Close to 700 will be staying in Loyola and Vanier Residences.

• Teams will be arriving from 18 locations:  Minnesota, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nunavut, New Mexico, Manitoba, Eastern Door & the North, PEI, Washington, Wisconsin, Haudenosaunee, Colorado, Yukon & Michigan.

• The Inglis Street Pay & Display parking lot will be used as a transportation/drop-off zone for buses.

• We are hosting male and female wrestling and basketball events on campus, and as such there will be limited access to the following areas:

  • Homburg Lobby: Spectators entrance for Basketball

  • Dauphinee Lobby: Spectators entrance for Wrestling

  • Pedway: Access control for staff, volunteers and other internal Games staff

• In addition to young athletes, fans and supporters, you will see many NAIG volunteers on campus, with a variety of roles including signage, transportation, event and game support, webcasting and more. All NAIG volunteers will be wearing their NAIG accreditation around their necks and their volunteer t-shirts.

• Hours of operations for Dockside Dining Hall (NAIG only), C-Store, Tim Horton’s will be extended each day between July 15-22. Be sure to check https://smuca.campusdish.com/LocationsAndMenus to see what is open, when!

• Information tables will be set up in Loyola Colonnade and in the Courtside Lounge at the Homburg Centre. The tables will be staffed by the Recruitment team, who will help guests with questions about campus, Halifax, and of course, the university.

• The NAIG organizing team is providing Indigenous artwork for display in the Loyola Colonnade.
  

Help our visitors feel welcome!

• Here are some digital welcome posters that you can print out and post in your area of campus

•  Helpful Mi’kmaw phrases and key facts about NAIG

SMU ready to welcome Indigenous athletes and visitors

Excitement is building as the SMU community prepares to welcome hundreds of young Indigenous athletes and their supporters to campus as part of the 10th North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) 2023. 

Saint Mary’s is one of 21 sports venues across Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne'katik, and will host the wrestling and basketball competitions at the Dauphine Centre and the Homburg gymnasium, respectively between July 15-23.

NAIG 2023 is one of the largest multi-sport and cultural gatherings to be held in Atlantic Canada, drawing more than 5000 athletes, coaches and team staff from across Turtle Island (North America) to celebrate, share and reconnect through sport and culture.  

In addition to being a game venue, Saint Mary’s will also play host to approximately 700 athletes who, starting on July 14, will stay in Loyola and Vanier residences for the duration of the Games.  

Additional preparations include:   

• A special menu from SMU Dining: The Aramark culinary team worked with chefs from Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations to create a special menu for NAIG guests that features campus favourites and new Indigenous-inspired items such as Three Sisters Burrito and Three Sisters Soup.  

• The installation of a Brave Space structure on the Inglis Street side of the Atrium/Burke building. Brave Spaces are meant to represent comfort, Indigenous culture and support, and will provide a safe space for athletes to gather and decompress before, during and after competitions.  

• A series of posters featuring welcome messages in Mi’kmaq and English and information about the Peace and Friendship Treaties will be displayed across campus, on digital monitors and on each residence floor.   

• The Campus Store is offering a special 15% discount to visiting athletes, and the Recruitment team plans to set up general information tables on campus to help visitors with questions about Saint Mary’s or Halifax. 

For more information about NAIG, including game and event schedules, visit naig2023.com 

• What to expect on campus during NAIG 2023

• Help guests feel welcome with these Mi’kmaq phrases

• Fast facts about NAIG 2023

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Related links: 

• Saint Mary's University student takes on culture lead for NAIG 2023

• Indigenous Community Hub at SMU 

National Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month is 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. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

This year, different themes will highlight specific aspects of Indigenous history, cultures and perspectives. These themes include Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people; Environment, traditional knowledge and territory; Children and youth; Languages, cultures and arts; and Reconciliation.

Saint Mary’s University acknowledges it is in Mi’kma’ki, on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. The Mi’kmaq flag flies proudly on Saint Mary’s campus.

Follow @smuhalifax, @smu_studentlife and @SMUalumnihfx to see posts and alumni profiles shared throughout the month.

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Announcing the Interim Indigenous Student Advisor 

The Indigenous Student Advisor provides support to Saint Mary’s students.

Kyle Cook BA'23 (he/him) is the Interim Indigenous Student Advisor at Saint Mary's University. Originally from Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland), Kyle is a proud Mi'kmaw man and an active community member of Qalipu First Nation. He is a graduate of Saint Mary's University, BA'23, with a double major in Criminology and Social Justice/Community Studies.

Kyle can be contacted via email at indigenous.advisor@smu.ca or in person at Burke 114.

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Indigenous Student Ambassador

New students coming to Saint Mary’s can meet with Kaylee Denny, Indigenous Student Ambassador with Recruitment and Marketing.

Kaylee (she/her) is a second-year Indigenous student at Saint Mary’s, pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Science majoring in Biology. She grew up on the beautiful island of Unama’ki and lives in a Mi’kmaw community called Eskasoni.

Contact Kaylee isa@smu.ca or book a virtual meeting.

Learn more about Indigenous Student Supports at Saint Mary’s

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Visit the Patrick Power Library to browse the National Indigenous History Month collection

Patrick Power Library

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.

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Reconciliation: Sisters on the path

Thursday, June 15
2–3 p.m.

This webinar for faculty and staff brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices to reflect on what reconciliation means to them on a personal, organizational, community, and national level and how to best forge a path forward together.

Presented by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Faculty and staff can register here (select Employer Partner to register for free).

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Back to Breath

Friday, June 30
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
CLARI, Atrium 340

Join Kyle Cook, Interim Indigenous Student Advisor, for a guided breathwork session open to the Indigenous community and non-Indigenous allies alike.

The session will be centred in reflection, incorporating meditation strategies, and exploring the connection and consciousness of place and language. In furthering our commitment to truth and reconciliation, we will be unpacking words like Pjila'si and how they resonate with our lived experiences.

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Related content

• Indigenous community at SMU

• Video: Indigenous Student Advisor Kyle Cook, on National Indigenous Peoples Day

• The Turner Bursary for African Canadian and Indigenous Women

• Creating opportunities for Indigenous girls in sport

• National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit People

• Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month at Saint Mary's

Creating opportunities for Indigenous girls in sport

Creating safe and welcoming places on campus and through sport is at the forefront of everything Ryan Francis stands for. In 2019, he co-founded the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program, which operates in Eskasoni, Membertou and Truro, NS (close to Millbrook First Nation and Sipkne’katik First Nation), and has seen nearly 200 school-age girls participate. He believes that representation and connection are vital for a positive experience in hockey and that helping Indigenous girls to experience the game with their peers is important.

Huskies hockey player Erin Denny (of Eskasoni First Nation) has been involved since the beginning, providing the girls with insight into her lived experience and encouraging them to feel seen, heard and understood in an environment that is comfortable and familiar.

“As a SMU hockey player, it’s great to be able to connect with the broader community,” says Denny. “Through this program, I can contribute to the development of young athletes and show these girls there is a place for Indigenous youth in sport at every level.”   

Did you know? Ryan Francis, the university’s first Indigenous Visiting Fellow, works closely with our Centre for the Study of Sport and Health on initiatives that increase the knowledge and awareness of Indigenous participation in sport, such as the Red Tape Game and Indigenous Sport Week.

Related links:

• Saint Mary’s University is in Mi’kma’ki

• Hockey for everyone: Huskies host Canadian Blind Hockey for fun practice

• Ryan Francis Returns for Two-Year Indigenous Research Fellowship at Saint Mary’s

National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit People

October 4 was National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). To commemorate this day, the Patrick Power Library, Indigenous Student Advisor, and Indigenous Student Society President invited Denise Pictou-Maloney to share stories of her lived experience and activism work with MMIWG2S+. At the end of the discussion, participants had the opportunity to hang red dresses in the library windows. The dresses symbolise and honour the women, girls and Two-Spirit people who are missing and murdered. Everyone is welcome to visit the Library to view the installment.

SMU Wikewiku's Kick Off Mawio'mi

Saint Mary’s kicked off Mi’kmaq History Month with a Mawio’mi on Sunday, October 2nd.

Mawio'mi is a Mi’kmaw word that refers to a gathering of people. The term is used to describe what is sometimes referred to as a powwow; a gathering that celebrates life and includes ceremony, storytelling, dance, drumming, and gathering with the community. Since 2018 Saint Mary's has hosted a Mawio'mi on-campus but given COVID-19 health and safety protocols, recent celebrations took place digitally until last year. 

"We were excited to invite people to campus and participate in an important celebration of Mi'kmaw culture and heritage," says Rachel Creaser, the Indigenous Student Initiatives Coordinator and President of the Saint Mary's Indigenous Student Society.

The event was a success with over 200 attendees including students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

Celebrating Mi'kmaq History Month at Saint Mary's

October is Mi’kmaq History Month! All month long, communities across Nova Scotia hosts activities, educational sessions and events that showcase the Mi’kmaq history. Nova Scotia are encouraged to attend events and increase their knowledge of Mi’kmaq culture, history and heritage.

Mi’kmaq History Month Committee, lead in the interim by the The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, draws on the expertise of representatives from the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq communities and organizations, as well as the Federal and Provincial governments.

See the list below for events and resources

Events

On-Campus Mawio'mi

Sunday, October 2
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Our Wikewiku's (October) Kick-off Mawio'mi was on Sunday, October 2nd, from 11 am-3 pm, in the Homburg Gym to celebrate Treaty Day and kick off Mi'kmaq History Month! Everyone was welcome, and we encouraged you to wear orange for residential school survivors, victims, and their descendants. Please keep in mind this is a drug and alcohol-free event as it is a sacred gathering. Students, faculty, and alumni were welcome to wear their regalia and join us on the dance arena when instructed by the Master of Ceremonies, Aaron Prosper.

Check out images from the event!

Free Film Screening: Is the Crown at War with us?

Friday, October 21
1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Join us for a free screening and discussion of Alanis Obomsawin’s film, Is the Crown at War with Us?, documenting the 2000 Mi’kmaw fishery crisis in Burnt Church, NB.

Resources and related links:

The Patrick Power Library will display a collection of books and videos for learning more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Mi’kmaq History Month. These collections are available online and in-person, and all items on display can be borrowed. The in-person display will include an interactive element that asks people to reflect on the meaning of truth and reconciliation. All are welcome to participate!

Saint Mary’s Indigenous Community

Mi’kmaq History Month