Raymond Sewell joins Saint Mary’s as full-time Indigenous Student Advisor

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce that Raymond Sewell has joined the university as the institution’s first full-time Indigenous student advisor.

“At Saint Mary’s University, we are committed to improving the educational experience of all our students,” said Saint Mary’s president Robert Summerby-Murray. “In response to our own task force on Indigenous students and the federal report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, we recognize that universities have a significant role to play. We are acting to foster an environment that reflects the important cultures, histories and traditions of Indigenous students.”

The Indigenous student advisor is responsible for supporting and engaging Indigenous students at Saint Mary’s University. Sewell will develop programming and services for Indigenous students; make connections to facilitate the transition of Indigenous students to university; and develop culturally respectful programming to engage Indigenous students in campus life throughout their university career.

Sewell is a Saint Mary’s alumnus who completed his Master of Arts in Atlantic Canada Studies in 2014. From the Pabineau First Nation in New Brunswick, Sewell has experienced firsthand the transition from a First Nation’s community to university in a new city.

“For many students coming from Indigenous communities, university can be a big transition. You are leaving behind your community and family and coming to a new city.  It can be a bit of a culture shock,” said Sewell. “Part of my role will be helping students with that change, but also providing more general support to make sure that they have the tools they need to be successful at Saint Mary’s.” 

Sewell will join Saint Mary’s in his new role today, Sept. 18.

Mawio'mi Indigenous Gathering a Success

Student Services Senior Director Tom Brophy; Indigenous Students Society Treasurer, Jody Paul, and Co-President, Elora Gehue; Society member Salina Kemp and Elder Billy Lewis.

Indigenous culture was celebrated today at the inaugural Mawio'mi Indigenous Gathering as part of Saint Mary’s University’s Winter Welcome.

“This is just the first of a series of cultural events that we hope to have here on campus” says Elora Gehue, Co-President of the Saint Mary’s Indigenous Students Society. “We had a really good turnout and I think that this event will serve as a great foundation for the future.”

The event was organized by the Saint Mary’s Indigenous Students Society Co-Presidents Elora Gehue and Boyce Campbell and Student Services Senior Director Tom Brophy. The event featured well-known drumming group Eastern Eagle, a fancy shawl dancer, a jingle dress dancer, a traditional basket weaver and more.  Attendees were also treated to the traditional Mawio’mi dish, fry bread tacos, which was very well received.  

When asked to describe the event, Tom Brophy, Senior Director of Student Services, said the event represented a humble beginning from which he believes many good things will come and he looks forward to continuing to work with the Indigenous Students Society in the future.

Notable Indigenous speakers included Captain Don Julien, Elder Billy Lewis and Sandra Racine, a traditional Mi’kmaq basket weaver. Saint Mary’s President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray was also in attendance and participated in the smudging ceremony and later presented Elder Lewis with an offering of tobacco. Ossama Nasarallah, Vice-President of Student Affairs, was also present and provided a welcome on behalf of the Saint Mary's University Students' Association.

As the event came to a close, an elder prayer was led by Elder Lewis and the Eastern Eagle drumming group finished the event with the Mi’kmaw Honour Song.

Student leaders represent Saint Mary’s at the APC Climate Change and Tech Career Conference

Saint Mary's students Salina Kemp, Boyce Campbell and Elora Gehue at the APC Climate Change and Tech Career Conference.

Three student leaders are attending the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat’s Climate Change and Tech Career Conference this week on behalf of Saint Mary’s University.

Salina Kemp, Boyce Campbell and Elora Gehue are the students attending the conference and will participate in sessions ranging from addressing climate change issues at Lennox Island through new technology to the interconnectivity of the environment, economy, foreign policy, sustainability and humans rights.

One of the goals of the conference is to bring First Nations community delegates that work with youth and employment together with university and college representatives that feature science and tech post-secondary programs. Once they are together, the conference aims to encourage the sharing of ideas featuring existing partnerships and initiatives, to foster new relationships among First Nations and educators.

Conference attendees Boyce Campbell and Elora Gehue are also the Co-Chairs of the Indigenous Students Society here at Saint Mary’s. The society aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students to socialize with, and learn about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in order to enhance learning opportunities and the educational experience for Indigenous students at Saint Mary's University. The society does this by holding Indigenous events, gatherings, and cultural ceremonies to bring together both Indigenous, and non-Indigenous students.

Welcome to Mi’kma’ki, the Territory of the Mi’kmaq

Saint Mary's University hosted an opening smudge, followed by singing, chanting and drumming led by Eastern Eagle, to welcome and honour its indigenous students. The event was open to all to celebrate.

Opening remarks were delivered by Grand Council of Mi’kmaq, Sɨkɨpne’katik (Shubenacadie) District and Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University.

The event was hosted on campus in front of the Atrium and Burke buildings.

The event was organized by SMUSA Indigenous Student Society and Indigenous Education, Studio for Teaching and Learning.