Woven stories - dream catchers honour Mi'kmaq culture at Saint Mary's

Indigenous Student Advisor Kylar Johnson, Chief Wilbert Marshall and Isaiah Bernard stand under a dream catcher on SMU campus

The Mi’kmaq tradition of storytelling has long been a way of carrying culture, history and teachings across generations. At Saint Mary’s University, that same tradition is carried forward in two large dream catchers installed by son and father duo, Isaiah Bernard and Chief Wilbert Marshall of Potlotek First Nation.

More than art, the dream catchers are symbols of presence and visibility; threads of Mi’kmaq culture woven into the heart of campus.

“When I was a student here, I would see all these cultures represented, but I didn’t see my own,” describes former SMU student and former Indigenous Student Society president, Isaiah Bernard. “The university is on Mi’kmaq land, so we should be showcased within the campus. I brought the idea to the university President and to SMUSA (Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association), and they all agreed.”

Bernard’s father, Chief Marshall, taught him how to make dream catchers as a child, and they seemed like the perfect art form to display in prominent campus buildings.

“When the Europeans came, our people were annihilated and we lost everything, so we had to adopt a lot of our traditions from different tribes like out west in British Columbia,” explains Chief Marshall. “Everyone has their own spin on the story of the dream catcher.” The story is that a woman protects a spider spinning its web, and in thanks, that spider spins a web between her and the moon to ensnare bad thoughts and keep them from her.

“There are many different ways you can make a dream catcher; you can put three rings, or four, or even single rings. There are usually tassels on it, and on the weave, you can make different designs in the web itself,” shares Chief Marshall.

Chief Marshall and Bernard built and installed the dream catchers in 2020

One of the dream catchers hangs in the lobby of the O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre, the other is in the Patrick Power Library

Working with repurposed crab trap pipes and biodegradable rope, the pair created large dream catchers with two rings. “We put a little dream catcher in the middle—you’ll see the braided string that’s on there. It’s got the four directional colours on there also. Everything was done completely by hand.”

On October 1 – Treaty Day – Isaiah Bernard and Chief Marshall returned to Saint Mary’s campus, alongside Indigenous Student Advisor Kylar Johnson, to unveil newly installed plaques commemorating the dream catchers.

A plaque commemorating the dream catcher installation

“When we brought the dream catchers to campus, the welding broke. We had to get that fixed, repaint it and let it dry, so we asked the university if we could leave it on campus and then web it on site,” recalls Bernard. “It was cool to make it on campus in front of a live crowd. It took us about four hours [to web and install] because people kept coming by to watch us and ask questions – it was really something!”

The dream catchers have been more than a pastime for Bernard and his father; they are a way to connect with family, community and culture. Their dream catchers are installed across Mi’kma’ki, including Glooscap and Membertou, and Chief Marshall has put on seminars to teach younger generations how to make them. Through sharing the craft, they are bringing visibility to Mi’kmaq traditions and reclaiming practices that were once at risk of being lost.

“People often forget that Mi’kmaq were the first people here. This is Mi’kmaq nation, from dusk ‘til dawn, before others got here and after they leave, this is our territory, our culture. We were the first ones,” exclaims Bernard. “It’s time they start honouring the first people here and showcasing Mi’kmaq culture. We have a rocky history, and not enough of that is taught,” he adds.

Chief Marshall reflects, “Now, we have Treaty education in schools, but people also need to learn about the hard truths of our history. You can’t mask that, it has to be talked about.”

“I hope [the dream catchers] inspire the community here to learn about the First Nations, learn about the community, about our history, most importantly, and about our Mi’kmaq people,” Bernard emphasizes.

Hear from Isaiah and Chief Marshall about their dream catcher project at Saint Mary’s.

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October is Mi’kmaq History Month. Learn more here: Mi'kmaq History Month: Events and resources for the SMU Community

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Mi'kmaq History Month: Events and resources for the SMU Community

October is Mi’kmaq History Month, a time to celebrate and learn about Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.

The theme for Mi’kmaw History Month 2025 is A’tukwemk aq A’tukowinu’k – Storytelling and Storytellers. “This theme celebrates the power of stories in Mi’kma’kik—stories shaped by the land and waters, carried through generations, and alive with laughter, teaching, and truth. Storytelling remains a living record of Mi’kmaw science, history, and values, connecting people to each other and to the ancestors who came before.” Learn more at mikmaqhistorymonth.ca.

October 1 is Treaty Day, which commemorates the treaties between the Mik’maq people of Nova Scotia—who have occupied the land for thousands of years—and the Crown. Learn more about Treaty Day here.

Saint Mary's University acknowledges that the university is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. Learn more.

Events

Sisters in Spirit Film Screening: The Body Remembers when the World Broke Open

Tuesday October 7, 2025
6-8:30 p.m.
Atrium 101

Please join the Qomoti Centre and the Sexual Violence Support Centre to commemorate Sisters in Spirit Day with a Film Screening of The Body Remembers when the World Broke Open. The film follows two Indigenous women as they navigate the effects of Intimate Partner Violence. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

Sisters in Spirit Day is a national day that honours and remembers Murdered and Missing Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. To learn more, please visit the Native Women's Association of Canada.

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Too Ghoul for School: Colonial Gazing and Monstrosity in Rhymes for Young Ghouls

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
3:30 p.m.
Halifax Central Library

Part of SMU’s first Monster Fest, Dr. Krista Collier-Jarvis presents a talk on Rhymes for Young Ghouls, an Indigenous horror film about one Mi'kmaw girl's experience living beneath the colonial gaze and temporarily within the walls of the fictional St. D's residential school. Read the full session description here.

Blood Quantum Screening and Scholar-led Panel Discussion

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
6 p.m.
Halifax Central Library

A public-facing, free screening of Jeff Barnaby’s Blood Quantum and a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Krista Collier-Jarvis and led by Indigenous scholars and activists Fallen Matthews, Tiffany Morris and Dr. Margaret Robinson.

Find out more on the Monster Fest website.

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Resources

Qomuti is an on-campus space designed by and for Indigenous students. Located in Loyola Academic Room 286, Qomuti (pronounced ho-mo-dee) is a Mi’kmaw word meaning “a place of safe haven.” This space was created through community consultation and is intended to be a welcoming home on campus for Indigenous students to gather, study, share, smudge, and feel rooted in culture and connection.

Visit Qomuti or meet with the Indigenous Student Advisor, Kylar Johnson. Find out more about the space and how to connect with Kylar at smu.ca/indigenous-community.

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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 is on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.

The Patrick Power Library has a Mi'kmaq History Month collection available on campus or online. All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card or accessed online using your SMU email and password.

Other resources to support learning and reflection about Indigenous culture and experience include:

• Red Dress Display: October 4 is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S), also called Sisters in Spirit Day. Red dresses hang in the library windows as a symbol of those who never returned home and to bring awareness to the ongoing violence against Indigenous communities. Learn more.

• 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.

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Related

• Learn more about Indigenous history, perspectives and culture through the Saint Mary’s lens

• Find resources on our online Indigenous Community Hub

• October 17: Graduate Studies Information Session for Black and Indigenous Undergraduate Students

Saint Mary's University wins the Enactus World Cup!

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team celebrates winning the World Cup

Enactus Saint Mary’s Co-President Courtney Dingle accepts an award as the team moved on to the Top 16

SMU represents Canada at the Parade of Flags at the World Cup

Team Canada with Enactus Board Chair Iain Aitken

The Enactus Saint Mary’s team has captured the global championship at the 25th Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. Their 12-minute presentation on two student-run social enterprises—Alaagi and Square Roots—outperformed finalists from Zimbabwe, Tunisia and Germany. This victory marks the first world title for Saint Mary’s University, which competed against 28 national champion teams from around the globe.

Twenty-one students and staff from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre represented Team Canada. Co-Presidents Courtney Dingle and Sarah Wheeler, along with Gabe Martin BA’25, led the team through a year of groundbreaking work.

"The true win here isn't the trophy, it's the global proof that profit and purpose can coexist,” says Courtney Dingle. “We are constantly showing that our generation is ready to redefine what a successful business looks like. We're building enterprises that heal the planet."

Alaagi: Revolutionizing packaging with seaweed

Alaagi bio-plastic developed at Saint Mary’s

Alaagi is a revolutionary bio-plastic company aiming to disrupt the global packaging industry. The student-led venture has developed an eco-friendly and fully bio-degradable plastic wrap utilizing biopolymers sourced from seaweed.

Alaagi's innovation addresses the massive problem of single-use plastic pollution by offering a viable, compostable alternative. The team profiled Alaagi’s recent advancements to create an industry-standard film suitable for challenging applications like meat and seafood packaging. As part of the World Cup-winning presentation, the team highlighted the startup’s recent success at the Hult Prize Global Accelerator in London, UK. Alaagi was named one of the top 24 student start-ups in the world in the competition for $1 million in seed funding.

Square Roots: Turning food waste into access

Square Roots offers produce boxes to communities across Nova Scotia

Addressing dual problems of food waste and food insecurity, Square Roots purchases imperfect-looking surplus directly from local farmers and sells it at affordable prices to families in need, ensuring greater access to fresh, nutritious food for those facing economic hardship. Since its inception, the initiative has expanded across Nova Scotia and has diverted over a million pounds of food from landfills while empowering local community managers as entrepreneurs.

A win for sustainability, innovation, and Canada

"We are thrilled to celebrate the Enactus Saint Mary's team bringing home the World Cup to Canada!” said Catherine Fowler, President & CEO of Enactus Canada. “Square Roots is a leading example of how a social enterprise can grow and evolve, supporting sustainability in the community and beyond. We are also incredibly inspired by the team's innovation in single-use plastic alternatives with Alaagi™, showcasing the long-term impact of investing in early-stage projects. This win truly represents the strength of our teams and program in Canada, which we couldn't achieve without the incredible support of the faculty advisors, volunteers and donors."

This recognition, winning the Enactus World Cup, is a momentous achievement for Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia and Canada, showcasing student entrepreneurship, impact and innovation on the world stage.

Enactus Saint Mary’s represented Canada in the global competition

“This world championship is a powerful reminder of what our students are capable of achieving when creative minds come together to make great things happen,” says Michael Khan, Saint Mary’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “Their innovation, resilience and drive are changing communities here in Nova Scotia, while inspiring solutions for global challenges. The entire Saint Mary’s community are immensely proud of them.”

Saint Mary's commitment to entrepreneurship, championed by the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, drives this success. The university cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, focused on problem-solving, resilience and creativity across all faculties, ensuring students like those behind Alaagi and Square Roots have the holistic support to achieve global impact.

"This global title is validation that our students aren't just learning about business, they are actively building world-class, scalable solutions for major global problems," says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. "To see Alaagi, fresh off being named a Top 24 startup at the Hult Prize in London, combined with the proven impact of Square Roots, recognized at the international level, is a source of immense pride. These students are true change makers."

Related:

• Alaagi joins Nestlé & UNESCO Top 100 Global Start-Ups

• Saint Mary’s Enactus team to represent Canada at the World Cup Exposition in Thailand

• Student-led startup named Canadian Champion at Hult Prize National Competition

• One million pounds of perfectly imperfect food feeds Nova Scotians

SMU Community Food Room recognized for their innovation

Amy McEvoy, Manager, Student Success Centre, Yusupha Njie, Emma Rota, Student Transitions Specialist and Sunal Shah receive the Feed Nova Scotia Food of the Future Award. 

Yusupha Njie and Sunal Shah are the SMU Community Food Room Coordinators

Emma Rota presenting at Feed Nova Scotia Day of Sharing.

The SMU Community Food Room Team was pleased to attend Feed Nova Scotia's Annual Day of Sharing on September 19. The Food Room team was invited to present on their volunteer program, and took advantage of opportunities to network and learn from fellow Feed Nova Scotia Member Agencies. The day culminated with the first-ever Feed Nova Scotia Member Awards, and the SMU Community Food Room was recognized with the Food of the Future: Innovation Award.

This award recognizes an agency that "demonstrates creativity, adaptability, and forward thinking in everything they do.  From developing fresh approaches and implementing unique solutions, they aren’t afraid to question conventional ways of doing things and open the door to new opportunities and new impact. Their innovative spirit inspires progress and sets an example for how agencies can lead change in meaningful and practical ways.

The SMU Community Food Room was recognized for showing how food banks can innovate through action. From meeting clients where they are, offering food pick-up locations across campus, using social media to connect on platforms students already use, and creating new programs like the Tuesday Breakfast Club and Iftar Kits during Ramadan — the Food Room team is always looking to improve. The SMU Community Food Room continues to innovate as it adapts and tries new approaches to serve its community's unique needs, demonstrating creativity, responsiveness and a deep commitment to supporting its users.

To learn more about the SMU Community Food Room, get involved, book an appointment, please visit their website: Community Food Room or email food.room@smu.ca.

Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Saint Mary’s

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - a day to recognize and reflect on the intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused to Indigenous families and communities, to honour those who have been affected by this injustice, and to ensure public commemoration of this history as a vital part of the reconciliation process.

Orange shirts available at the Campus Store

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, administrative offices will be closed and there will be no classes or labs on Tuesday, September 30. The Patrick Power Library will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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 the Mikmawey Debert Cultural Centre. Members of the SMU community are encouraged to wear their orange shirts to campus on Monday, September 29, ahead of the September 30 closure.

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Events on campus

Smudging Ceremony

September 25, 2025
1:30 p.m.
The Quad

All members of the SMU community are invited to an outdoor smudging ceremony in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Smudging is a cultural ceremony practised by a wide variety of Indigenous peoples in Canada and other parts of the world. Although practices differ, smudging is used for medicinal and practical purposes as well as for spiritual ceremonies. The practice generally involves prayer and the burning of sacred medicines, such as sweetgrass, cedar, sage and tobacco.

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Reflecting on the TRC’s Calls to Action 10 Years Later

NCTR’s Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 22-26

September 25, 2025
2 p.m.
CLARI (Atrium 340)

Join members of the SMU community for a Zoom event hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) at the University of Manitoba. This session will reflect on the decade which has passed since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action were published, including how many of the Calls have been fulfilled and what is still holding back progress. It will feature TRC Commissioner Dr. Marie Wilson, founding Executive Director of the NCTR Ry Moran, and will be moderated by author Connie Walker.

The NCTR is hosting daily Lunch and Learn webinars for Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 22-26. Topics include discussions with experts and community members about the Residential School system, ground searches and corporate reconciliation efforts. All sessions will have simultaneous English, French and ASL interpretation. See all webinar events here.

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Woven Together

September 25, 2025
7 p.m.
Loyola Academic 188

Join the Residence Life Multicultural Committee for an evening of friendship bracelet making in recognition of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Materials will be provided.

Reconciliation, what does it mean to you?

September 29, 2025
10 a.m.
Loyola Colonnade

Stop by the Loyola Colonnade (between Tim Horton’s and the C Store) 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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Qomuti - Indigenous student space opens for students

Kylar Johnson, Indigenous Student Advisor, announced the naming of the student space in June 2025

Located in Loyola Academic Room 286, Qomuti (pronounced ho-mo-dee) is a Mi’kmaw word meaning “a place of safe haven.” This space was created through community consultation and is intended to be a welcoming home on campus for Indigenous students to gather, study, share, smudge, and feel rooted in culture and connection.

The Indigenous Student Space was designed in consultation with students and built with intention: a space where Indigenous learners can study, share, smudge without barriers and feel seen. While the room has quietly served students since fall 2024, the June 2025 naming ceremony marked a formal celebration of what it has already come to represent: a sense of home.

Kylar Johnson unveils the plaque for The Seven Sacred Teachings art piece by Loretta Gould

The space includes a vibrant installation within the Indigenous Student Space by Mi’kmaw artist Loretta Gould. Titled “The Seven Sacred Teachings”, the work was selected by Indigenous students from a collection of options. Depicting seven Indigenous figures standing in unity beneath a glowing sunset, each figure wears distinct regalia with animal imagery representing one of the Seven Sacred Teachings: love; respect; courage; honesty; wisdom; humility; and truth. The installation’s mosaic-like composition and vibrant colour palette capture themes of community, identity, and continuity. For the students who chose it, it serves not only as a visual centrepiece but also as a source of inspiration and reflection. Learn more about the space.

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Community events and resources

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre

September 30, 2025
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2021 Brunswick Street, Halifax

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada. The day recognizes the legacy of the Residential “school” system, the missing children, the families left behind, and the intergenerational impacts of this shared history.

Programs across the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre will have tables in the Joan Glode Room with resources and hands-on activities geared towards taking reconciliatory action at the neighbourhood level.

Begin or continue your Reconciliation journey by attending Truth & Reconciliation: Every Day Action sessions throughout the Fall Program. Additionally, check out their Reconciliation Resources page for more information.

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"The Gifts We Carry": Youth Gathering for Teachers & Students

NCTR 2024 Youth Empowerment event

Presented by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, this 2-hour live educational gathering is a highlight of NCTR’s Truth and Reconciliation Week programming, “Me’j Tekweyulkul Kina’matnewe’l wjit teli-Kpma’ltultimk” – We still carry with us the lessons on how to treat one another with the greatest respect – will immerse you in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture, music, dance and history while honouring Residential School Survivors. It is designed to open a dialogue with young people about the truth of Canada’s residential school system. 

Watch the stream of this event, which took place at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on September 18.

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Patrick Power Library

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 is on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.

The Patrick Power Library has developed a resource collection that includes books and videos related to Truth and Reconciliation. All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card or accessed online using your SMU email and password.

Other resources to support learning and reflection about Indigenous culture and experience include:

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.

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Learn more about Indigenous history, perspectives and culture through the Saint Mary’s lens.

Related links

• Indigenous Community online hub

• News for and about the Indigenous community at Saint Mary’s

• More information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

• Check smu.ca/dining for information on hours of operation for September 30.

Active transportation update: Bird e-scooters now on campus

Saint Mary’s is making active transportation more accessible, affordable and appealing to the campus community. With new initiatives and infrastructure in place, SMU is encouraging students, staff and faculty to choose greener, healthier ways to get around. 

A new addition is the Bird Canada e-scooter program, launched in July with two dedicated locations on campus—the Burke Building and the canopy of the Engineering building (960 Tower Road). SMU students can enjoy exclusive perks, including 10 minutes free on their first ride (promo code: FORFREE, valid until October 1), and ongoing discounts with a SMU email address.  

Bird also offers semester subscriptions with $3 flat-rate rides, plus flexible ride passes for frequent users. Parents can even load funds directly into student accounts, making it easier to budget for sustainable travel. To get started, download the Bird app.

Cyclists can use the bike repair stations and secure bike lockers, which are available for rent. Lockers are located near the Dauphinee Centre and can be reserved online. These amenities are also visible on the Campus Map.

For faculty and staff, the Smart Trip Program offers a discounted Halifax Transit EPass, making public transit a more affordable commuting option. Learn more about this program.

In keeping with the sustainable transportation theme, on October 2, HRM will host a Halifax Urban Greenway engagement kiosk in the Loyola Colonnade from 1-4 p.m. This multi-use trail will pass through The Oaks property on campus. As an active project partner, SMU invites the campus community to share input and help shape this important addition to Halifax’s active transportation network. 

Together, these initiatives reflect Saint Mary’s commitment to sustainability, wellness and a more connected campus.

Welcome Weeks demonstrates community, support and fun!

Students in the fall 2025 incoming class at the Santamarian Ceremony

Michael Khan with Pack Leaders at the SMUSA Husky Festival

President Khan takes a dip in the dunk tank

Flying high at the Husky Festival!

Huskies Pep Rally

SMUSA President Augustina Tucker, SMU President Michael Khan and Provost & VPAR Shannon Dea

Go Huskies!

Students at the Santamarian ceremony

Dr. Shannon Dea, Provost & Vice-President, Academic and Research

Dr. Michael Khan, President and Vice-Chancellor

Augustina Tucker, SMUSA President

Gabriel Martin BA’25

Dr. Khan signs the university register

Dr. Dea signs the university register

Students at the Festival of Food

Society and Partners Expo

Chess Club at the Society and Partners Expo

There are more than 40 SMUSA societies on campus!

Fall term is underway and the SMU community has come together to make the transition to university easy, safe and fun for new students during New to SMU’s Welcome Weeks. Check out the photo album above showcasing just a few of the great events on campus!

Welcome Weeks kicked off with residence move-in, meet-and-greets and the high-energy P.U.M.P. and SMUSA Husky Festival. New students signed the university register during the Santamarian Ceremony, where President Michael Khan, faculty, staff, alumni and student leaders shared the values of Saint Mary’s and advice for the exciting journey ahead.

Events for International, Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ students and the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility gave students an opportunity to learn about campus supports and connect with community.

Students also attended academic welcome events, explored Halifax and cheered on the Huskies. Departments and Pack Leaders provided many chances to learn about SMU, meet new friends and most importantly, have fun!

There are still a few days of Welcome Weeks activities left! Here’s what’s coming up:

• Science and Engineering New Student Drop-In Advising Session

• Welcome Back Dodgeball Tournament

• ResLife Student Group Meet-Up

• Welcome to Nova Scotia

For new student advice, please visit the New to SMU website. Follow @smu_studentlife and visit the Student Life Events Calendar for information on events and programming throughout the year.

Star Finder program prepares NS teachers with astronomy lesson plans

The inaugural Star Finders Teachers’ Workshop was held at Saint Mary’s University for elementary and junior high teachers

An enthusiastic group of elementary and junior high educators attended the first Star Finder Teachers’ Workshop in August, and they are now ready to share an appreciation of astronomical understanding and discovery with their students across Nova Scotia.

During the two-day course the teachers were introduced to the lesson plans, performed hands-on experiments and demonstrations, attended talks by astronomers from the Department of Astronomy and Physics, learned to use the Burke-Gaffney Observatory (BGO) and took part in stargazing activities.

All teachers and their classes in Nova Scotia now have access to use the BGO remotely from their classrooms, plus an extensive archive of the observatory’s data and images.

Hands-on experiments were part of the two-day workshop

Star Finders Teachers’ Workshop participants

The Star Finder lessons were developed by Saint Mary’s University alum Andrea Misner BSc’06,  along with Astronomy & Physics undergraduate student Mackenzie Hayduk, Astronomy Technician Tiffany Fields and Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet. Focusing on space exploration and astronomy, the goal of the lesson plans is to foster enthusiasm, engagement and understanding of astronomy among school children—especially in rural and underserved communities in the province. 

Ms. Misner studied astrophysics at Saint Mary’s and later earned a master’s in education from the University of Manitoba. She teaches high school general sciences, physics and astronomy in Winnipeg, and is a recipient of a 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.    

Star Finder – The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program is funded by a $250,000 philanthropic gift from the late David and Michelle Lane. During his 29-year career as the Astronomy Technician in the Department of Astronomy and Physics and the Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory at Saint Mary’s, Dave single-handedly automated the Observatory, making it available to users worldwide through social media accounts.

Dave Lane passed away in March 2024; he is survived by his wife, Michelle. The Star Finder project was created as a way for the couple to give back to the community and share Dave’s passion for astronomy with the next generations.

“We were thrilled to connect with such passionate and dedicated educators during the two-day workshop,” says Dr. Vincent Hénault-Brunet, Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. “We hope this workshop is just the beginning of building a vibrant community of teachers eager to bring astronomy-related activities to their students and use the observatory remotely.”

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For teachers wanting to learn more about this program and to download the lesson plans, click here and visit the Star Finder web page for updates. These lesson plans are focused on the Grade 9 Space Exploration unit of the Nova Scotia curriculum, but they are also tied to the Grade 9 Math curriculum and can easily be adapted for other levels.

Do not hesitate to email the Star Finder team at starfinder@smu.ca with ideas and questions about accessing the Burke-Gaffney Observatory remotely, or to share your experiences after trying out some of our lesson plans and projects with your classes.

You can also sign up for the Star Finder newsletter to receive all the latest news about the program.

Related:

• Saint Mary’s introduces Star Finder - The David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program

• Support the Star Finder program

The trees of Saint Mary's…and the Dean who helped plant them

A sustainable, living laboratory in Halifax’s South End

Saint Mary’s campus feels more like a park than a university. Tall trees cast long shadows across the walkways and flowering shrubs bloom near the residences, while living canopies shelter songbirds overhead. But it wasn’t always this way.

When Dr. David Richardson arrived at Saint Mary’s University in 1992 as Dean of Science, he found a campus with very few trees and little shade. Many existing trees were mature with limited species diversity. Recognizing the need for change, he spearheaded a campus greening initiative that began in 1993. It was supported by dedicated volunteers that included student technicians and science faculty.

Dr. David Richardson (back) works with a volunteer to plant a tree on campus

A team of volunteers work to plant trees at SMU

Student technicians and faculty members help with the campus greening project in the early 1990’s

Trees being planted on campus near the Burke Building on Inglis St.

“When I first came to Saint Mary’s, there were few trees; now there are trees of all shapes and sizes,” says Dr. David Richardson, Dean Emeritus at Saint Mary’s University. “The initial plantings cost little, often around $20 to $30 per tree, so we were able to plant quite a lot.”

A view of the McNally building

Victorian-era homes, tree-lined avenues, and coastal walks make the historic south end of Halifax and the area around SMU one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city. The proximity of Point Pleasant Park, just a five-minute walk away, and the Public Gardens, ten minutes in the other direction, gives Saint Mary’s University students access to green spaces unmatched by most campuses in Canada.

“There is a harmony between urban life and nature. Such an environment enhances academic life, attracting students and staff who value both education and quality of life.”

Dr. Richardson’s British accent, very much a part of his identity, underscores the international influence he has brought to campus. He studied at the University of Oxford, known for its architecture, picturesque landscapes and botanical gardens. It was the tree-planting initiative that brought a touch of that same timeless magic to Saint Mary’s University.

The greening efforts over the decades have turned Saint Mary’s into a living showcase of more than 100 different tree species. This biodiversity provides habitats for birds and other wildlife. The overall impact is not just aesthetically pleasing but also supports sustainability and ecological balance.

Japanese Maple Acer palmatum

Crimson King Norway Maple Acer platanoides

Alternate-leaved Dogwood Cornus artenifolia

Paul's Scarlet Hawthorn Crategus Laevigatus

Black Walnut Juglans Nigra

Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra

Dr. Richardson is internationally recognized for his research on lichens, small but remarkable organisms that respond to shifts in their environment.

He has published more than 100 research papers and three books, The Vanishing Lichens, The Biology of Mosses and Pollution Monitoring with Lichens, which emphasize the importance of plant diversity and how it can serve as an indicator of environmental health.

His work has been recognized with the Lawson Medal from the Canadian Botanical Association, a decade of service with the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), and even the naming of a species in his honour, Skyttea richardsonii.

Dr. Richardson describes the campus as "a living laboratory”, where students can learn firsthand about sustainability, ecology and environmental stewardship. Greg Baker, Research Instrumentation Technician in the Department of Geography, has produced a list of campus trees along with their GPS location.

"Every spring there are labels placed at the base of the trees. Walking across the campus you pick up a little knowledge along the way."

Saint Mary’s can stand proudly alongside universities celebrated for their beauty and botanical richness—such as the University of Western Ontario, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Victoria. Saint Mary’s is firmly part of this Canadian tradition of green campuses.

“Walking through campus can change your day. It grounds you. But things never stand still with respect to our trees. They have to withstand droughts, hurricanes, and alien diseases. It’s our responsibility to care for and cherish the natural world.”

Meet Bert, Engineering’s Chief Morale Officer

Bert makes school more fun—and lowers the stress levels of students with a wag of his tail

A key figure in the new Engineering Building at Saint Mary’s, the Chief Morale Officer has an important role in brightening the days of students and faculty.  

Bert, Chief Morale Officer in Engineering

Bert, a four-year-old Havanese-Poodle mix, rushes through the door to see his favourite students when he arrives on campus. On the third floor, he makes a beeline out of the elevator to classrooms and labs, where he provides emotional support.

“Bert is a calming presence for students, and he loves to be here,” says professor Don MacNeil, who is Bert’s owner. “Many of our students are living away from home for the first time and they’re missing home and adjusting to a new school environment. Bert really brings down the stress levels of students.”

For some students, meeting Bert is their first positive interaction with a dog.

“Several people have told me that Bert is the first and only dog they have ever petted,” says MacNeil. “They say they’re scared of all dogs—except Bert.”

Always ready for a party, Bert joined the students in dressing up for Halloween—sporting a vampire costume that matched Prof. MacNeil’s—as the students designed and 3D-printed pumpkin candle holders.

Don McNeil and Bert on Halloween

Bert supervising the robotics design competition

On a busy day near the end of term, Bert watched as second-year students raced to finish their final design assignments. As the designers worked on their remote-controlled robots to earn class points and bragging rights, he was the centre of attention—and in the centre of the track—as ping pong balls flew from the robots in the friendly competition. Adding to the excitement, a group of visiting elementary students watched the competition…and Bert, who stole the show.

Emma Smith with Bert

Bert enjoyed meeting family and friends at a gathering in the Engineering Building after convocation in the spring, and it was a chance for one last belly rub from students who will be moving on to other educational opportunities and careers.

“Even if you place last, Bert will be there; after exams, he’s there,” says Emma Smith, who recently graduated with a Diploma in Engineering. “He’ll do some zoomies and then fall asleep under a desk. We’ll be back to see him.”

Fellow graduate James Nowell agreed: “He’s an absolute legend.”

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Flexible education, personalized support and a contemporary learning environment—learn why the Diploma in Engineering Program at Saint Mary’s might be right for you!

Architecture with intention: The Fred Smithers Centre

Unique infrastructure at Saint Mary’s for student accessibility

It’s easy to say you believe in accessibility, but far harder to demonstrate it.

The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax has a long and evolving history. Originally established as the Atlantic Centre for Disabled Students, the Centre was reimagined under its current name thanks to the vision and generosity of Fred Smithers.

Smithers, a Nova Scotian entrepreneur whose influence extends far beyond business, is the founder and former CEO of Secunda Marine Services. He is recognized not only for his leadership within marine industries, but also for his impactful philanthropic vision.

His approach is clear: invest where the impact is tangible, measurable, and transformative. In close partnership with Saint Mary’s, Smithers helped propel a purpose-built accessibility hub unique within Canadian higher education.

Imagine you are a student with dyslexia, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, low vision, or who uses a mobility aid. You have left behind the familiarity of living at home as a high school student and are now adapting to university life on your own. You might even be in a new province or country, away from the support systems you have counted on. This is a significant shift, filled with uncertainty and new demands.

Traditional accommodations such as extended test time or quiet corners can only do so much. The Fred Smithers Centre’s approach is comprehensive:

• State-of-the-art private and soundproof testing rooms are equipped with white noise machines, ergonomic desks, and noise-cancelling headphones.

• Integrated assistive technology like Kurzweil 3000, Dragon speech-to-text software, JAWS screen reader, and specialized note-taking software.

• Low-stimulus adaptive spaces: The Centre follows Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, creating environments that accommodate a broad range of student needs, with or without formal diagnoses.

• Sensory-friendly ergonomic features, including adjustable-height desks, ergonomic seating, and dimmable lighting designed to reduce strain and create a comfortable atmosphere.

“Students walk into these spaces, and it immediately communicates: we see you, we believe in you, and we built this place for you.” — Kate McHugh, Manager of Student Accessibility and the Fred Smithers Centre

This is intentional infrastructure, designed to overcome the genuine challenges students face. Saint Mary’s is one of the few Canadian universities providing this uniquely holistic approach.

“We wanted to move beyond just resources into comprehensive support,” says Kate McHugh, Manager of Student Accessibility and the Fred Smithers Centre. “We envision tangible, real spaces where students feel empowered. Students walk into these spaces, and it immediately communicates: we see you, we believe in you, and we built this place for you.”

“Disabilities can take many forms,” says McHugh. “They can be visible, invisible, temporary, or evolving—and often misunderstood. Students transitioning from high school face unique challenges related to their identity, including discovering how and where they fit in. Sometimes there's stigma around asking for help as they move into adulthood, or uncertainty about whether they even qualify.”

The Fred Smithers Centre offers solutions to these real needs, demonstrating how the university supports student success and has become a strategic institutional asset. Accessibility infrastructure enables scalable services and measurable student outcomes, significantly reducing stress, anxiety, and academic frustration among students.

• Main office: a spacious area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Saint Mary’s campus in the historic south end of Halifax. Think 100-year-old trees, classic campus architecture, and waterfront glimpses. It’s furnished with a comfy couch, a water-bottle refill station, plenty of natural light, and welcoming vibes credited largely to friendly staff.

• Classroom: A dedicated space equipped for accessibility workshops and instructional support, or as a secondary testing space. Thoughtfully integrated into the Centre’s layout, this room provides a welcoming area for events and open houses.

• C-shaped testing centre: Eight soundproofed breakout rooms, many with windows. These are designed for focused study or testing and grouped around an inner corridor, with ten additional open-air cubicles.

Welcoming space

Private cubicles with ergonomic seating

Large windows

Much of the space benefits from natural light.

Assistive technologies

Relaxing music

A turntable provides relaxing music when appropriate.

Built for success

The Fred Smithers Centre transforms not only student experiences but also campus culture. When students feel genuinely supported, there is increased engagement and a clear message that Saint Mary’s invests in individual potential. This demonstrates more than promises and instead becomes proof of action.

“It’s about focus and respect,” says McHugh. “When a student tells me, ‘I’m feeling better taking tests,’ that’s when you know the Centre is genuinely making a difference. That’s when infrastructure becomes opportunity.”

Universities must now consider moving beyond mere accessibility statements toward tangible, foundational change. Accessibility is a shared responsibility across the entire campus community and is most effective when embraced in day-to-day planning and decision-making.

“Students can register with the Centre at any time—whether it's their first semester, final year, or anywhere in between,” says McHugh. “We've also just redesigned our website to make it easier for everyone at SMU to quickly find the information and resources they need.”

Another donor’s generous gift has supported the website’s redesign, contributed to additional technology and tools for the Centre, as well as established a fund for students to receive psychoeducational assessments.

Intentionally designed, the Centre operates behind the scenes yet is profoundly impactful. Saint Mary’s is helping to set new standards for accessibility, creating spaces that empower students in lasting and meaningful ways.