FSIN CALLS FOR TERMINATION OF HARVARD WOMEN'S ICE HOCKEY COACH
- Feb 1, 2023
- 2 min read
Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon SK – The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is calling for the resignation of Harvard University women’s ice hockey coach after she made racist comments to players, including two First Nations players.
“Racism has no place in our society or locker rooms. A place where we entrusted our First Nations young women would be free from abuse and racism. This abuse should not be tolerated by any University, especially a highly regarded institution such as Harvard University. I truly hope Harvard will stand with the Indigenous students and protect future students from this type of racist behaviour,” said FSIN Third Vice Chief Aly Bear.
According to information provided to FSIN by the Boston Globe, in the 2021 - 2022 season, the head coach of Harvard’s women’s ice hockey team, Katey Stone, accused the players she had recruited from Canada of showing her little respect and being a collection of skaters, “with too many chiefs and not enough Indians.”
Two First Nations players were present when the comments were made, Maryna Macdonald from Ditidaht First Nation, British Columbia and Taze Thompson, a member of Metis Nation Alberta and Okanagan Indian Band, British Columbia. Her great-grandfather currently resides at Maskwacis in Alberta. Macdonald’s and Thompson’s grandparents were victims of the residential school system within Canada. Both women have left the Harvard Crimson team due to discrimination and Harvard’s lack of action on the matter.
Sydney Daniels is from Mistawasis Nehiyawak First Nation, Sask. She was the Crimson’s team captain in 2016 - 2017 season and later an assistant coach, however, she has also quit the Harvard ice hockey program. She’s now suing Harvard University for alleged racial discrimination related to coach Stone and the Harvard Athletic Department. The university has until February 8, 2023 to respond to the lawsuit.
The FSIN has sent a letter to the athletic department of Harvard University requesting the school terminate Stone from her position as head coach of the Harvard women’s ice hockey team and not allow her to interact with young adults.
FSIN has learned that after Stone made the comments, Harvard University conducted an internal review of Stone’s actions and chose to allow her to keep her current position as head coach which FSIN finds unacceptable.
“Those phrases aren’t just common sayings; they perpetuate negative attitudes towards Indigenous people, that we are less than others. Coach Stone should not remain in a position of power and be relieved of her role immediately, as she is passing down her hatred and negative views to another generation,” said FSIN Fourth Vice Chief Heather Bear.
FSIN Executive finds Stone’s actions unethical her words degrading to First Nations. The Executive encourage the former players to continue their studies and looks forward to them graduating.
About FSIN
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
Lisa Risom
Director of Communications
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
10 - 134 Kahkewistahaw Crescent Treaty Six Territory
Saskatoon, SK S7R 0M9
Cell: 306-987-0505 | FSIN Office: 306-914-6815
Email: communications@fsin.com
