FSIN calls for resignation of Harvard hockey coach after reporting racist comments

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SASKATOON The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is calling for the resignation of Harvard Crimson women’s ice hockey coach Katey Stone.

Stone allegedly made racist comments to players, including two Indigenous Canadians.

According to the Boston Globe, Stone accused the players of being disrespectful and that the team was a group of skaters with too many Chiefs and not enough Indians after ending practice during the 2021-22 season. .

“Racism has no place in our society or in our locker rooms. A place where we would entrust our young First Nations women would be free of abuse and racism,” said FSIN Third Vice Chief Aly Bear, in a statement.

“This abuse should not be tolerated by any university, especially a highly regarded institution like Harvard University. I truly hope Harvard stands with Indigenous students and protects future students from this type of racist behavior.”

Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Canadian Press.

The two Aboriginal players were Maryna Macdonald, from Ditidaht First Nation, British Columbia, and Taze Thompson, a member of the Mtis Nation of Alberta and Okanagan Indian Band, British Columbia.

Both have since left the team.

Macdonald, a junior starting defenseman at the time, told the Boston Globe that Stone looked her in the eye when she made the remark.

“I had learned to navigate a lot of its toxic environment,” Macdonald said. “But now she was disrespecting me, my family and my heritage in front of everyone.”

Thompson was the Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2021-22.

Macdonald and Thompson are among 14 drafted players who have left the Stones program since 2016, including three this season, according to the Boston Globe.

Sydney Daniels of the Mistawasis Nehiyawak First Nation in Saskatchewan is also suing Harvard for alleged racial discrimination related to Stone and the athletic department. The university has until February 8 to respond to the lawsuit.

Daniels captained the Crimsons team during the 2016-17 season and later became an assistant coach before leaving the program.

According to a statement from the FSIN, Harvard conducted an internal review of Stones’ actions and elected to retain the coach. The FSIN also sent a letter to Harvard’s athletic department to remove Stone from his position.

“These phrases are not just common sayings; they perpetuate negative attitudes towards Indigenous peoples that we are less than others,” said Heather Bear, FSIN’s fourth vice chief.

“Coach Stone should not remain in a position of power and be relieved of her role immediately, as she passes on her hatred and negative views to another generation.”

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on January 31, 2023.

The Canadian Press

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