As McMaster Chancellor Santee Smith enters the final weeks of her time in the role, she is looking back fondly on what she describes as a deep honour and an important chapter of her life.
At the same time, Smith’s colleagues past and present are reflecting on her inspiring presence and leadership, particularly in advancing Indigenous knowledge and strengthening connections between McMaster and her home community of Six Nations of the Grand River.
Smith has transfixed audiences at convocations and other ceremonies with her engaging and powerful delivery of the traditional Onkwehón:we Thanksgiving address, presenting the address in the Mohawk language and nimbly translating into English.
A celebrated dancer, choreographer and cultural interpreter, she has served two three-year terms — plus a six-month extension — as honorary head of the university.
In an interview for a video reflecting on her time in the role, Smith, a McMaster graduate, described her service as a “profound honour and a meaningful part of my life”.
“What I’m most proud of is sharing the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, or Thanksgiving address, at every convocation — a practice from my community that opens gatherings by bringing minds and hearts together. It reminds us of our interconnections and interdependence, guiding how we make decisions,” she said.
“At that pivotal moment when graduates are stepping forward into new pathways, I hope it encourages them to see the bigger picture and reflect on the responsibilities we each carry to our global community.
“I’m also proud to represent my community of Six Nations of the Grand River — from my Chancellor’s robe and regalia to the words I share in Kanien’kéha, the Mohawk language.”
Chancellor Santee Smith is officially garbed in her ceremonial robe at her installation in 2019. The embroidery, beading and embellishments on Smith’s robe incorporate elements of her Indigenous and Scottish heritage. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
McMaster President and Vice-Chancellor Susan Tighe said she has loved watching faces in the audience when Smith delivered the Thanksgiving address.
“They are truly in awe of it,” said Tighe. “Clearly what she is saying has such an impact, and her presence is so powerful. She has an aura of authority, grace, substance and caring.”
Tighe said she has seen those same qualities behind the scenes, where the Chancellor has worked thoughtfully to create understanding and goodwill.
“Chancellor Smith is a true leader in every sense,” Tighe said. “She cares deeply about her community and about McMaster and has brought them together sincerely and effectively in her role as Chancellor. We are so fortunate and so grateful.”
Chancellor Santee Smith and newly installed President Susan Tighe in September. (Ron Scheffler for McMaster University)
Vanessa Watts, acting chair of the Department of Indigenous Studies, remembers learning that Smith, her friend, had been named chancellor.
“There was enormous excitement across the Indigenous community at McMaster. Santee, or Tekaronhiáhkhwa (“Picking Up the Sky”), would indeed embody the presence her name evokes,” Watts said.
“From the beginning, Santee was deeply involved and wholeheartedly committed to our campus. Many offices sought her presence and guidance, and Tekaronhiáhkhwa was always receptive. In every encounter, she led with a strong sense of who she is, as a Mohawk woman, a member of the Turtle Clan, and, of course, an inspiring performer.”
(Swipe the post above to see Chancellor Santee Smith in an impromptu moment of joy to mark her final convocation ceremony.)
Former McMaster president Patrick Deane, who recruited Smith to the role, remembers being invited to visit Six Nations of the Grand River in 2010, soon after he was appointed. Smith’s name came up in many conversations and it was apparent she was deeply admired in the community. Later that day he saw her perform and was profoundly impressed by her artistry and her presence.
“When McMaster began looking for its next chancellor in late 2018 and early 2019, Santee came immediately to my mind,” Deane said. “The idea that McMaster might have at its head a practising artist approaching the height of their powers was irresistible.”
“It was also clear to me that Santee would bring a special dignity and creativity to the ceremonial dimension of the chancellorship.”
Former president Patrick Deane receives his honorary degree from Chancellor Santee Smith at the Fall convocation in 2023. (Ron Scheffler for McMaster University)
Deane, who would become Principal at Queen’s University in 2019, remembers asking Smith if she’d consider serving as McMaster Chancellor.
“Santee grasped immediately the kind of commitment it would require, the gravity of the role, and also the opportunity it would provide for her to contribute to McMaster and the Canadian academy in general. She also immediately understood the potential for building reconciliation through her work as Chancellor,” he said.
“I was of course delighted when she agreed, and my only regret is that by the time she was installed as chancellor I was no longer at McMaster!”
By the time Smith took up the role, David Farrar was President, and he sat with her at convocation for his entire term, which concluded in June of this year.
“She has brought a depth of beauty and wisdom and a profound sense of connection to the history and contributions of the Indigenous Nations on whose lands we are proud to study and work,” Farrar said.
“As Chancellor, Santee has been instrumental in advancing understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing on our campus.”
“She has begun each convocation with the Thanksgiving address, which has made our graduation ceremony a unique and memorable occasion. For six years, she has used her platform as chancellor to build bridges between the university and Six Nations.”
“Santee has been a leader in bringing Indigenous voices forward, inspiring and empowering our Indigenous students.”
David Farrar and Santee Smith congratulate a graduating student crossing the stage at convocation. (Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
Former McMaster registrar Melissa Pool, now associate vice-president (Academic and Finance), remembers Smith’s grace, charm and serenity over many convocation seasons.
“Getting everyone to their places and getting the ceremony started could be very hectic, and it was always a wonderfully soothing, connecting, thoughtful start of the ceremony to hear Santee’s Thanksgiving address,” Pool says.
“She was always lovely to engage with, generous with her time and energy, and deeply committed to McMaster.”
An open house to celebrate Smith’s leadership and contributions to McMaster is set for 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Alumni Memorial Hall. Click here to register.