Sydney Daniels. (Facebook/ Winnipeg Jets)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Alleged Racism

Mistawasis hockey player suing Harvard University over racial discrimination

Feb 1, 2023 | 5:09 PM

An Indigenous woman from Mistawasis is taking legal action against Harvard University.

Sydney Daniels, a former player, and coach for the school’s women’s hockey team is alleging she experienced racial discrimination within the athletic department.

“Racism has no place in any educational institution, and it is unacceptable that Indigenous students are being subjected to mistreatment,” said Daryl Watson, Chief of Mistawasis who released a statement in support of Daniels. “Mistawasis is committed to advocating for fair treatment of Indigenous students and promoting equal opportunities for all.”

Daniels played for four seasons for the team, serving as captain during the 2016-17 campaign, and was an assistant coach from 2018 to 2022.

It’s not known exactly what she experienced during her several years with the team. paNOW has reached out to her but has yet to get a response.

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The university has until Feb. 8, 2023, to respond to the lawsuit.

According to the Canadian Press and Boston Globe, two other Indigenous players from Canada – Maryna Macdonald of Ditidaht First Nation in B.C. and Taze Thompson, a member of the Métis Nation Alberta and Okanagan Indian Band in B.C. – did leave the team after head coach Katey Stone allegedly made racial remarks during a practice.

It’s reported she told the squad they were a group of skaters “with too many chiefs and not enough Indians.”

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

paNOW has also reached out to Harvard University for comment but has not yet heard back.

“We are disappointed in the Harvard sports organization and for the level of mistreatment she has had to endure,” added Watson. “As a community, we stand against any form of racism or mistreatment of Indigenous students and are committed to advocating for fair treatment and equal opportunities.”

Meanwhile, Daniels isn’t letting this experience deter her hockey career as she is currently a scout for the Winnipeg Jets.

-With files from the Canadian Press

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow