“Being represented in the game on your own terms”

Ryan Francis grew up in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada and is a member of Acadia First Nation. He played hockey the United States while he completed an undergraduate degree Sport Management before returning to obtain Master Physical Education Administration, Curriculum, Supervision. currently employed as Manager Provincial Outreach Coordination for Scotia Department Communities, Culture, Tourism Heritage its Sport, Recreation Division. also first ever Visiting Indigenous Fellow at Saint Mary’s University where leading projects research community collaboration all related sport participation education. perhaps best known having helped launch Girls Hockey Program role that contributed his nomination National League’s prestigious Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. wrote this essay capacity Mi’kmaw player administrator about perspective on racism how structure mainstream perpetuates exclusion.