Inaugural Director of Research named for the Deveau Institute for Indigenous Governance and Social Justice at StFX

Press Release

April 29, 2026

Dr. Jane McMillan and Elder Kerry Prosper, Co-Directors of the Deveau Institute for Indigenous Governance and Social Justice at StFX are honoured to welcome Tyler Sack as the inaugural Director of Research.

“I’m honoured to join the Deveau Institute for Indigenous Governance and Social Justice at StFX at such an important moment in its development,” said Mr. Sack. “The Institute has tremendous potential to support meaningful research, policy development, and dialogue that advances Indigenous governance, treaty rights, and self-determination in Mi’kma’ki and beyond. I look forward to working with scholars, communities, and partners to help strengthen this work and contribute to positive change.”

“Tyler’s leadership will shape the Institute as a generative think tank and a nexus for critical assessment of policies and practices to combat systemic discrimination and contribute to Peace and Friendship treaty rights implementation, cultural resurgence, and Indigenous self-determination in Mi’kma’ki and beyond,” Dr. McMillan said.

Mr. Sack previously served in senior roles with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, including Director of Governance and Director of Aquatic Resources & Fisheries Management. Originally from Sipekne’katik and a citizen of Membertou First Nation, he brings extensive experience in Indigenous governance and policy.

Mr. Sack holds degrees from Saint Mary’s University (BA) and the University of Guelph (MA) and is an alumnus of both the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and the Action Canada Fellowship.

“This is a special announcement for our university,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said before a packed crowd gathered in Dennis Hall, Markin Global Complex, for the announcement.

“It’s about systemic change. It has to be.”

Dr. Hakin said these initiatives take us forward, where we can co-create pathways that are community driven. That is the vision, the generosity and the remarkable legacy of the Jeannine Deveau Educational Equity Endowment Fund. Dr. Hakin also recognized Dr. McMillan for all her efforts.

Today’s announcement is one more step forward, continuing to do the important work on the ground so that opportunities are made available and accessible, said Wyatt White, Associate Executive Director, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq. StFX, he said, has always stood out as an institution committed to this work.

Elder Prosper noted that this appointment, this step forward, gives him hope that the youth are going to share a future together.

“I feel so welcome and humbled. It is motivating for what comes next,” Mr. Sack said in his remarks as he noted the multi-generational work ahead to build an institute that will improve the quality of life so that future generations won’t have to advocate for their right to belong, to be themselves, and to celebrate excellence.

The Deveau Institute cultivates opportunities for Indigenous researchers interested in applied land and sea-based learning. The goal is to create collaborative environments to enhance and sustain connectivity with sources of Indigenous knowledge, governance, and law, to foster nation-level wellbeing.

The Deveau Institute began in 2024, with a transformative gift of $5 million dollars, with a further $5 million in reserve to match future fundraised dollars, to establish the Deveau Institute for Indigenous Governance and Social Justice.

In keeping with StFX’s commitment to responding to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Deveau Institute will support generations of scholars undertaking Indigenous rights-based research, advocacy, and policy development.

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