What’s New, Nathan McAllister?

In the time since Nathan McAllister BA’15, MA’19 graduated from the University of Regina, his research has taken him to Papua New Guinea to study a form of shell valuable exchange called kula. Recently completing his post-doctoral work at St. Andrews University in Scotland, Nathan took some time to chat with Degrees about the connections between a society’s currency and its values.

Can you describe what kula are and how they’re used?

In certain forms, kula valuables can be general-purpose currencies. In the past, they could buy pigs, or canoes. You could buy rights to use land. The thing that makes them really unique to me is that each kula valuable has its own name. And when somebody receives a kula valuable, they etch their own name on its shell. So not only does the kula valuable have its own name, but it carries the name of every single person who's held it. So, it has a capacity — even though it's a currency that's transacted and buys things —of both personifying and objectifying a whole range of relationships, because everybody who's held it, their name is recorded. It elicits all these relationships between people, whereas money – cash money – is anonymous. There is no lasting relation that money creates. Every bill in my wallet means nothing to me. It can purchase things, but it doesn't signify any kind of relationship. Kula created this whole web of relationships that spans throughout Papua New Guinea’s inter-island world and creates these enduring connections that are really meaningful and valuable.

Do you know how old the use of kula is?

We can only speculate. There’s some archaeological research that approximates Kula started about 500 years ago. But how it would have looked 500 years ago would have been very different.

You’ve described kula exchange as type of ethos which informs behaviour. How do you think the use of currency in general does this?

The people I lived with in Papua New Guinea constantly refer to themselves as a kula people, and when hosting, they would make an effort to take care of guests and visitors, and make them feel cared for. And they would always use this one word to describe their efforts for these people — oboboma — which can translate to care, love, appreciation, blessing, generosity. That spirit of being kula people is performed by providing care and love to visitors. So, in the kula ethos – its ideal ethos – trade is predicated on care. It shouldn't be detached or utilitarian, or just growth for the sake of growth.

So it’s trade-based but not necessarily capitalistic?

One researcher who wrote a lot about kula talked about it not being about accumulating assets, but building relationships —and through those relationships you can get things, but the relationships are what is important. It's a form of power. It's a way of projecting your power out into the world too. But you make yourself a powerful, respected, and influential person by developing this reputation for care and for nurturance that other people want.

Based on what you’ve observed in the field, what do you think we can learn about other systems of currency?

All currency, the value is really arbitrary – its value is what we give it. Even gold, which is always imagined as this stable currency, the continued extraction of gold is a big thing that keeps its value up. So, it gets made into a bar and is put in somebody's bank account to hedge against inflation. So even then, this thing that we're using because it's stable, it only has its value because we imagine it has value and just kind of reproduce the cycle. It's just like spinning in circles.

What draws you to this type of research?

What draws me to it is the engagement with difference and interest in understanding people on their own terms, not as we frame them. We’re human beings and we can understand one another – we’re the same species. I took an Anthropology 100 class in the first year of my undergrad with (lecturer) Charisma Thompon and really liked it. And then, in my second year, I took a class on the anthropology of language with Professor Susanne Kuehling – and that where I read my first ethnography, and just fell in love with the genre, the way of writing and thinking about the world. So full credit to Charisma Thomson and Susanne Kuehling for getting me into anthropology!

Kula shell vauable.
Kula shell valuable with names of bearers etched. Photo provided by Nathan McAllister

Nathan McAllister passed his viva voce (oral examination of his PhD thesis) on 15 January 2025 with no revisions. He is currently pursuing post doctoral research opportunities in Scotland.

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I may have grown up on the cold, flat prairies but I've always dreamt of seeing the ice capped mountains of Afghanistan. As a teenager, the book that vividly captured my imagination was The Kite Runner, the story of a young Afghan boy who recalls the fall of his country's monarchy, the Soviet takeover, and the mass exodus of Afghan refugees around the world. The best-selling novel also details the rise of the Taliban. While I was a student at the University of Regina's School of Journalism, the war in Afghanistan made headlines almost everyday. Canada deployed more than 40,000 troops to fight the Taliban; I'll never forget the draped caskets of fallen soldiers, honoured along our Highway of Heroes. 158 Canadian men and women lost their lives fighting for a new Afghanistan, one with basic freedoms, like simply going to school. I have been fascinated by this foreign land ever since.

Today, the Taliban is again in control of Afghanistan and it is now the only country in the world where women and girls are banned from the classroom. Since its dramatic takeover in 2021, this draconian regime has been trying to systematically erase women from public life. Considering our countries' shared history, I figured we would hear a lot more about the plight of Afghan women over the past few years, but sadly, we haven't. That's why in early 2022, I applied for the Michener-Deacon Fellowship, our country's most prestigious journalism award, to get into Afghanistan and bring these stories back to Canadians. At the time, I was working for Canada's largest private network and longest running investigative show, CTV's W5.

Little did I know that after receiving that esteemed fellowship, my own network would dump me and my entire project. W5 as viewers knew it, would be dismantled eight months later, and this expensive, international project was clearly not in CTV's cutback plans. And so there I was, accepting the award from Canada's Governor General, yet trying not to cry. I was alone as a freelancer, trying to get on the ground in what many call the most complex and dangerous country in the world for women.

Broadcast media is going through a reckoning right now; every station is struggling to compete for eyeballs and ad dollars. The world is inundated with unsubstantiated opinions and misinformation, and amidst that noise, mainstream networks, who are generally held to a higher standard of reporting, are trying to stay relevant. Layoffs of journalists everywhere are so normalized, they ironically feel like a rite of passage. Mid-level and veteran journalists are also throwing in the towel, because they can't find enough work as freelancers or aren't getting paid what they're worth. And it's sad, because this ultimately affects the depth of reporting we're exposed to.

I detail my own personal frustrations in my three-part podcast series, 'Dear Taliban'; in it, you'll hear the raw realities of what it's like to get these types of stories on the air. The barriers put up by the Taliban were somewhat predictable, but it was the roadblocks that I faced in Canada that shocked me. In our current media landscape, stories of the most vulnerable are often left behind. Afghan women tell me they feel forgotten and I don't blame them.

We're talking about a country where women and girls must now cover themselves completely from head to toe in long dark burkas whenever they leave their homes; even their eyes are completely hidden by a mesh screen. If they don't comply they are often beaten in the streets. It's a country where women that are brown like me, are not allowed to speak or recite poetry in public; a place where women can't walk or run in the country's national park without a male chaperone or stand near a kitchen window in case they might 'tempt' someone. It reads like a dystopian horror novel, but this is real life for women in Afghanistan. Long-term, the loss of school for 1.4 million women and girls is perhaps the most debilitating blow, taking away any hope of a better future.

It's hard for me to imagine that kind of restricted life. University has always been in the cards for me. My parents, 'Class A nerds' I like to joke, deeply value education. My father has a doctorate, and my mother didn't think one master's degree was enough, so she polished off two more after her undergraduate degrees. They married late within their own East Indian tradition, because they were so steadily focused on school. Inevitably, higher education was built into my DNA, and I'm grateful.

Individual behind camera Molly Thomas BAJ'10 learning to use a camera at the University of Regina School of Journalism. Photo Credit: Eric Anderson

Education has forced me to critically engage with the world around me. It has given me a voice in circles of influence and opened doors well beyond my own backyard. Perhaps most importantly, it has prompted me to challenge my own biases. I don't know how I would navigate life without it, especially as a woman and a visible minority. And so when education is violently taken away from women and girls that look just like me, simply based on where they happen to be born, I get fired up as a journalist but also as a human being.

"I haven't left my house in months… because I'm afraid of the Taliban" says 24-year-old Farhunda who lives in Kabul, Afghanistan. She's one of many Afghan women I spoke to who feel like they're prisoners in their own country. It's a drastic change from the vibrant life Farhunda once knew. She was one of the first women in her family to go to university; studying public policy, she dreamt of becoming a diplomat. That all changed on November 2, 2020  when a group of terrorists stormed into Kabul University and started shooting.

"We were on the second floor and on the first floor were all the terrorists, and we were not able to escape from the building," she says. Some of Farhunda's classmates started frantically jumping out the window to escape. As she considered making the leap herself, someone accidentally pushed her from behind, and she fell a full two stories down to the pavement below.

"When I fell to the ground, I felt unbearable pain in my spine and my left leg," she says. She soon realized her left leg was bent out of place, and she couldn't walk. Farhunda used all her strength to pull herself to safety while gunshots rang out around her. Two of her close friends were gunned down not far from her; 22 people lost their lives that day.

When Farhunda finally made it to the hospital she was not able to talk, walk, sit up or stand. She had to undergo several major surgeries, and the incident left her in a wheelchair for more than a year. Her extended family made the situation worse, blaming her educational ambition for her lot in life. "If [you] didn't go to university, [you] would never become paralyzed, [you] would be a healthy girl," they would tell her.

But Farhunda refused to give up on her dreams. Even in a wheelchair and despite grave warnings from her family, she returned to Kabul University to finish her studies. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Public Policy and Administration just before the Taliban banned women from universities.

How many of us would be as brave as this young Afghan woman?

A school run by Afghan refugees for fellow refugees in Islamabad, Pakistan, financially supported by Right to Learn Afghanistan. Photo: Molly Thomas A school run by Afghan refugees for fellow refugees in Islamabad, Pakistan, financially supported by Right to Learn Afghanistan. Photo: Molly Thomas

Today, the only way women in Afghanistan can be educated is through secret schools. A hodgepodge of Canadian programs try to support from afar, like the Daricha School which keeps 4,000 Afghan girls in the classroom both underground and online in Afghanistan. Right to Learn Afghanistan (formerly Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan) struck a partnership with Arizona State University to provide free online classes where thousands have already enrolled. The 30 Birds Foundation has worked to bring more than 400 at-risk Afghan school girls, family members, and education activists to safety, a portion of which are in Saskatchewan universities.

In Afghanistan, secret schools often disguise themselves as 'madrassas' or religious schools, but it's still a major risk for both teachers and students. Internet access remains a massive barrier for those trying to learn online. And yet, these women persist.

The strength of these women inspired me to keep going on my own fellowship. A project that should've taken 4 months, took a year and a half to complete. The Taliban eventually rejected my entrance to Afghanistan; I had to pivot multiple times to somehow tell these important stories. On a very miniscule level, I have experienced some of the barriers to information and stonewalling from men Afghan women face everyday. Can you imagine living like that your entire life?

It's why we must unashamedly amplify these Afghan voices and defiantly push back against a way of life that threatens basic freedoms for women across the world. As the courageous leaders of the civil rights movement proclaimed: 'No one is free, until we're all free'.

First Person essays express the views and opinions of the author and to not necessary reflect those of the University of Regina.

Banner photo: Molly interviews five Afghan sisters in Pakistan, who have all had to flee their country and leave school. Faces are concealed to protect their identities.
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Meet the outstanding alumni and inductees being honoured at the University of Regina's 2025 Alumni Awards & Sports Hall of Fame, presented by URAA (University of Regina Alumni Association).

U of R Alumni Awards & Sports Hall of Fame

Every year, the University of Regina celebrates the achievements of its nearly 95,000 alumni through the Alumni Awards. Established in 1992, these awards honor our exceptional alumni for their dedication to excellence, community engagement, leadership, and their significant impact on the social, cultural, and economic well-being of our communities.

In 1995, the University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame was established to recognize outstanding athletes, teams, builders, and contributors to the Athletics Program. An honorary category also exists to acknowledge those who excel but may not fit into the other categories. Each year, up to two categories may be selected for induction by a committee and approved by the President of the University and the Dean of Kinesiology and Health Studies. All athletic efforts throughout the institution's history, including those of its predecessors, Regina College, and Regina Campus, are eligible for induction.

Starting this year, we are excited to announce the merging of these two prestigious events into one - the University of Regina Alumni Awards & Sports Hall of Fame - taking place on Friday, October 24, 2025. This unified event will truly honor our outstanding recipients.

The Honorable Ralph Goodale PC, BA'71

Lifetime Achievement Award
The Honorable Ralph Goodale PC, BA'71

Ralph Goodale earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan Regina Campus in 1971. Ralph has had a remarkable career in Canadian public service spanning over four decades. First elected as an MP in 1974, he served in key cabinet roles including Minister of Finance, Agriculture, Public Safety, and Natural Resources. He championed trade, climate action, emergency preparedness, and rural development. Known for fiscal responsibility, he helped deliver nine consecutive balanced budgets and strengthened national security legislation. A strong advocate for Saskatchewan, he spearheaded major infrastructure, education, and research investments. Goodale was deeply engaged in community work, promoting multiculturalism, safety, and support for vulnerable groups. Recognized as one of Canada's most effective parliamentarians, he received national and international honors, including being named a top diplomat in the UK. His legacy is one of integrity, innovation, and dedicated service to Canada and his home province.

Merelda Fiddler-Potter BAJC'99, MA'10, PhD'23

Distinguished Professional Achievement Award
Merelda Fiddler-Potter BAJC'99, MA'10, PhD'23

Dr. Merelda Fiddler-Potter  is a Cree-Métis scholar, communicator, and changemaker from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. She is an Associate Professor at the First Nations University of Canada, where she teaches in Indigenous Studies and Public Administration. With a journalism degree from the University of Regina, Merelda spent 17 years working in media across Western Canada, earning several regional and national awards and running her own documentary company. She began teaching as a sessional lecturer in 2000 and later pursued a Master's degree focused on Indigenous identity. In 2016, she launched a consulting firm supporting Indigenous awareness and culture change. She completed her PhD in Public Policy in 2022, receiving the prestigious Vanier and Queen Elizabeth II scholarships. Merelda continues to support public, non-profit, and private organizations alongside her academic work.

Lisa McIntyre BAdmin'12, MAdmin'18

Humanitarian & Community Service Award
Lisa McIntyre BAdmin'12, MAdmin'18

Lisa McIntyre is a dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose career reflects her passion for service. A double alumna of the University of Regina, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2012 and a Master of Administrative Leadership in 2018. Lisa's diverse professional journey includes roles with the Regina Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Regina before she became owner of The Optical Shoppe. Her leadership kept the business thriving through the COVID-19 pandemic. Lisa is deeply involved in civic life, serving as Chair of the Globe Theatre Board and contributing to numerous initiatives, including the Grey Cup Festival and YWCA Capital Campaign. A longtime volunteer, she supports Dress for Success through monthly eyewear donations. Lisa's integrity, resilience, and commitment to others have earned her the 2025 Alumni Award for Humanitarian & Community Service.

Richard Kies BAdmin'93, CPR'03

Dr. Robert and Norma Ferguson Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service Award
Richard Kies BAdmin'93, CPR'03

Richard Kies is a dedicated non-profit leader with nearly 30 years of experience in executive roles, communications, and fundraising. He is currently Vice President of Development for the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. A proud University of Regina graduate, Richard holds a Bachelor of Administration and a Certificate in Public Relations, and he earned his Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designation in 2011. He spent 15 years with the Canadian Red Cross, where he was deployed to major wildfire disasters in Kelowna and Fort McMurray. Guided by the motto "Think Globally, Act Locally," Richard is deeply committed to volunteerism. He has served in leadership roles with IABC, Leadership Saskatoon, and the Saskatoon Society of Fundraising Executives. At the U of R, he's been a passionate alumni volunteer and advocate.

Amy Richter BASc'15, MASc'17, PhD'21

Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Amy Richter BASc'15, MASc'17, PhD'21

Dr. Amy Richter is a dedicated professional engineer and environmental advocate, currently contributing her expertise to the Ministry of Environment in Saskatchewan, where she works on advancing waste recycling initiatives. A three-time graduate of the University of Regina, Amy earned her Bachelor of Applied Science (2015), Master of Applied Science (2017), and PhD (2021) in Environmental Systems Engineering. Her academic work, particularly her doctoral research, focused on using data-driven approaches to enhance regional waste management systems across Canada, reflecting her deep commitment to sustainability and environmental innovation. In addition to her role with the Ministry, Amy maintains a strong academic presence as a part-time postdoctoral researcher at the University of Regina. There, she actively mentors graduate students and continues to contribute to research that supports Canada's evolving waste management strategies and environmental practices.

Neale Partington CA'89

Innovation Award
Neale Partington CA'89

Neale Partington is a dedicated community volunteer and retired professional with over 30 years of experience at SaskTel, where he held roles in Engineering, Data Services, Sales, Strategic Planning, and IT. After retiring in 2018 from a senior project management role at ISM, he deepened his connection to the University of Regina's Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC). In 2021, Neale revived The Big Book Sale (BBS), a key fundraiser for the Seniors' University Group (SUG), supporting senior-focused programming. He joined the SUG Board in 2022 and became President in 2023, leading its shift from advisory to operational in response to funding cuts. Neale received the U of R Centre on Aging and Health's 2024 Award for Innovation in Health and Wellness. His past volunteer roles include leadership positions with IEEE, Great Plains Free-Net, the Sundown Optimist Club, and PMI.

Jon Ryan LLD'19

2025 University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Jon Ryan LLD'19

Jon Ryan starred as a wide receiver and punter for the Regina Rams from 2000 to 2003, helping lead the team to a Hardy Cup title and establishing himself as one of the most dynamic players in program history. A proud U of R alum, Jon received an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2019. His university success launched a standout pro career, including two CFL seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and 12 in the NFL, most notably with the Seattle Seahawks, where he became a Super Bowl champion and fan favourite. He later returned to the CFL with Saskatchewan and Winnipeg. Known for his powerful leg, versatility, and leadership, Ryan remains a proud Rams ambassador. Now inducted into the U of R Sports Hall of Fame, he works in sports media and business, and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, comedian and actress Sarah Colonna.

Ali Bernard

2025 University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Ali Bernard

Ali Bernard was a standout for the Cougars women's wrestling team from 2005 to 2008, capturing multiple national titles and helping elevate the sport at the U of R and across Canada. Her success led to an elite international career, representing the United States at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. She also earned bronze at the World Championships and gold at the Pan American Championships, cementing her place among the sport's best. Known for her power, technique, and determination, Bernard has inspired a generation of female wrestlers. Her induction into the University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame recognizes both her international accomplishments and her lasting impact as a pioneer for women's wrestling. She now coaches and mentors young athletes at Augsburg University in Minneapolis.

Tickets to the 2025 Alumni Awards & Sports Hall of Fame are available now!

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