Mary Lou Smoke, Bear Clan, Batchewana First Nation Mary Lou is a gifted writer, singer, guitarist and traditional drummer. Mary Lou was recently recognized in London, Ont. as a 2013 YMCA Woman of Excellence for her work in education. In addition to their vast traditional knowledge and cultural experience Mary Lou, along with her partner Dan Smoke, are successful television and radio broadcasters, co-producers of Smoke Signals at CHRW Radio 94.9 FM, chrwradio.ca and CTV London. Since 2006, the Smokes have been teaching at Western University for the First Nations Studies Department and the Faculty of Information and Media Studies as well as at Brescia University College since 2009. In 2008, they were awarded the University Students Council of UWO's Teachers of Excellence Award for their teaching methods, which include ceremonial protocols.