A look back at the ten most-read Check out Camosun event speaks up against Nexus stories of 2019 gender-based violence page 6 the new page 4 nexus- Camosun students with kids feeling newspaper. nêhiyawak combine traditional and impact of Saanich school strike contemporary sounds page 3 com! page 8

november 20, 2019 issue 7 | volume 30 nexusnewspaper.com camosun’s student voice since 1990 student services Camosun College students benefit from tuition-waiver program

“After you’ve had a very painful—or in my case, very difficult and unimaginable—youth, with the government being a big part of it, it’s kind of nice for them to gift you back opportunity versus, in some ways, kind of limiting you and taking things away.” SAVANNAH BARRATT CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT

EMILY WELCH Camosun vice president of stu- STAFF WRITER dent experience Heather Cummings Camosun students who were is proud to be part of the program. ELI DE LA CRUZ/NEXUS formerly youth in care are benefiting “I think that the former youth Camosun College student Savannah Barratt says the tuition-waiver program might help close the door on the past. from BC’s Provincial Tuition Waiver in care program is really consist- Program. The program is for those ent with Camosun values—we Savannah Barratt and Tianni a ward of the province while I was “After you’ve had a very pain- who lived more than two years as are an access institution,” says Arsenault are first-year Univer- institutionalized, and then went into ful—or in my case, very difficult youth in care. The government Cummings. “We’ve got incredibly sity Transfer students in the tui- a group home.” and unimaginable—youth, with the started the program as a way to give flexible programming and many tion-waiver program; both have Barratt spent her teen years in government being a big part of it,” these youth a chance at an education pathways. It’s not just a financial experienced adversity. the group home, and with the help she says, “it’s kind of nice for them where there might not have been a barrier that needs to be addressed; “I was in care from when I was of various supports she was able to gift you back opportunity versus, chance before by covering tuition it’s often helping students build up 14,” says Barratt. “I had struggled to graduate from high school as a in some ways, kind of limiting you and mandatory student fees for for academic preparation, and we with severe mental-health issues young adult. It was in high school and taking things away.” eligible programs or courses. offer programs that can do that.” and I couldn’t live at home. I became that she heard about the program. Barratt says that once she got “The plan was to start post-sec- out of care, moved out, graduat- eyed on campus ondary in September,” says Barratt. ed, and started college, she was “Camosun felt like a natural choice then taking on new, more positive, because of the flexibility and its less challenges. big, scary nature. Someone I knew “I started all the things that I told me about the tuition waiver and couldn’t do for so long,” she says, that I might qualify.” “and they’re all good, and varied, Arsenault was seven when she and curious, and new.” and her two brothers went into care. Camosun College Student So- “I lived with my birth parents ciety external executive Fillette until then,” says Arsenault. “There Umulisa believes that the tui- was a lot of abuse and neglect that tion-waiver program is an impor- happened. My older brother, my tant step toward social inclusion. younger brother, and I, we almost “We strongly support the tu- didn’t make it out of that situation. ition-waiver program for former It was a very rough time.” youth in care,” says Umulisa. “We Arsenault has since won a schol- feel like in this day and age, many arship; she plays sports to stay parents help and encourage their focused. children to get a post-secondary “Honestly, I am using Camosun education. But those who do not to keep up with my schedule and have parents, who have grown up in keep me doing something,” says the system and have now outgrown Arsenault. “I get very antsy not the system, well, they should have doing anything. I ended up going to that same chance. We also know Camosun right after I graduated.” that youth in care face many bar- Barratt believes that this pro- riers, and we are so happy that the EMILY WELCH/NEXUS gram might help to close the door post-secondary institution is not one Some happy-looking rocks spotted outside the Young Building on a fall day at Camosun’s Lansdowne campus. on the past. of those barriers anymore.” 2 VIEWS November 20, 2019 nexusnewspaper.com NEWS 3

student editor’s letter open space labour action Looking back at 2019 Callout culture and the problem of Saanich school strike impacting Camosun students with children camosun’s student voice since 1990 They say you should spend the same amount of time looking back in emotional entitlement Next publication: January 6, 2020 life as you spend glancing in your rear-view mirror when you’re driving. Deadline: 9 am Monday December 9, 2019 Don’t look too long or you’ll crash, but you’ve got to look back once in a LANE CHEVRIER and inconceivable to protect every- “I have to graduate. I have to find a way.” Address: 3100 Foul Bay Rd., Victoria, BC, while to be sure you haven’t got someone on your ass. If that metaphor CONTRIBUTING WRITER one from the possibility of emotion- V8P 5J2 doesn’t hold true, not a single one will. We’re living in an age of social al upheaval. Throughout most of SERENA CIZMECIGIL CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT Location: Lansdowne Richmond House 201 When it comes to looking back, my motto is this: stick to your guns. activism. We value personal expres- life, we cannot control what we’re Phone: 250-370-3591 If you don’t, they’ll backfire and hit you. Either way, they’ll fire; they’ll sion and social inclusion more than exposed to. We must learn to modu- Email: [email protected] explode with a big bang. ever before, and this is a good thing. late our emotional responses; it’s a The college does have a full- Fillette Umulisa says that the CCSS Website: nexusnewspaper.com This issue, Nexus is taking a look back at our most-read stories of the It means that, as a society, we are fundamental aspect of maturation. time child care program, but it only is supportive of CUPE 441 and year. One of them holds particularly strong memories for me. learning to value greater diversity. As students in the First World, Publisher: Nexus Publishing Society accommodates children up to five urges students to be patient. Back in February, students took to social media to rip into the college Unfortunately, we haven’t all we’re more or less divorced from years of age. “We stand behind the students NEXUS PUBLISHING SOCIETY for opening despite the fact that, amazingly, Victoria had the most snow learned the importance of discre- most visceral suffering. With no Camosun VP of education John in every situation, and we’re really STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS in Canada that day. I was stranded at my parents’ house in Cordova Bay. tion. The current callout culture is objective evil against which to rally, Boraas says that the college would not happy about the inconvenience President - Jayden Grieve They live on a little cul-de-sac halfway up Claremont Avenue, home of symptomatic of the social disease we fight against perceived evils like to help as much as possible, but that this strike will cause them,” Vice-President - Samara Oscroft one of the steepest, windiest hills in the whole city. Even driving my dad’s of emotional unaccountability. It in our own society. Looking for it has limited resources. she says. “But, at the same time, as Treasurer/Secretary - four-wheel-drive truck, there was nothing I could do to get it out of six- places responsibility for any per- people to crucify, we scrutinize our “As with any student, part of a unionized institution, we under- Tiegan Suddaby plus inches of snow. If you’ve never tried to do that, it feels like driving son’s feelings with the message neighbours for signs of injustice or Director-at-Large - Nate Downe what they have to figure out as stand and stand in solidarity with on top of an ice rink, with bone china plates sliding beneath your wheels. sender, not the receiver. This is dissent from the status quo. Director-at-Large - Adam Marsh they’re beginning their studies the striking teachers.” You’re slipping everywhere. Buses were out of the question. Hell, I was inherently childish. This serves to divide people, MANAGING EDITOR is their plan for child care, and Umulisa says that the main running out of food; the nearest store was a 20-minute walk in shin-deep There’s value in being consider- and also creates internal dupli- Greg Pratt they also have to plan for unseen thing the CCSS can do to help is to snow powder away. Yet here the college was saying I had to show up to ate of others, but when considera- city—when there is no necessity STUDENT EDITOR emergent issues,” he says. “I’m rally for a quick resolution. class to write a midterm. tion is expected rather than freely to examine one’s own perceptions Adam Marsh not trying to make it sound like “We’re calling upon the local STAFF WRITER Other stories that you gave the most eyeballs to this year include given, it becomes entitlement. This and feelings, there are fewer oppor- it’s easy, but that is the student’s government, the Saanich school Emily Welch a look at plagiarism on campus, student concerns about the bike lane creates resentment, both in the tunities taken to undergo emotional responsibility; all we can do is help board, and CUPE Local 441 to FEATURES WRITER leading to Interurban, the provincial government eliminating interest receiver—who feels it’s the world’s maturation. GREG PRATT/NEXUS and be supportive.” negotiate this agreement so we can Tiegan Suddaby on student loans, and a former Camosun instructor getting his nursing responsibility to protect them from Internal suffering manifests Camosun College’s child care accommodates children five years of age and younger. Boraas urges Camosun students avoid circumstances such as this,” PROOFREADING license revoked. The lowdown on these stories, and more, is on page 6. offensive stimuli—and also in the as externalized discontentment. A LANE CHEVRIER options for child care, since, as an recreation centre, Cizmecigil re- to try to find a solution with their she says. Juliana Cooper Here’s to a great 2019; we look forward to bringing you more of the sender, who’s unfairly expected to deeply unhappy person sees the as- Adam Marsh CONTRIBUTING WRITER international student, she has no sorted to bringing her kids to school instructors. He says that college In the meantime, Boraas says news that matters most to Camosun students in 2020. prevent any possible negative reac- pects within themselves that cause Public schools in the Saanich family here. with her, which she says was a faculty want their students to be that students are encouraged to look ADVERTISING SALES Adam Marsh, student editor tion by signposting or censoring. discomfort, and then projects them School District have been closed “[The Camosun College Student significant stressor for both her and successful. for bursaries or other emergency Greg Pratt [email protected] I recently had an experience of on others to absolve themselves since Monday, October 28 as part Society] were trying to be very help- her children. “We want to be sure we do solutions with Camosun’s Financial 250‑370-3593 being called out and attacked here of emotional accountability. They of a Canadian Union of Public ful to me personally, and they did “The instructors are very help- what’s necessary so the student Aid office. FREE Media (national) on campus. I was accused of being blame others for their intangible [email protected] Employees (CUPE) Local 441 wage some research to see what sort of ful,” she says. “They said [my kids can [perhaps] study from home,” As for Cizmecigil, she says that flashback a vile person for sharing contro- internal pain, and, therefore, see no 780-421-1000 parity strike. This has resulted in arrangement I can do for my kids… are] more than welcome to come he says. “Lots of instructors have if the strike continues long-term, versial writing that was incorrectly reason to resolve the issues causing 25 Years Ago in Nexus over 7,000 children missing school, But it was just personal support that to class, but it’s not easy. I want provided reading packages, and she’ll have to fly a family mem- NEXUS IS A MEMBER OF assumed to align to my personal this suffering in the first place. CANADIAN UNIVERSITY PRESS and some of those children have they were trying to give,” she says. to be on track with their curricu- they’re happy to talk to students. ber from Turkey to look after her Bookstore dispute: We re- beliefs, and then collectively roasted Callout culture is the epitome of CONTRIBUTORS parents who go to Camosun. “There was nothing coming from lum—that’s one thing that gives It’s about negotiating a win-win children. Ethan Badr ported here last issue how Camosun by my entire class for not including this. Social vigilantes are running Second-year Marketing student Camosun itself.” me stress—and I have assignments, situation.” “It’s not cheap, but I have to Jordan Bell College Student Society (CCSS) a trigger warning, which they be- amok, letting their emotions cloud Fred Cameron Serena Cizmecigil has two nine- After paying around $200 for I have things to do, I have group Camosun College Student So- graduate,” she says. “I have to find external executive Brad Hett lieved should be mandatory. their judgments and destroying lives Lane Chevrier year-old children and few viable two days of child care at a local projects.” ciety (CCSS) external executive a way.” questioned whether instructors They argued that a trigger warn- in the process. Bo Essery were more loyal to their students Mitch Fisher ing shows respect and awareness. The more emotionally secure Lia Glidden or to textbook publishers, which This may make sense, but it masks people are, the less likelihood Jayden Grieve prompted Camosun instructor a dangerous assumption. The trig- they will be outraged at personal Astrid Helmus Brian Silvester to write in to us. NEWS BRIEFS Carla Marginean gered reader feels it’s disrespectful injustices. Women’s Centre dispute: The After stating that the claim was for someone to expose them to To foster a better society, we Katie Mondey story “Male student kicked out of offensive and libellous, and that it Jéssica Navarro discomfort. They feel that since must individually work on emotion- Women’s Centre sparks debate” was indicative of the views of the Mark Nguyen the writer is not aware of the inner al accountability, to call ourselves Out The Vote campaign to help en- of the student learning experience MHCC is a government-created Thursday, November 21. During Samara Oscroft in our November 28, 1994 issue CCSS, Silvester said that indeed he Camosun to stop lives of the reader, they should tread out. Consequently, we will feel gage students in the voting process and outcomes. non-profit organization that studies Budget Town Hall, the public is Sean Palmer looked at the heated issue of Camo- tried his hardest to keep the book lightly, and completely exclude less triggered by others’ perceived accepting cash for the federal election. Accord- mental health, mental illness, and encouraged to voice their opinions Simon Shepherd sun student Martin Moreau being prices down, even having “fought sensitive material not accompanied wrongdoings against us. We’ll also for tuition ing to the CCSS, 3,158 Camosun MHCC announces addiction. The current draft of the on the draft of the 2020 budget. Go Emery Whitney told to leave the Lansdowne cam- with a succession of Bookstore Freyja Zazu by an explicit denouncement. create less misery through lashing As of January 1, 2020, Camosun students pledged to vote through post-secondary new plan is available at mental- to victoria.ca/budget to register and pus Women’s Centre. Apparently, managers to obtain the best price However, this is an unreason- out, because we’ll be happier, and College will stop accepting cash the campaign; only two Canadian healthcommission.ca. for more info on the budget. The Moreau was told “You shouldn’t for all required print material,” mental-health policy able expectation. It’s impractical this will quickly spread to others. payments for tuition. The decision post-secondary instutitions got The Mental Health Commission event—which includes free refresh- be here” by a woman student and adding that “conversations with more students pledging. The CCSS U of T student ments and pizza—runs from 6 pm All editorial content appearing in Nexus is property of the is a result of the provincial gov- of Canada (MHCC) recently an- Nexus Publishing Society. Stories, photographs, and artwork the “Men welcome, please knock” my colleagues lead me to believe spent approximately $6,000 for Get handcuffed while to 8:30 pm at Quadra Village Com- contained herein cannot be reproduced without written permis- ernment’s anti-money-laundering nounced that it would be developing sion of the Nexus Publishing Society. The views and opinions sign was taken off the door of the that we are all similarly concerned.” Something on your mind? If you’re a Camosun student, send Open initiative, which was launched in Out the Vote campaign resources. munity Centre, which is located at expressed herein are those of the authors, not of Nexus. a policy for the psychological health seeking help Nexus has no official ties to the administration of Camosun centre shortly after the altercation. Relationship dispute: Our pro- Space submissions (up to 500 words) to [email protected]. May of this year. The college said 901 Kings Road. Then, on Monday, College. One copy of Nexus is available per issue, per person. and safety of post-secondary stu- A University of Toronto student Camosun College Student Society file of local ska/punk band Pressure New Camosun Include your student number. Thanks! in an email that it has no reason to dents. The Post Secondary Students was recently handcuffed by U of November 25, the City is holding a Send a letter women’s executive Jenna Henry Cooker in this issue featured the policies approved Youth Economic Roundtable from Nexus prints letters to the editor. Nexus reserves the believe any money laundering has Standard Policy (PSSP) will provide T police while seeking help for right to refuse publication of letters. Letters must in - came to Moreau’s defence, saying hard-hitting reveal that when one taken place as a result of Camosun 4:30 to 6:30 pm at City Hall, where clude full name and student number if a Camosun stu - On Monday, November 4, the guidelines to help institutions sup- suicidal thoughts. The student she dent (not printed). Nexus accepts all letters by email to he “is more of a feminist than some member of the band found out that accepting cash for tuition fees. Camosun College board of gov- youth can have their say about what [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit corrections port students’ mental health, as well is traumatized by the incident and all letters. women I know. He was in there to another local musician “had a really ernors approved the college’s new as help them to identify underlying says that she feels like a criminal. Victoria can do better to support help, he wanted to help, now we cute girlfriend, he asked him to join In Know Your Profs in our November 6 issue, we misspelled Anneke Over 3,000 Policy Framework and the new Pro- them and prepare them for the OVERHEARD AT NEXUS: “Would you rather I didn’t wear causes while providing resources to The incident occurred five days deodorant?” have lost a strong voice.” the band.” van Alderwegen as Anneke van Alderwegan. We apologize for the mistake. Camosun students gram Quality Assurance Policy. The address student issues. The current after another student died by suicide future economy. For more info or to pledge to vote Policy Framework revises the policy draft of the plan aims to increase at U of T’s downtown campus on register, visit victoria.ca/prosperity. -ADAM MARSH AND development, approval, communi- the amount of counselling available September 27. From September 3 to October GREG PRATT How do you feel about the new cigarette-packaging laws coming into effect on November 9? cation and implementation param- to students and to educate staff on by Adam Marsh 21, the Camosun College Student City of Victoria Society (CCSS) and the Canadian eters; the Program Assurance Policy creating a manageable course load. outlines Camosun’s commitment to GOT A NEWS TIP FOR US? EMAIL Alliance of Student Associations— According to the MHCC’s website, seeking youth input [email protected] of which all Camosun students are quality assurance in its programs, as each institution is able to adapt and Victoria youth are invited to well as the continuous improvement TODAY TO LET US KNOW WHAT’S paying members—held the Get modify the PSSP as needed. The Budget Town Hall Youth Night on GOING ON.

Nexus media: we’re not just a newspaper. camosun’s student voice since 1990 CHRIS WANG DOUGLAS WASIECZKO ANDREA ALVARAZ HARRY SERYAL ALI HAY HARUNA UEGI Head over to nexusnewspaper.com for web exclusives and to comment on stories. “I just buy it. It doesn’t “It’s a bit of a moot point. “Honestly, I am kind of “At the moment I’m just “It’ll be a bit challenging to “I don’t really care. matter.” I mean, I understand that curious as to why they’re buying smokes from figure out the ones that I Cigarettes [are] cigarettes.” they’re trying to make it doing that... [It’s] probably a people. It’s cheaper and want, but other than that it We’re also on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram. Join the conversation! look as unattractive and good thing.” at the same time you can doesn’t really matter.” unappealing as they can. reduce your smoking Maybe it’ll work, maybe it habit... I don’t want to be won’t. It’s not going to be so like [the person on the Want to write for us? All Camosun students welcome; no experience necessary! Contact dissimilar [to] the packaging pack]; I’ll quit pretty soon, [email protected] today to get started. we have now.” because I want to live.” 4 CAMPUS November 20, 2019 nexusnewspaper.com CAMPUS/LIFE 5 event music Camosun event calls for action against gender-based violence Camosun student prepares to drop debut album JÉSSICA NAVARRO CONTRIBUTING WRITER “We can’t turn a blind eye to the fact that “For the majority of the songs, I have tried to From Monday, November 25 to [gender-based violence] is still very much with Tuesday, December 10, Camosun take myself out of it. When you write a song and students, staff, and faculty are invit- us, it’s still very real, and we do need to keep really put yourself into it, then people might not ed to participate in a collaborative working to educate and to bring people in to be able to identify with it as much.” event being held at both campuses some level of activism and awareness where as part of the annual international AIDAN VICKERY campaign 16 Days of Activism they can no longer be a bystander.” CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT Against Gender-Based Violence. In EVA SILDEN Canada, the campaign includes the CAMOSUN COLLEGE National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women often basing his sound on artists be able to promote and tell people on December 6, which commem- he enjoys. about it, because it’s such a personal orates the 14 women murdered at not even born in 1989, Silden em- she says. “So if power is given up “You have to remember to give thing,” he says. “It’s so weird to l’École Polytechnique de Montréal phasizes the importance of making over here, by, usually, white men credit, because all the music I enjoy, think that anything I make might in 1989. December 6 also a recognition of all to anyone, they’re going to lose, all the music that I listen to, that actually be decent. I think that it The Camosun event is an in- the violent events that have taken right? And that’s not okay, that’s is going to show a bit in my own might be what they call ‘imposter itiative of the Camosun College place since then. She says that stu- not accurate; that’s a very old idea work,” he says. “You have to have syndrome.’ Even when I get a com- Faculty Association (CCFA)’s dent participation is an important and I think one that we need to sort some level of influence from other pliment, if someone tells that they Status of Women Committee and part of raising awareness. of work against.” people.” like it, I’m always thinking, ‘Are is funded through the Federation “We can’t turn a blind eye to the Silden says that the National Vickery remembers an experi- you sure?’” of Post-Secondary Educators of fact that [gender-based violence] Inquiry into Missing and Murdered ence from childhood that almost Now that his album is finished BC. Camosun Criminal Justice is still very much with us, it’s still Indigenous Women and Girls re- PHOTO PROVIDED put his dream on the back burner and about to be released, Vickery Camosun College student Aidan Vickery is about to release his debut album. instructor and chair of the Status very real, and we do need to keep port, released last June, contributed forever. is unsure about the direction it will of Women Committee Eva Silden working to educate and to bring to highlighting the extraordinary EMILY WELCH “I tried to do it in high school, about defining it. I can talk about “As a kid I wrote some poetry. I go, but he’s just happy he’s had the hopes to raise awareness on gender people in to some level of activism violence facing Indigenous women STAFF WRITER but I didn’t have the right equip- it, but I am not the best person to mean, I was super young,” he says, experience. issues and encourages students to and awareness where they can no in particular. Second-year Sports Manage- ment and I hated how it sounded,” judge it because I made it. There “I hid my book under my bed, and “Even if no one listens to it, I join the event. longer be a bystander,” she says. “Once you know something ment student Aidan Vickery has says Vickery. “I finally got started is a lot of influence from different my mom found it. She was confused just want to be able to say that I’ve “It’s going to be an interactive Silden says that campaigns, you can’t unknow it,” says Silden. always been interested in music, right before I started Camosun. The songs and genres. For the majority about what I was doing—was it a shared it, and it’s there, and peo- art display where students can especially after MeToo, have been “So once we know that aboriginal but he had no idea how long it project kind of went from there.” of the songs, I have tried to take poem? Was it a song? But the fact ple know about it,” says Vickery. ADAM MARSH/NEXUS come and do a little bit of learning asking people to use their voices and women and girls are targeted and Camosun College Criminal Justice instructor Eva Silden. would take to create his first rap Like a lot of musicians, Vickery myself out of it. When you write that she found it and she was con- “People joke about getting rich and and participate by thinking about not to allow behaviours like bully- are abused and experience violence album. Vickery’s been working says that he has difficulty classify- a song and really put yourself into fused—I was so embarrassed that famous, and that would be great. I activism and what little steps that ing, harassment, or gender-based and victimization at the highest to participate to the extent that family member, you are not alone,” on the release, 아이고~Cantina, ing his music with a specific genre it, then people might not be able to I stopped for a long time.” would obviously be happy with that. they can take to end violence against violence to take place. Still, she rates of anyone else in Canada, of they can. Mostly, she hopes that she says. “There are supports, there for about a year and a half, and it’s label when people ask him what it identify with it as much.” Although that kind of experi- But, honestly, that’s not the point. women,” says Silden, “and they’re thinks it’s unfortunate that some any other group, how can we not the event will spread a message of are ways to get help. Nobody should finally going to see the light of day sounds like. Vickery credits a lot of his mu- ence can make a mark on someone, It’s more that I enjoy making it, and also encouraged to put it on paper people still view gender equality as actively work to reduce that and encouragement. have to suffer that.” through Spotify, Apple Music, and “I guess you could call it a rap sical sound to other artists who Vickery prevailed and produced the I so enjoy connecting with people and help to fill out the art display a threatening idea. address that?” “I would say to anyone—you See camosun.ca for more infor- other digital service providers on album,” he says. “Alternative hip have inspired him. He says that it’s album all these years later. through music. If something hap- with these little pieces of paper.” “I do not think you need to dig Recognizing how this can be are not alone, and if you are experi- mation on the 16 Days of Activism November 22. hop? I guess I really didn’t think hard to be original, because he’s “I am only now just starting to pens, though, that’s cool.” Bearing in mind that a lot of too deep to find that [gender equal- a stressful time in the academic encing violence in your life or if you Against Gender-Based Violence students at Camosun today were ity] is viewed as a zero-sum game,” term, Silden hopes for students know someone, you have a friend, a events. event Extreme filmmaker Bryan Smith goes beyond convention know your profs jungle and the rainforest but, cultur- where you’re just like, ‘Holy shit; ally, it was the wildest place I’d ever that was crazy,’ but in the moment been,” he says. “I mean, there are itself, just like the athlete is totally Camosun Physics instructor Julie Alexander breaks it down still literally thousands of dialects focused on running a big waterfall, in Papua New Guinea so, tribally, you’re making sure your exposure is EMILY WELCH and how to not fall in the water when Camosun. I think the university you have people that pretty much correct and you’ve got your framing STAFF WRITER rowing my single racing shell. engineering programs that require live in isolation and speak their own right. Because a lot of the things Know Your Profs is an ongoing the students to do co-op work terms language. Just to experience that in we’re filming, they only happen series of profiles on the instructors 4. What is one thing you wish are excellent and will continue to a small area, some place the size of once.” at Camosun College. Every issue they didn’t know about you? train highly employable engineers. southern Vancouver Island—just Smith urges people to take we ask a different instructor at I don’t put a lot of effort into the bottom half of it—[and] to have risks—whether they be big or Camosun the same 10 questions memorizing my students’ names. 8. What do you do to relax on a really proficient translator not small—in their own lives. in an attempt to get to know them the weekends? even be able to translate or under- “You know what? If you get a little better. 5. What’s the best thing that’s I’m not very good at relaxing. stand what the people were saying outside of your comfort zone and Do you have an instructor that ever happened to you as a teacher I go rowing on Elk Lake early Sat- was kind of like that experience in you try something you’ve never you want to see interviewed in the here? urday and Sunday mornings. I also Kamchatka—that feeling of step- tried before, you learn. And the vast paper? Maybe you want to know The best thing that comes to spend time on the weekends prac- ping back in time.” majority of people that surround more about one of your teachers, mind is when a former Engineering ticing my violin and gardening. My Although Smith and his team us in our day-to-day lives do the but you’re too busy, or shy, to ask? Technology student came to tell me husband and I are restoring a 1958 are all trained professionals, it same things every single day. It’s Email editor@nexusnewspaper. that following the advice I had given Morris Minor car, so that takes up doesn’t completely eliminate the so programmed,” he says. “I con- com and we’ll get on it. her about how to succeed as a stu- the rest of my spare time. risk factor of what he does. A lot of stantly get bombarded with, ‘Oh This issue we talked to Physics dent changed her life and enabled trust goes into knowing whether my god, that’s the craziest thing instructor Julie Alexander about her to graduate and find a good job. 9. What’s your favourite meal? the adrenaline-pumping stunts are ever, like, total adrenaline junkie, renewable energy, restoring classic Every Friday night we go to my BRYAN SMITH worth capturing. thrill-seeking, crazy—it’s crazy!’ cars, and the joy of receiving good 6. What’s the worst thing that’s 94-year-old mother’s house and Athlete Gavin McClurg as shot by Bryan Smith, who is speaking this month in Victoria. “We choose to work with people And it’s like, no, it’s actually not. news from a former student. happened to you as a teacher here? barbecue steaks. EMERY WHITNEY toria this month through National of his most memorable expeditions that are the best at what they do It’s about experiencing life, period. I’ve been lucky that nothing CONTRIBUTING WRITER Geographic’s Nat Geo Live series; within the last decade. and my feeling is that they have And yeah, sure, maybe what we do 1. What do you teach and how terrible has ever happened to me 10. What is your biggest pet The comforts of our daily he started his relationship with “When people ask me, ‘What the better judgment,” says Smith. is a little bit more extreme, but I long have you been at Camosun? over the 33 years I’ve been teaching peeve? lives may hinder many of us from National Geographic by providing was the best expedition you ever “They have the years of experience. say this to a lot of people: you could I’ve been teaching at Camosun at the college. However, yesterday I I don’t like to hear my Athletic seeking anything beyond our con- them with short snippets of footage, went on?’ I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s defin- There’s a lot of trust involved and I literally just drive a different way to for 33 years. During this time I EMILY WELCH/NEXUS discovered that my office has mice Therapy students say that they are ventional ways of living. With a which eventually led to his first big itely Kamchatka,’” he says. “I don’t think that anxiety is dissipated in work every day and you would see also taught courses in the Physics Camosun College Physics instructor Julie Alexander. running around in it at night. The bad at math. I think this is often a career in capturing thrilling mo- pitch: taking kayaks to Kamchatka, know if I’m jaded, but I still think the developing a relationship and trust so much more of what happens department at UVic and took some 2. What do you personally get I never get tired of the amazement chocolate I left in my desk drawer result of someone telling them at a ments, Squamish-based extreme a remote peninsula in far eastern landscape itself... I mean, I’ve never with those individuals.” around you.” long-term professional develop- out of teaching? students show when I use physics was half eaten and there were mouse very young age that math is hard filmmaker Bryan Smith choos- Russia. seen fish in rivers like that before. During moments of filming, ment time away from teaching to It is very satisfying when I take to explain everyday phenomena. droppings all over my desk. and that they will never be good es a different path. Searching for “It was a place on the map that You hear all these stories from hun- Smith doesn’t always fully register complete a PhD in Climate Model- challenging physics problems and at it. I’ve never had a student who Nat Geo Live: Capturing the the globe’s wildest locations, he represented one of the last truly dreds of years ago when people were the extent of the risk being taken ling. I currently teach physics to the break them into manageable steps 3. What’s one thing you wish 7. What do you see in the future truly couldn’t do math. Another Impossible (with Bryan Smith) captures impressive athleticism wild places on earth,” says Smith. walking across the rivers on fish. until after the fact. Engineering Bridge students, bio- that the students are able to follow your students knew about you? of post-secondary education? pet peeve is that the Engineering 7 pm Wednesday, November 20 among the remarkable landscapes “And no one had been there with That is what Kamchatka is like.” “You’re highly focused on cap- mechanics to the Athletic Therapy and then apply to other problems. I I understand what it feels like I think that science students Bridge students have to write six $37.50 and up, Royal Theatre of remote locations left untouched kayaks before.” Smith says that another mem- turing the image or telling the story; students, and a course on renewable also like being able to relate abstract to be frustrated when learning have the best chance of success final exams in six consecutive days, $20 student rush tickets by the irreversible grip of modern Although Smith has travelled orable expedition was one that he you don’t have time to be scared, energy to the Mechanical Technol- physics concepts to concepts that complex tasks. I am still struggling if they complete their first year of when students at UVic have two available day of show civilization. all over the world, his trip to Kam- had in Papua New Guinea. you only have time to be focused,” ogy students. the students already understand. with learning how to play the violin a four-year university degree at and half weeks to write their exams. rmts.bc.ca Smith is speaking here in Vic- chatka in 2011 continues to be one “It’s really wild in terms of the he says. “Sometimes it’s afterwards 6 November 20, 2019 FEATURE nexusnewspaper.com 7 Angry in the snow, but with slightly less student-loan debt

Story by Tiegan Suddaby, features writer Looking back on the top 10 most-read Nexus stories of 2019 Photo by Greg Pratt, managing editor

loathe top-10 lists of anything. At first, it felt like a huge cop-out to make this feature a look at the 10 most-read stor- Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre gave a chance for a healthy debate around their performance of Ibsen’s The Master Builder. In lost, will surely be affected. Now, in the midst of the MeToo movement, voices once silenced are coming forth with no going ies at nexusnewspaper.com in 2019 and say, “This is what everyone liked, see you next year.” But for us at the Nexus this story, our former staff writer Katy Weicker builds a gorgeous narrative around how timeless literature can be, and what back. The culture on campus is a juxtaposition of darker secrets hidden behind the ever-constant reminders of consent and Ioffice, it’s not that at all. The end result of writing is a duck having a nice little swim; we’re not seeing the legs hard at the discussion should be surrounding a century-old play. How can a play set in the 19th century, talking about 19th-century sexual harassment. work. Doing this article opened my eyes to how hard we all work for this paper, and how important each story can be to both values, be applicable to our modern audiences, and should it even be? We don’t know what is truly happening, whether you’re on campus or on a field trip 6,000 miles away from it. When these the writers and the students. The article appeals to the modern artist, also talking about director Brian Richmond’s experimenting with avant-garde things happen, it only furthers the fear, especially for female students. But it’s not all black and white: student editor Adam So, this story is a splendid way to look back and learn from the highs and lows of working in the office, and to measure approaches and interpreting how the play should be performed. This story exemplifies how artists communicate through other Marsh presents so many varying views in this article, it’s easy to realize that this is never a simple issue with simple solutions. how we’ve evolved here at Nexus. Most of all, it’s a chance to see what the students are reading, which is the most important works, how each explanation and understanding of a piece of art differs from artist to artist, and how we need to approach Many of the students point out the potential for rehabilitation for Nursing instructor Stephen Bishop, who is at the centre of part of the paper, after all. all art pieces, especially ones worlds away from us, with an active eye and open mind. It’s incredibly special to see Weicker’s the allegations discussed in the story; others discuss their own personal horror at what occurred. Looking back on the year, my life in the office changed significantly, mostly because I now actually work in the office. I influence on the paper and her journey in it (although I only arrived near the end of her time here). I really wish all the best So, yes, of course it isn’t a black-and-white issue, it’s just a varying gradient of deeply dark greys. I myself feel powerless always feel like I’m walking in all the past features writers’ shoes (especially Fred Cameron’s, now that it’s been a year since for her, and she certainly has inspired a new generation of feminist journalists in the office. in this case. However, we need to bring issues like these to light, whether our opinions of it differ, and that’s the least we his 2018 top-10 feature was published). These are huge shoes to fill, and I already feel like I’m clowning around in them as I Also, is there a secret Ibsen fan club out there, and if so, can I join? could do. And we will continue to do just that: Nexus currently has a Freedom of Information request in with the college to write this. It’s an honour, for sure, but it’s a duty that I really take seriously. When the due date for a feature hits and I send the get more information about this situation, and we will continue to report on it. draft off to managing editor Greg Pratt, it’s like I’ve been released from a two-week curse and I can work on the next big thing. 5. “Former Camosun instructor no longer legally permitted to practice nursing in BC, college won’t release details By the time next year comes, I’ll have grown into it, and I’ll be able to comfortably work in non-clown shoes. This clown of investigation” (July 8, 2019, written by Adam Marsh) 4. “BC government eliminates interest on provincial student loans” (February 26, 2019, written by Kate Wood) metaphor got out of hand; I’d better stop now and just dive right into my analysis of the stories that were the most popular I’m not surprised by this one placing so high. Because of this situation, the trust of students, if it hasn’t already been This is a huge story, and it rightfully takes its seat high up here on our list. Post-secondary education is, to be profession- this year on nexusnewspaper.com. al, stupidly expensive, which leads us students to curse its very name on a daily basis. But money woes shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying education. Student debt is looming over everyone’s heads—and if it’s not already, it will be once you 10. “Layers of academic theft unravelling: Is plagiarism on the rise at Camosun College?” (February 6, 2019, graduate. To eliminate the interest charge on provincial student loans is big, and the total is huge on a province-wide level. written by Fred Cameron) Meanwhile, Alberta is now hiking up loan charges, which, as far as I can tell, just furthers the already established elitism I was surprised to see that this was only number 10 on the list. Academic theft is a problem I hear about a lot, and there’s of education, and also makes BC look way nicer. always a warning about it at the bottom of our course outlines. In this piece, Cameron really alters the reader’s perspective Additionally, former staff writer Kate Wood’s writing has an approachable voice that makes talking about education on what the definition of plagiarism actually is, and what we consider it to be. How has our technology contributed to the and finances a less overwhelming experience than it could be. It serves as a great article to introduce newbies to the finan- rise of plagiarism... or is it really even on the rise? Seeing people in my own world spew the same ideas from others, I wonder cial side of post-secondary education. Taking these steps into understanding where our money goes, and why eliminating if the matter of originality should be considered plagiarism because, after all, “borrowing” an idea isn’t giving much room interest charges is so newsworthy, helps readers really grab hold of reality and the practical necessities of their financial for independent thought. But what if the thought is your own, just from last year, or another class? relationship with education. Features—and I know this by now—are complicated, but this one is particularly complicated. If you haven’t already, read this story for yourself. Then read it a second and third time. 3. “La Traviata delivers conflicting yet stunning portrayal of timeless themes” (February 15, 2019, written by Kate Wood) 9. “Know Your Profs: Irene Wallace on the importance of a Starbucks glass half-full” (May 15, 2019, written by Kate Wood’s documentation of, to quote her own article, her “evening at the opera” gives another arts story its place Katy Weicker) on the top-10 list. This story is Wood’s review of a newer interpretation of La Traviata, which transports the story to a We were surprised to see Know Your Profs show up in this list for the second year in a row. But the nice thing about that couple centuries later, in 1920s Paris. is that now we know that students here love their instructors and faculty. Case in point: the popularity of this Q&A with Wood’s article, along with Weicker’s on The Master Builder, really identifies what a lot of 2019 has been about. Camosun Career Services employment facilitator Irene Wallace. Feminists have always done the work of pointing out our societal issues within institutions and the arts, so how can we We caught up with Wallace to tell her the good news. Talking with Wallace shows why she made it on this list; she really now appreciate earlier works of art without compromising our philosophy? However, we see that we can, through the makes students believe in their future. performances and our own interpretation, enlighten our minds, hold onto our ideals, and still enjoy the experiences. “Each one of us does have a huge opportunity to make a difference, and I guess that’s always what I’m trying to encourage The opera is an alien form of entertainment for us young folks now, and it doesn’t feel natural to go enjoy them. Thank- students to do,” says Wallace. “Don’t be thinking ‘I’m just a little old student,’ or ‘I’m not important.’ Well, you are, and if fully, Wood advises us to educate ourselves before the show and just let the music take us away. you’re willing to step forward and try to make a difference and have an impact on whatever it is you might be interested in, It’s a funny thing that the further we get away from older artforms, the more interested we are in them. Our readers a whole bunch of ones add up to a great big world-changer sometimes.” are indeed interested in operas and plays, and maybe it’s because our writers’ younger minds can introduce us to a time that seems so removed from our ideas through a lens that we can relate to. 8. “Camosun College student raises concerns about Interurban bike lane” (January 7, 2019, written by Adam Marsh) Back in late 2018, Nexus got an email from a concerned student (which is how many of our stories start—keep those 2. “Camosun College board of governors elects new chair” (July 10, 2019, written by Kate Wood) emails coming!) who had some concerns about the state of the bike lane leading out to Interurban. Especially during poor Post-secondary politics seem to always be progressing, but I think it’s notable that progressive politics get more weather, the mud would completely cover up the lane, meaning cyclists had to dart out into the road during a curvy, hilly readership, and this shows it. This story reported on how the Camosun College board of governors had appointed Laylee stretch that people routinely speed in (update: almost a year later, the bike lane still looks like garbage). Rohani as the new chair; appointing a first-generation Iranian-Canadian woman is enough for students to feel that our It’s actually a disservice to say that this article is just about a bike lane. The safety of citizens should always come first, college is definitely less outdated, but, as the article points out, passing the torch is important in itself. and the constant war between car drivers and cyclists is a bitter fight for safer transportation. After all, roads are what get The funny thing is that when I look at certain boards or, let’s say, Liberal cabinets, I feel deeply conflicted. Of course, us to campus. There’s no reason to go to school if just getting there is a danger. we need the voices of all people, but how can we make a statement without it sounding empty? When we look at our local Maybe some of us don’t think much of going on our morning commute. There is always the small chance some idiot administrations, especially regarding education, I think that’s where the small statements are the loudest. Rohani’s pre- driver is speeding because, obviously, their time is more precious than your safety, but what will the school do when those decessor Ron Rice is a member of the Cowichan Tribes; this shows that Canada is more than white Christian colonizers. situations results in accidents on that bike lane? And it would appear that Laylee can really get to work. It’s been months since this article came out, and we’re already When I first looked at this story, I thought it was just about a bike lane. But it’s about student safety, which is why it covering the plans she mentioned for the college, and the Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness has officially resonated so well with our student readers. We wish we could say the story had a better ending, but hopefully those bike opened. We’re happy to be covering stories like this, and happy that students are paying attention. lanes get the attention they need sooner rather than later. 1. “Camosun College students upset after college opens despite snow” (February 11, 2019, written by Adam Marsh) 7. “Camosun eyes potential Interurban film studio” (August 6, 2019, written by Kate ood)W It’s no surprise that this is the number-one most-read article of 2019 on our site. To be honest, I feel a little cheated, This story encapsulates everything about 2019: it shows the college moving with the times and exploring ways to teach but that’s mostly because I don’t even remember being that bothered by the snow. Then again, my Albertan bones keep students new skills. Maybe with a film studio—which would include 3D animation—we could have Camosun students go me warm in BC’s “frigid” winters. into specific arts programs as filmmakers and actually direct, shoot, and model a better remake of Cats on a lower budget. This was a hot story, though. The backlash from students upset that Camosun stayed open in the snow came fast It’s probably not that hard. and furious. The problem here was that some students literally couldn’t make it to campus, and it was during midterms. But there are questions and concerns that come up: what’s this going to do in relation to the college’s new master plan? Camosun student Gwendolyn O’Connor—who now writes for Nexus—was quoted in the story as saying online, “What Is it that practical? What about the truly impossible parking situation at Interurban? This won’t help unless the college about students who have disabilities, eh? Thanks Camosun.” Student Taylor Westendale said “This is such a joke… I’m builds a parking lot that can definitely handle the new number of students the building will bring in (one Saanich resident not going to risk my safety to make it to campus.” who lives near the college recently told Nexus that they think this building is a bad idea, as it will just mean even more traffic Still, college Facilities staff were up as early as 4 am determing what call to make, and the call was made to open the and students parking on their road). school, leading to the biggest school/student clash of the year, and our biggest story of the year, one we were working In terms of industry work, especially for the arts, it’s certainly an investment that would pay off for young film students. around the clock to update to keep students informed as to what was happening. Offering a hands-on approach for students will bring their skills, and Camosun’s programs, up to date and into the future. Plus, with Camosun serving as an inexpensive and introductory alternative, adding a film studio will bring us up to par with Knowing that our work has reached the eyes of our readers—Camosun student and staff, community members, even industry-specific programs like the ones at Vancouver Film School and Emily Carr. The problem with these specialized pro- people all around the world—makes the experience of writing this so much more surreal. We tend to bring up in our grams is that they’re intense and immersive, which means a lot of hours, a lot of fancy equipment, a lot of exclusivity, and a meetings how mind-boggling it is to know that there are people out there halfway across the world reading what we wrote. lot of overworking with no reward. However, Camosun having intimate and introductory classrooms will give passionate We gravitate to certain topics, and some of these topics just can’t be easily explained, but it really feels like I’m talking students a low-stakes chance to experiment in a professional setting. with the people reading this. It’s such a gratifying feeling to see what stories are connecting most with people. There will be plenty of stories to tell, read, and share in the next year, and I have a load of features coming up that I 6. “Directing The Master Builder a dream come true for Blue Bridge’s Brian Richmond (May 15, 2019, written truly hope all of you will enjoy (maybe you’ll enjoy them enough to get me on this list next year… but that’s not really the by Katy Weicker) point). We’ll see you in 2020, and we’ll have a lot to say then, too. We look forward to seeing what stories resonate most As a lover of literature and a fan of 19th-century Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, I was so happy to hear that the with you this time next year. 8 ARTS November 20, 2019 nexusnewspaper.com ARTS 9 music art New Music Revue nêhiyawak navigate the intersection between traditional and contemporary Artist explores queer form and sculptural abstraction sons School of Design in 2012, Yu- New York; I got there, and it’s really “I’m so proud of who I am and I want to blow on mang has worked closely with Sara opened up a different way of looking Jimenez as the collaborative team at queerness for me.” the coals of those good feelings.” Tatlo. Together they primarily do Yumang will be giving a talk MAREK TYLER endurance performances designed at Camosun on a recent series of NÊHIYAWAK to express the ideas of, according to sculptures based on a 1966 issue of their site, “cultural expectations, the radical gay publication Drum. personal experiences, systems of (Drum’s founder, Clark Polak, was SAMARA OSCROFT by the Idle No More movement restraints, and bodily fatigue.” Re- arrested in 1969 and later died by CONTRIBUTING WRITER and the Truth and Reconciliation cently, Yumang says, collaborating suicide.) The North Saskatchewan river Commission of Canada. has been challenging, since Jimenez “Each page from this particular Kanye West kisiskâciwanisîpiy flows through “There’s a very distinct, unique is living and working in New York. issue was digitally scanned and then Jesus Is King the heart of amiskwaciy (Edmon- perspective by Indigenous people in “It’s always good to push ideas printed on cotton and then cut, (Getting Out Our Dreams II/Def Jam Recordings) ton) on Treaty 6 territory. In their general that Kris [Harper, lead sing- against someone else and have that pieced, quilted, and then turned into 2.5/5 new album, nipiy (Cree for “water”), er] does a fantastic job of capturing back and forth,” says Yumang. sculptures with contemporary ma- Christianity has always been Edmonton-based post-rock/ambi- and presenting in an informed way,” “Again, we do a lot of physical terials from that era,” says Yumang. one of Kanye West’s greatest the- ent/pop band nêhiyawak echo the says Tyler. things together, but it’s hard when Yumang is now an assistant matic inspirations. Even though pace with which that river flows. The band recorded the sound- we try to share ideas via phone or professor in the department of Jesus Is King is West’s first deep-di- “When we think of nipiy, there track for the 2017 documentary film through an email; we’re better when Fiber and Material Studies at the ve into religious music, it employs is an intellectual and physical re- otenaw, which focused on Dwayne we’re body to body.” Art Institute of Chicago. He says several familiar sounds. source there that those waters, Donald, an academic who teaches at It would make sense to ex- that this role allows him to interact “Follow God”’s Whole Truth these rivers, have given our families the University of Alberta. Donald’s pect that Yumang has faced some with a younger generation of queer sample packs a layered punch rem- and I hope that the album speaks to teachings found their way into nipiy LEVI MANCHAK adversity working within these youth and that he recognizes their iniscent of West’s earliest beats, those perspectives,” says nêhiyawak as well. nêhiyawak bring elements of history and tradition into their new album, nipiy. often-controversial themes. What is struggle. and “Use This Gospel” sees a tri- drummer Marek Tyler. “[Donald] spoke to the layers of artist living in Victoria. The elk hide it’s a lot more because it was a drum The pride that Tyler has for surprising, however, is that he met “Always just focus on the work umphant reunion of the rap duo Tyler’s mother reminded him of people and history that have walked drum used on the recording was from that territory.” their work is vibrant, particularly that adversity the most just across and even if you feel like you’re do- Clipse, who provide the album’s the importance of understanding through the valley here, and he part of Newman’s influential art Navigating an intersection be- when describing the brilliance of the water from us. ing it on your own or you’re alone lone example of dramatic story- the meaning of the word “nipiy” if spoke about the relationship that installation, The Witness Blanket, tween contemporary and traditional his bandmates. Community is the “I was given this show in Van- there’s always a group of people telling. However, these moments he was going to use it. we’ve had with the water that has crafted from items retrieved from on this album, the band used this heart of nêhiyawak and building couver, and then a week before the sharing a similar perspective as of brilliance are overshadowed by “What does water mean? It’s flowed through here. It gave us a residential schools. opportunity to explore their voices that feeling of community is fun- opening the gallery had to close you—find those people,” he says. West’s presence and Jesus Is King’s foundational, it’s most stable at its perspective that we’ve been here, “The process of accepting that and their sound, and the result damental to their message. down my show because of the con- “You just can’t really completely rushed recording process. lowest point, it’s used in teachings, we are here, and we’ll always be gift and caring for that drum and is one filled with pride—and at a “We’re part of a bigger com- tent of the sexually explicit work settle because your lives are always “Closed On Sunday” is a tonally it’s used in ceremony,” he says. “It’s here,” says Tyler. using that drum in a good way, that nêhiyawak show, the audience can munity, you and me and everyone,” PHOTO PROVIDED that I was doing at that time,” he going to be questioned, and you confused tribute to Kim Kardashian A piece by Jade Yumang, who is speaking at Camosun in November. one of the first things I think of when Those elements of history and informed the recording,” says Tyler. expect to feel that pride radiating says Tyler, “and whatever we can says. “This was in Vancouver! And, have to be vigilant, but at the same containing Chick-fil-A-inspired I think of Edmonton.” tradition are also evident in the The band also made use of a from the band. do to support that, let’s try and do ETHAN BADR “It’s usually kinda exercised you know, I was young, and I didn’t time also try to have fun.” rhymes. The skeletal instrumenta- The album begins and ends instruments nêhiyawak used on the carved cedar log drum, provided by “I’m so proud of who I am and that.” CONTRIBUTING WRITER through a lot of archival work, know any better. I mean, there was tion of “Water” sounds unfinished with tracks that represent the riv- album. Recording at the Hive Stu- Newman, that recreated the sound I want to blow on the coals of those Jade Yumang is a Chicago-based looking at the historiography of how a whole hoopla about it, but I found Camosun Visual Arts Visiting and the track is made worse by Artist Lecture Series West’s anxious singing voice. er, in name and in tempo. These dios with Colin Stewart, known for of wood on wood from Tyler’s child- good feelings,” says Tyler. “On the nêhiyawak artist who explores the concept history has been written and what’s out that one of the board directors of queer form through abstract kinda swept under the rug,” he just did not agree with my work. I Jade Yumang It’s evident that religion is soundscapes are atmospheric and producing bands like the New Por- hood attending pow-wow. west coast, they have a term, Eyēʔ 8 pm Friday, December 6 evocative, carrying a flow intonipiy . nographers and Black Mountain, “The sound of it, the tone of it… Sq ’lewen—that good feeling in- installations, performances, and says. “I guess what I’m looking for guess I became more of a recluse in 2 pm Wednesday, West’s driving passion, but Jesus ȃ $15, Lucky Bar And the stories told in nipiy are part the band was gifted three drums it’s just stunning,” he says. “It’s side—and I hope that people feel sculptures. He says that the crux of a is what’s under that rug in relation Vancouver in terms of the work that November 27 Is King’s lack of ambition and luckybar.ca of a larger conversation, influenced by Carey Newman, a Lekwungen what I heard when I was a kid, but that.” lot of the work that he does revolves to queer history.” I was doing. I just took a chance in Free, Fisher 100, Lansdowne polish leaves little to come back to. around what queer form looks like. Since his graduation from Par- terms of applying for grad school in camosun.ca -Mitch Fisher comedy New Music Revue review New book offers immersive but O Christmas Tea performers say it’s all about connection and magic incomplete sail into history ADAM MARSH gets to experience that through the “The heart of the show is about STUDENT EDITOR audience members that choose to cultivating this relationship we have the icy rivers to a mining town, full For Vancouver-based comed- participate.” with the audience, this idea that of adventure and hope of acquiring ians/actors/writers Aaron Mal- And past all the zany humour in we’re all playing a game together,” new riches. Even reading the diaries kin and Alistair Knowles—who the act, there’s a yearning for inner he says. “We’re all playing the game of workers and prospectors gave me go by the stage names James and peace lurking inside at least one of of theatre, playing the game of make Headstones MAVI Frecuencia de Muerte shivers of longing. Jamesy— there’s always time for the actors. believe. As we do in our lives.” Peopleskills Let the Sun Talk Death Frequency But as I read, I hit a snag in the tea. Their show O Christmas Tea “At least in my life,” says Know- Depending on how literal a per- (MapleMusic) (Independent) (Armageddon Label) river—a rock bed, really, like a few uses traditional Monty Python-era les, “there’s a desire for a sense of son wants to get with the Christmas 3.5/5 4/5 4/5 of the steamers in the book, evident- British comedy, but it also breaks groundedness, of neutrality, from story, says Knowles, there’s a lot of With a career that spans nearly While some artists benefit from Portland-based hardcore-punk ly. It didn’t stop me from reading, but it gave me a hard pause, because down the fourth wall, bringing this place of, ‘Oh, I’ve got everything mysticism and magic around things 30 years and is littered with Junos high-budget production, Char- band Frecuencia de Muerte just JESSICA ARMSTRONG performers and audience together. taken care of in my life, I have no people attribute to Christmas: Santa and hits, Canadian rock legends lotte, North Carolina rapper MAVI released their full-length debut, CONTRIBUTING WRITER past the breathtaking pictures and “A big part of what sets us apart worries. There’s nothing wrong. Claus, presents, The Elf on the Shelf, Headstones are back with their thrives on skeletal, sample-heavy Death Frequency. With a unique minute details the author has col- from traditional British comedy and Everything is simple.’” snowmen coming alive—things ninth album. Peopleskills continues beats that allow his non-linear take on hardcore punk, this Originally, I looked at Victoria lected, this book shows how our The slapstick, and physical comedy in It’s from this place of simplicity that are marketed for children. with the same stripped-down sound flow and sharp lyricism to shine band—featuring ex-members of author Robert Turner’s book history in the late 1800s as settlers Klondike Gold Rush Steamers: A general, is the way that the audience that adventures or action can hap- “But it’s really also an excuse for present on the Toronto-based through. When he’s not studying From Ashes Rise, Deathreat, and is just plain racist. History of Yukon River Steam Navi- feels during the experience,” says pen, says Malkin. And that’s how adults to play,” says Knowles. “And band’s previous effort, Little Army. neuroscience at Howard Univer- others—definitely adds some life The European settlers, our an- gation Of course they Malkin. “People find themselves tea gets circled back in to the show. our show is an exercise in that, an At times on the punk side of sity, MAVI constructs insightful to to the 2019 hardcore scene. and thought, cestors, did things that we can’t want me to write a review of a book compelled to participate, and to “Teatime is that time in British open invitation for those that attend rock, at other times on the rock songs detailing stories of human Death Frequency contains seven take back. I’m not talking about about boats play with us. We give them oppor- culture. You see pictures of men in the show to feel that magic.” side of punk, Peopleskills delivers experience and understanding his tracks, which is short, yes, but the . Being in the Navy, I the mining of gold, capitalizing tunities to step into participat- the Second World War in all their Malkin says that audiences are 11 solid, driving tracks of what’s identity as a Black artist. songs are of high enough quality can’t get away from them. I looked on the use of steamers, or creating ing in the show—very low-stakes battle gear, on the battlefield, just thirsty for unconditional love, and now called classic rock. Opening The Earl-Sweatshirt-produced to satisfy the cravings of hard- dubiously at the book, as it weighs business in the Yukon. I mean the invitations.” having their tea,” says Knowles. they’ll get that in this show. with the lead single “Leave it All track “Sense” sees MAVI discuss core-punk fans. While listening at least five pounds—it’s massive. treatment of the First Nations, and The audience involvement in “They’re taking that time to just “Something I think other audi- Behind,” the tone is set early and procrastinating on doing his school to each song, listeners can feel the Not one to back down from a it was not something to be proud of. this show is unique, says Malkin, ground out... to just be present with ences have enjoyed about what we they don’t look back. work and praising his own writing brutality, viciousness, intensity, challenge, I agreed to review it. In It’s mentioned in this book, however because the laugh doesn’t come each other, with themselves.” do is they sense a love between the With its punishing guitar and abilities. “Sense” is the album’s and power of the fast d-beats, the fact, I imagined sitting out on the vaguely. from the awkwardness that often As the name suggests, one of the two characters, a love that doesn’t a one-two punk beat consistent most confident-sounding track and raw, braying vocals, and the ripping porch each morning, drinking a I would have liked to have seen stems from an audience member central props in the play is a teapot. have an agenda,” he says. “I think throughout, most of the album is showcases MAVI’s youthful charm. guitar solos. coffee, watching the sunrise, and more information about the impact having to do something during a There are other holiday drinks that we’re thirsty for that representation good, but not great. That changes “Ghost (In the Shell)” is by far the With the combination of thrash, reading a vibrant history of the of the First Nations in the gold rush, performance. could have filled up the cup, but on stage, and in life, of two people with the acoustic power ballad record’s most hard-hitting song, as punk, and hardcore—inspired gold-rush era. delving into their work treatment “People get on board with the none of them quite compete with willing to be vulnerable.” “Motorcade,” and the following MAVI speaks bluntly about family by everything from the New York And I did, for a while. The as pilots and deckhands, maybe sprit of play that is driving the show a cup of tea. Other drinks often trauma and health struggles. hardcore scene to the legendary introduction alone brought me talking about the divisions of pay. O Christmas Tea cut, “Caught in a Loop,” both of and choose to play with us, and associated with Christmas shows— which stand a cut above the rest. Choruses are almost non-exist- Brazilian hardcore/punk band hurtling back in time to a different I felt this left a hole in the book, 3 pm and 7:30 pm Sunday, they leave with this elation of spirit, eggnog, for example—have more Showing no sign of slowing ent on this album, and samples are Ratos de Porão—and lyrics sung age, maybe a simpler time. The maybe a chapter missing where December 8 like they’ve discovered a new ver- expectations associated with them, down, Headstones’ latest is their an essential piece to each song. in Spanish, Frecuencia de Muerte book is not focused on gold, but this information could have been. $19.50 student tickets, sion of themselves,” says Malkin. says Knowles. He says that’s where best album since their 2000 LP, MAVI has a charming charisma brings a unique style of hardcore instead focuses on a specific mode Overall, the book was flawless, Royal Theatre “There’s a new energy and life and the imagination in the show— THADDEUS HINK Nickels for Your Nightmares. alongside punchy off-kilter flows. punk to 2019 with Death Frequency. of transportation: steamers. How except this one part of our history rmts.bc.ca excitement in that; the audience which the two wrote—stems from. Aaron Malkin and Alistair Knowles, also known as James and Jamesy. -Fred Cameron -Mitch Fisher -Mark Nguyen picturesque—imagine sailing down we tend to hide from. 10 COMICS November 20, 2019 nexusnewspaper.com COLUMNS 11

Bubbles by Lia Glidden Freedom from Addiction by Katie Mondey Hold My Beer, I Lost My Keys by Bo Essery Learning to let go How to have dinner with parents “Let go” might be the mantra through at virtually any cost—even a few years with a man prone to Having dinner with your parents of the 12oz and maybe order some- of my life. Long before I entered my own wellbeing, much of the rage, violence, and manipulation, is like sitting across the table from a thing from the drink specials, like recovery for sex and love addiction time. I was utterly unable to let go. I can no longer afford to abandon firing squad armed with questions the vanilla sunrise martini, which is I was aware that my mind was like At a psychological and physio- reality, nor do I truly want to. I must about your past, present, and future. marked down from $22 to a more- a bear trap: once I decided I wanted logical level, letting go—or surren- be willing to let go so that I can see To survive, you have to be focused than-affordable $18. something I was absolutely bent on der—is the cessation of all internal people as they really are. And, if and quick on your feet. You can’t be This is where they light you getting it. gripping, clinging, or struggling. It they show signs of dysfunction that shooting from the hip with evasive up with a hailstorm of questions. This was not ambition. I was is breathing with awareness, noti- could prove harmful to me, I must news like “Elizabeth’s pregnant!” What you need to do is blindside not simply going to do what it takes cing one’s physical sensations, and be willing to let them go. This is the first time they’re hearing them by openly bragging about your to achieve a goal. I was powerfully simply observing one’s immediate Letting someone or something I of Elizabeth and they’re sure to open awesome life! Brag about how you fixed on and obsessed with my ob- internal and external reality. This want go has never been easy for me, an investigation and interrogation finally paid off that credit card you ject of interest, whether it was a pack allows for clear perception and as it uncovers painful wounds from to get to the bottom of this story. It’s maxed out while buying Scrabble of cigarettes, a new jacket I wanted, accurate viewing of reality as it is. childhood abuse and trauma. But I only a matter of time before they find scratch tickets or how you’ve evaded or a man I was interested in. As a Learning to let go internally is continue, to my own astonishment, out you’re talking about the season your phone bill this month by faking child I might have been described necessary to disentangle oneself to let people go who are not right for finale of The Blacklist. your own death and changing your as willful, or pushy, or even spoiled from the relentless struggle of the me. There was a time when I could Lucky for you, your wise mentor name to Johnny Kuklinski and they and disobedient. But in retrospect pleasure/pain cycle, or addiction. not do this, and had to be dragged has some sage advice on how to should get used to it because you’ll it’s clear that addiction was at play As a sex and love addict (which through the mud before I would tread the awkward small talk and be damned if you’re going to pay from the time I was very young. It includes projecting a fantasy onto finally be forced to release my grip. punishing dad jokes! $3.49 in overage charges. manifested itself in various ways, someone), I must practice letting Thanks to addiction recovery, First, you’re going to want to You can tell them all about but the underlying workings of my go as I navigate the waters of dating many supportive friends, and a put on your Sunday best and pick that exciting new business ven- mind and brain operated as com- and relationships so as not to fall calling for something greater than somewhere nice to eat, some place ture you’re started with Scam-a-U, pulsive thoughts and behaviours. again into an unfulfilling or abu- living my life as an active addict, I CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT SOCIETY CLUB COLUMN that will demonstrate to your belov- where you only had to make an I was determined to see my desires sive relationship. After spending am learning to let go. CAMOSUN BUSINESS STUDY GROUP by Simon Shepherd ed parents that you have impeccable initial payment of $1,499.99 for Social Survival 101 taste. Let’s say Big Bad John’s. membership and then recruit two of by Sean Palmer Surely they’ve never seen so many your friends to sell discount zip ties. Building a mentor bras in one place before and are Your mentor says you’ll be making How to create a safest space bound to be impressed by the sheer over $50,000 a year, which is a lot Why do we need a mentor? In the last issue I raised the concern of faking it until you make it, showing the culture. more incentive to find friends than hazard of confusing false confidence with true skill. A mentor is someone who can help us obtain the right As hate, prejudice, and oppres- hazardous content, and nullify With SafestAI, zero tolerance I recommend ordering modest- you’ve had in a while! skills and confidence to succeed, and we perceive them as being paramount to our success. They are equally sion continue to pervade the world, offenders. Originally used to de- isn’t just a term, it’s a commitment. ly, as everybody knows that they’re Oh, the server’s back! What important to the success of a company. safe and safer spaces have made veloped Facebook’s safer alterna- Reassure your community that footing the bill. You don’t want them are we thinking, Mom and Dad? Costco requires all of its employees to start on the warehouse floor. All of them. Have a master’s in business valiant strides toward a more ac- tive, Safebook, SafestAI has grown any infraction upon safest-space to think you’re taking advantage of Dessert? And, also, can I move back from Stanford with 10 years of experience? You start on the floor. Costco’s reasoning is simple: its vision is cessible, fair, and diverse society. to become a robust force for positive policies will be met with complete them. Go with the 8oz steak instead in again? its people. During the 2007 financial crisis, while many companies were slashing wages, Costco committed However, recent technological social change that will soon be social annihilation. In addition to to raising them. breakthroughs will soon enable released into the public commons. memory-erasure services for linked Costco trusted its people then. Costco knows that its employees, not its board of directors, handle the small forward-thinking communities to Here are just four of the myriad ways community members, SafestAI Queering by Astrid Helmus details of the big picture every day. Costco knows that while its overall profitability depends on its vision and CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT SOCIETY CLUB COLUMN evolve into their most equitable in which SafestAI can make your can generate and control as many form yet: the safest space. community a safest space. social media accounts as necessary big picture, its everyday survival depends on the employees that interact with its customers on the daily. And MYWELLNESS CAMOSUN by Jordan Bell if its top people don’t know the inner workings on the ground floor, their decisions will show that. Whereas safe and safer space 1. Everyone welcome to permanently banish unlinked Love letter to a term For more information, I suggest reading Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras. proponents have relied upon hu- SafestAI will be free to run on offenders from the public sphere. Mental health talent show coming next semester! I love the word “queer.” It fits was essential for LGBTQ+ people’s Camosun Business Study Group is focused on students helping students to succeed both in and outside of the man-driven frameworks for social any brain-computer interface, and 4. Purify hazardous content my body naturally and eases my existence during the late ’80s and classroom. For news and events, follow them at facebook.com/cambussg. justice, safest-space advocates comes packaged with training pro- Employing the most cut- Calling all students and faculty! The Camosun MyWellness program argue that our flawed humanity grams that will ensure that you and ting-edge tools in human-image insecurities. It sits alongside my through the ’90s. is hosting a talent show to raise awareness for mental health early next itself creates a fundamental barrier your linked community are updated synthesis, text generation, and voice experience comfortably and gives The term quickly became com- semester, and we need your creativity! Singing, dancing, poetry, short to real progress. They go on to claim with the latest safest-space guide- mimicry, SafestAI can inoculate us me a way to describe the affections monplace, now loved by individuals stories—you name it, we want it. that only an unbiased, super-intelli- lines, rules, and terminology. from even the most heinous media I have known. It’s an identity that as a self-description, within aca- So what are the criteria? We just ask that you pick content that has gent non-human system can under- 2. Hyperinclusive policies and pop-culture content by creating embraces all that I am physically, demia (queer theory!) and beyond. some focus around mental health. One of the best ways to deal with pain stand and respond to our moral and Drawing upon a comprehensive safest versions. Likewise, real-time emotionally, and sexually. I have, in the past and currently, is through art and, even better, talking about it and sharing stories. The social deficits efficiently enough to database of social exclusion and voice manipulation can protect us The word feels open and wel- identified with several labels that showcase will be aiming to normalize stigmas around mental-health enact truly radical, lasting change. discrimination while also forecast- from encounters with unlinked coming; it sees me and smirks with fall under the LGBTQ+ acronym issues. Enter SafestAI, an incredible ing impending inequities, SafestAI outsiders who have not yet become wholesome intent. I smirk back. It and other queer terms. “Lesbian” The MyWellness program is an online counselling service for students new virtual assistant that can in- will generate perpetually updating their safest selves. feels soft and kind and confident and “dyke” hold a fond place in and faculty, offering free assessments, a 24/7 text hotline, and video stantly analyze the entire docu- policies that are inclusive beyond These are just a fraction of the and all-loving; it reminds me of my heart. counselling. Our goal this year is to connect students with the resources mented history of social prejudice normal human comprehension. ways in which SafestAI will change myself and of my community, wild When “dyke” has been used they may not be aware of and offer support wherever we can. and inequity in order to synthesize 3. Zero tolerance means zero our world for the best. Learn more and joyous. against me as an act of violence, it Writers and Artists: We Want Your Work! So go on! Contact Jordan at [email protected] with hyper-inclusive policies, sanitize tolerance at safest.ai.overlord. I have the privilege of “queer” filled me with anger. I am defensive a little bio about the act you’d like to share, and help us make the first never being directed toward me as of this term I love and the commun- Themed Issue: Dreams talent show for mental health a success. (We will be setting up an audi- Politics and Other Nonsense by Carla Marginean hate speech (“lesbo,” “dyke,” and ity behind it, offended that someone tion/run-through date.) See mywellness.com/camosun for more info. “faggot,” on the other hand...). I may try to use it with aggression. It’s Have you ever dreamed of whimsical and magical lands? Are your hopes and Reconciling climate change with the needs of the people cherish this privilege, as I know the beautiful and fierce history be- dreams within reach, or too ambitious to ever become a reality? Dreams can my love for the word may not be as hind the word “dyke” that I defend. effortless otherwise. The process I used to feel that the label I weave a tangled web of deeper symbolism or be completely nonsensical. There’s been talk of separa- this problem comes as no surprise, is why it is crucial that we recon- tism in Alberta and Saskatchewan considering how poorly the Liberal cile issues like this with tangible, of reclaiming labels thrown at us in chose to identify with was singular They can also just as easily unravel into nightmares. Have you ever lived your camosun’s student voice since 1990 recently due to the outcome of the party did in Alberta and Saskatch- long-term solutions, and not by violence can be both uncomfortable and exclusive. That change could dreams, or had them shattered? Do you escape into your dreams, or do you federal election, amongst other ewan in this election: the Liberals pointing blame at people who are and fulfilling. not occur without great event and find yourself trapped in dreams you want desperately to escape from? growing concerns. did not win a single seat in either having their livelihoods threatened. The word “queer” was once a need to “come out” with my new The oil and gas industries are of the two provinces. The federal government needs to reclaimed as an act of resistance identity. Now my approach is more Beside the Point is a creative writing journal produced by students at Camosun huge in these provinces—this caus- What Saskatchewan and Al- strike a balance between the current and, at its best, as a way of gathering fluid—I call myself by the terms College. We’re currently seeking unique and creative interpretations of what es concern surrounding the carbon berta want is, at least for their prov- needs of its people and the future and forming community. It came at I like. It’s no great event; it’s sim- a time when this kind of reclamation ply a phonetic description of my dreams mean to you (preferably avoiding anticlimactic “and it was all just a dream” What’s happening at tax. Therefore, there is growing inces, to abolish the carbon tax. In environmental security of Canada. nexusnewspaper.com and assertiveness as a community ever-growing existence. endings). We encourage you to submit your short stories, scripts, poems, creative Week of November 11, 2019, top five most read stories: resentment toward the federal gov- light of scientists’ grim predictions Both Alberta and Saskatchewan ernment for not doing enough to about us only having 12 years to have renewable-energy plans in nonfiction, and photographs to Beside the Point, and look forward to seeing what 1. “Othello a passionate lesson in how not to love,” November 8, 2019 protect the interests of the citizens reverse climate change, this prop- place that are not garnering as Camosun’s diversity of imaginations has to offer. 2. “Louse Burns proves she’s ready to break through with Victoria performance,” November 11, 2019 of Alberta and Saskatchewan. A lot osition seems absurd. Nevertheless, much support as they should. They 3. “Students bring Hollywood to Lansdowne Dunlop House Pub,” of people have lost their jobs due to people need to work and be given are already energy provinces, so if To submit, please register as an author and upload your work here: November 6, 2019 the effects of the carbon tax, and a living wage; the basic needs of the provinces’ governments could https://journals.uvic.ca/index.php/btp/index 4. “Isle of Tease burlesque festival celebrates diversity,” November even more are worried that they the people must somehow be met offset the jobs lost in the fossil-fuel 6, 2019 5. “Toronto’s Hawksley Workman continues to evolve,” November might be affected. while still maintaining our goals to industry to renewable energy then To read our most recent issue, find us at the above link or on Facebook. 6, 2019 The Liberals’ track record with combat climate change. they would be meeting the needs the carbon tax makes the two prov- There are a plethora of reasons of the people while still working inces skeptical of and even cynical that we should all care about climate toward our long-term goal of com- NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS Plus, head to our site to check out web-exclusive stories! toward Trudeau. Trudeau seems to change, of course, not the least of bating climate change. For this to DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: JAN.15, 2020 recognize the severity of the prob- which is that it will start to have an happen, though, the government Check it all out at nexusnewspaper.com, and find us on Insta- gram, Twitter, and Facebook today! lem, addressing it right away on increasingly more profound effect would have to stop taking money the night of the election. However, on our lives as time goes on. This from fossil-fuel lobbyists. 12 PUZZLES/EVENTS November 20, 2019 contest top 10 stories of 2019 word search Find the hidden Nexus and win Our feature story this issue takes a look at the 10 most-read stories of the year over at nexusnewspaper.com. We took words from the headlines of those stories to make this word search. Check out our feature on page 6, and then unwind with this little challenge. Find the words on the left in the puzzle on the right; as always, stop by the Nexus office (Richmond House 201, Lansdowne campus) if you complete this puzzle to pick up something from our pile o’ prizes. C O N F L I C T I N G S K K P A I A C N Q H B P V T F D E L BUILDER CAMOSUN P D B J V E U P R U K E Q B A COLLEGE CONCERNS A U R F F I L M N N T O G Q G CONFLICTING F T U T L E C N A T R O P M I ELIMINATES FILM V S R D S I I N I G S C W A A GLASS IMPORTANCE I S E T A N I M I L E N B S R INTEREST INTERURBAN F R T W G T R Z K E D C K T I LEGALLY MASTER D O N D T E G E L L O C B E S PERMITTED G D I Q P R B F C S X Z K R M GREG PRATT/NEXUS PLAGIARISM SNOW Let’s see if you can find this We hid the last copy outside on Y L L A G E L F T N B L L K I STUDIO copy of a previous issue of Nexus a table near the Camosun College STUNNING G C A M O S U N O O O S U Y I that we hid somewhere at Camosun Student Society kiosk in Fisher. THEFT College’s Lansdowne campus. Bring this copy of Nexus to us UPSET C U P S E T S F U W K C D F K The first person to find this copy if you find it; we’ve got gift cards, and bring it in to our office (201 shirts, and more for the winner to W V T V S L S S R F Z N M E C Richmond House) wins a free prize! choose from! H F K O R R C G O O H S L F K

what’s going on by emily welch

Management-infused schedules be pleased as punch that he is being those stories change with new to host the Brew’s Mystery Tour, a honoured so fondly—and appro- interpretations as different people fundraising event raising money priately. Doors open at 7 pm, and tell them. In its seventh season, for Camosun’s Child Care services tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at Christmas Tales—an event that fea- yard renovation project. It’s a four- the door. See facebook.com/diver- tures live music and storytelling— hour tour with live music, yummy sionburlesk for more details. will feature storyteller Justyn Rees tapas, and a silent auction. Things and singer-songwriters Russ Rosen, get started at 6:30 pm, and trans- Monday, November 25 Shari Ulrich, and Graham Ord deliv- portation is provided in the form Stayin’ alive… barely ering laughs and good times. The of a bus which travels to several fun goes down at 7 pm at Victoria There is the odd time that disco is breweries and drops you back off at Church of the Nazarene, located at a good thing—and when it’s mixed Dunlop House begging for mercy, or 4277 Quadra Street; search “Christ- with burlesque and costume con- maybe just a bucket to throw up in. mas Tales Victoria BC” on eventbrite. tests, well, you can’t get much better Whoever thought of raising money ca for more info. than that. Monday Night fever is for children with a beer tour is pretty being celebrated with disco, games innovative, as it is probably effective. Friday, December 6 and karaoke, and with performances The drunker you are, the looser the by The Saltines, Pop Tart, The 4D Get funky! purse strings become! I just hope Experience, Cherry Cheeks, and If you love dark, psychedelic, the kids are left at home. Tickets Eddi Licious, who are there to shake euphoric bass drops, put on your are $70 (but, hey, there is no price their cheeks and your senses. Bring gumboots and pull up your tighty on fun, and it’s for the kids!); search your screaming voice, your sexitude, whities: local spinner Dubversified “brew’s mystery tour” on eventbrite. and a fan—it’ll be hot in there. The Culture is performing with Port- ca for more info. fun goes down at the Victoria Event land-based band Barisone at the Saturday, November 23 Centre at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 Victoria Event Centre. Tickets are advance or $20 at the door; see vic- $20 in advance or $25 at the door; Where’s the party? toriaeventcentre.ca for more details. see victoriaeventcentre.ca for more Now, I love the idea of celebrating info on this and other upcoming DEREK FORD the harvest, but this is something Wednesday, November 27 to events happening at the Victoria The play Secret/e explores HIV criminalization, consent, and more. different: it’s LifeCycles’ 25th anni- Sunday, December 1 Event Centre. Until Saturday, so no need to panic about missing versary Harvest Party, and they’re Exploring secrets Saturday, December 7 December 14 it. Lighthouses have apparently had throwing it in true earth-loving, many different roles over the years, tree-hugging style. There’ll be Secret/e is a new local play that Ready to shake ’em Praying to the masses yummy food, short stories, music, looks at HIV criminalization, consent, from being a stoic landmark that pro- Hosted by local sex activist Rosie and a cash cider bar—wholesome and more, and it’s making its world Local artist Leah McInnis is pre- tected vessels from crashing into the Bitts, the latest round of burlesque homebrew, anyone? This seems like premiere on November 27. The play, senting her multi-disciplinary ex- shores and each other to some ac- at Metro Studio Theatre will have a really good time, and community which runs until December 1—World hibition, Mass, at Open Space until tually being ecological reserves now. you looking for a pen to sign up to connection through food is always AIDS Day—is running at Intrepid December 14. Mass is a totally new Either way, lighthouses are cool, and be one of Bitts’ students, too. Don’t sincere and filling. It runs from 6 pm Theatre Club; tickets are $10 to $20. work that is tied around the multiple the Maritime Museum is always a go easy; they’re burlesque students to 9 pm at the Philippine Bayanihan See intrepidtheatre.com for more meanings of the word “mass.” On fun place to hang; see mmbc.bc.ca but that doesn’t mean they aren’t Community Centre, located at 1709 information. Friday, November 22, McInnis will for more details. ready to shake some Brand New Blanshard Street. See lifecyclespro- hold a reception for her work from Friday, November 29 Boobies. Tickets start at $31.50. The Thursday, November 21 ject.ca for more information. 7 pm to 9 pm, and on Saturday, first show is at 7 pm on the Decem- November 23, she will present a A night at the mosh pit Hillside hoodlums… from Sunday, November 24 ber 7, but there’s also one at 9:30 for talk/performance, “Economy of Australia If you are a fan of noise, noise, and the night owls. See facebook.com/ Thought,” from 2 pm to 4 pm. The It’s all glitter, glitz, and more noise, We Hunt Buffalo are The Hillside Hoods are bringing bestbittsproductions for more info idea for all this came from McInnis gloom showing their very bold and brash on this and other events. wanting to explore how mass is both their multi-platinum Australian rap selves—who, by the way are clas- a thing and an idea—makes one to town, with Adrian Eagle in tow. If you can imagine a smoke-filled bar sified as rock/indie/punk/metal/ Tuesday, December 10 contemplate, doesn’t it? Everything The band, touring in support of their with a dusty, classic piano in the cor- hardcore…and, get this, pop—at The happens at Open Space; see open- latest album, The Great Expanse, ner and a soulful yet deep, throbbing Copper Owl. It should be hair-raising Christmas at the beach space.ca for more information. are coming to Distrikt on November voice rising out of that smoke while and intriguing, to say the least. I Join local rock band Vinyl Wave at 21; tickets are $39.50. See strathco- cartoon notes of jazz drop down to might go just to see how they can The Beach House restaurant and Until Thursday, nahotel.com/venue/distrikt for more hit your heart before they hit your pull off all those genres without bring in the holiday season with May 14, 2020 info. ears, then you may have accurately sounding like a trapped cat in a tunes, snacks, and booze. What pictured a Tom Waits concert. Well, Blinded by the light shopping bag. Tickets are $10 at the could be better? Tickets run from Friday, November 22 here’s the next best thing: Glitter and door; see copperowl.ca for details. $38 to $48, and there will also be Have you ever wondered about the Celebrate with your near- Doom—A Tom Waits Burlesque Trib- a silent auction, a cash bar, and, in shifting roles of lighthouses? No, ute is on at the Victoria Event Centre, Thursday, December 5 case you want to feel prim and prop- seriously: it is a thing. The Maritime est and beer-est and promises a night of art and er, a cocktail reception. Early bird Museum of BC’s exhibit Protecting Join some very motivated and warm- dance so strange and sophisticated Start the Christmas sea- tickets are available until Saturday, our Coast: The Shifting Role of BC hearted Camosun students who that Tom Waits himself, the so-called son off with a tale November 30; for more info, see Lighthouses is up until May 2020, are taking time in their Hospitality Master of Mood, would undoubtedly Christmas is all about stories, and beachhousevictoria.com.