MARCHJAN. 12 15 - 25,- 28, 2021, 2021 2021 | ISSUE | ISSUE 153 -153 8 - 12 OCT 5 TO OCT 18, 2018 | ISSUE 151 - 03 3 Amina Abawajy: First January 26–February 15, 2018 Black President of DSU ISSUE 150–08

NORTH AMERICA'S OLDEST CAMPUS NEWSPAPER EST. 1868 NORTHNORTH AMERICA'S AMERICA'S OLDESTOLDEST CAMPUS NEWSPAPER,NEWSPAPER, EST. EST. 1868 1868 12 Discussing identity politics 20 25 years down with the Tigers—more to come

Youth political parties on

TANIA WILLARD, BASKET RESCUE OPERATION (TALKING TO PETER MORIN AND REMEMBERING DANA CLAXTON’S TALK FOR THE BCMA IN WHISTLER) FROM THE SERIES ONLY AVAILABLE LIGHT, 2016. BIRCH BARK BASKET (RECLAIMED FROM ANTIQUE STORE), CEDAR ROOT, COPPER FOIL, LASER CUT TEXT. campus try ndiens art ehibit hanin the narratie callresponse creates an interconnected conversation to thrive ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Navigating the complex world of politics on campus EVEN “DINGY” APARTMENTS ARE WHAT’S IN THE DAL EDITOR'S LETTER 3 UNAFFORDABLE IN HALIFAX 5 PHYSIO CLINIC? 19 KATHLEEN JONES

Benjamin Mowat has been a student at both the University of King’s College and Dalhousie University for two years, but he’s no stranger to politics. As soon as he graduated from high LAST NOVEMBER, SIERRA SPARKS BECAME ONE OF 11 TO WIN THE 2021 RHODES SCHOLARSHIP. AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY, SHE PLANS TO PURSUE A DPHIL IN ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND CONTINUE HELPING PEOPLE THROUGH ENGINEERING. (PHOTO BY GEOFFREY HOWARD) school, he began work on Olivia Chow’s campaign for mayor of Toronto, where he lived at the time. ierraAS THE parksPLANET SHIFTED ONLINE DURING COVID-19, akes STUDENTS EMBRACE LOVE ANDher DATING IN A VIRTUAL ark WORLD. (PHOTO BY GEOFFREY HOWARD) “And that was an incredibly rewarding experience, working for a le ist cause,” als latestHappiness odes colar and nos heartbreak o to create cane he says. Our annual love and sex issue: pandemic edition Now, Mowat is the events coordi- ALSO IN THIS ISSUE nator for the Nova Scotia Young New KEEPING NEW YEAR’S ALSO EVERMOREIN THIS: ISSUE BLACK AND INDIGENOUS Democrats, a group he became involved RESOLUTIONS A REVIEW COACHES with in January of 2017. ENDURING PET8 LOVE DATING APP10 DANGERS QUARANTINE13 DATE NIGHT e Young New Democrats aren’t 5 8 9 hard to get involved with—membership in the party is only ve dollars. ere’s also a free campus club at Dal—but it can still be dicult to bring students in. Mowat attributes the challenge to conicting commitments and the fact that politically engaged students might be more interested in student union politics. “e student unions in Halifax take up a lot of room, and they focus a lot of

CONT’D PG. 18 JAN. 15 - 28, 2021 | ISSUE 153 - 8 OCT 5 TO OCT 18, 2018 | ISSUE 151 - 03 3 Amina Abawajy: First LETTER FROM January 26–February 15, 2018 Black President of DSU ISSUE 150–08 NORTH AMERICA'SNORTH AMERICA'S OLDEST OLDEST CAMPUS CAMPUS NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPER, EST. 1868 EST. 1868 12 THE EDITOR NORTH AMERICA'S OLDEST CAMPUS NEWSPAPER, Discussing identity EST. 1868 politics Hooray for 20 25 years down with Tarini Fernando Suzanne Hartmann the Tigers—more to come happiness Editor-in-Chief Copy Editor Dear reader, [email protected] [email protected]

Here it is: the Dalhousie Gazette’s annual love and sex is- Youth political sue. I hope these articles serve as a light-hearted break Lane Harrison Geoffrey Howard from the never-ending depressing pandemic news cycle. News Editor Visuals Editor parties on TANIA WILLARD, BASKET RESCUE OPERATION (TALKING TO PETER MORIN AND REMEMBERING DANA CLAXTON’S TALK FOR THE BCMA IN WHISTLER) FROM THE SERIES ONLY AVAILABLE LIGHT, 2016. However, we can’t celebrate love and sex this year [email protected] BIRCH BARK [email protected] (RECLAIMED FROM ANTIQUE STORE), CEDAR ROOT, COPPER FOIL, LASER CUT TEXT. campus try without acknowledging how much devastating heart- ndiens art ehibit hanin the narratie break the world has experienced throughout the ongo- callresponse creates an interconnected conversation to thrive Navigating the complex ing COVID-19 pandemic. In , more than Elizabeth Foster ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Alexandra Fox world of politics on campus EVEN “DINGY” APARTMENTS ARE WHAT’S IN THE DAL EDITOR'S Arts & LETTER Lifestyle 3 Editor Page Designer 22,000 people have lost their lives to the virus. Thou- UNAFFORDABLE IN HALIFAX 5 PHYSIO CLINIC? 19 sands of families continue to mourn the death of their [email protected] [email protected] KATHLEEN JONES loved ones. Benjamin Mowat has been a student at Back in issue nine of this year, I argued: optimism is the both the University of King’s College and Mayowa Oluwasansmi Liv Landon Dalhousie University for two years, but way forward for 2021. But it’s not easy to tell yourself to he’s no stranger to politics. stay positive amidst all this horror. I can’t say I’ve man- Opinions Editor Online & Engagement Editor As soon as he graduated from high LAST NOVEMBER, SIERRA SPARKS BECAME ONE OF 11 CANADIANS TO WIN THE 2021 RHODES SCHOLARSHIP. AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY, SHE PLANS TO PURSUE school, he began work on Olivia Chow’s [email protected] DPHIL IN ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND CONTINUE [email protected] PEOPLE THROUGH ENGINEERING. (PHOTO BY GEOFFREY HOWARD) aged to retain all the positivity I had in January, but rec- campaign for mayor of Toronto, where ognizing bits of good news, and small moments of love he lived at the time. ierraLuke Dyment parks akesContributing her arkto this issue: “And that was an incredibly rewarding and happiness in my everyday life, has been getting me experience, working for a le ist cause,” through these past few months. als Sports latest Editor odes colar nosRachel o Cooke, to create Tiger Cumming,cane Adam he says. Every time I hear or experience something good, I [email protected] Douglas, Morgane Evans, Andy Jung, Mandy Now, Mowat is the events coordi- ALSO IN THIS ISSUE nator for the Nova Scotia Young New shout a mental hooray: Vaccine deliveries are back on KEEPING NEW YEAR’S EVERMOREKing,: Gokce On, BLACK Thomas AND Scott, INDIGENOUS Natalia Tola Democrats, a group he became involved track in Canada, and Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin RESOLUTIONS A REVIEW COACHES with in January of 2017. 8 10 13 e Young New Democrats aren’t says interested province residents will all get their dose hard to get involved with—membership by the end of June. Perhaps both those facts will change in the party is only ve dollars. ere’s ADVERTISING CONTACT US also a free campus club at Dal—but it can in a week’s time, but for now, hooray! still be dicult to bring students in. I took a walk with my sister through Point Pleasant Mowat attributes the challenge to dalgazette.com conicting commitments and the fact Park the other day — the sun was out and it was beau- Ankit Bajaj that politically engaged students might be tiful. There was a time last year when most provincial Administration and Business Assistant The SUB, Room 345 more interested in student union politics. and municipal parks were closed, and maybe that will “e student unions in Halifax take [email protected] 6136 University Ave. up a lot of room, and they focus a lot of happen again. But for now, hooray for being able to en- (782) 234-9797 Halifax, N.S., B3H 4J2 CONT’D PG. 18 joy nature! My friend got her wisdom teeth out recently, and I had the pleasure of listening to her lament in an anaesthe- THE FINE PRINT sia-induced high about how her doctor’s name was Chad. (Why that made her sad I have no clue.) So, hoo- The Gazette is the official written record of Dalhousie University since 1868. It is published every two weeks ray for the hilarious moments of life anaesthesia and during the academic year by the Dalhousie Gazette Publishing Society. The Gazette is a student-run publication. friendship give us. Its primary purpose is to report fairly and objectively on issues of importance and interest to the students of Some days may not be worthy of a hooray. But if we Dalhousie University, to provide an open forum for the free expression and exchange of ideas, and to stimulate meaningful debate on issues that affect or would otherwise be of interest to the student body and/ all try and identify those small moments of love, happi- or society in general. Views expressed in the letters to the editor, in streeters and opinions section are solely ness, joy or connection, maybe the months to come will those of the contributing writers, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Gazette or its staff. Views be a little easier to get through. For that possibility, I expressed in the Streeter feature are solely those of the person being quoted, and not the Gazette’s writers or say hooray. staff. This publication is intended for readers 18 years of age or older. The views of our writers are not the explicit views of Dalhousie University. All students of Dalhousie University, as well as any interested parties on or off-campus, are invited to contribute to any section of the newspaper. Please contact the appropriate editor for submission guidelines, or drop by in for our weekly office hours in room 345 of the Dal SUB. The Gazette reserves the right to edit and reprint all submissions, and will not publish material deemed by its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous. Opinions expressed in submitted letters -Tarini Fernando, Editor-in-chief are solely those of the authors. Editorials in the Gazette are signed and represent the opinions of the writer(s), not necessarily those of the Gazette staff, Editorial Board, publisher or Dalhousie University.

2 | March 12, 2021 dalgazette.com NEWS New major in Black and African diaspora studies Dal students will soon receive a more complete history education BY NATALIA TOLA one’s history. And it should be taught as such and not separate,” said Banks. She said the goal is to make this program as big as political science or history at Dalhousie by inviting guest speakers, or potentially doing a co-op program. “What will be real progress is once the program is established, seeing how Dal continues to grow, and embrace and foster the program. So by that I mean setting aside funds to hire new Black faculty, and to bring in graduate students from all around the world to come to Dal and engage with the pro- gram,” Banks said. Banks said the current university curriculum is complacent in causing students to believe Black

DAL PROFESSOR AFUA COOPER HAS SPEARHEADED THE PUSH FOR MORE BLACK-CENTRIC EDUCATION. STARTING NEXT FALL, scholarship does not exist. STUDENTS CAN ENROL IN COURSES FOR THE NEW PROGRAM. (PHOTO BY KARLA RENIC) “This further perpetuates the idea that there Dalhousie University is creating a new major in ies program committee, who are developing were no Black scholars back in the day, or there response to recommendations for more Black-cen- the program. were no Black thinkers contributing to the field of tric education by the Report on Lord Dalhousie’s His- history or political science. And I think that is a tory on Slavery and Race, which examined the univer- Black history is essential to all failure on the department’s part,” she said. sity’s history and connections to slavery. history The new program will be officially titled a bach- Cooper said she was shocked after coming to Dal moving in the right direction elor of arts major/honours degree in Black and Dalhousie in 2011 and learning there was not According to Cooper, it’s crucial for universities African diaspora studies under the faculty of arts even a Black and African diaspora studies minor to support programs like this due to their role in and social sciences. at the school. the world. The program is among the first of its kind in If history departments fail to address Black and “Dalhousie University is a major influence on the the country, spearheaded by Afua Cooper, African diaspora studies, and its undeniable rele- province of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region. It chair of the Lord Dalhousie scholarly panel on vance, students aren’t receiving a complete educa- is the flagship university of the Atlantic region. So slavery and race. tion, Cooper said. we cannot continue producing knowledge about Cooper has been working to increase Black and “They are producing students who are absolutely one set of people,” Cooper said. African diaspora studies at Dal for nearly 10 unequipped to deal with the world,” Cooper said. The introduction of this program, and the great- years. She began pushing for a Black and Afri- “We are producing students who don’t have cul- er integration of Black history and culture into can diaspora studies minor at Dal after being tural competence. They don’t have the intercultur- Dalhousie courses is a key part of creating a more named the James Robinson Johnston chair in al skills. They don’t have the knowledge.” By edu- diverse campus, Cooper said. Black Canadian Studies in 2011. The minor was cating all students about Black history and “We have to say, ‘Where are African Nova Sco- instituted in 2016. cultures, the university can make an impact in tian students? Why aren’t we seeing more of them Cooper said she’s glad to see this major created dismantling racism within the community, Coo- on campus? What is going on?’ It’s not a simple after launching the minor “did seem like an up- per said. matter of offering scholarships to African Nova hill battle,” she said. “We have overcome that. I For example, Cooper said some Canadians have Scotians,” Cooper said. think the university is at a place where they are told her they’re surprised she speaks English so Similarly, Banks believes the university requires saying, ‘We are supporting this’ and it’s not just well. Cooper was born in Jamaica where English deeper change than simply offering monetary sup- lip service but, as the saying goes, putting their is the only official language. ports to Black students. money where their mouth is,” Cooper said. “Why would you be surprised? English is my “It’s not just a matter of making an inclusive Registration for the major will not be avail- mother tongue,” Cooper said. “You have a bach- space, but it’s also about making Black students feel able until fall 2022, but students will be able elor’s degree, you should know those things. like their contributions matter, and are just as im- to register for courses that will count to- That’s basic.” portant and are taken seriously in any field at Dal- wards the major this fall, according to Ra- The idea of Black history as a central part of edu- housie,” she said. chel Banks, a master’s student in the depart- cation is echoed by the committee who are devel- Banks and the committee are open to student ment of philosophy, and a research assistant oping the major. feedback regarding what they’d like to see in the for Dal’s Black and African Diaspora Stud- “Black history is a part of our history, of every- program. She can be reached at [email protected].

dalgazette.com March 12, 2021 | 3 NEWS Dal burns through $9.5 million pandemic handout Where’s the money going? BY LANE HARRISON, NEWS EDITOR COVID-19, Bryson said in an email to the Dal- shortfall are those that were needed to transition housie Gazette. all classes at Dalhousie online for the 2020-2021 According to Bryson, “Dalhousie has an open academic year. and transparent budget process.” But only if stu- The university had allocated $6 million to fo- dents know where to look and understand institu- cus on strategic initiatives, things such as equi- tional budgets, Stinson said. ty, diversity and inclusion, or student recruit- “I think it’s Dal’s responsibility to continue to ment, according to the June 2020 fiscal update. educate students about how they’re spending our Due to the pandemic, $2 million of that had to fees in a way that’s digestible to students,” Stinson be re-allocated for immediate spending on said. “That’ something we’ve brought up repeat- pandemic preparation. edly, being that our student body doesn’t have the According to the budget, that includes addition- time to look through a budget report.” al teaching assistants and other supports for facul- ty, funds for Academic Technology Services, and From surplus to shortfall the Centre for Learning and Teaching to facili- tate online learning through new software, as well The new funding “will allow the university to sup- the Together@dal project — a program launched port much-needed programs that were approved in the fall meant to connect new students with the in the 2020-2021 budget,” Bryson said. THE DSU CONTINUES TO PRESS DAL FOR DETAILS campus community. ON SPENDING. (PHOTO BY GEOFFREY HOWARD) The shortfall is a result of both new investments made in response to COVID-19 and the waiving The provincial government gave Dalhousie Uni- of certain student facility fees, which resulted in a Students deserve more versity about $9.5 million in January 2021. Ac- revenue loss that contributed to the shortfall, ac- transparency cording to Maddie Stinson, the Dalhousie Stu- cording to the 2020-2021 budget. Every month, Stinson and the DSU executive dent Union (DSU) president, the university owes “The university provided significant financial team meet with members of Dalhousie’s senior students a better explanation of where that money support for students through increased bursaries administration to discuss student issues on the is going. and by waiving some fees,” Bryson said. DSU radar. The province announced in January it would be According to the budget, the university spent Prior to the January meeting, the executive providing $25 million to universities across Nova $10.6 million on this support, $4.2 million on in- team consulted with members of the DSU coun- Scotia to help them “manage the impact of the creased bursaries and $6.4 million in fees normal- cil and other students to gain their opinion on pandemic,” according to a provincial news re- ly paid by students. how the funding could lease. Dalhousie received $9,479,700 in total. The university waived best be used. The university will be using the money to cov- all athletic program- “When the university “When the executive er a $9.8 million shortfall in its operating bud- ming and fitness centre very publicly receives brought it up, we were get, according to Janet Bryson, Dalhousie’s as- fees for both the fall very quickly told that the sociate director of media relations and issues and winter terms, ac- funding from the topic of the $9.5 million management. cording to the budget. province, I do think in public funding wasn’t Without government assistance the universi- “The fitness centre is that our community up for discussion,” Stin- ty would have to use funds from its reserve open, but access is lim- should be made aware son said. budget to cover the shortfall, Bryson said. The ited due to Public Covering the shortfall is reserve budget is made up of budget surpluses Health requirements, of where that funding the goal of the funding, from previous years. and many students are goes.” according to the provin- According to the fiscal update published in June completing their stud- cial press release, which 2020 the university believed it would be facing a ies remotely,” the bud- said the province issued $28.5 million shortfall due to COVID-19. At that get said. the dollar amounts in response to information time, the university planned to reduce faculty Increased bursaries for students also contributed provided by the universities on expenses incurred budgets by 2 per cent and cut funding for teaching to the shortfall covered by the provincial funding, during the pandemic. equipment purchases in half to help address the Bryson said. “I do recognize that having a deficit in our bud- shortfall. Dalhousie has a reserve fund of $12.2 The university doubled its bursary funding get does require attention,” Stinson said. “But million, bolstered by a $6.4 million surplus in the from $3 million to $6 million due to the pan- when the university very publicly receives fund- 2019-2020 operating budget. At this time, the demic, according to the budget. Additionally, ing from the province, I do think that our com- university planned to reduce faculty budgets by 2 the university increased its support for student munity should be made aware of where that fund- per cent and cut funding for teaching equipment assistance programs for international students ing goes, and in this case, saying that that purchases in half to help address the shortfall. and students in designated groups by $455,000, information is present, and the justification for The shortfall took place because of several ex- according to the budget. that choice is present in our budget, I don’t think penditures the university had to make due to Other expenditures that contributed to the is enough of an explanation,” she said.

4 | March 12, 2021 dalgazette.com NEWS Cuddles during COVID-19 Students share their dog days of the pandemic BY MORGANE EVANS

Similarly, Metcalfe said having Disney around is An expert’s take a welcome distraction from the current state of Silvia Jay, a dog behaviour consultant who has the world. been working with dogs since the late 1990s, said “It’s great to have [Disney] because she keeps me in an email to the Dalhousie Gazette that the lack of busy. Having her is helpful. She reduces depres- socialization for dogs during the pandemic is not sion and anxiety, and improves [me and my much of a concern. roommates’] mental health.” “Even with ‘COVID-19 puppies,’ as long as they It’s not all love and long walks were still exposed, and as long as they’re with the odd visitor, that is typically enough to prevent Caring for dogs during the pandemic has pro- neophobia [the fear of something new],” she said. duced some challenges. Such as when Metcalfe However, what is a concern is the effect of own- and Disney completed their 14-day self-isolation ers’ changing schedules on dogs during the pan- after entering the province. demic. Jay explained newly adopted dogs can get “It was pretty difficult separation and isolation just because you’re not anxiety when their own- able to take them for ers go back to work in like walks or anything “I find other people person. like that, and we had to have changed, and Dogs who were adopt- OWNER GRACE METCALFE CREDITS DISNEY WITH BOOSTING stick strictly to the MORALE IN DIFFICULT TIMES OF ISOLATION. don’t really come up ed pre-pandemic whose (PHOTO BY MORGANE EVANS) backyard,” Metcalfe and socialize their owners now work at The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to said. “It was also diffi- home may not get work, relax and play all day with their pets at cult to have her in [my dogs.” enough rest — some- home. For some pet owners at Dalhousie Univer- house] for the entire thing they’d usually do sity, this experience has been a mixture of labour day because normally while their human is at and love. she’ll spend like a cou- work or class — which “can lead to all sorts ex- ple of hours outside.” pressions rooted in frustration and overstimula- Added love during lockdown She has also noticed that social distancing rules tion, including barking and generally overreact- have made it challenging to get Disney to social- Grace Metcalfe, a first-year science student ing to stimuli,” Jay said. ize with other dogs. from Toronto, has discovered that just by car- To help dogs get used to the constantly changing “I find other people have changed, and don’t re- ing for her 11-year-old Cavalier King Charles nature of the pandemic, Jay recommends owners ally come up and socialize their dogs. [On the spaniel, Disney, she has had an easier time cop- take dogs out to explore the outdoor environment, sidewalks] people go across the street so they don’t ing with the pandemic. leave them alone for a short time if they have de- have to walk past us. It kind of worries me because “Even just having her with us will boost the mo- veloped separation and isolation anxiety, or pro- I don’t want my dog to get socially anxious be- rale of the entire house,” she said. “I feel very vide them with a resting place away from humans. cause she’s not seeing other dogs.” lucky to have her.” Cameron has found a way to get Henry to social- Kate Cameron, a third-year sociology student at ize just by virtue of living with other people. Dalhousie has had her Maltese, Henry, for 12 “He always has people around him because of years. When she moved back to Halifax in her my roommates,” she said. second year, she decided to bring Henry with her, Both Metcalfe and Cameron believe their dogs and has been travelling with him back and forth have noticed a change since the pandemic began. from ever since. “[Henry] could probably sense that there were “Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have changes in the beginning,” Cameron said. The interacted with Henry more,” Cameron said, pair spent a lot more time together than usual though this has mostly been inside, as she’s been when the pandemic began. She thinks that Henry worried about catching COVID-19 while leaving has grown accustomed to the pandemic life and the house with him. probably does not notice the changes as much The isolation of the pandemic has created a anymore. deeper bond between pets and owners. To bond “[Disney] definitely has noticed a change in and to take care of Henry, Cameron has created a scenery, and she would have noticed a difference pandemic routine. just because she’s not seeing dogs or family mem- “I feed him in the morning and let him out bers as regularly,” Metcalfe said. “[She’s also] in four times a day to go to the washroom, give this confined space and sees the same six people him lots of cuddles, feed him treats and groom CANINE COMPANION: DURING THE PANDEMIC, who live in my house a lot.” HENRY HAS PROVIDED A DAILY ROUTINE FOR HIS OWNER him,” she said. KATE CAMERON. (PHOTO BY MORGANE EVANS)

dalgazette.com March 12, 2021 | 5 NEWS No captain, no problem Dal students attempting to build an autonomous sailboat to cross the Atlantic BY ANDY JUNG

The team tono if any other vessels are nearby, allowing it to The team was initially run by the faculty of change its course as it sees fit. engineering, led by the past dean Josh Leon Nautono will be constantly recharging itself who became Dal’s assistant vice-president of through a solar panel equipped to the boat. information technology services in 2019. The boat is being built with both cast resin and Leon and other faculty members on the team carbon fibre, which will make it both strong and selected upper-year students to work on the lightweight, Cain said. project, according to Jade Farr, the manage- The project costs between $7,000 to $8,000, said ment team lead. Farr. The team was able to make up half of its The failed boat was called the SeaLeon. This budget through a $3,000 donation from Dal fac- year’s entrant is named Nautono. ulty, as well as $1,000 in sponsorship through a This year, the team is made up of more than 40 student on the team in the capstone program — a students that range in experience from sec- program within the faculty of engineering where ond-year to graduate studies, said Farr. Having a industry members sponsor student projects that variety of students with different expertise is a solve real world problems. The rest of the funds major asset to the team, she said. are being made up through corporate sponsors. The team is divided into four sections based on students’ interests and skill. These sections are A challenging transition for a management, electrical, mechanical and soft- new team ware. Due to COVID-19, the team is facing the chal- lenge of not being permitted to use Dal facilities. The boat “Going into Dal would have been easier,” Cain According to Cain, the most important aspect of said. “We know the layout of the labs and what each team’s work is ensuring it functions in har- we’re able to use and what we have access to there.” mony with the rest of Instead, they were able to gain access to the SEALEON WAS LOST AT SEA IN 2018. (PHOTO PROVIDED BY the boat. While the me- THE DALHOUSIE AUTONOMOUS SAILBOAT TEAM) chanical team works on “It would be real fun Centre for Ocean Ven- A group of Dalhousie University engineering stu- designing a mechanism tures and Entrepreneur- dents are attempting to build the second autono- to turn the rudder, they to have our names on ship (COVE) in Dart- mous sailboat to ever cross the Atlantic Ocean. must regularly consult a boat sailing on its mouth, N.S. “That’s The Dalhousie Autonomous Sailboat Team is with the electrical team own to Ireland.” been a huge help for us,” aiming to launch a fully autonomous sailboat in to ensure there’s space Cain said. August 2021 to compete in the Microtransat for the required tech- Another large chal- Challenge, a transatlantic race of autonomous nology that will bring lenge, according to Farr, boats between university programs and engi- the boat to life. has been the lack of information available about neering companies. All of this harmony, and the possibility of Nau- the SeaLeon, Dal’s last autonomous sailboat. Dalhousie last entered the challenge in 2018. At tono’s success in the transatlantic competition, “It’s really important to have those transition that time the team was led by faculty who select- begins with its software. documents and we just didn’t have them,” Farr ed a group of students to work on the boat. But “Our main focus is an upgrade to the naviga- said. Additionally, no one on the current team the 2018 team was disqualified when they lost tion system, so that we can ensure that the boat was also on the 2018 team. contact with the boat after 76 days at sea. It was actually goes where we want it to,” said Seamus “I’d say the transition has been a struggle for eventually found more than 200 days later on MacInnes, a third-year electrical engineering everybody,” said MacInnes, “we don’t have any- the coast of Ireland. student on the software team. one on the software team that knew much about The team is now being led entirely by students. Nautono will navigate its way across the Atlan- the old code coming into it. So, a lot of effort has “Once this is done, we’re going to put it in the tic using a series of GPS waypoints that have to go into understanding the old code and find- water and we’re not going to give it any informa- been pre-programmed by the software team. To ing out where it needs upgrading.” tion,” said Nolan Cain, a fourth-year mechanical capture wind speed, it will be equipped with a Despite the challenges and previous fail- engineering student and the mechanical team lead. weather station that senses the wind’s direction ures, the team is still inspired to see the proj- “Once it sets sail, it does all of its own steering and and reacts accordingly. ect through. everything, and propulsion. We have a solar panel, Nautono also has the ability to make its own “It’s just a really cool project,” said MacInnes. so it can consistently recharge itself, and we just get decisions, through software such as the automat- “And it would be real fun to have our names on location data from it every few hours.” ic identification system (AIS). The AIS tells Nau- a boat sailing on its own to Ireland,” he said.

6 | March 12, 2021 dalgazette.com OPINIONS Baseball legend trailblazed path for Black players Why Hank Aaron’s achievements must be recognized BY TIGER CUMMING century boasted players of extraordinary talent, Paving the way for Black though many aspects and initiatives in the leagues baseball players were underfunded and disorganized. Immediate- Aaron’s Hall of Fame career came to be over ly after Robinson broke the colour barrier, the the course of three decades worth of civil rights best way for a Black player to make it to the majors movements in the United States. Growing up was through the Negro Leagues even if only a playing semi-pro baseball in Mobile, Ala., he brief stint like Aaron had with the Clowns. broke the colour barrier in the South Atlantic Players Like Aaron, Ernie Banks and Willie League in 1953 with the Jacksonville Braves. Mays — all Hall of Famers during the ’50s and Early in his pro career, Aaron’s time in the mi- ’60s — got their starts in the dying days of the nor leagues is often forgotten, but might be just Negro Leagues. So the possibility that their as important as his MLB accomplishments. achievements as Negro League players after Throughout the season while playing in south- 1948 might now be included as MLB-calibre is ern American states that enforced Jim Crow an interesting and exciting prospect. laws, Aaron, his fellow Black teammate Horace While disorganized, the Leagues had spent Garner and Puerto Rican native Félix Mantilla decades growing into a premier competition experienced racist abuse from both Jackson- with immense talent, and while breaking the ville’s and its oppo- colour barrier was the nents’ fans. best thing that has Despite this abuse, “It’s easy to forget ever happened in ma- and not being able to jor league baseball, it live, eat or stay at the widespread racism in severely hurt the Ne- HANK AARON, ONE OF THE GREATEST MLB PLAYERS EVER, PASSED AWAY IN JANUARY 2021. same hotel as his team- baseball didn’t gro Leagues. (PHOTO BY STEVE BURNS ON FLICKR) mates, Aaron was de- disappear with Jackie In this sense, the Ne- When Hank Aaron retired from baseball in scribed by Jacksonville Robinson signing with gro Leagues sort of 1976, he did so as one of the greatest baseball manager Ben Ger- went out with a bang. It players of all time. Aaron died in his sleep on aghty, in a 1957 Sports the Brooklyn Dodgers.” wasn’t from a lack of Jan. 22, 2021. He was 86. Illustrated interview, as talent that doomed the The feat he’s most famous for was breaking “the most relaxed kid” Leagues, but issues on Babe Ruth’s career home run record of 714. he ever saw. the organizational side. How can we overlook Even after Barry Bonds eclipsed that record in It’s easy to forget widespread racism in base- these players simply because of how the Leagues 2007, Aaron still holds the Major League Base- ball didn’t disappear with Jackie Robinson were run aground? That’s like saying if the ball (MLB) record for career runs batted in signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson MLB went broke today then the next baseball (RBI) with 2,297 and total bases with 6,856. He opened a path for other People of Colour into league wouldn’t recognize present-day stars is third all-time in career base hits with 3,771. the MLB, but the injustices he faced with the like Trout, Mookie Betts or Bryce Harper be- Before taking the MLB by storm, Aaron got Dodgers, and the entrenched racism that Aar- cause they were only around near the end. his start playing for Negro League teams like on had grown up in, was felt by every Black As with the MLB, the calibre of competition the Indianapolis Clowns. In a recent decision, player trying to make it to the major leagues. in the Negro Leagues remained consistent the MLB elevated the pre-1948 Negro Leagues The abuse would continue through Aaron’s ca- throughout as elite-level baseball. And Aar- to the status of the American and National reer, especially as he closed in on Ruth’s home on, the greatest player to ever come through leagues. This means while Negro League statis- run record. the Leagues, played after 1948. Could that tics before 1948 are included in MLB record mean the post-1948 era was even better? Re- books, Aaron’s five home runs he hit for the Recognition of the Negro gardless, the whole pre-1948 rule just doesn’t Clowns are not counted as part of his major Leagues make sense. league home runs, having debuted in the ’50s. Validating Negro League achievements from Although they may not leave a huge impact Just as Robinson’s historic appearance with the post-1948 would go a long way in acknowledg- on where he stands in all-time leaderboards, Dodgers didn’t end racism in the major leagues, ing how Black players joining the MLB was a the Leagues (before and after 1948) are it didn’t immediately end Black baseball as it process and not a moment frozen in history. It commonly considered to be roughly as good had existed for decades as the Negro Leagues. would further cement Aaron’s reputation as as the MLB at the time. Considering players In his first professional contract, Aaron had one of the greatest baseball players ever and like Aaron played in the Negro Leagues af- previously played in the Negro American one of the greatest athletes to lead the way for ter 1948, perhaps it’s time to elevate all Ne- League for the Clowns in 1952. Black players into the upper echelons of their gro League stats to the major league level. The Negro Leagues of the early to mid-20th respective sport.

dalgazette.com March 12, 2021 | 7 OPINIONS Love in the algorithm age What’s the verdict on dating apps? BY MAYOWA OLUWASANMI, OPINIONS EDITOR

Needless to say, dating apps are becoming the new normal of dating.

The downsides Like any of its counterparts, dating app algo- rithms are ripe for bias. Companies like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge implement a technique called collaborative filtering. Collaborative filtering generates matches based on both personal preferences and majority opinion. When a user first joins, the matches recommended are mostly dependent on the majority of users pro- files. Over time, collaborative filtering creates a digital hierarchy where certain human choices are lauded and certain types of profiles are marginal- ised, despite the user’s ability to alter specific prefer- ences. In an article by Wired, video game designer Ben Berman noted how niche dating platforms such as Jdate and AmoLatina are evidence of how minority profiles are excluded from major dating platforms by collaborative filtering. The nature of online dating can make the dating environment somewhat riskier, as it is harder to keep users accountable. The study shows more than three in 10 users report matches through a dating platform continued to contact them after SWIPE LEFT, SWIPE RIGHT: CONSUMERS LOOK TO APPS LIKE TINDER AND BUMBLE TO FIND POTENTIAL MATCHES. (PHOTO BY GEOFFREY HOWARD) stating they weren’t interested. Additionally, 35 Algorithms are now a part of our human experi- including the ability to identify a problem, find an per cent said they were sent unsolicited sexually ence, forecasting the outcomes of numerous activ- efficient solution to the problem and use the right explicit photos or messages by other users to con- ities from driving to takeout to social interaction. data to solve the problem. In a dating app, the tact them after stating they weren’t interested. Now valued at US$4 billion, the online dating problem would be finding love, sex or whatever Clearly harassment is a key concern on dating industry is one of many tech innovations aiming connection the user is looking for. The solution sites, especially for younger women as 60 per cent to make life easier by uses mathematical algo- of female users aged 18 to 34 report someone on a helping us navigate the rithms to identify match- dating app contining to contact them after they dating landscape and “Harassment is a key es for each user, based on said they weren’t interested. Dishonestly is anoth- find the one. data like inputted loca- er issue that comes up with dating apps, where 71 Companies like Tinder concern on dating tion and other biograph- per cent of users believe others lie about them- and Bumble accumulate sites, especially for ical information — for selves in their profiles to appear more desirable. In data from billions of us- younger women.” example, interests, pho- an ecosystem of collaborative filtering, how can ers, using sophisticated tos, location, preferred this even be avoided? algorithms to analyse age range and so on. and predict our potential matches. But are algo- While not all dating apps work the same, they all What’s the verdict? rithms an effective means of finding love? aim to tackle this problem. Dating sites haven’t fully perfected the ultimate Tinder’s parent company Match Group report- love-solving artificial intelligence that will match Dating app algorithms ed as of the fourth quarter in 2019, Tinder has an everyone with their perfect soulmates. Despite According to Sucheta Soundarajan, a computer average of 5.9 million subscribers. According to a this, romantic love is fair game for any algorith- science professor at Syracuse University in New 2019 Pew Research Center report, 30 per cent of mic solution, and a significant portion of today’s York, dating app algorithms are like recipes. You American adults have used a dating app, with 12 dating landscape relies on these algorithms. must have specific ingredients for your meal, and per cent entering a long-term relationship. Addi- Online dating is a tool using sophisticated algo- they must be combined in a certain order to pro- tionally, the Pew report found dating apps and rithms and making the virtual world as ripe for duce the final result, Soundarajan says in an arti- websites are more popular amongst American love as a bar, a school or anywhere in reality. It is cle by Syracuse’s online master in computer sci- LGBTQ+ adults, where 55 per cent indicated also important we recognise the bias entrenched ence program. they were users, than with straight adults (only 28 in algorithms, and that data is not always just, fair Soundarajan defines proper algorithm design as per cent said they used online dating services). or even accurate.

8 | March 12, 2021 dalgazette.com ARTS & LIFESTYLE Date night pandemic style New ways to connect during COVID-19

BY MANDY KING

Provincial COVID-19 restrictions make tradi- tional dating difficult these days. To help Dal- housie University students keep the romance alive, here is a list of safe ways to have fun with your partner.

Hold hands and hit the ice For those who love getting outside, the Emera Oval on Cogswell Street in Halifax offers so- cially distanced ice-skating sessions. You are welcome to hold hands on the ice, but only in groups of two. Due to the pandemic, the Oval has imple- mented safety procedures. This includes the continuous use of non-medical masks by all participants on the ice. To skate at the Oval, you must book a time- slot online through the Halifax Online Recre- ation Services website. Skate times can be booked up to 48 hours in advance. This is meant to limit the number of people on the ice, making it a safer experience for everyone. If you don’t own your own skates, don’t wor- ry! You can rent skates and helmets for free with government-issued photo ID, but supplies are limited. Once the ice melts, visitors at the Oval can enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, in-line skating and roller-skating.

Get artsy FOR COUPLES WHO ENJOY SPENDING TIME TOGETHER OUTSIDE, THE EMERA OVAL IS NOW BOOKING ICE SKATING TIMES. (PHOTO BY @RYAN.KEEPING ON INSTAGRAM) If pottery painting interests you, there’s two dif- Cook up some romance ferent studios in the Halifax Regional Munici- items from local shops and having a spa day pality. Clay Café Dartmouth is on Portland The dinner date is a classic, but COVID-19 re- at home. Street in Dartmouth, N.S., and Clay Café pot- strictions might make students feel uneasy Wrap up in comfy robes and swap safety tery studio is on Quinpool Road in Halifax. about hitting the town for a meal. If you’re sick masks for moisturizing Korean beauty (a.k.a. The experience allows singles, couples of takeout, but still want to treat your partner to K-beauty) masks from Moon Moon Cosmetics and groups to select pottery pieces to paint. a culinary date, try a meal kit. on Lower Water Street. After painting, the piece is left at the studio Meal kits come in different sizes and brand For bath products, Lodestone Soap Co. on to be glazed and baked in a kiln. When names, including Hello Fresh, Chef’s Plate and Agricola Street in Halifax sells vegan and or- ready, the shop calls and you can pick up Goodfood. These companies offer a selection of ganic soaps from Nova Scotia. your pottery. meal options, and send ingredients and cooking Make a foot soak with bath bombs from Little The cost of paint and studio time is included instructions to your home. Luxuries Soapworks. Shop their Etsy page, or in the price of the clay piece. Larger pieces cost Rather than face the buzzing nightlife of local shops like Seaside Casual Wear in East- more than smaller ones, making this an afford- Spring Garden Road next weekend, simply un- ern Passage, N.S. or Coconut Creek in Dart- able date night option. box a meal kit and enjoy the shared experience mouth Crossing, N.S. While both studios are still offering in-stu- of whipping up something tasty. dio sessions, the Dartmouth location allows Self-love for singles you to purchase your pottery piece and rent At-home spa day Not everybody has a somebody. Don’t forget paint supplies to enjoy this activity at home. The spa is a luxurious way to unwind with a to take time out for self-love. All of the above If you’re part of an artsy couple looking to get romantic partner, but wearing a mask on the ideas can be great opportunities to treat creative, this is a safe alternative to group massage table might take away from the am- yourself to some fun, good food, creativity painting events. bience. A fun alternative is gathering luxury and pampering.

dalgazette.com March 12, 2021 | 9 ARTS & LIFESTYLE The kids aren’t all right International students share mental health anguish amidst political turmoil BY GOKCE ON

STUDENTS FROM COUNTRIES WITH OPPRESSIVE GOVERNMENTS OR UNSTABLE SITUATIONS HAVE BEEN FACED WITH ADDITIONAL STRESS, ANXIETY, AND WORRY ABOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS BACK HOME. (PHOTO BY GEOFFREY HOWARD)

There’s no doubt everyone wanted to lates freedom of speech. In June 2020, be- is currently a petition on Change.org leave the chaos, unpleasantries and bad fore the act was officially signed, more with almost a million signatures to throw news behind in 2020. However, it does than 1,000 Filipino students and activists out the Anti-terrorism Act. not seem like 2021 got the memo. protested at the University of the Philip- Even with vaccinations rolling out pines Diliman against the act’s possible Turkey throughout the world, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect students’ infringement on human rights. Similarly in Turkey, students and activ- lives. International students may have the Neo Ragsac, a second-year marine biol- ists have been protesting in support of the extra burden of sitting through classes, ogy student at Dalhousie University who’s freedom of the academy and the LGBTQ+ completing projects and writing exams currently living in Toronto, says he’s wor- community. In January 2021, the govern- under less-than-ideal political situations ried about his friends and family in the ment appointed Melih Bulu as rector of a in their home countries. Philippines. They have strong opinions major university. Bulu, who shut down about the act. the university’s LGBTQ+ club, has ties to The Philippines “Once in a while when I watch the news the ruling party of Turkey. Students have The Philippines has faced a human rights relating to protests regarding the [act] been protesting Bulu’s appointment as crisis since last July when their president, and the red-tagging of various institu- rector, which is a position usually elected Rodrigo Duterte, signed the Anti-terror- tions, it leaves a thump in the brain.” by the university. ism Act of 2020. While the act outlines Red-tagging is the Filipino govern- Turkey has an extensive history of polit- that protests and dissent are not terrorist ment’s practice of targeting, and black- ical turmoil. In the words of Melis Erkan, activities unless they cause harm or death listing people and organizations not sup- a second-year medical sciences student at to people, opponents worry the act vio- portive of the current government. There Dal who’s studying remotely from Tur-

10 | March 12, 2021 dalgazette.com ARTS & LIFESTYLE key, “repetition of history in this country virus if you even get near [a public hospi- killed in four prisons, and many videos of has tired people down.” tal],” Rueda says. Many Hondurans can- the violent murders were posted online. The continued oppression has affected notARTS afford private & LIFESTYLE institutions or health- While the riots were a result of rival gang millions of people in horrendous ways care. Rueda believes the death toll has conflict, some believe the government is and left others with trauma. been high due to “the incompetence of also at fault for the lack of proper reha- “Turkey’s been being ruled by this one the public healthcare system and its lack bilitation resources at prisons. partyDalhousie ever since my generation was born, of proper fund distribution.”poets:“These events further increase our anxiety and we have been in an economic crisis as “Witnessing all the unfairness, I have over the future,” says Vásconez. “How can long as I can remember,” Erkan explains. felt anger and rage built up,” he says. we focus on university assignments when it The Justice and Development Party of feels like our country is falling apart?” Turkeyanother has held power almost every year Ecuador year since 2003. Unfortunately, like many other countries, India With the added pressure and dangers of Ecuador has also been suffering from the On a slightly more positive note, Trisha COVID-19, tensions have been on the pandemic while also Dhar Malik, a sec- rise.Thoughts The new wave of protests whileabout trying to navigate itsstarting anewond-year University hopeful, are also extremely draining to way through various “How can we focus on of King’s College keepBY DECKLAN track of. ZION ROLLE political events. journalism student Erkan says, “I feel like my whole college university “When the first assignments when it from India, says she is experience, especially this year, has been wave hit, people’s “so proud with what’s not letting my grades fall, talking to a bodies were quite lit- feels like our country happening in Delhi million differentNew advisors Year, to sortNew my Melife erally piling up un- is falling apart?” and with all the farm- out as soon as possible, and leaving [the attended in the ers in [her] home ability of] not worryingIt’s that time about of yearthe againfuture streets of Guaya- country finally de- for when I’m economicallyTime to stable.”start fresh quil,” says Adrian Vásconez, a sec- manding the kind of justice they’ve always ond-year math student at the Universidad deserved.” Farmers in India have been pro- Honduras But the slate is never truly clean A new resolution does not mean you’re a newSan person Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. He testing against new agricultural laws they The Honduras government has been under adds while “cases are still soaring in most claim will lower farmers’ income and make The actions you take to achieve greatness do fire about its response to the pandemic. of the country, sadly, many of us have them vulnerable to corporate exploitation. “While it is true Greatnessthat this iscountry never born is al- gotten used to news of death, violence Though happy to report how people are ready facing multiple politicalIt is built issues, root- and corruption.” taking a stand, Malik adds “it hurts to be ing fromBe greatersystematic than corruption the person youand left oppres behind- lastViolence year against the LGBTQ+ communi- so far away [from Dal] in a time like this, sion,Become it cannot more be powerful said that than the your Honduran wildest imaginationty and women has also been an important and I constantly find myself spiraling people did not have theBe tools yourself ready for a topic of discussion in Ecuador with many about how I’m not doing enough.” pandemic of this level,” says Dal student people taking the issue to social media. “As students all around the world, our To become your ultimate self is the ultimate victory Allan Rueda in an email to the Dalhousie “Ecuador’s society is profoundly influ- job is now, as ever, to study, no matter Gazette. Rueda is in his first year of engi- enced by Catholicism,” Vásconez says. how taxing it may seem at a time like neering and studying from Honduras. “The “Many fundamentalist groups have taken this,” Malik says. “To talk about this, issue is not in the workers or in the finan- it against feminist and human rights ad- make sure this news doesn’t die out or go cial side. It is in the root of it all: the gov- vocacy groups, blaming them for govern- unheard, donate in ways that we can with ernment,” he says. ment’s corruption or even the pandemic. time or money, or by simply trying to find Many citizens are unhappy with the As a gay feminist man, it is sometimes ways to raise awareness and just keeping help, or the lack thereof, the government quite triggering to wander in political talking about this(ART important BY VIJAY VERMA issue.” ON BLUSH) has offered in addition to their failure to news comments.” While students might not constantly be upkeep public healthcare facilities. There have been also reports of extreme able to see the light at the end of the tun- “It is a common belief that you have a violence in the prison system. During a nel, many have not given up on trying to higher chance of getting the COVID-19 February 2021 riot, 79 inmates were create change. Follow us online!

@DalGazette @DalGazette @dalhousiegazette dalgazette.com

dalgazette.com March 12, 2021 | 11

12 | January 15, 2021 dalgazette.com ARTS & LIFESTYLE Dalhousie poets: thoughts on heartbreak Falling in and out of love

BY RACHEL COOKE

The moment you realize

When I walk outside, the earth and sky thrum good morning. I know even without you, I am never alone in a world so rife with life.

I take a deep breath of the clean air. And for the first time feel like I can look back without want- ing to go back, and think about all I’ve learned since leaving you for the last time.

For a long time, I had been lost in trying to rec- oncile myself with the world I suddenly found myself in. How can something that has all-en- compassing first love, radiant sunflowers, acous- tic guitar and 10-foot Pacific Ocean waves have you suddenly, one day, stiff with silence?

We were driving down this road and I remem- ber the trees were covered in orange even though it was July. The river water was still wet on my skin, and I tried to tell you then how I wanted you. I tried to tell you that every day I woke up fighting to keep wanting you. I glanced over to the driver’s seat, mouth open to speak, only to find it was like looking through lake water, down to the murky bottom. You couldn’t hear or see me through the dirt.

Now I’m both detached and destructively yoked to a world I can’t make sense of, a world where your presence is no longer guaranteed in my life. I think everyone in love feels as though it will last forever. My most grounded moments were with you, moments that still feel unreal in my memory.

Life with you was a liquid dreamscape: sipping honey wine in the dead heat of August, walking through the grocery store throwing snacks in my basket, touching my hair and arms and nose, running through waterfalls and city streets. I have to constantly remind myself — moments of joy are not all I am destined for, even when my entire life has seemingly been defined by these ART BY PABLO STANLEY ON BLUSH. subtle moments. Dalhousie poets is a rotating column in the Gazette’s Art & Lifestyle section featuring poetry by students on various subjects. Interested in submitting your verse? Email [email protected].

12 | March 12, 2021 dalgazette.com SPORTS Season shortfall Tigers disheartened after chance to play gets snatched away

BY THOMAS SCOTT WITH FILES FROM LUKE DYMENT

being our first outing in [that long], the team bought into our systems and worked at it. I think there was a little added motivation in there as well.”

Last minute cancellations When tighter COVID-19 restrictions hit, games came to a grinding halt. The games were providing teams with a much-needed boost in morale. Holt said the change in restric- tions was demoralizing. “The games have been going so well. But we have a few injuries right now, so it’ll be good to have some rest and we’re still going to keep training,” Holt said. “Ultimately, we knew this LAST SHOT: DAL’S MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM STAND FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BEFORE A FEBRUARY 2021 GAME AGAINST ACADIA. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS NOVA SCOTIA SUSPENDED ALL PLAY. (PHOTO BY AUS TV) year would be different from normal years and With university teams throughout Nova Scotia “Eventually we developed a routine, but you we’re looking forward to next season. We’re go- not playing any games all season, there was fi- can use competition as a bit of a measuring stick ing to try and keep our mental focus on next nally relief in early February 2021: University to justify all the work that you’ve put in. It’s nice season and working towards something more teams got a taste of exhibition games. to be able to see the results of all the work that concrete than this COVID season.” In early February, Dalhousie University, the you’ve done. Not having that was a bit of a strug- After experiencing game action, Crossley Saint Mary’s University (SMU) Huskies and gle mentally,” said Crossley. “To have [games] said it was hard to take in the news of the re- the Acadia University Axemen and Axewomen back was big for us. It gave us something to look strictions. Dal was set to take on their cross- organized an exhibition schedule slated to last forward to and gave us a reason to push a little town rivals at SMU the day Nova Scotia an- roughly five weeks. But on Feb. 26, Nova Scotia harder, even when we felt like the tank was emp- nounced circuit-breaker measures, adding salt Public Health declared a circuit-breaker to ty. And that’s essentially from the mental side of to the wound. counter recent COVID-19 case spikes in the things, that’s the boost that it gave us. It just gave “That was a tough pill to swallow, being that Halifax area. As part of the measures, games us something to look forward to.” we were an hour or two away from the game. were cancelled for four weeks and effectively Some players on the teams, including Talia That one hurt a little extra. You’re so close to killed the schedule. Vydykhan on the women’s volleyball team, getting back to what you wanted to do,” said Emily Holt, a third-year guard with the Dal- played their first games as Tigers in the two- Crossley. “But obviously, there are more im- housie Tigers women’s basketball team, said week span. Intense practices, including plenty portant things than playing the game. You got she was excited to be playing games again, even of intra-squad scrimmaging, helped her adjust to take that into account and appreciate the fact for just a brief time. to the university level well before playing her that health and safety come first.” “It was nice to play with all of our teammates, first match against another team. Vydykhan said the shutdown took her by sur- in one game on one team, because we had been “We trained and prepared this year as if we prise. But no matter how short the season, practicing constantly against each other in were expecting to play matches,” Vydykhan with few other goals to pursue, the game rep- scrimmages and drills. It was nice to have said, who learned about the exhibition schedule resented a goal the team had been working something all together again,” Holt said. about a week before the team’s first game, much toward all season. The feeling of relief touched many players to her excitement. “Since we prepared so much, “We had literally just gotten the green light to such as forward Brett Crossley of Dal’s men’s it felt very natural and good being out there. finally play, which we had worked so hard on,” hockey team. Not that it was easy, but I felt relaxed because of she said. Like the hockey team, the volleyball “It’s a bit of a relief, honestly. Because as com- the preparation. It was almost like a practice.” team had a game scheduled the day restrictions petitive people, and hockey in itself is a compet- Expectations were low before the hockey team were announced. “Having one game [against itive sport, all you want to do is have a chance hit the ice. Dal had gone more than a year be- Acadia on Feb. 21] is better than none. I was to compete. I think everyone was pretty excit- tween games and was coming off an under- excited to actually experience something close ed,” said Crossley. whelming record of eight wins and 22 losses in to a real game. It was hard to find motivation at the 2019-2020 season. Crossley said the team practice and in the weight room this year when The opportunity to play rose to the occasion. you know there was no outcome like in a game or something to work toward. We definitely Players have been hit with the mental toll of “I’d say we performed above expectations,” he said. “You can only expect so much when you were upset about the cancellations, but were having only practices without any games to very happy we got that one game.” prepare for. go a full year without any games. But for that

dalgazette.com March 12, 2021 | 13 SPORTS Rock in the community Halifax climbing scene reaches new heights BY LUKE DYMENT, SPORTS EDITOR

EAST PEAK INDOOR CLIMBING OPENED ONLY 16 DAYS BEFORE THE FIRST PANDEMIC SHUTDOWNS HIT. WITH THE SUPPORT OF AVID HALIFAX CLIMBERS, EAST PEAK IS STILL GOING STRONG AFTER A YEAR WHERE MANY SMALL BUSINESSES WENT UNDER. (PHOTO BY LUKE DYMENT)

Sometimes finding your passion takes years. The best part though? Joining the Halifax ships running during closures and asked Sometimes it shows up spontaneously, or re- climbing community. what they could do to help. In your first year quires a leap of faith. For Shelby Hallam, a “The staff at [the gyms] were so friendly and of business, to already have customers that walk one summer day answered that ques- welcoming. I knew through [those interac- dedicated and loyal was amazing.” tion for her. tions] that I was meant to be in this commu- Paul Denzler worked in climbing in Mon- While waterfall chasing around Nova Sco- nity,” Hallam said. “Them and other climb- treal and Ottawa before coming to Halifax tia with her boyfriend last summer, Hallam ers are the most inviting people. And just like in 2014. The general manager at Seven Bays encountered a towering rocky wall along me, they’re stoked on climbing rocks.” Bouldering said there’s something he finds their path. Eager to get a view of that water- special about this community with the fall, her boyfriend climbed the rocks and Solid support smaller population. “It’s cool to be part of this small club of encouraged Hallam to do the same. What Jackie Turner is a co-owner of East Peak In- she found at the top of her climb was more climbers in Halifax as compared to Montreal door Climbing in Halifax. East Peak opened or something like that. The interest in climb- than a waterfall. in late February 2020 for 16 days before the “When I got back to the city, I was like, ing places like outdoors here is cool, since we initial COVID-19 shutdown closed the busi- have access to so much more other than just ‘Where can I climb every single day?” she ness for three months. In a time where small said. “The feeling was amazing and climb- the gym,” he said. businesses like East Peak ended up going un- The climbing community, Turner said, was ing’s amazing. I got hooked right away.” der, she gave local climbers credit for helping Soon after, Hallam began frequenting a big reason for why she decided to open the to keep the climbing gym open. type of business in the location that she did. rock climbing gyms in Halifax on a near “People have pulled through in huge ways,” daily basis. She invested in her own climb- Before, she had worked at climbing gyms in said Turner, who was organizing activities for Newfoundland and Saskatchewan, which ing equipment like harnesses and took up East Peak’s first birthday when interviewed contributed to the love for the sport she different types of climbing like top-roping. by the Dalhousie Gazette. “They kept member- shares with climbers today.

14 | March 12, 2021 dalgazette.com SPORTS

“Nova Scotia has this dedicated and as long as we provide safe facilities to climb long-standing climbing community. There’s in, climbers will come.” established outdoor climbing here too. So “The best part about climbing is that any- when our business joined the community, one can climb,” Turner said, highlighting they were ready to welcome us with open East Peak’s and the sport’s popularity with arms,” Turner said. “Being in Halifax, good customers from all ages. “We have customers news travels fast around here. We’ve been re- all the way from two to 70 years old. We see ally lucky that people have been coming in lots of students too, many come to meet new and having a good time, then telling others people or try a new activity.” about it. Most of our customers have come For Hallam, meeting new people has be- from other people’s referrals.” come a community of supporters that have As Turner and Denzler mentioned, Nova had her back. When her climbing gear was Scotia’s outdoor climbing scene is just as pop- stolen just over a month ago, she posted on ular as indoor climbing within a gym. When Facebook asking for friends to look out for her rising COVID-19 cases closed gyms for an- missing equipment bag. other month in late November 2020, climb- Several people messaged her in response, ers like Hallam got their climbing fixes on offering gear she could borrow in the mean- some real cliffs. time. Among them was East Peak, who of- “The shutdown didn’t stop me,” she said, fered to cover equipment rentals until Hal- laughing. “I found some cool rocks outside lam found her gear. As it turns out, the bag and I never climbed outdoors before so I was in a ditch near her home. She suggested didn’t try anything too crazy. But once you the thief wasn’t pleased that it was full of only start climbing, you can’t stop.” climbing gear. “They make me feel welcome. It’s not a Exponential growth group sport, but it kind of is,” she said. “You Both rock climbers and businesses have raved have all these people cheering you on. I about Halifax’s rock climbing community. wasn’t really into sports until I found climb- THE LOCAL ROCK-CLIMBING HYPE OVER THE PAST DECADE LED SEVEN BAYS BOULDERING TO OPEN IN 2014. Heather Reynolds is the Dalplex rock court’s ing. The whole community is like a family.” (PHOTO BY GEOFFREY HOWARD) climbing coordinator, working in climbing with organizations like Climb Nova Scotia since the 1990s. She said while the local climbing community has always thrived with good places to climb outdoors, popularity has jumped within the last five years. “Today, there are more climbing venues available around here, as it becomes more and more popular of a sport,” Reynolds said. “In the United States, the sport grew expo- nentially a few years before here. In the U.S., there are varsity climbing teams, but we’re not there yet. The sport itself has just been growing and it hit here in a big way.” Despite struggles small climbing gyms faced in the pandemic, she suggested, the shut- downs highlighted the importance of physi- cal activity. “The break has taught us that perhaps there’s a benefit of taking time to be active,” Reynolds said. “When things first shut down, more peo- ple were out hiking and taking advantage of parks and public spaces. The pandemic has taught us about the value of recreation and sport, not just for the physical benefits, but for the connections and fun with people.” Denzler said the sport itself is good at keeping climbers engaged through the pan- demic as an interesting activity that’s easy to try out. “The interest in doing something new and challenging, plus safe in the pandemic, at- tracts a lot of people to come and check climbing out,” he said. “By the nature of the SHELBY HALLAM FREQUENTS ROCK-CLIMBING GYMS IN HALIFAX ON A NEARLY DAILY BASIS. sport, people get hooked quite easily too, so (PHOTO PROVIDED BY SHELBY HALLAM)

dalgazette.com March 12, 2021 | 15 SPORTS Bursting onto the scene Former Dal curlers with multiple international wins debut at Scotties BY TIGER CUMMING

Canada. And, it was on TSN. You couldn’t have written it any better,” Lenentine said of the game. Team Zacharias would go on to lose their next game to Alberta 7-5 before putting up a statement win against Yukon with a decisive 15-3 score. This performance was followed by back-to-back close losses, falling to the Northwest Territories 6-5 and fellow wild card Team Peterson 5-4. “The lack of playing kind of took a toll on us,” said Burgess of the team’s rough start to the tour- nament, the win against Yukon notwithstanding.

Only the beginning for Team Zacharias Team Zacharias shook off some of their bad luck as the team moved into the home stretch of pool play, winning two of its last three games. The team’s second win of the tournament came against Team Brothers of Nova Scotia. Trailing 4-2 after five ends, Team Zacharias was able to outscore Nova Scotia, Burgess and Lenentine’s former association, 4-1 in the second half of the AND LAUREN LENENTINE PREPARE TO SWEEP A STONE THROWN BY TEAMMATE . TEAM ZACHARIAS PICKED UP THREE WINS IN ITS FIRST SCOTTIES COMPETITION. (PHOTO SUBMITTED BY KARLEE BURGESS) match to secure the 6-5 win. After falling 8-6 to eventual runner-up Ontario, New among the competitors at the 2021 Scotties youngest teams on the field, but I think we do be- Team Zacharias downed Northern Ontario 9-4. A Tournament of Hearts this year were Dalhousie long here, and we got here based on our CTRS tight game for the first eight ends, Team Zacharias University student Karlee Burgess and Lauren [Canadian Team Ranking System] ranking,” was hanging onto a 5-4 lead with two ends to go Lenentine, a former Dal student now studying at said Burgess on their underdog label, speaking to before scoring four in the ninth end to put the game the University of . the Dalhousie Gazette during the tournament. away, bringing both teams’ Scotties to a close. After a lengthy hiatus from competition due to Team Zacharias ranks 11th in Canada. This win brought Team Zacharias’s record in its COVID-19, was back in February 2021 first Scotties to three wins and five losses, good with the Scotties, the national women’s curling Bouncing back from the break enough for sixth place in group A. However, the championships. The Scotties took place from Feb. A more pressing concern for the team going team did not crack the top four that move onto the 19 to 28 in a Calgary-based bubble. into the tournament was the lack of preparation tournament’s championship round. Burgess said Together with Scotties teammates Emily and and competition over the last few months. After even with the premature exit from the Scotties, , Burgess and Lenentine playing in more than 100 matches last season, the team cranked out winning efforts all week. won the World Junior Women’s Curling Cham- the Scotties was their first major tournament “It’s been a battle of a week. There were so many pionships in Russia last year. Burgess has repre- this year. close games that could have gone the other way. sented Canada four times at the World Juniors “As a team, we haven’t played together since Oc- One shot here or there we may have liked to take and won three times. Lenentine, won twice in tober, and Mackenzie and Emily hadn’t thrown back, but overall it’s been a good week,” Burgess three tournaments, and together with Burgess [much] since October,” said Lenentine of the said. “We came in here with high expectations won in 2018 and 2020. Between titles in 2019, months leading up to the tournament. and we are a little bit upset with the results, but they helped Dal win an Atlantic University Sport Their task was not made easier on the opening I’m super excited to be here. It’s an amazing op- (AUS) championship. night of the Scotties. Team Zacharias was drawn portunity and the experience we take from this This year’s Scotties was the team’s first major with reigning champions and eventual winners year will help us down the road.” senior tournament together, representing Man- Team Canada, also from Manitoba. Team Zach- Expectations aside, this year’s Scotties has been itoba as one of the three wild card outfits. As arias would fall to Canada 7-3 on national televi- an excellent opportunity to return to curling that one of the youngest teams in the field, Team sion. Although a disappointing result, it was a re- everyone in the bubble was thankful for. Zacharias (with Mackenzie as the team’s ) spectable one and an undeniably extraordinary “It’s been a lot of fun being able to curl because went in as underdogs. experience for the young team. this year has been very different with COVID “I know we kind of look like the underdogs be- “They’re such a good team. It was so cool, to say and the lack of playing,” said Burgess. “This week cause we are a lot younger. We are one of the our first game at the Scotties was against Team at the Scotties, it’s been fun.”

16 | March 12, 2021 dalgazette.com SPORTS Keeping careers on track University sports business associations guiding students out of pandemic

BY ADAM DOUGLAS

ties struggled with strains on the sports industry. This tension has led to the emerging apprecia- tion of sports business associations and similar organizations, and the events they have been able to arrange for students at their universities. Sports business associations (or SBAs) are university clubs run by students. SBAs pro- vide students with the chance to network with sport industry professionals, and gain experience through planning and marketing intercollegiate events. Established in 2016, Brock University’s Sport & Business Association has been especially active organizing events such as virtual networking fo- rums, educational workshops, and other virtual events designed to prepare members and attend- ees for careers in the sport industry. Jadon Bernatsky and Kaz Alguire, the presi- dent and vice-president of the Brock SBA, used MEMBERS OF THE BROCK SPORT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WORKED WITH SCHOOLS LIKE MCMASTER TO EXPAND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPORTS BUSINESS STUDENTS. (PHOTO SUBMITTED BY KAZ ALGUIRE) the circumstances of the pandemic to focus on becoming more well-rounded. For most Canadian university students, the job tions. This fear of the post-pandemic job market “My online and digital skills have strength- search begins in the early months of the new year. led to the founding of the StFX Sport Manage- ened. I took a LinkedIn class on Photoshop to With applications and interviews completed, ment and Marketing Society (SMMS). develop my graphic design abilities,” Alguire many students have employment by March. Duncan Lovell, co-founder of the SMMS, was said. It’s one of the positive outcomes he’s experi- Thousands of them graduate each year with looking forward to working in the marketing de- enced in spending more time online. hopes of starting careers in the sports industry. partment of a sport industry company when Recognizing the current issues facing students For sports management students across Canada, COVID-19 hit. His employment position was in SBAs across the country, the Brock SBA and 2020’s post-graduate job hunt was no different cancelled and he felt dejected. representatives from McMaster University’s than it had been in previous years. That is until “You get all your hopes up. I was going to have a Sports Business Association founded the Univer- the COVID-19 pandemic forced much of Cana- great job and was going to work with some great sity Sport Business Alliance (USBA). Now, stu- da to go into lockdown. people and knowing that that was so close and dents in 13 SBAs across Canada can connect Many industries were affected and likewise, the that has now been cut off, it hurt,” he said. and collaborate easier. sports industry was put on pause. Thousands of The situation, while challenging to overcome, Late last year, students at Brock and Ryerson students scrambled for jobs after learning many of led Lovell to help establish the SMMS to sharpen University had the chance to connect through a their positions had been abolished. the skills of students and help separate themselves collaborative club event that helped raise money In a normal year, the sports industry job mar- from other applicants. for charity. ket is hypercompetitive. Now, with the addi- “This project has been a great way to get myself “This event was exactly the reason why tional strains to the job market provided by the into the industry and to find jobs in that industry the USBA was created in the first place,” pandemic, Canadian sport management stu- as well,” Lovell said. said Bernatsky. dents looking for entry-level positions are al- Since its inception, the SMMS has organized a The USBA’s upcoming plans include engaging most guaranteed disappointment. series of online events, engaging both members with more students and motivating them to de- and students at StFX. velop SBAs in western Canadian universities Rebounding to help fellow “We have learned through COVID how to pres- where none exist right now. All of this will pro- students ent a sport to people from [a] distance,” Lovell vide students with experiences that will better said. “You really gain the attention of people even In Antigonish, N.S., students at St. Francis Xavi- enable them to enter the sports industry when though they cannot be there in person. It can only things return to normal. er University (StFX) are still wrestling with the go up from here.” burdens of the limited and crippled job market in The future of the sports industry after the pan- demic is widely unknown, but at least one thing the sport industry. Students felt there was a grow- Students band together ing need for a way to expand and develop their is clear: thriving communities like SBAs are on skills, and to help them stand out amongst the Similar feelings are shared with students across the rise tools for students to build their skill sets competition when vying for employment posi- Canada. Namely, graduates of Ontario universi- after university.

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