february 5, 2020 issue 10 | volume 30 nexusnewspaper.com camosun’s student voice since 1990 Wilna Thomas Building closed A look at accessibility issues at until further notice Camosun College page 3 page 6 Camosun Chargers get new student Victoria Film Fest returns with movies athlete from Australia heavy and light page 5 page 8 event Camosun College keeps conversations going with Sexualized Violence Awareness Week

“We will always look at safety, and make sure that someone’s safety is a priority, but we want them to help us understand what their needs for safety are.” STEPHANIE PEDNEAULT CAMOSUN COLLEGE

ADAM MARSH creating safe spaces, and safe con- STUDENT EDITOR versations—I would love to see that Camosun College’s Office of more people could feel like they can Student Support and the Camosun come forward if this is part of their College Student Society are holding experience and, of course, ultim- Sexualized Violence Awareness ately, where less people have this Week from Monday, February 10 experience in their life,” she says. until Friday, February 14. Pedneault says that creating At both campuses from Febru- an empathetic environment where ary 10 to 12, there will be consent people feel they can open up starts valentines and treats; there will be with believing those people. information booths, button making, “Recognizing that in order to and treats at Lansdowne on Febru- come forward and even connect ary 11 and at Interurban on Febru- with me that they would have had to ary 13. There will be a workshop have overcome probably several dif- for students called Understand- ferent barriers, and so recognizing ing Consent Culture happening at that there are certain populations Interurban on February 11 and at of people who face even more bar- Lansdowne on February 13. riers,” says Pedneault. “To even just Camosun student support man- present [themselves] in an office ager Stephanie Pedneault says that with me takes a significant amount ADAM MARSH/NEXUS the event is focused on sharing of courage.” Camosun College and the Camosun College Student Society are holding Sexualized Violence Week this month. information and participating in Pednault approaches everybody conversation around the culture of she works with from the same place: creating consent on and off campus, one of huge respect, she says, for the eyed on campus which she says Camosun takes very courage it takes to come forward. seriously. “First and foremost, this is “We have specific supports in about their choice. This is not about place to make sure [students] have me deciding for them or the college a safe option to connect, to under- deciding for them what they should stand what their support options or shouldn’t do,” says Pedneault. are, and to be believed,” she says. “It’s about making sure that they Pedneault says that students know what their choices are.” who go to her office always have There’s zero judgment, she options about what to do next. says, adding that beyond making “Whether that means reporting, sure that students are not in any or seeking other support, or it may immediate harm, there will never just mean that’s where it ends for be any pressure or influence from them right now,” she says. “They the college when it comes to making get choice in this. And that is im- a decision. Students have the right portant to us.” to change their minds, and they Keeping the momentum going have the right to ongoing support, now is key, says Pedneault. There she says. have been incredible conversa- “We would never force some- tions, she says, that have been in- body to talk, ever,” she says. “That fluenced by the Me Too Movement, can have such significant levels of but it’s the responsibility of those harm. We will always look at safety, at Camosun to make sure those and make sure that someone’s safety conversations keep happening, is a priority, but we want them to which is where Sexualized Violence help us understand what their needs Awareness Week comes into play. for safety are. We will look to always “There is, unfortunately, still a listen to what the survivor’s wants lot of fear and concern around com- are, and that they are the decision ing forward and seeking support, maker around what happens next.” and so as we invite more people See camosun.ca/consentcamo- into these conversations—invite sun for more details on Sexualized EMILY WELCH/NEXUS more people in to participate in Violence Awareness Week. Not long after the Lansdowne campus was covered in snow, spring started to make itself known. 2 VIEWS February 5, 2020 nexusnewspaper.com NEWS 3

student editor’s letter open space lansdowne My life with cerebral palsy Walmart will hurt Lansdowne Wilna Thomas Building closed while college decides on plans camosun’s student voice since 1990 When I’m out doing Speak Up, walking awkwardly around the court- neighbourhood Next publication: February 19, 2020 yard holding a recorder and a camera, every once in a while, someone will Deadline: 9 am Monday February 10, 2020 ask, “Are you okay?” PATRICK FERREIRA Don’t get me wrong—this strat- “It has become CONTRIBUTING WRITER egy does result in cheaper prices for Address: 3100 Foul Bay Rd., Victoria, BC, I’ll turn and shoot them a look. “Last time I checked.” somewhat of a hunt V8P 5J2 Sometimes they nod and walk on, but when they press the matter, it’s A new Walmart is set to open the consumer. But there is a cost to Location: Lansdowne Richmond House 201 a really strange cocktail of thoughts that fill my head:Don’t be so nosy. Of in the Hillside Centre by the fall of this convenience. for collaboration. So, Phone: 250-370-3591 course I’m fine. Or, on bad days, those three lovely words: Oh, fuck off. 2021. This will be the third Walmart Think of the local stores around what do we want to Email: [email protected] These reactions don’t help me, and they certainly aren’t how a caring to open in the Greater Victoria area, the Hillside Centre area and the Website: nexusnewspaper.com stranger deserves to be thought about. If they really ask what’s wrong, with one in Uptown and another in impact that a new Walmart might have in there? There Langford. have on them. It doesn’t just have Publisher: Nexus Publishing Society I’ve only recently started telling them the truth. I used to say I hurt my will still be classes in leg in a bike accident. This raises some interesting to be grocery stores, since Walmart NEXUS PUBLISHING SOCIETY The truth? I have cerebral palsy. questions. Do we need another also sells electronics, gardening the building, but there STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS The words always come out on the bitter side of indifferent, not because Walmart in Victoria? What would supplies, clothing, books, toys, will also be meeting President - Jayden Grieve I am either of those things, but because I figure if I say it in a tone one might the effects be on the local economy? flowers, and just about everything spaces, many more Vice-President - Samara Oscroft take when they tell their friends they have a midterm they’re not prepared Treasurer/Secretary - for, it might not seem like a big deal. But instead the sentence is short, student spaces.” Tiegan Suddaby mumbled, and probably petulant—no one has ever asked for more details. IAN TOL Director-at-Large - Ethan Badr What does it feel like? Not being able to do certain things is awful. But Director-at-Large - Adam Marsh Think of the local stores around the Hillside CAMOSUN COLLEGE there’s plenty I can do, so I don’t waste my time on what I can’t. MANAGING EDITOR Centre area and the impact that a new Walmart Greg Pratt If it’s a fine-motor task, it feels like there’s a blind gravitational force STUDENT EDITOR working against me, as if I’m trying to thread a needle into a trembling might have on them. Adam Marsh hole that keeps moving to and fro ever so slightly. Using a can opener STAFF WRITER takes a long time and tremendous concentration. If I’m tired sometimes Emily Welch I can’t do it, but that’s usually because I swear and chuck the stupid thing PROOFREADING across the room. If I try my hardest to move them, the toes on my right Juliana Cooper foot will only twitch. The Walmart business model else they can fit in there. Walmart walk from the Dental Building to the ADVERTISING SALES It’s quite pig-headed to say it’s not a big deal. But I’m lucky enough is famous for pricing certain items will impact all of these types of retail Wilna Thomas on the lower floor— Greg Pratt to have it not be. I can go to the gym, beat most people up Mt. Finlayson, below the cost of production, mean- in the area surrounding Hillside. it is likely that we will be building 250‑370-3593 tie my shoes, zip zippers, put bed sheets on, and, with patience, open that ing Walmart takes a loss when It comes down to a short view of GREG PRATT/NEXUS some sort of canopy structure,” he A sign on the front door of the Wilna Thomas Building at Lansdowne informing students that the building is closed until further notice. FREE Media (national) damn can of beans. selling certain items. Their overall the costs and benefits, as opposed a says. “The same is true for the south [email protected] Growing up, my parents never let it be an excuse for anything, and strategy relies on getting customers long view. In the short view, if you EMILY WELCH “Campus renewal has been soon—the beginning of February, design will be on the needs of the side of the building, the side facing 780-421-1000 because they didn’t bring it up, I didn’t want it to be. into the store by alluring them with want the personal convenience of STAFF WRITER looking at those spaces,” says Tol, we hope.” students, and how to accommodate Dunlop House, where we may have NEXUS IS A MEMBER OF When I’m feeling shitty about my hand dealt without reason, I remind cheap goods that they don’t make having cheaper goods available all The Wilna Thomas Building at “and wanting to change what has Tol says that the plans for the and support them. on the upper floor a sort of patio CANADIAN UNIVERSITY PRESS myself that I couldn’t have asked for a less invasive disability or for better money on in the hope that custom- in one store, then another Walmart CONTRIBUTORS the Lansdowne campus is closed been predominantly classrooms and design of the project are still in “We want to keep creating as that can be opened up to be a large Jessica Armstrong people in my life—people who never let me sit around. ers will then proceed to also buy in Victoria is good. But if you want until further notice. The college office spaces into something more.” motion and is asking for opinions many spaces for students to come meeting and gathering space.” Ethan Badr You are what you are, but whether or not it’s all you are is up to you. items that are highly profitable for to maintain a healthy local economy officially closed the building as of Tol says that the Wilna Thomas from staff and students as to what together as we can,” says Tol. “Be- Tol believes that the reconstruc- Jordan Bell Adam Marsh, student editor the company. in the long term, then another Wal- December 23, 2019 and is in the closure is all part of a bigger plan would be best for the space. cause there has been such great tion of the Wilna Thomas Building Fred Cameron [email protected] The most famous example of mart is bad. It’s very bad. process of deciding what to do with to refurbish several of the campus’ “The plans for the inside are feedback on what was done in the is the beginning of Camosun faculty Lane Chevrier this model can be seen in the sale of Personally, I can’t help but feel Patrick Ferreira the space. buildings and hopes that the project actually quite rough, still in design,” health building, with consulting and students collaborating more Rhea George flashback razor blades. The razor handles are that having another Walmart in Camosun College director of Fa- will be underway very shortly. says Tol. “There are no details yet. everyone continuously, we thought frequently. Jayden Grieve 25 Years Ago in Nexus expensive to make, but they’re sold an area that’s a 10-minute drive cilities Services Ian Tol is overseeing “What is happening is the col- That phase doesn’t happen until the we should definitely continue to “We talk to students for their Judah Iam for dirt cheap, with the producer away from the Walmart in Up- the Wilna Thomas project, and he’s lege is working with the consultant plans are approved, and then it is a work that way.” feedback; we talk to staff and faculty Nicolas Ihmels story “Students propose inter-cam- taking a loss; the razor blades are ex- town is extremely aggressive on excited about the change to Lans- team on the broad strokes of what go ahead. It has become somewhat Tol says that the college is also for their feedback,” says Tol. “One Carla Marginean pus bus” detailed how students tremely cheap to make, but they’re Walmart’s part. It would also be Katie Mondey were calling on Camosun to create downe. A large part of the project we could do with the three different of a hunt for collaboration. So, what thinking about what to do with the thing that is going to be different is Simon Shepherd sold for expensive prices, making an excessive move on our part as a is filling the space that has been left buildings in the Campus Renewal do we want to have in there? There areas outside the buildings. we are not going to assign it to be Freyja Zazu a bus to go between Lansdowne them significantly profitable. city, considering how easy it is to get and Interurban. This one has a by Health and Human Resources Project—the Wilna Thomas, Fisher, will still be classes in the building, “We are looking for some ideas occupied by any particular offices or To pull off this kind of strategy, to the Walmart in Uptown, with or programs moving to Interurban’s and Ewing—how we could refur- but there will also be meeting spac- on how to improve the look and feel department. We are really just going happier ending: today, the Camosun a company needs massive financial without an automobile. Express is going strong and help- new Alex & Jo Campbell Centre bish those spaces. That initial work es, many more student spaces.” of the building. We are also thinking to design a building that serves the clout to afford selling items at a loss The space in Hillside would for Health and Wellness building. is going to be completed sometime Tol says that the focus of the of an outside structure. Say if you entire community.” ing students travel the admittedly the way Walmart does. This puts instead be better suited to a rentable daunting commute between the local businesses at a disadvantage office space, similar to the upper GREG PRATT two campuses. to Walmart, as they have fewer floors of Uptown. Or it could be MANAGING EDITOR Never stop fighting: “Students financial resources at their disposal. a community centre, with indoor NEWS BRIEFS Bad news, bad news: The story rally against proposed education This strategy has effects on recreation spaces. It could be any “Parking not to improve” in our cuts” detailed a rally that had taken the local economy. It leads to a de- number of things that aren’t another All editorial content appearing in Nexus is property of the February 6, 1995 issue featured place where approximately 2,500 crease in local businesses in small big box store. Nexus Publishing Society. Stories, photographs, and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without written permis- a headline that really summed up Camosun students—as well as towns. It also tends to cause local Hillside Centre has seen enough ing programs in BC Indigenous aside for student loans every year be assessed on its work to improve sion of the Nexus Publishing Society. The views and opinions No coronavirus Local NPO offering expressed herein are those of the authors, not of Nexus. Interurban’s parking situation. It students from UVic and local high prices in competing businesses big box stores over the years. Mod- communities. Camosun is one of in the Canada Student Loans (CSL) students’ financial literacy. Nexus has no official ties to the administration of Camosun at Camosun entrepreneurship College. One copy of Nexus is available per issue, per person. was all dour: there’s not enough schools—took over the lawns of the near Walmart to go down, which ernizing the use of space in the the post-secondary institutions re- program. The audit will examine parking; there will not be more Parliament Buildings to fight back Camosun College sent out an Victoria participates Send a letter decreases their revenue. This then mall would be a far better decision ceiving the funding. The college, in whether student loans are aiding training to youth Nexus prints letters to the editor. Nexus reserves the parking added; the parking lots against the Liberal government’s email on Thursday, January 30 a partnership with Vancouver Island students in making better finan- in UN tree-planting right to refuse publication of letters. Letters must in - hurts the business owners and their than having another Walmart set Local non-profit organization clude full name and student number if a Camosun stu - are dark and full of holes. Today, social policy review. Let that sink in: saying that it is monitoring reports University, will receive $1,384,785 cial decisions. The audit, which dent (not printed). Nexus accepts all letters by email to employees. up shop. challenge Community Micro-Lending recently [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit there’s a fresh new parking lot at 2,500 Camosun students gathered of coronavirus and has a team ready over two years to provide explora- is expected by April of this year, announced its upcoming program all letters. On Saturday, January 25, the that campus, and if you get there together on one day to make their to respond if needed. As of January tory trades skills foundation courses will examine the efficiency of two Something on your mind? If you’re a Camosun student, send Open City of Victoria planted four maple Enterprising Youth Plus, a free OVERHEARD AT NEXUS: “Do you want me to put a shot in at 7 am you might even find a spot voice heard. Don’t feel like you can’t 30, the college has had no presumed to 160 students. The program is departments involved in the CSL entrepreneurship training program your butt?” Space submissions (up to 500 words) to [email protected]. trees in Victoria West Park as part to park in it. make that happen again, because or confirmed cases of the virus. See sponsored by Industry Trainining program—the Canada Revenue available to youth who self-identify Include your student number. Thanks! camosun.ca for updates. of the United Nations’ Trees in Good news, good news: The you can. Authority BC. Agency and Employment and Social Cities Challenge. The challenge is as struggling with mental health. Camosun to receive Audit to test Development Canada—and look at a global campaign put forth by the The program runs from February What was your favourite movie you saw in 2019? how well they have managed risks 11 to March 24, and the deadline funding for Indigenous government oversight UN to promote climate action in by Adam Marsh to the public when giving money cities. Victoria is aiming to plant to apply is February 7. Email info@ training programs on student money out to students for loans. The de- 5,000 trees by the end of 2020. It’s communitymicrolending.ca for On Thursday, January 23, the Canada’s auditor general is partments’ collection activities will the first Canadian city to participate information. provincial government announced looking into how the government also be examined, and the Financial in the challenge. funding for six new two-year train- manages billions of dollars set Consumer Agency of Canada will -ADAM MARSH

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camosun’s student voice since 1990 Head over to nexusnewspaper.com for web exclusives and to comment on stories. MICHAEL SERROUL JOSH RYLÉ JULIAN WOOD RENE DEMERCHAN ANIELLE LINDS CHRISTINE MALONE “Spider-Verse. The “I like horror movies, so “The new Marvel one.” “Beasts of the Southern “Parasite. The “Star Wars.” animation and the writing Us by Jordan Peele. It’s not Wild.” cinematography was We’re also on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram. Join the conversation! was really well done, and a generic horror movie. It incredible, and there’s just I think they adapted all has lots of twists; it has a so many surprises.” the characters perfectly. deeper story to it.” Want to write for us? All Camosun students welcome; no experience necessary! Contact It’s probably my favourite Spider-Man movie of all [email protected] today to get started. time.” 4 CAMPUS February 5, 2020 nexusnewspaper.com CAMPUS/ARTS 5 event sports Camosun student faces societal issues with repair café Camosun Chargers get new student athlete from down under

“It’s bringing together a whole bunch of “It’s like a dream. It’s all life experience, to go resources that we have and changing a social and make a home somewhere new and different, problem. Even if it’s just for a day.” and everyone loves the Aussie, right?” CODI TIEDEMAN SAVANNAH BARRATT CAMOSUN CHARGERS ATHLETE CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT

EMILY WELCH I arrived in Victoria on the 29th of STAFF WRITER December. My team was so happy The Camosun Chargers wom- for me; all my coaches wished me en’s basketball team have a new luck.” player, and she’s come all the way Tiedeman says that the transi- from Gold Coast, Queensland, tion from Australia has been hard, So, being at Camosun—an how to do it because they weren’t Australia. Codi Tiedeman is here especially because of the weather. institution with many students in taught. playing for the Chargers for the rest “The school system is similar, trades, business, or technology “It’s faded out of our society a of the winter semester. but the weather is quite different,” programs—Barratt wanted to try bit, and that has had counter-effects, Tiedeman, a first-year Mar- says Tiedeman. “Our summer is fin- to put a stop to that. Throwaway kind of cascading effects… and one keting student, was contacted by ished at Christmas, so we work from culture’s impact on the environment of those things is producing a lot of Chargers women’s basketball head the calendar year, which means I is, after all, devastating. waste,” she says, “because we can coach Justin Thiessen last year. was in second year at home but I am “It’s bringing together a whole just buy another one.” “He contacted me through the still in first year’s college courses in bunch of resources that we have It seems like a small problem, grapevine,” says Tiedeman. “Jus- Victoria. When I first arrived, our EMILY WELCH/NEXUS and changing a social problem,” but it’s not, says Barratt. Waste tin was looking for international coach, Justin, picked me up at the Camosun College student and Chargers basketball player Codi Tiedeman is here from Australia. she says, “even if it’s just for a day.” adds up. But an important point recruits, and my coach happened airport. I was shivering a lot and he But there are limits on what this to raise, says Barratt, is that some to cross paths with his message. thought it was hilarious because I of a college basketball experience “First and foremost, she’s an somewhere new and different, repair café can fix. Barratt says that things aren’t built to last the way Apparently, Justin was looking was so cold.” than I ever had at home.” awesome athlete and a great per- and everyone loves the Aussie, if you can carry it in your arms, you they used to be. for someone tall and athletic, and At the time of our interview, Tiedman says that she’s excit- son,” says Thiessen. “She comes right?” she says, laughing. “But I can bring it in. Think about that “Part of this repair café, and asked, ‘Who do you have?’ So here Tiedeman and the rest of the Charg- ed for the new opportunities that from a great family, as well. With am calling my parents once a day; small appliance that you love, but repair cafés in general, is, yes, fix- I am helping out the Chargers.” ers were going through an intense playing on the Chargers is bringing her background in track and field, they’re calling me once a day. My PHOTO PROVIDED isn’t quite working anymore. Think ing things, yes, talking about the Camosun students and Camosun Innovates Innovators Club organizers Savannah Barratt (right) and Joseph Brady. Tiedeman says that she has training program preparing to play to her. she’s just a perfect fit for us. The teammates, they are trying to figure about small electronics, she says, or problem of consumer waste, but always craved life experience and Langara College in Vancouver. “I am just trying to do my best decision to bring her over here was me out, figure out my strengths ADAM MARSH bring their broken goods to be fixed of thinking about, ‘Something is that wooden bird with the broken also the idea of thinking about the received nothing but support and “My days are very full, what with and play basketball,” she says. “We pretty easy. In terms of basketball, and weaknesses, trying to find my STUDENT EDITOR or reused. broken. It’s not working in a society, wing that you don’t know how to fix. components of things, and why they encouragement from her family and training every day, and the gym,” are all trying to make nationals at the sky’s the limit with her.” chemistry in the team. We all have Just because something can’t Barratt—a former youth in care so you figure out a way to fix it.’” “A shirt you love, but you have work the way they do,” she says. her own basketball team back home. says Tiedeman. “A lot of running, the end of the year. Justin has his Tiedeman says that she still has to get to know each other and try be used doesn’t mean it can’t be who was part of the BC govern- But many people today have no idea how to darn a hole,” she “Kind of the knowledge transfer of “I always told Mom I want to go a lot of shooting. We have gym on eye on the prize and we’re right trouble believing that all of this— out our teamwork. It has been hard; saved. It just means it hasn’t yet seen ment’s Provincial Tuition Waiver lost the skills needed to fix things says. “You’d throw it away if some- people who know things and know somewhere, do something,” says Mondays; we have yoga. Individ- behind him.” coming to Canada, playing for the I have had to work very hard. But it the hands of first-year University Program—knows the value of social themselves, because it’s been a one didn’t know how to fix it for how they work, and people who Tiedeman. “My dad was so excited ually, we have to shoot 400 shots Thiessen is enthusiastic about Chargers—is actually happening. is all such a great opportunity. I am Transfer student Savannah Barratt. innovation. With the repair cafe, she while since we needed to fix things you, and that’s where we come in.” think, ‘This only does one thing.’” for me he started counting down a week. It is very strenuous, very the decision to bring Tiedeman to “It’s like a dream. It’s all life just trying to enjoy every second of Barratt is part of the Camosun In- hopes to combat what she calls our ourselves. It’s resource demand, she says. The repair café is happening on the days all the way from August. intense, but I love it. It is much more play for the Chargers. experience, to go and make a home every day.” novates Innovators Club. The club “throwaway culture.” “We get something; it breaks. When you don’t need to do it any- Thursday, February 13 from 3:30 will be hosting an upcoming repair “It’s also got large roots in social We throw it away instead of fixing more, you don’t spend the valuable until 5 pm in Jack White 102 at the café, where students and staff can endeavours,” she says. “So kind it,” says Barratt. resource of time; no one teaches you Interurban campus. dance Merlin Nyakam comes to Victoria from France for night of rhythm know your profs dancing award a year later. Nyakam Camosun’s Patricia Gaudreault loves to inspire students “Dance for me, it’s the life. Yes, it’s life. It’s also danced for singer Angélique Kidjo on her FIFA World Tour, and EMILY WELCH 2. What do you personally get 5. What’s the best thing that has inspiration. If I got no inspiration, it mean[s] that he remains her choreographer. STAFF WRITER out of teaching? ever happened to you as a teacher I’m [dead].” “We dance with our body Know Your Profs is an ongoing How much time do you have? here? [when] we have to have a conversa- MERLIN NYAKAM tion,” says Nyakam. “We have to say series of profiles on the instructors The list is beyond measure. Teach- Attending graduation ceremon- DANCER at Camosun College. Every issue ing has taught me about gratitude ies and celebrating successes with some story, and it’s very important we ask a different instructor at in a way that no other occupation students is the best feeling ever. for me, when we dance, we have to Camosun the same 10 questions could. I have a job where I not only Watching students cross the stage know where the movement go[es]. in an attempt to get to know them share knowledge with students but I beaming with pride and having their You know, it’s the expression of the a little better. also learn from them each and every accomplishments recognized is the body, so all the body, it’s speaking, Do you have an instructor that day. I get to meet new people, learn best day of the year (even though I and sometimes maybe we don’t you want to see interviewed in the about new cultures and experiences, think it should be the best two days need to understand what the body paper? Maybe you want to know and empower students to find their of the year). [is] saying. But we need to get some more about one of your teachers, passion. I get to create positive Nyakam from communicating and music or I go some place that had emotion.” but you’re too busy, or shy, to ask? learning environments where stu- 6. What’s the worst thing that’s showing the passion he feels for music, you was dancing.’” Nyakam’s theory of dance starts Email editor@nexusnewspaper. dents embrace opportunities and ever happened to you as a teacher dancing. His love doesn’t just show That doesn’t mean that he has with traditional African dance— com and we’ll add them to our list change their lives. Yes—I am very here? in his moves onstage—it’s in his always had an easy time with dan- where his first inspiration came of instructors to interrogate. blessed to be part of all that. The worst feeling ever is when EMILY WELCH/NEXUS expressions. cing in his family. Nyakam says from—and then eases into all the This issue we talked to Business you simply cannot help someone Camosun College Business instructor Patricia Gaudreault. “Dance for me, it’s the life,” he that dancing just wasn’t a career rest, letting the passion flow and instructor Patricia Gaudreault about 3. What’s one thing you wish after exhausting all efforts. by taking my dogs for longer walks ing food truck just blocks from my says. “Yes, it’s life. It’s inspiration. path back when he was growing up. come together. Nyakam invites the value in dog walking, driving your students knew about you? on the weekend than I can during house that provides gourmet food If I got no inspiration, it mean[s] “It was just funny because every- everyone out to the show in February safely, and the wonderful feeling of I hope they know I am here to 7. What do you see in the future the week. I can usually be found in at a very reasonable price. that I’m [dead].” body was saying, ‘Wow, Merlin is to see the passion for themselves. Nyakam has been dancing since [a] very good dancer.’ But for them “So, I really invite everybody seeing hard work pay off—for both help, and guide, and to listen. I of post-secondary education? the forest, where I can clear my head ANTOINE TEMPE the age of three, joining Cameroon’s and for many people, it was cultural. to come, and come with family,” teacher and student. want them to know that when I am I see more high-quality, online and connect with nature. Spending 10. What’s your biggest pet Dancer Merlin Nyakam is performing in Victoria this month. teaching or meeting with them, I learning opportunities. We are time with my grandchildren fills peeve? National Ballet at the age of 14. I mean, the dance was a part of the he says. “Bring the kids, mother, 1. What do you teach and how am looking at them and thinking, offering more fully online courses my heart with joy, and listening to My biggest pet peeve is how JESSICA ARMSTRONG Africa. He admits that he is more He became the main lead for the culture, so it was not a walk. So, father, elders—together.” CONTRIBUTING WRITER long have you been at Camosun? “You’ve got this. You can do it.” I and programs, but there is a ton of my husband play guitar grounds BC’s driver-licensing system ap- comfortable speaking in French, company at only 16. Nyakam says they was happy, but they want me I’ve been teaching at Camosun hope that message comes across room for growth in this area. my soul. pears to lack proper, thorough, February is African Heritage saying it’s sometimes tough for him that his love for dancing started to go [to] school because you could since the summer of 2003. I teach loud and clear. and mandatory education for new Month, which aims to preserve and to get his point across in English. early—very early. not say my walk is ‘dancer’ at that mainly in the Legal Office Assistant 8. What do you do to relax on 9. What is your favourite meal? and renewing drivers. I believe promote African cultural heritage. “My English is not so good,” he “I remember it was maybe three moment.” Issamba program, so I teach Civil Litigation, 4. What’s one thing you wish they the weekends? I prefer ethnic food, so if we are all drivers should be trained to be Dancer and singer Merlin “The says. “I mean, I can have a conver- years old, but when I ask my mom, But he fought his way to the 7:30 pm Saturday, February 15 Conveyancing, Business Law, Crim- didn’t know about you? What is a weekend? Just kid- going out for dinner my choice is professional drivers, which would Enchanter” Nyakam is coming from sation, but sometimes when I want ‘Mom, do you know when I start to top—Nyakam is now a choreog- $25, Dave Dunnet inal Law, Corporate Law, and Wills That I have at least 12 pairs of ding. My husband and I have two Sabhai Thai. If I’m cooking, we are make our roads and highways a France to help us do just that at the to explain more difficult things, it is dance?’” he says, laughing, “she rapher and teacher and has won Community Theatre and Estates—to name a few. the exact same black dress pants. huge German shepherds, so I relax ordering in—and there is an amaz- much safer place. Issamba event on February 15. not so easy.” said, ‘Baby, when you was in my many awards. He created his own africafest.ca Nyakam was born in Cameroon, However, that doesn’t stop stomach, and [when] I was listen to company in the 1990s, and he won a 6 February 5, 2020 FEATURE nexusnewspaper.com 7

Story by Lane Chevrier, contributing writer Outside looking in File photo The ongoing struggle of accessibility at Camosun College

have disabilities—a bit of a soup of them, in fact. Most relevant to you know; we’re normal people,” she says. “I think that is probably the the Centre for Trades Education and Innovation, which was built in 2016 we have a responsibility to ensure that we’re supporting our learners and to tell you, but I couldn’t!’” McLaren says with a laugh. “You know, it’s life at Camosun, I have chronic hip pain. main thing for me—don’t be afraid to come and talk to me about anything. at the Interurban campus, has a mezzanine with no elevator access. The students to be successful academically.” a pride thing for a lot of people, like you don’t want to admit that, and a I I also have a class on the third floor of the Ewing building, which It’s like people see the chair but they don’t see the person. I feel like people argument at the time was that it came down to budget; however, it’s a beauti- Al-Haque hopes that the policy will be finished by the end of the year. teacher breaking that stigma, I think it really helps.” has no elevator. don’t understand that it doesn’t need to be like that.” ful building, so there was obviously money allocated to visual aesthetics. McLaren says that it might help to have a standard addition to all course To me, it seems reasonable that the college installs in Ewing one of I wondered if perhaps the issue was less about scarcity of resources and outlines that addresses the disabled elephant in the room. those little freight elevators that are in the Paul and Dawson buildings. So, I he Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is Camosun’s primary more about allocating resources to form over function. “We use very strong language in this draft “Maybe there should be a section at the beginning where they could decided to get to the bottom of disability accommodation on campus, both resource for students with disabilities; CAL works with students “I think it’s a false dichotomy—you can have them together,” says policy to really hold the college responsible, explain that if you’re a student with a disability you can go to the CAL and up-front and behind the scenes. Tand instructors to find ways for students to be successful in their Vannan. “And we shouldn’t slander function by thinking of it as something get help,” he says. There’s a lot to consider with accommodation policy and implementa- courses by helping them with the challenges imposed upon them by their that must be utilitarian. You figure out what the function is, then you figure because at the end of the day, our policies However, McLaren says that he’s really happy with the state of disability tion, as there is when considering when students have the right to obtain disabilities. CAL manager Darryl Gorrie says that they strive to stay above out how to make it beautiful, and I think you can find beautiful options at should reflect our values and principles.” accommodation at Camosun. their desired accommodations and when they don’t. Sometimes students the curve when it comes to assistive technology. any price.” “Coming back to school as an adult, I had some big fears,” he says. “I should fight for an accommodation; sometimes they shouldn’t. “We work with partners like ATBC [Assistive Technology BC] in Van- However, Vannan believes that preemptive problem solving is the key. RASHED AL-HAQUE thought coming into a school with a disability I might be treated like I was There are lots of students on campus with accessibility issues. They couver,” says Gorrie. “They have grants and technology loan programs, “Camosun is very much a patchwork community,” she says. “People CAMOSUN COLLEGE when I was younger, or like I was with an undiagnosed disability in the real each have a story to tell. so we’ve taken advantage of that to obtain equipment to help students but come from all different backgrounds, abilities, and lived experiences, and world, which was pretty awful, and I was really surprised and overwhelmed also to bring our own knowledge up as we go forward.” that’s what makes it such a wonderful community to be a part of, but we with positivity working with the CAL.” Gorrie says that in a situation where a student’s challenges are beyond need to have diverse groups making the design decisions about what these McLaren says that CAL began supporting him even before he became “Yes, I’m in a wheelchair; yes, I have a physical CAL’s ability to help, they’re happy to make a few calls. spaces should look like and how we’re going to use them.” a student. “We do referrals out to community agencies, and that goes for mental Gorrie agrees with this and says that it’s simpler to be proactive than “They were willing to help sign the student loans up with me, so they disability. Am I any different in my interests and health as well,” he says. “We will refer out to community agencies who retroactive with accessibility issues. find it difficult to distinguish the line between what should be a could get me the best services I needed,” he says. “I was blown away by hobbies than anybody else? I honestly don’t have capacity in that area when we see a student who is really struggling.” “It all goes back to the principle of barrier-free design,” he says. “It’s legitimate expectation and what may be considered an undue sense the college administration trying to help me out; I’ve never experienced think so. I read the same books, watched the Sometimes, help is right down the road, at the University of Victoria’s super important to think about things at the outset of the design phase, Iof entitlement. that before.” CanAssist. because it’s much easier to build in accessibility principles at the beginning, “This really goes back to expectation-setting, and it’s something I face,” Gorrie feels very strongly that the college really cares for students with same movies that you did growing up. I just “CanAssist quite often will work with anyone in the community for whom rather than having to go back and retrofit.” Vannan admits. “I’m frustrated all the time, because you think to yourself, disabilities, and this comes across in the enthusiastic cooperation with have a chair that moves instead of legs that a standard piece of technology you can buy on the market isn’t suitable,” ‘In this one particular instance, if they just did it this way, my life would be which CAL staff work, both with each other and with students. says Gorrie. “They’ll work to create something novel and innovative for an peaking of retrofitting, I looked into what it would take to put an so much better.’” “That’s one of the reasons I’m so happy to be here—the fantastic people. move me.” individual. It’s amazing.” elevator into Ewing, and I came across the concept of “undue Vannan recalls a line she read in a policy: “An acceptable accommodation I couldn’t have landed in a friendlier or more supportive environment,” he KELSEY WORTH Gorrie believes that gaining independence is invaluable, and says that Shardship,” which is the only scenario in which the college is not is not necessarily a perfect accommodation.” says. “There’s always issues in organizations, but the willingness to work CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT CAL is highly committed to supporting that process. mandated to provide an accommodation. “I read that at first and I thought, ‘I don’t like that language, that’s very together to look at the future as an opportunity to make good systematic “I think it’s super important that students learn the skills for independ- According to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, “Undue hard- condescending to students,’ but the more I thought about it, I thought, change, to create powerful mechanisms that everybody wants to be involved ence as much as possible, and part of that is working with them around ship describes the limit, beyond which employers and service providers there is some truth in that,” she says. “At the end of the day, we all like our with, that’s a very exciting reason why I came here.” technology, so they can become über-competitive in the job market, and are not expected to accommodate. Undue hardship usually occurs when barriers to be taken down in exactly the way we want, but sometimes we McLaren says that usually a non-visible disability gets the person extremely proficient in their area of interest,” he says. “If you build self- an employer or service provider cannot sustain the economic or efficiency have to be able to say to ourselves, ‘Does this leave the barrier in place, or “treated like garbage” everywhere they go, but he says that it doesn’t carry serve tools, they start using those, and it creates a situation where people costs of the accommodation.” does it take it down, just not in the way that I want it?’” that stigma at Camosun. he one thing that really does get me a lot is there’s not really can become more independent.” To get a better understanding of what this means, I spoke with Camosun This ties back into Ewing not having an elevator—Vannan points out “CAL and most Camosun faculty are really understanding,” he says. a lot of spaces on campus that I can sit and study at that He adds that this successful process is what motivates people working ombudsperson Carter MacDonald. that the building technically has access to every floor (through the walkways “It’s unbelievable.” “Taren’t in a classroom,” says Kelsey Worth, a third-year within CAL. “It’s a very high standard in human rights legislation,” he says. “It’s that lead to and from Fisher). McLaren also says that students have the power to make positive chan- University Transfer student who has spina bifida and scoliosis, and uses “That excitement is part of what drives all of us at the CAL because we incumbent upon the college to grant accommodations up to undue hardship.” “Is it ideal, not having an elevator in Ewing? No, it’s not,” says Vannan. ges when issues arise. a wheelchair. “The study spaces outside are the metal picnic benches you see people moving forth, getting their credential, and being able to go out MacDonald provides two examples. The first involves a student—not “That’s kind of the bitter pill sometimes, understanding that when you’re “If there is a problem that a student has, they can go to Nexus, they can can’t move. They’re bolted down, and so are the stools that are inside the and start their lives in employment. I think stuff like that is what drives us.” from Camosun—who used a sports wheelchair with a wide wheelbase that fighting for access, you sometimes have to accept the things that are less go to the student society, and make a fight for themselves, as well as others, Fisher Building. There’s nowhere to pull a chair up. And the cafeteria is a couldn’t fit through a bathroom door. It was going to cost $50,000 to accom- than ideal but are good enough.” and make a change on campus—they really can,” he says. write-off; I can’t get in there. It just kinda sucks, because I’m on campus modate the student, says MacDonald, so the institution denied the request. However, Vannan also has trouble in discerning where that line is. Vannan wants students to know that the CCSS is there for them. a lot, but not necessarily in class, and I’d love to get some work done, but “Well, quite frankly, $50,000 for a post-secondary institution is not “I have to sit and check myself for a moment, saying, ‘Is this you being “The student society’s entire purpose is to serve our membership to there’s nowhere for me to go.” “The student society’s entire purpose is to undue hardship in order to accommodate a student if it’s got a $150-million that person who just wants what they want because it’s comfortable?’” she ensure they have the best Camosun experience,” she says. “And we can Worth says that the downstairs portion of the library is cluttered and serve our membership to ensure they have the budget, so the Human Rights Tribunal found in favour of the student,” says says. “It’s really hard, because I think, for students with disabilities, we are celebrate with them when times are good, but we will fight for them when difficult to navigate in a wheelchair, and that it isn’t ideal for studying. MacDonald, adding that the institution has to be able to really demonstrate so used to being shut out of places, and going into situations being ready to things go wrong. And certainly, in my position, that goes doubly for stu- “The tables in the library, there’s already too many in there. They’ve best Camosun experience. And we can celebrate that it would impede its operations or put it at financial risk of bankruptcy have a fight. It’s really hard to step back and say, ‘Should I be having a fight?’” dents with barriers to access, so they’re always free to send us an email or got too many computer terminals and not enough study space,” she says, with them when times are good, but we will if it were to respond to an accommodation request. Vannan reminds students that a win is still a win, and that they need to stop by our office.” adding that the silent study space upstairs in the library also presents ex- fight for them when things go wrong.” The second case regards a former Camosun student who was not allowed choose their battles. McLaren agrees with this, saying that students should seek out the clusionary problems. “The chair makes a lot of noise even when it’s turned to record some of her class lectures. Since the crucial focus of the courses “You do have people who are very adamant that this is what they need,” student society if they are having problems. off, so I would still be disturbing other people and I’d get dirty looks. It’s ELEANOR VANNAN revolved around functional communication, simply recording them would she says. “But in certain situations where there’s not that documentation “I think if people do have accessibility issues, or they feel they aren’t being just not a comfortable space, because you know you’re the problem for CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT SOCIETY not fulfill those requirements. or diagnosis, it’s not necessarily the hill to die on, in terms of making the represented, then they should come seek out the CCSS and know that we everybody else, so I kind of avoid the library; there’s too many people and “The tribunal ruled that post-secondary institutions are not obliged to college provide accommodations. But when you have a situation where you have their back,” he says. “There’s always ways that we can help, and even not enough space.” change the integrity of their courses to meet, in this instance, a desire by a do have that documentation, that’s when you have that big fight.” if it doesn’t directly solve it right here, right now, there’s others like you, Worth feels that even in the buildings where she can find accessible student for an accommodation she didn’t even have, and the tribunal found and, through advocacy and the work we do, there will be a change one day.” space, there’s still not enough room for her. in favour of the college,” says MacDonald. econd-year University Transfer student Malcolm McLaren has “Every other building except Wilna Thomas, the few tables that are MacDonald says that a significant consideration around the feasibility of been diagnosed with ADHD, available are almost always full,” she says. he Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) is also a resource accommodation is maintaining academic integrity, and Gorrie seconds this. Sanxiety, and depression. Mc- Worth says that creating areas that are accessible to everyone but pri- for students struggling with disabilities. “With courses, it’s always based around what’s essential,” says Gorrie. Laren—who is also shift captain at oritized for disability access would be a step up, but she thinks it would be T “I’ve done a fair amount of work with CAL,” says CCSS “If you’re in a Nursing course and you have to be able to suture a wound the Lansdowne campus for the CCSS’ a burden on an already strained system. wellness director Eleanor Vannan, who also puts a lot of effort into building that’s bleeding within so many seconds before the person died, [that’s] an WalkSafer program—acknowledges “I don’t think it would hurt, but at the same time I can’t see it happening supportive relationships with students if they just need someone to talk with essential task that’s required under time pressure, so [the student] couldn’t that disabilities can produce challenges in a place like this because they don’t want to take away from the limited or to vent to. “I’ll take students for coffee, and one of the things I am quite have double time to do it. It wouldn’t be possible.” in all aspects of life, and says that people resources they already have for everybody,” she says. “It makes sense, but good at is navigating institutional structures, so a lot of the time it’s helping who have disabilities need to judge when where would you put them?” them know the right process, the right person to go to, that kind of thing.” 2016 Nexus article identified that Camosun did not have a to disclose this to others. Worth feels that social inaccessibility is just as prevalent on campus as Vannan is also a student with multiple disabilities, so she understands proper policy when it came to providing accommodations for “As difficult as it is, when you’re physical inaccessibility. the struggle. Astudents; as of 2020, it’s still in the works. Camosun education generalized by another person, it’s your “I find starting a conversation with people on the first day of class very “I’ve had a diagnosed disability since I was in Grade 5. I ended up policy specialist Rashed Al-Haque says that the intent and function of the responsibility to let them know that you awkward because a lot of people don’t know what to say, but it’s like, why dropping out of high school because I didn’t receive any academic support policy is to ensure that the students who need these accommodations get require different treatment,” he says, does it have to be about the fact that I’m in a wheelchair? It’s honestly like or accommodation,” she says. “I came to Camosun, and in that period I them; he says that, according to the Human Rights Code, students with adding that it’s not an excuse, it’s just it’s a giant beacon that says ‘Do not approach me,’ or that I don’t have a actually had quite a bad fall and injured my cervical spine.” disabilities should receive accommodations. the person explaining what they need. personality outside of my limitations,” she says. “Yes, I’m in a wheelchair; Vannan says that she has nerve pain from that, so it presents as a “That’s a legislative obligation that we have,” he says. “So we use very McLaren says that it can be hard yes, I have a physical disability. Am I any different in my interests and hob- physical disability, but she also has a learning disability, and, along with strong language in this draft policy to really hold the college responsible, for students to admit that they have a bies than anybody else? I honestly don’t think so. I read the same books, that, the associated struggles with anxiety and depression. She says that because at the end of the day, our policies should reflect our values and disability. watched the same movies that you did growing up. I just have a chair that when talking to students she tries to reframe situations and provide students principles.” “Years ago, when I first came to the moves instead of legs that move me.” with some context. Al-Haque stresses that having a policy is important but that it’s only Carpentry program here, I was strug- She says that many people in her situation would prefer people not “Our role in the CCSS is very often translating between institutional a formality, since appropriate accommodation is mandated by law and is gling, and my teacher didn’t directly say focus on their disabilities. jargon and how students speak and understand things,” says Vannan, “as already being fulfilled by Camosun. it to me, but he said to the class three or “For the most part, we’re not against speaking about our limitations, well as guiding them through the process and saying, ‘Here’s a reasonable “This policy is just that extra added layer, that protection for everybody four times that if you have a disability you

but we don’t want to focus on it the whole time. I’d much rather have a outcome we can expect, and here’s what we can’t expect.’” to ensure that students do in fact receive their accommodations,” he says. “If should go to the CAL, and eventually I FILE PHOTO conversation about what book I’m reading or what movie I’m watching, One of the more infamous accessibility issues around campus is that it’s been recommended by CAL, they should receive that, and at the college did, and he said, ‘I knew it! I was trying The mezzanine with no access in Camosun’s Centre for Trades Education and Innovation. 8 ARTS February 5, 2020 nexusnewspaper.com ARTS 9 film music Victoria Film Festival movies deliver subjects heavy and light Bedouin Soundclash deliver their village on Haida Gwaii’s coast] and the scene, and then we talk about own kind of mass with new album it was the first pole that had been where the camera is going to move carved in over 100 years there,” to, but I give no direction as to what says Wilkinson. “When Robert did is going to be said; it’s just entirely that, there was this huge explosion an outline.” of interest in North Coast culture This isn’t Skinner’s first mock- and in Indigenous culture in gen- umentary—his 2008 filmTumbling eral. Flash-forward to today, we’re After used many of the same actors. surrounded by it—there’s North Skinner says that knowing his ac- Coast art everywhere and people tors’ strengths and weaknesses have it on their T-shirts and they really gave him the confidence he get tattoos. Not just Indigenous needed to pull off the tight filming people—you have people from every schedule. But what is it that draws kind of background, so we started him to improvised comedy? to realize the impact [that] North “Well, I like the energy that Coast art, North Coast culture, and, comes with working with really in particular, Robert Davidson’s talented improvisers,” he says. “I amazing work has had on non-In- grew up doing improvised theatre digenous culture—and that’s the as a kid so to translate that to film, it story of Haida Modern, really.” just feels really vital and fresh. I just On the lighter side of things, really enjoy the process of it. I also local filmmaker Bryan Skinner has enjoy having fun on the set, and if created a film about a film festival, I don’t know what’s gonna happen and he’s putting it in film festivals. and what people are gonna say, that Open for Submissions was filmed in keeps it really fun for me.” only eight days and has no pre-writ- Skinner says that young film- BRANDON ARTIS PHOTOGRAPHY ten dialogue; Skinner says that makers shouldn’t feel limited by Bedouin Soundclash are returning to Victoria on February 7. those constraints gave the film a geographical location. RHEA GEORGE there like, ‘Oh god, it’s gonna start PHOTO PROVIDED “handmade, real documentary feel “It’s advice that I should have CONTRIBUTING WRITER to get really hot in this studio.’ We A scene from Charles Wilkinson’s Haida Modern: The Art and Activism of Robert Davidson. to it.” In other words, if you’re a fan heeded a long time ago, but I very After a seven-year hiatus, To- opened the doors and there was ETHAN BADR films about Haida Gwaii in the first time; Davidson agreed to let of The Office, you’re going to love much love Victoria, and most of the ronto reggae/ska band Bedouin this flood of water. All the gospel CONTRIBUTING WRITER past, it wasn’t until recently that he Wilkinson use some of his stunning Open for Submissions. stuff that I do is about Victoria,” he Soundclash returned in 2017 with a singers just started singing, im- The Victoria Film Festival’s actually got to visit there. He says it photography in his 2015 filmHaida “It’s an improvised mocku- says. “That’s probably not a great few more things to say. But vocalist/ provising over songs—they were program guide can be daunting, has a “mystical aura” about it, and Gwaii: On the Edge of the World. As mentary about a film festival that idea from a career perspective but guitarist Jay Malinowski says the just singing,” says Malinowski. “I featuring everything from movies that “you just step off the plane and time went on, Wilkinson noticed loses its executive director in the that’s just a personal thing for me. band wouldn’t be playing together was thinking, ‘This is such a New that are deeply meaningful and will you feel something different.” that a lot of the demonstrations closing gala, the awards presenta- Also, it’s the same advice for just again unless it was from the heart. Orleans moment,’ that they’ll find really stay with the viewer long after “The story of Haida Gwaii was a he was attending against “various tion, of the previous year’s film fes- about anything—seek people out “The only way we were going to something musical to make out of the end credits roll to movies that are really hopeful one,” he says. “Here’s pipelines and ill-conceived infra- tival,” says Skinner. “So two people who are better than you and just start playing again was if we were a situation at any time.” more on the lighter side of things. this place that’s really clean, and structure projects” were being led go head to head—the programmer acknowledge that, and then be creatively inspired,” says Malinow- Collaboration and connection is If you’re more into the former, there’s no real logos, and people lead by Indigenous people. He looked and the operations manager for willing to learn from them and steal ski. “We didn’t want to just play a theme throughout the the album Charles Wilkinson’s Haida Modern: these lives that are less complicated, around and noticed that Indigenous the festival—and one of them gets their ideas.” some reunion shows; we wanted and throughout Malinowski’s own The Art and Activism of Robert and they consume less, and they people were leading many—if not [the executive director position], to actually feel vital onstage when relationship with music—he has Davidson is one movie to check out seem to talk to each other more… most—of the world’s environment- the operations manager, and then we did it.” worked with many artists and also this year. The film tells Davidson’s Yeah, that certainly solidified our al battles. the programmer attempts to sabo- Victoria Film Festival It was the song “Like Clock- has a solo career. story and explores the resurgence of interest in Haida Gwaii.” “Interestingly enough, what we tage the festival by programming Friday, February 7 work” from their latest album, “I think that collaborating North Coast culture. Wilkinson— During his time on Haida Gwaii, realized after some digging was that basically the worst of what comes to Sunday, February 16 2019’s MASS (their first since musically is the highest thing you who lives near Vancouver—says Wilkinson met artist and photog- in 1969, Robert Davidson decided in. I don’t write any dialogue—we Various prices and venues 2010’s Light the Horizon), that in- can do,” says Malinowski. “Music that although he has worked on rapher Robert Davidson for the to carve a totem pole in Masset [a talk about what has to happen in victoriafilmfestival.com stigated a new energy and direction is a conversation, and a lot of times for the band. Malinowski initially it’s a compromise conversation... wrote the song on piano instead of You’re creating something that’s New Music Revue his usual guitar, drawing inspiration totally different from something from big bands and the swing music you would have done, and what they he had been listening to at the time. would have done, and it becomes melancholia, sonically capturing the album. Using clear beats, all these well engineered, with vocals stacked produced by band mainman Jeff “I think all instruments just something new.” complexities of modern existence. songs manage to convey the specific to replicate a barroom sound with a Waters, the album features heavy, naturally will push you in differ- He says that overcoming the My suggestion for listening to emotions the artist is so obviously bit of a Ramones feel. With a catchy inferno thrash beats combined with ent directions,” says Malinowski. challenges involved in working this record: take a long look up at feeling when playing them. riff and a rumbling bass line, “I shoelace-tying time changes and “Ultimately, I kind of always take and creating with others is one of the stars on a clear night and reach By combining Wein- Can’t Wait” offers a modern take speed-metal movements. a song—whether it’s been written the most rewarding experiences for the light—the natural kind. roth-Browne’s talent with the ef- on the Kinks-inspired indie rock 2020 Annihilator sounds tighter on an organ or on a keypad—back in music. -Rhea George Worlds fects of mixing genres, sound that dominated radio waves and beefier than they have in years, to the guitar, and if I can play it “I learn so much more from Within Wolf Parade manages not only to be circa 2002. and nods at early-career Annihila- naturally with guitar then I feel it’s working with people,” he says. Thin Mind an amazing piece of music on its The remaining tracks are more tor. But there are problems with the somehow real and tangible.” “Music is about feeding off of every- (Royal Mountain Records) Ballistic, Sadistic own, but also to showcase Wein- experimental, featuring cleaner album: is remin- MASS was named for all of the one else’s energy and creating some- 4/5 roth-Browne’s love—and mas- guitar and pop-inspired hooks, iscent of middle-of-the-road ’90s people, places, and collaboration in- thing together.” “Explosive” is the only way to tery—of his art form. but somehow they don’t quite fit. Montreal metal in that it’s not bad, volved in the making of the project. Malinowski says the duo are -Nicolas Ihmels Sadistic, describe Montreal/BC-based indie Individually, they are all decent but it’s not great, either. Recording initially began in New looking inward and focusing on Starlight Disco Ballistic rock band Wolf Parade’s fifth studio tracks, but has no feels overproduced and Orleans in the heat of summer, and themselves after just starting to play Thin Mind album, . Raphael Weinroth-Browne real feel to it. It doesn’t really work overly methodical. the influence of that city is palpable live shows again. A focus of their The first track, “Under Glass,” Worlds Within as a rock or a pop record, but it will Strangely for a metal band, on the record. performances will be spreading the (Independent) screams for attention in its first 10 be interesting to see where The Waters’ lyrics verge on emo over- “Being in a place like New feeling of mass connection to their seconds and establishes the album’s 4.5/5 Warhawks go from here. sharing. The bullied-artist theme Orleans is just naturally going to audiences. -Fred Cameron sweeping pace. Rolling waves of Raphael Weinroth-Browne is of the record weakens Annihilator’s seep into what you’re doing,” says “One of the things that we have Poor me instrumental energy crash into a Canadian composer and cellist forceful sound. , scream Malinoskwi. “We also had so many so much gratitude for now, after Imma fight lyrical themes of environmental known for his musical artistry in The Warhawks Waters’ lyrics, . As good players in the studio. That’s why we doing a lot of different things, is just blasphemy in a world filled with groups such as The Visit, Musk Ox, Starlight Disco as some of the tunes are, here’s your called it MASS, because we thought hearing people sing, in a joyful way. indifferent, technology-obsessed and Leprous. Weinroth-Browne is (New Rivals Entertainment) record back, Waters, with a box of it was going to be a coming together It’s so… it’s just incredible,” says camosun’s student voice since 1990 zombies. Layered synth riffs weave now releasing his first studio album, 2.5/5 tissues. I’m cried out. of a ton of different people.” Malinowski. “We sometimes can’t Worlds Within -Judah Iam The content doesn’t end intricately between the precise . And, just like his Gloucester City, NJ indie rock- One example of the collabora- believe that we got so lucky. I hope Worlds Within indie-disco drum performance band work, shows ers The Warhawks are back with tive atmosphere during the creation people leave feeling a sense of hope Starlight Disco. Want to review music and gritty rhythmic guitar lines of off Weinroth-Browne at the height their latest EP, The Annihilator of the album took place during a and humanity.” in the paper. Ballistic, Sadistic for us? want to be our the song, creating a modern avant- of his game. follow-up to their debut LP, 2019’s massive thunderstorm. The tropical Never Felt So Good Starlight Disco (Silver Lining Music) next arts writer garde atmosphere that still manages By cohesively mixing post-rock, , summer weather brought a mon- to tip its hat to the rich history of the classical minimalism, metal, and offers six new cuts and hints at a 3/5 interviewing bands Bedouin Soundclash or other artsy types soon and lightning, which caused band’s influences. electronic, Weinroth-Browne man- change of creative direction. Diehard Annihilator fans will the power in the studio to shut off Friday, February 7 Find web-exclusive stories at Thin Mind as they roll through On , Wolf Parade ages to get his message across to The Warhawks lead with their love the Vancouver-based thrash during a recording session. $22.50, Capital Ballroom embrace the line between lively his audience while keeping them familiar refined garage sound on metal band’s 17th album, Ballistic, town? get in touch with nexusnewspaper.com. “I remember we were sitting thecapitalballroom.com anthemic soundscapes and lyrical enticed throughout the 10-track “Deliver.” The guitar-heavy cut is Sadistic. Written, recorded, and us today to get started! 10 COMICS February 5, 2020 nexusnewspaper.com COLUMNS/PUZZLES 11

Natural Selection by Emily Welch Freedom from Addiction by Katie Mondey Politics and Other Nonsense by Carla Marginean Accepting truth What a royal move to Canada entails I drive from here to Kelowna, then to Calgary, and back to Victoria The more seriously a person is entrenched in There’s been a lot of misinfor- media outlets, but they have a bet- a few times a year. Driving alone, mation circulating about the Duke ter shot at diverting that spotlight which I usually do, there is time and addiction, the smaller their world becomes, or and Duchess of Sussex’s big move elsewhere, at least for a little while, space enough for me to think deeply seems to be. to Canada. This is rather ironic, when they move. about things. Having lived in active considering that the entire reason The fact that Canadian repor- addiction for most of my life (save that they are moving to BC is to ters have an obligation to respect the past two years that I have been avoid negative press and fake news. people’s privacy speaks volumes in recovery), I often wonder about In the past, Meghan Markle has about the political culture of this this phenomenon. had terrible encounters with the country. On one of my long drives last reduced to little more than getting The way out may involve many paparazzi in Britain hounding her This is not to say that intrusion summer, I was looking at the sky and high. And even if they do realize therapeutic interventions, medi- relentlessly, so much so that Henry on people’s privacy doesn’t hap- the countryside in interior BC, and this to some extent, they cannot cation, and other discoveries of David (also known as Prince Harry) pen when it should, like with the I was in awe of how big it all was. see the way out. To them, this is the science. Fundamentally, though, has compared her experience with Trudeau blackface scandal, but it The world is so big! I kept thinking. best—and indeed the only—thing the way out is through willingness to the press to the experience of his happens for no reason way less often The universe is incomprehensively the world has to offer. see things as they are. To me, this is late mother, Princess Diana. She, here than it does in other countries. huge. Reality is enormous, eternal. Sometimes, though, something the greatest thing about science: it’s as we all know, was killed in Paris in By taking a step back from being Addiction shrinks a person’s enters through a crack in our aware- a quest to see things as they are in 1997 following a high-speed pursuit senior members of the royal family, awareness of reality, the scope of ness and breaks us open, and we spite of the way we want them to be. by paparazzi. The fact that it has the couple are also taking a step which corresponds to the degree can no longer remain ignorant Interestingly, I find this scientif- gotten this bad is rather concerning back from official royal duties and of severity of the addiction. So, of the bigger picture. After this ic approach to understanding and for multiple reasons, not the least of will no longer be receiving money the more seriously a person is en- happened to me, and I entered knowing reality a deeply spiritual which is that Markle is a new mom from the taxpayer-funded sovereign trenched in addiction, the smaller addiction recovery for sex and love path as well. And it’s been the basis and, quite understandably, wants a grant, which currently makes up their world becomes, or seems to be. addiction, I was awestruck at how of my own recovery from addiction. bit of privacy. about five percent of their income. camosun’s student voice since 1990 For example, if a person is ad- much of life I had been blind to, at My aim is to look for the object- The two are hoping to find a This, however, does not mean that dicted to crack cocaine, their reality how much I had missed. I simply ive truth and follow it faithfully. more peaceful existence in BC— Canadian taxpayers will have to is basically all about the drug. Their could not see past that which was As humans, we are both the perhaps in Victoria—which will pick up the tab for this, or for any of only goal is to obtain it, use it, and not instrumental to maintaining my experimenting scientists and the likely be made possible by stricter their security detail either. Nothing then obtain it and use it again, and addiction. As I recover, my aware- guinea pigs of our own lives. We libel and slander laws as well as the has been solidified as of yet, but the What’s happening at again, and again. ness of reality grows. Or rather, must seek the truth if we wish to Canadian press being a bit better duke and duchess have said that nexusnewspaper.com Amazingly, if you speak to an awareness is addiction recovery. be free, for accepting the truth is in with not intruding on people’s pri- they want to become financially Week of January 27, 2020, top five most read stories: active addict, they don’t usually This is the meaning of “the truth itself incredibly freeing, whatever vacy unless it is in the public interest independent. 1. “Girlfriend Material explore cool cars and the business of realize that their world has been shall set you free.” the truth turns out to be. music,” January 22, 2020 CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT SOCIETY CLUB COLUMN (celebrity gossip doesn’t count). Only time will tell if the roy- 2. “The new plan: The Nexus analysis and critique of the Ca- MYWELLNESS CAMOSUN by Jordan Bell The two are not guaranteed a life al couple will get the peace and mosun Campus Master Plan 2019,” January 22, 2020 outside of the spotlight by moving financial independence they are 3. “Camosun College and Vancouver Island University partner for screw these words word search Women in Trades Training program,” January 22, 2020 Five ways to branch out in 2020 to Canada, especially from foreign looking for. 4. “Camosun students benefit from tuition-waiver program,” To make this word search, we came up with a bunch of words that are either disgusting or really difficult to As we kick off the new year, it’s easy to get wrapped up in school, November 20, 2019 pronounce (or just annoy us, like “noms”). Seriously, screw these words. 5. “Camosun College and student society address international work, life… you name it. But staying connected with your community Find the words on the left in the puzzle on the right; as always, stop by the Nexus office (Richmond House students’ concerns,” December 13, 2019 will end up flowing into other areas of your life—it’s all about balance. contest 201, Lansdowne campus) if you complete this puzzle to pick up something from our pile o’ prizes. The MyWellness program wants students to stay happy, healthy, and balanced this year, so that’s why we’ve compiled a list of all the easiest Find the hidden Nexus and win ways to stay connected and maybe step out of your comfort zone in 2020! 1. Take up a new sport or hobby E M T O E G T U Y A N R D Y F One of the easiest ways to meet people and gain new skills is by trying A R W Z D S N L R E R Y T X O something new. Victoria is a hotspot for sports, music, and game clubs. AFFIDAVIT Plus, head to our site to check out web-exclusive stories! Check out something new and see what happens! ANEMONE M O I S T J S A Y D U J K Q T 2. Try joining a Camosun club COLONEL Check it all out at nexusnewspaper.com, and find us on Insta- Camosun is full of people looking to connect, and joining one of the COMMUNICATIVE F R R H O E R M J N L Q Q T O gram, Twitter, and Facebook today! clubs is a fun way to try something new and different—and meet people CURD V U F E S U M B R E C B R W Q at the same time. If you can’t find the club you’re looking for here, you CYST don’t have to be a UVic student to join a UVic club! FESTER S J M A N R U A X Y H I A O S 3. Volunteer JUROR CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT SOCIETY CLUB COLUMN One of the best ways to feel good is to do good. Volunteering even LAMBASTE S K U F O O E S S M U C U S U by Simon Shepherd as little as one day a week can get you out of the house and interacting MOIST CAMOSUN BUSINESS STUDY GROUP with some amazing people who want to change the world in the same MUCUS H P O F M M M T G Q D O S Y B How to create culture, part 2 way you do. Give it a shot! NOMS H I D I S J F E S T E R T P B 4. Talk to a counsellor PHLEGM Previously, we talked about culture, its importance, and what it really means to a company. Do we hire If you’re just looking to talk to someone, a counsellor can be the best PUS I J Z D C O L O N E L E U H X from the outside or promote from within? The thought is if we can find someone who is a good fit, they’ll be option. Through the MyWellness program, Camosun gives students PUSTULE RURAL successful and the business will carry on. and faculty online counselling and 24/7 text hotlines for as little as $7 a M W B A K H S A H A C S F C Q SMEAR In the book Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, the authors look at a dozen or so successful session with the healthcare plan. Give it a try—your first session is free. SQUIRT H M Y V P G C H R Y T R F Y A companies, versus their not-so-successful counterparts. One company, RJ Reynolds, acquired Nabisco and Go to mywellness.ca/camosun to get connected. STUFF replaced the CEO with Ross Johnson. While Johnson was a capable employee in the past, his vision of what 5. Relax with friends O E V I T A C I N U M M O C A Nabisco should be didn’t align to what Nabisco’s vision had been prior to the merger, and the company opened WORCESTERSHIRE Sometimes keeping it simple is all you need—go out dancing, watch GREG PRATT/NEXUS itself to eventually be bought out by RJ Reynolds’ competitor Philip Morris. F Z V T J Z M I L B R S H W X a movie, make dinner or cookies together. Invite some classmates for Let’s see if you can find this We hid the last copy on top of Not every company that promotes from within is successful. There does need to be grooming, and one way a fun night if you want! Reach out—you never know if your new best copy of a previous issue of Nexus a shelf at the bottom of a stairway you can know if you’re on the right track is to ask yourself, “If tomorrow morning the CEO/boss/manager I B Z B Q I T E E L R P G P C friend is right around the corner. that we hid somewhere at Camosun on the lower floor of Young... and was hit by a bus, would the company be able to continue?” If the answer is yes, then there is a clearly defined As always, the MyWellness program will be hosting fun events College’s Lansdowne campus. no one found it! Finally, we got ya! culture inside the organization. If no, the next question is, “Why not?” throughout the semester, and you can check the board by the cafeteria The first person to find this copy Bring this copy of Nexus to us Camosun Business Study Group is focused on students helping students to succeed both in and outside of the at Lansdowne for info on all of those. Any questions can go to Jordan at classroom. For news and events, follow them at facebook.com/cambussg. and bring it in to our office (201 if you find it; we’ve got gift cards, [email protected]. See you there! Richmond House) wins a free prize! shirts, and more for the winner! camosun’s student voice since 1990 Ever wanted to be a columnist? camosun’s student voice since 1990 Help us diversify. Now is your chance!

Help us fill this space. We want a wider range of voices in the paper. All Camosun students can write for us. No experience necessary. Email Bring your view to the paper, to the college, to the students. [email protected] with your column idea today! Email [email protected] today. Pascale Archibald Student Editor at Nexus newspaper. Archibald has covered complex issues including college 12 EVENTS February 5, 2020 sexual-assault policy and campus security. what’s going on telling the by emily welch Thursday, February 13 George Lane. Suggested donation is drag; sensuality (oh yes, baby); and until Saturday, February 22 $20, but you can pay what you can a bit of cultural heritage thrown in! I afford; see bc.anglican.ca for more mean, what’s not to love? Tickets are You’ve got comic potential information. $49.95; see rbcm.ca/night for more If you’re a fan of the wacky and the information. weird, the new play at UVic’s Phoe- Friday, February 14 nix Theatre should be right up your Bring your own booty Friday, February 14 mind-bending alley. Comic Potential, I always say that burlesque is the We love to laugh written by Alan Ayckbourn, is a new black; what better way to We might as well keep going with delightful new sci-fi adventure that celebrate it than at the Cheesecake the St. Valentine’s promotion. After boasts love, robots, and daytime Burlesque Revue’s Bump and Grind all, what’s not to love about love? If TV. It’s a dark satire about the art of Valentine. Whether you’re with your you are like me and consider love to whole story.comedy and the dangers of artifi- sweetheart, your friends, or yourself, be not only confusing but also rather cial intelligence—it really has it all, shaking our wiggliest bits is a fun, comic, then hop on over to Tinder doesn’t it? Tickets are $28 unless fabulous, and sexy way to ring in Tales, the comedy show where you happen to go on a Tuesday, Valentine’s Day. The big performance people spill their silliest and steami- With a few keystrokes you can samplewhere you can thousandsbask in the light of ro- of opinions, afloat in a sea of information. is at Langham Court Theatre and est online adventures. Although the bot love for only $15. There are also contains comedy, dancing, singing, stories are mostly embarrassing, $16 student rush tickets 30 minutes and a silent auction—the only silent they’re also hilarious, and Tinder before the show. See finearts.uvic. part of the whole evening, I’m sure. Tales’ comedic storytelling has been But as the volume increases, the accuracyca for more information on andthis and reliability of professional journalism is essential. Tickets are online or at the box sold out all over Canada. Featuring other upcoming events. office and range from $24 to $36, Canadian comedians like Rebecca Friday, February 14 depending on the night. The doors Broome and Ira Adilman, and hosted Gathering and sorting the facts, weighing and openinterpreting at 7:30 pm, and you must be by Jo events, Dworschak, this is a laughable and following the story There’s something about 19; see langhamtheatre.ca for more love-fest fit for all skeptics, swingers, Pascale Archibald Mary details. and sweethearts. Join all the smitten kittens at the Victoria Event Centre, “Jerusalem Pilgrimage Fundraiser: Friday February 14 from beginning to end is more importantUnveiling a new portrait ofthan Mary ever. 1415 Broad Street—the doors open Student Editor at Nexus Magdalene”—what do you think A night at the museum at 7 pm, the show starts at 8 pm sharp, and tickets are $16 online or when you see a title like that? I say Are you in love and want to show $20 at the door; see tindertales.ca PHOTO PROVIDED great, it’s about time that someone your person that you are romantic newspaper. Archibald for more details. Josh Q and the Trade-Offs are coming to town on February 8. did something about Mary’s bad and sensitive yet utterly creative Saturday, February 8 themes of light and darkness and rap; the poor woman has been and unique? The Royal BC Museum Sunday, February 16 has covered complex closeness and isolation. While the misunderstood for centuries. Guest is throwing a night to beat all nights Here’s looking at Q, kid band is a staple of the Iqaluit music speaker Richard LeSueur, who is with Night Shift: Vintage Valentines. Bring your own bud Have you heard that the new black is scene, they have also played all over acting dean of St. George’s College It’s a vintage-themed event where What better way to celebrate the issues including college actually Arctic Blue? Well, it is, with Canada—big stages, little stages, in Jerusalem, will be speaking participants take a journey through legality of everyone’s favourite Josh Q and The Trade-Offs, singing and main stages, and now they’re about how a recent archaeological time. This evening has it all: live greenery than seeing DJ/producers their soulful and brooding notes coming to Victoria to play Lucky Bar. discovery has changed 2,000 years music of all kinds—country, electron- Stickybuds and Krafty Kuts at Dis- sexual-assault policy and from the deep end of the northern Doors are at 8 pm, and tickets are of teaching about Mary Magdalene. ic, pop, indie; visual art; installation, trikt? Doors open at 10 pm and tick- tundra. In a blend of Inuktitut and $12.50; see luckybar.ca for more The doors open at 6:30 pm, and photography, and performance art; ets range from $15 to $22.50. See English lyrics, The Trade-Offs sing details. it all goes down at St. George’s live theatre; burlesque (yeah, baby); stickybuds.ca for more information. campus security. tellingthe Arctic blues about universal theAnglican Church, located at 3909 St. wholeNew blood story. With a few keystrokesdonors you can sample thousands of opinions, afloat in a sea of information. But as the volumeneeded increases, the accuracy and reliability of professional journalism is essential. Gathering andevery sorting day the facts, weighing and interpreting events, and following the story from beginning to end is more important than ever. Adam Marsh Student editor for Nexus newspaper. Marsh has Donate blood covered issues such as students successfully protesting tuition raises an independent and student issues Canadian Blood Services surrounding the federal 3449 Saanich Road, Victoria voice. election. With a few keystrokes you can sample thousands of opinions, afloat in a sea of information. But as the volume increases, the accuracy and reliability of professional journalism is essential. Gathering and sorting the facts, weighing and interpreting events, and following the story Crystal, from beginning to end is more important than ever. blood, platelet and cord blood recipient

Book now at blood.ca/BC we have a new website! nexusnewspaper.com november 20, 2019 facebook: nexusnewspaper | twitter: nexusnewspaper | instagram: nexusnewspaper | snapchat: nexusnewspaper issue 7 | volume 30 nexusnewspaper.com camosun’s student voice since 1990