VOLUME 70 // ISSUE 18 // FEB. 4 FEB. // 18 ISSUEVOLUME // 70 FREE.WEEKLY.
Vive la culture Franco-Manitobain
Manitoba’s Francophone lines run deep
VISUAL COMICS ON KEEPING PROGRAMS DIARIES P6 CAMPUS P16 PUBLIC P17
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG
THE UNITER // F ebruary 4, 2016 3 ON THE COVER An actor is immersed in his role as a historical French Canadian at Festival du Voyageur. SO, YOU WRITE? We have some open reporter positions, which means that we’re hiring writers. Or, in simpler terms, we’re hiring people who are good with words and interested in journalism, regardless of whether they call themselves writers. Writing can be a tough craft to claim, and a hard kind of work to pin down. That romanticized vision of happily pecking at a laptop keyboard next to a steaming hot latte at the local coffee shop, words flowing effortlessly onto the page? I’ll level with you: that rarely happens. Laptops and coffee shops are great, don’t get me wrong. I love to work at coffee shops, even just answering emails. Often I’m there more for exposure to daylight or because part of me is still chasing that idealized notion of what a writer is or does. There is the research, then there are interviews, and transcribing, and finally there is the putting words onto paper (or a screen). And wringing the words out is hard work, not to be underestimated. But the good news is that the work doesn’t end there. That’s where the editors come in, and where writing becomes a truly collaborative act. Perhaps for some, the idea of getting feedback on your work is terrifying, but many others will tell you – especially those who’ve done their time, who’ve sent in piece after piece to deadening silence – that comments from an editor are one of the greatest gifts a writer can get. At The Uniter, the editing process takes almost as long as the initial writing process. Sending drafts back and forth is part of being a learning paper. It’s a commitment to working with writers of every level, not just to turn out a print-worthy piece, but to impart little bits of knowledge, to share tips and tricks. The work put in by the editorial team is meant to make writing less of an isolating process. So if you were ever considering writing – either as a volunteer or to throw your hat into the ring for a reporter position – know that you won’t be doing it alone. And there’s only one way to claim the title of writer: You write. – Anastasia Chipelski
DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK VISIT UNITER.CA TO DOWNLOAD “POLARIS” BY EMILY AND THE MOON. (ARTICLE ON PAGE 5).
@THEUNITER @THEUNITER F ACEBOOK. COM/THEUNITER Winnipeg Transit is unveiling a new code of conduct for bus riders. See page 12 for more. PHOTO BY KEELEY BRAUSTEIN-BLACK
SUBMISSIONS OF ARTICLES, LETTERS, UNITER STAFF CONT ACT US » GRAPHICS AND PHOTOS are encouraged, CONTRIBUTORS General Inquiries: 204.988.7579 however all new contributors (with the A dvertising: 204.786.9790 MANAGING EDITOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER exception of letters to the editor) must Anastasia Chipelski » [email protected] Simeon Rusnak » [email protected] Christopher Bryson, Reinaldo E-mail: [email protected] Contreras, Sam Duerksen, Web: www.uniter.ca attend a 45 minute volunteer orientation BUSINESS MANAGER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chuka Ejeckam, Valerie Nyamori workshop to ensure that the volunteer Margaret Howison » [email protected] Keeley Braustein-Black » [email protected] LOC ATION and Talula Schlegel. » understands all of the publication’s CREATIVE DIRECTOR STAFF ILLUSTRATOR R oom ORM14 basic guidelines. Volunteer workshops Scott A. Ford » [email protected] Gabrielle Funk » [email protected] University of Winnipeg 515 Portage Avenue take place Wednesdays from 12:30-1:20 NEWS EDITOR FEATURES REPORTER Winnipeg, Manitoba in room ORM14. Please email volunteer@ Palmer Fritschy » [email protected] Thomas Pashko » [email protected] R 3B 2E9 uniter.ca for more details. Deadline Treaty One Territory for advertisements is noon Friday, six COMMENTS EDITOR ARTS REPORTER Homeland of the Métis Nation Tim Runtz » [email protected] Samantha Sarty » [email protected] days prior to publication. The Uniter COPY & STYLE EDITOR NEWS REPORTER reserves the right to refuse to print Danielle Da Silva » [email protected] Shkelzen Miskiqi » [email protected] material submitted by volunteers. The ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR CAMPUS REPORTER MOUSELAND PRESS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Uniter will not print submissions that Meg Crane » [email protected] Elena Spitcyna » [email protected] Kent Davies (interim chair), Andrew Tod, Erin Yaremko, Raegan Hedley, Jack Walker, Dylan are homophobic, misogynistic, racist or Chyz-Lund, Anifat Olawoyin and Peyton Veitch. libellous. We also reserve the right to PHOTO EDITOR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Daniel Crump » [email protected] Alana Trachenko » [email protected] For inquiries e-mail: [email protected] edit for length/style. 4 THE UNITER // F ebruary 4, 2016
WHOSE HOUSE? BEN’S HOUSE
PHOTOS BY KEELEY BRAUSTEIN-BLACK
1 2
1) WINNIPEG ARTWORK THOMAS PASHKO @THOMASPASHKO “Jane Testar (of improv comedy troupe Outside 3 Joke and sketch group Hot Thespian Action) FEATURES REPORTER came over one time, and she was making fun of me because I had nothing on my walls. I’m lazy, so I gave her some money and she decorated If you’ve been to any comedy shows the place. She did these pieces.” in Winnipeg, chances are you’ve seen Ben Walker perform. He’s one of the 2) GOLF CLUBS city’s hardest working stand-up comics. “I have no storage space right now, so I keep the Between weekly hosting gigs at Jekyll golf clubs in the living room just in case I feel and Hyde’s and Rumor’s Comedy Club, like hitting some balls off the balcony.” Walker still finds time to hit as many local open mics as possible. 3) BASEBALL BOOKS That busy schedule has informed “These aren’t my favourite books, but they’re a Walker’s approach to his utilitarian snapshot of what my dad gets me every year for Osborne Village home. Christmas. I like to read, and I’ve liked baseball 4 5 “I’m out all the time,” Walker admits. since I was a kid. So every year my dad gets me “I do shows three to seven nights a a different baseball book. I’m like, ‘Dad, I’m 35. week, and I try to go to as many other I like more than just baseball. I don’t need any shows as I can. So this is a space for me more baseball books.’ But he’ll still get me a to decompress. I’m a people person, but book about the best American ball parks.” I see people outside. When I’m home, I like to just chill and have my free days.” 4) FREE PRESS WALL MOUNTS His approach to his living space “The top one came from one of those Winnipeg comes from a very specific cinematic Free Press comedy contests. I lost every year. ethos. I said, ‘I can’t win the contest, I’m taking these “I live my life like Robert DeNiro wall mounted pictures.’ I think I took three of in Heat,” Walker jokes. “‘Don’t let those... The bottom one was an article about the yourself get attached to anything Winnipeg Comedy Festival four years ago. When you’re not willing to walk out on in I peaked, I guess. It’s me on top, John B Duff in 30 seconds flat.’ I have over 20 pairs of the middle, and Aisha Alfa on the bottom. So it’s shoes though. Because you can’t wear a in reverse order of success.” couch to the bar.” 5) SASKATCHEWAN/MANITOBA MAP As if his schedule in Winnipeg “I’m from Regina originally, and I moved here isn’t busy enough, Walker has bigger about 10 years ago. A friend of mine I went to geographic markets in his sights. university with, she’s American, and she got “I’m working with a guy who produces a job in Washington, D.C. On her first day she comedy shows in Korea,” Walker says. went into her office, opened her desk drawer, “They have a gap in the schedule, so and coincidentally there was a Saskatchewan/ I’m excited to try doing comedy there. Manitoba map from 1979. For what reason, I’m skipping doing roadwork in North I don’t know why. She mailed it to me as a America and going straight to the surprise gift.” Korean market.” ARTS THE UNITER // F ebruary 4, 2016 5
social media, Wood was overwhelmed with support from both the local music community and inspired strangers who BRIGHT contributed financially. Eventually, Wood came into contact with Dave Swiecicki, band member of MOON RISING Jet Set Satellite, who is producing her EP along with Jason Gordon from Studio 11. Wood says the EP is set to come out June Emerging songwriter Emily and 17. the Moon shares songs of hope Swiecicki recalls listening to the original tracks. “I could hear it going in a certain @SAMDUERKSEN SAM DUERKSEN direction, really trancey with analog program drums and keyboard pads. Very VOLUNTEER atmospheric. Her storytelling grabbed me,” Swiecicki says. What started as a dream obscured by The album holds promise to be a fear is becoming a reality for emerging layered six song repertoire of pop rock songwriter Emily Wood. with electronic elements. Wood, who had long struggled with an Wood – who wrote the songs, sings and anxiety disorder, turned to music to get plays the ukulele – will be accompanied by her through tough times. Now as Emily a host of local musicians, including James and the Moon she wants to give back Roth of Pushing Daisies, John Huver of through music of her own. The Perms, and local singer/songwriter “This whole album came about from Keith Macpherson. PHOTO BY JENESSA SCHULTZ being afraid of things,” Wood says. “I “We’re not even using the same had anxiety. I ended up hospitalized in drummer or the same bass player in every Emily Wood’s first EP is coming out in June. the end. It was then I realized, if I have song, which is cool because every song has these dreams and goals, I am the only it’s own flavour,” Swiecicki says. Though there are some darker themes I can do anything.” one holding myself back. So, I thought Several overarching themes tie on the record, the songs all have an She says she tried to write music similar of small things I wanted to do, like learn the record together, one being lyrical intentional uplifting quality. to the tunes that got her through her scary to drive, and take the bus without being references to the celestial. “I used to turn to music. I was so scared times because she wants it to be relatable terrified.” “I’ve always loved astronomy,” Wood of opening up or putting anything of to people. This dream has been made possible says. “I used to take my telescope out and myself out there for fear of being judged,” “I hope I can make something that can through the help of an Indiegogo sit and watch the stars. The night sky is Wood says. “If you’re going to create, then help people too.” campaign, the support of local talent and just so beautiful to me.” you have to learn to develop a thick skin. Find more information about Emily Wood at Wood’s determination to overcome her This fascination with the beauty of the Once I picked up that little ukelele, even emilyandthemoon.com. fears. unknown almost plays like a metaphor for though it was tiny and sounded terrible, After sharing her music dream on the core message of the album: hope. once I learned four chords I was like, now
ARTS AND CULTURE BRIEFS MEG CRANE // ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR @MEGCRANE WE’RE Dilla Day Winnipeg Funds for Plug In ICA HIRING! On Feb. 7, memorials will be held around the Plug In ICA has received $80,000 USD from The world for producer/rapper/musician J Dilla. Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The Dilla Day Winnipeg is taking place at The Good money will be used to fund programming for the THE UNITER IS SEEKING AN Will. Starting at 9 p.m., Super Duty Tough Work next two years. The foundation generally makes (SDTW) will act as an 8-piece live MPC. MCs and donations to institutions in the United States, ARTS AND CULTURE REPORTER musicians will perform Dilla classics, renditions but makes some international exceptions. This and interpretations, backed by the SDTW band. is the second time it has made an exception for Plug In ICA. A re you passionate about Winnipeg’s arts and culture, and equally comfortable exploring the realms of music, visual Big Love Library Happy Hour arts, theatre, literature, dance, food, and more?
Asper Centre of Theatre and Film’s Acting III: The Winnipeg Public Library is bringing its adult Honours Class is presenting Charles L. Mee’s Big story time to The Good Will Social Club on Feb. The successful candidate will possess strong writing and Love on Feb. 5 to 7 and Feb. 10 to 12, at 8 p.m. 10. Attendees can sit back with with beer and interviewing skills, and have their finger on the pulse of each night. The play, based on an ancient Greek pizza while library staff read them stories. the many thriving scenes on campus and across the city. myth, is about 50 brides who immigrate from Roald Dahl and Dorothy Parker pieces have been Greece to Italy. The show is free. Visit theatre. promised to be a part of the line-up. The event uwinnipeg.ca to reserve a seat. is free, 18 plus and starts at 7:30 p.m. The position begins on Feb. 11 and pays $100/week. Interviews will be held on Feb. 9.
Drop the Mic Pure Phantom cheese Please submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample to Queer and Trans People of Colour (QTPOC) Pure Cheese presents Phantom of the Paradise Managing Editor Anastasia Chipelski at [email protected] before presents its third edition of Drop the Mic on at The Park Theatre on Feb. 7. Doors open at midnight on Feb. 7. See uniter.ca/jobs for more details. Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. at The Handsome Daughter. 6 p.m. for board games, grilled cheese and Self-identified queer and trans people of colour drink specials. Hosts Michael Green and Jordan will take the mic to share storytelling, comedy, Welwood will get the pre-show going at 7 p.m. *Mouseland Press strives to be an equitable employer and will prioritize qualified music, and more. Sign up for five minutes of with commentary on the movie, sketches and applicants who belong to marginalized groups. Qualified applicants who study at stage time through the Facebook event page, games with the audience. Tickets are $5. QTPOC Drop the Mic #3. or are alumni of The University of Winnipeg will also be given priority* ARTS
PHOTO BY SIMEON RUSNAK
(Above) Takashi Iwasaki at his in-home studio with daughter Donika. (Below) A mural collaboration between Takashi Iwasaki and Gabrielle Funk decorates The Good Will Social Club.
“Those (are) things I often have in “I like the communication when that allows me to do one thing and when I’m mind when I’m making my artwork,” happens, to know what people associate getting tired I’ll go try another idea and A DIARY ON Iwasaki says. with my work,” Iwasaki says. “Like if I work with something else,” Iwasaki says. He seems set in his style and work, a just paint a really realistic picture of an Iwasaki has a show coming up in DISPLAY dynamic breed of vibrant colours and apple, probably people only just think Winnipeg on Feb. 5 at the Lantern on emotive esthetics with a knack for lines, of it as a picture of an apple. My work Pacific Avenue. Takashi Iwasaki’s abstract art tone and space. always has an ambiguity and freedom of For the exhibit Iwasaki has been Iwasaki says that with much of his thought that’s given to the viewer.” working on new larger pieces with acrylic from abstract ideas work, he tries to depict things he thinks He specialized in drawing when paints on canvas. He says he will be about that can’t be seen or understood by he graduated from the University of showing some older pieces as well, but it CHRISTOPHER BRYSON @CHRISBRYGUY other people. He has difficulty describing Manitoba in 2006 with a Bachelor of will mostly be recent works. in words what these things might be. Fine Arts. Nowadays, though, Iwasaki VOLUNTEER STAFF Much of Iwasaki’s work comes with works in many different mediums. some loose-leaning psychedelic stylings, Iwasaki has experimented with but also has the level of ambiguity and multiple mediums with his art, spanning Takashi Iwasaki calls his abstract art diary creative invention that gives his work from paint, embroidery and collage, to entries. He draws from daily experiences a widespread appeal through ease and sculpture, drawing, mural and public art. to bring inspiration to his work. openness of interpretation. The result seems to have expanded his “Instead of writing in a diary, I paint or “I have certain starting points for my visual repertoire and his capacities for embroider or make collages,” Iwasaki says. artwork. But I don’t want it to be what creation. Takashi Iwasaki’s art will be on “Very simple things or ordinary things in viewers perceive either,” Iwasaki says. “I usually find I can’t keep doing the display at Lantern, 211 Pacific Ave. my life could be inspiration for me.” He says sometimes people come up exact same thing for a long period of from Feb. 5 to 27. The gallery is open Fridays from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Architectural magazines and to him and tell him what they see in his time. And I always like working with Entry is free. buildings, furniture and fashion have all work, but it’s not something that he sees this and that and this again. So I like been sources of inspiration. in his own piece. working with different mediums which
PHOTO BY TAKASHI IWASAKI THE UNITER // F ebruary 4, 2016 7 CKUW TOP 20 January 25 - 31, 2016
TW = This Week // LW = Last Week // ! = Local content // * = Canadian Content Whip time. I’ve played it numerous times and it never feels redundant, so take my word for it. TW LW LC/CC arTIST A LBUM LABEL Whip demo 2015 Independent Four songs is a tease but I guess we’ll let it slide as five songs 1 1 ! Various Artists Love, Lake Winnipeg Self-Released could be too generous. Their sound is like a combination of 2 2 ! Cannon Bros Dream City Disintegration Kathleen Hanna’s riot grrl vocals mixed with simple catchy 3 RE ! M&M Meats Runners Love Transistor 66 rhythms you can’t ignore. You just can’t. 4 7 Balthazar Thin Walls Play It Again Sam This is a subcategory of music that seems to be in circulation 5 4 David Bowie Blackstar Columbia again and I’m very pleased to say that Winnipeg is jumping 6 5 * Colin Linden Rich In Love Stony Plain on the wagon. With the flux of girl fronted punk bands across 7 10 * Kacy & Clayton Strange Country Big White Cloud Canada it’s about time we grew our catalogue. Our punk scene is something to be proud of and Whip is helping to solidify that with 8 13 Deerhunter Fading Frontier 4AD our variety. So far all of our female fronted punk groups rock, no 9 15 ! Kazzoshay Dreamscape Self-Released big deal. 10 8 New Order Music Complete Mute But if you don’t care about the details that’s fine too. Just hit play 11 12 ! Chic Gamine Light A Match Self-Released and move your body. I can run you through the basics real quick. 12 3 * Various Artists CJSW Level Up CJSW The first track “No Shame” starts things off fast so you know who 13 16 ! Roger Roger Fairweather Self-Released you’re dealing with. Once “Crooked Teeth” comes on we’re really 14 RE ! Scott Nolan Silverhill Transistor 66 listening to what they’ve got to say. “All We’ve Got” certainly can’t be all they’ve got, or I’ll be sad. And finally, “Double Life” is 15 20 ! Sol Sigurdson The Lake Winnipeg Fisherman Self-Released the end of it all, for now anyway. 16 RE ! Vince Andrushko Vince Andrushko Self-Released Whip is one of Winnipeg’s newer additions to the punk scene. Whip knows how to take charge without overcomplicating it. 17 9 * Corb Lund Things That Can’t Be Undone New West Their four track demo is free to play on Bandcamp and I’d They’re really rather suitable for a relationship...with your ears. 18 19 ! Autumn Still When It Was Self-Released recommend you spend the five and a half minutes it takes to plow 19 RE Empresarios The Vibes Self-Released through it. Then play it again for pete’s sake cause you’ve got the - Kaitlyn Emslie Farrel 20 21 * Ought Sun Coming Down Constellation
Sam Singer You feel as if you’re in the garage, jamming with the band. The apathetic rock tone that slowly weaves the many stylistic facets song takes an impressive switch, introducing a creep-Motown of this album together. The Sammy Singer LP breakdown, with electric, scratchy, animalistic vibes that take Independent “Different” brings 50’s doo-wop intricacy in communication you away to a psychedelic space forest. between instruments paired with classic beach rock, with What I find truly outstanding about this ensemble is their ability piercing high-hat notes. The Sammy Singer LP starts off with “Never Winter”, opening to jump between vocal styles and modifications, bringing this The most pivotal song of the album is “Interlude.” We hear with an ear-catching, booming drum sound. The song softens, band out of a realm purely defined as garage or beach rock. then gains weight and depth in the fullness of voice and sound, dialogue and vocal tone bending mixed with acoustic guitar that peppering in guitar and drums. We hear transmission sound effects that give this band a spacey, feels like we’re re-rooting before the album’s close. By the end electric groove into their song, “Sistor”. “Wauneta Park Plaza” of the album, we revisit weighted, energized space sounds that This upbeat, beach rock inspired sound is well paired with rolls in drums, vocal play, and a relaxed intro, transforming into move into an echo-y, yearning and steady drawl. the sandpaper timbre in Sam Singer’s voice. The song has an a desert/beach rock session with alien-like vocals. intoxicating feel to it, switching from a full booming voice to an For the album’s end, we hear gothic style piano and haunting ethereal, coy one. “The Hipper the Girl, The Harder the Fall” is the first time we vocals that are cavernous and deep, ending a little metal with a truly get to hear the beautiful rich timbre of Sam Singer’s vocals. cyclic drone in the background. The song “Da da da da dun dun” has a unique method of breaking The song takes a trance-y, gloomy, feel before hitting pavement - Talula Schlegel the fourth wall. and getting really gritty and full. “One Dimensional” hits an
SON OF SAUL
THOMAS PASHKO @THOMASPASHKO
FEATURES REPORTER
Playing now at Landmark Cinemas 8 Grant Park
Son of Saul is that rare kind of film that understands the medium so well it reinvents it by simply existing. Its format is rigid and experimental, SUPPLIED PHOTO but it’s never merely a formal exercise. Its moral and philosophical ambitions Géza Röhrig stars as Saul Ausländer in Son of Saul now playing at Landmark Cinemas 8 Grant Park. are equally as heavy, and rewardingly ambiguous. László Nemes’ commitment to this format him bury the boy, the rabbi tells Saul to dying for no reason at all? Death means The film follows Saul Ausländer (Géza is remarkable. say a prayer, and that will be enough. nothing to Saul anymore. It makes Röhrig), a Hungarian-Jewish prisoner The chaos is palpable. The Hungarian There’s nothing more he can do for the sense, then, that human life has become in Auschwitz. Saul is a member of the Saul and his German captors can’t boy, and perhaps he could spend his equally meaningless. It’s not Saul’s moral Sonderkommando, a group of prisoners understand each other. Nor can many energies helping the prisoners who are compass, but the world’s, that’s broken. forced to work disposing of bodies in the of his fellow prisoners, who speak in a still alive. But Saul continues his quest, The ambiguity of the film’s morality camp’s gas chambers. handful of European languages. It reads and people die in his wake. spills over into its story. Is the boy One day, Saul discovers the body of a like a Hieronymus Bosch painting. It’s In the moment, it’s tempting to really Saul’s son? His fellow prisoners child he believes to be his son. He becomes a rare Holocaust film that shows no blame Saul. But how can it be Saul’s remind him repeatedly that he has no determined to give the boy a proper Jewish onscreen deaths. That’s not to say nobody responsibility? Aren’t the Nazi guards son. Is this actually some abandoned, burial, and risks his own life (by defying dies. Many do. But they die in a film told the ones responsible for these murders? illegitimate child that Saul recognizes? Is his forced labor duties) and the lives of his from the perspective of someone who’s The camp commanders? Hitler and he delusional? Does he look on this boy fellow prisoners (by jeopardizing a planned seen so much death that he’s become Eichmann in Berlin, more than 500 and simply feel that this is his son? If so, is uprising) to do so. completely desensitized to it. kilometres away? All relative sense of he right? Does it matter? It’s a testament The film is told entirely from Saul’s Many critics have described Saul’s morality and humanity becomes lost to Nemes’ direction that, despite perspective. Most of the film is shot over actions as saintly, graceful and dignified, in the chaos and depravity that was the the hopelessness of what’s onscreen, Röhrig’s shoulder, with the surrounding but those same actions could also prompt Holocaust. If his friends die so that he everything in Son of Saul always matters. world drifting in and out of focus. Director dismay. When he first asks a rabbi to help can bury a dead boy, isn’t that better than CULTURE
He says that these groups, such as the Winnipeg Vegan Meetup, bring together a diversity of people. FOODIE “I’ve made many friends from all walks of life,” Lo Scerbo says. “People of all backgrounds attend meet-ups: general FACTIONS labourers, doctors, nurses, artists, actors, business people, politicians, machinists, Creating communities teachers.” The meetup has more than 600 around food members. “Going vegan was the best decision TALULA SCHLEGEL @TALULACORA I’ve ever made,” Lo Scerbo says. Lo Scerbo says that being vegan is a VOLUNTEER STAFF lifestyle because it involves more than just diet. Linda Haddad is a member of the Niche food-based lifestyle groups in Raw Food in the Peg Facebook group Winnipeg tend to connect like-minded and owner of Valley Pantry Organics, an people who have similar dietary lifestyles. organic grocery store. Mark Lo Scerbo has been a member “I think it’s really both,” Haddad says of the Winnipeg Vegan Meetup for six about a raw food diet and lifestyle. “Your years, and he says it has had an impact on diet is part of your life.” how he lives his life as a vegan. Haddad says she doesn’t eat exclusively “I didn’t cook much before the meetup. raw, but incorporating herself into I ate a lot of takeout from V.J.’s and other an organic food community means burger joints,” Lo Scerbo says. “I attended having support to eat healthier with ILLUSTRATION BY GABRIELLE FUNK a few meet-ups where the members gave less pesticides and food grown using me cooking and shopping tips. The unnatural practices. members answered all my questions.” Haddad says that Raw Food In The Peg She says they haven’t been receptive to Lo Scerbo says his life has changed since has given her more insight and ideas in the idea of Valley Pantry Organics when becoming vegan and joining this group. pursuit of her dietary and lifestyle choices. she posts on Facebook about it. “Grocery shopping has become my “From a business perspective, I love Regardless, Haddad says it is great favourite activity,“ Lo Scerbo says. getting to meet people and help them to to share ideas and knowledge, and give You can find the Winnipeg Vegan “Trying new recipes at home and gain access to more items,” Haddad says. each other, as individuals, support and to Meet-up and Raw Food In The Peg on Facebook. supporting restaurants offering vegan “I love being able to find deals that we support the raw food movement as a whole. items is fun.” can all benefit from.” “I have met a lot of great people in my The next Winnipeg Vegan Meet-up Lo Scerbo, now an admin of the group, However, Haddad says that the more journey that I would not have otherwise,“ is happening at Boon Burger, 141 Bannatyne Ave., on Feb. 6 at noon. tries to support new vegans in the way he than 200 group members haven’t been Haddad says. received support when he first joined. particularly supportive of her grocery store.
YOU YOUTUBE, EH? Canadian YouTubers in online communities
SAMANTHA SARTY @SARTYSARTY
ARTS REPORTER
YouTube interweaves an unimaginably large web of videos, from hours of fail compilations, to engrossing rants, to, of course, cats. But where do Canadian YouTubers fit in, and what does it really mean to be a PHOTO BY DANIEL CRUMP part of the YouTube world? Alayna Fender, more commonly MissFenderr, also known as Alayna Fender, is a popular Winnipeg YouTuber. known by her screen name, MissFenderr, is a YouTuber based out of Winnipeg who “I get to create online content for a Canada, because most of the people I have either been entertained, challenged has more than a 100,000 subscribers, living, and I love it,” Fender says. She watch are from the US or Europe,” Power or inspired by them,” Power says. averaging hundreds of thousands of views values the connections she can make with says. “There are a select few Canadian Fender especially appreciates that on her videos. her followers. YouTubers who are well known and loved YouTube is for everyone. “I started making videos when I was “If I can brighten their day by making a in YouTube, so I definitely feel like there’s “It’s a space where each and every 18-years-old,” Fender says. funny video, or help them feel less alone by a growing Canadian YouTube scene.” person can find a community where She says she got started after binge making a video about my own struggles, Fender says the YouTube scene in they feel that they are understood, that watching cat videos on YouTube while in that’s all I want.” Canada is very much present on the site, they belong,” Fender says. “YouTube is high school. Fender says YouTube is unlike any just not much from Winnipeg. about being a part of one another’s lives, “I was just clicking through the videos community she’s been part of before. “People at conventions generally don’t wherever they’re from, and that’s what I that YouTube was suggesting to me, when She’s met some of her best friends on the know what Winnipeg is,” Fender says. love most about it.” one of Meekakitty’s vlogs came up. I site and at conventions like VidCon and “I have to explain that I’m from Canada watched it and that was it, I was hooked Buffer Festival, Canada’s own YouTube and that Winnipeg is right in the middle. on YouTubers and I wanted to be one.” festival. Most people expect that you’ll move to Fender covers a range of topics using a Will Power is a YouTuber based out of either Toronto or L.A. eventually.” vlog esthetic. The videos, which are often Ottawa whose channel revolves mostly No matter where they are based, Fender recorded in her bedroom, range from a around wrestling and comedy. and Power agree that the best part of Watch MissFenderr’s videos at cinnamon challenge video that got more He says being from Canada can be a bit being on the site as creators is connecting youtube.com/user/MissFenderr. than 2-million hits, to a video where her lonely at times, but agrees that the site is a with fans. Watch Will Power’s videos at boyfriend cuts her hair, to conversations powerful tool in connecting people. “It feels humbling to know that millions youtube.com/user/Guide2Anything. about positive psychology. “I feel alienated in way, being from of people have watched my videos and Vive la culture Franco-Manitobain
Manitoba’s Francophone lines run deep
WORDS BY SHKELZEN MISKIQI PHOTOS BY DANIEL CRUMP
@SHKELMIS @DANNYBOYCRUMP
As we enter February, billboards around the city are calling on people to “Be Voyageur!” Festival du Voyageur (FDV), a Winnipeg tradition which began in 1970, will mark its 47th anniversary this month and will take place from Feb. 12 to 21. Festival is a time when Winnipeggers and visitors get the chance to experience French-Canadian culture in abundance, whether they’re going for the food, music, sights or activities. While hosting FDV, the neighbourhood of St. Boniface will experience more visitors this time of the year, as the largest winter festival in Western Canada makes its presence known. February is a month when French-Canadian culture is celebrated by people of all ages. However, Festival isn’t the only marker of Winnipeg’s Francophone culture. Other than FDV, where else do we see Franco- Manitoban culture?
Marcien Lemay’s sculpture of Louis Riel stood behind the Legislative building from 1973 to 1991, when it was moved to Université de St. Boniface.
COVER FEATURE continues // NEXT PAGE Continued from previous page.
USB has been operating since 1818, and “We try to offer leadership in arts for French media offers both undergraduate and graduate Francophones everywhere,” Plamondon says. programs in various fields and as well as Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain In Winnipeg, the majority of our print masters courses. Students at USB also have (CCFM), is a crown agency that was news outlets like the Winnipeg Free Press, the option to pursue technical programs enacted in provincial law to promote the Winnipeg Sun, and Metro Winnipeg, which range from one to two years. French language culture. It has three are English-based. Most radio stations are And while they’re at school, they’re also buildings and is home to 11 organizations, offered in English with the exception of reading French media, Blay notes. including Le Cercle Moliere, l’Alliance some. Where does the French population “Every student in the Francophone Chorale Manitoba, Envol 91.1 FM, Freeze in Winnipeg turn to get their news and school district reads La Liberté. They get it Frame and more. music in French? free of charge. The parents pay through a Some citizens outside of the Franco- The radio dial turns to Envol 91.1 FM different means,” Blay says. Manitoban community may find CCFM for those wanting to hear community- People that are interested in learning as a host of socials at Jean-Paul Aubry Hall, run Francophone radio. Annick Boulet, French as a second language can attend or through the Folklorama festival, when executive director of Envol, believes that Alliance Française Manitoba (AF), a CCFM hosts both the French-Canadian community radio is important. private based institution which operates and Caribbean pavilion. “The preservation of the French language on Corydon Avenue. AF is based out Paris, CCFM promotes culture by offering and culture in Manitoba needs French Society) describes La Liberté as “a mix of a France and operates in various countries programing mainly in French and by services and cultural activities in order to community paper and a newspaper.” throughout the world. providing space. The crown agency gives survive,” Boulet says. “It has professional reporters and at Cultural hubs people the ability to rent space for meetings, “This is a place where we not only the same time it reports on events in the St. Boniface is host to various weddings and socials, dinner functions, art broadcast French music, but most community.They are very imbedded in the Francophone businesses that cater to people galleries, and concert halls. specifically, it’s a place where French community,” Blay says. who want to enhance the Francophone Le Cercle Moliere is a theatre and a musicians can be played and heard culture through artistic mediums as well. school that hosts five shows a year. on-air. In doing this, we help promote the La Maison des artistes visuels Francophones It is the oldest running theatre in Francophone musical scene.” is a hub for french art and artists. Canada to date and will be celebrating its Envol’s signal spreads 120 kilometres in Education en La Maison is the only Francophone 90th anniversary this year. Winnipeg and its surrounding areas. The art gallery in Western Canada and was Marc Prescott, chief of operations at radio programing is mainly conducted by Français founded by a group of Franco-Manitoban CCFM, highlights the importance of volunteers, who each offer varying genres artists with a bit of a different vision from a la Société Historique de Saint-Boniface of content. French culture isn’t visible just in St. commercial gallery. and what it offers to citizens. La Société “A person needs to be able to exist in a Boniface. We see a Francophone influence “The goal is to not necessarily run an Historique de Saint-Boniface holds language if they want to keep it,” Boulet all throughout Winnipeg, whether there’s art gallery that sells art first. It’s to inspire extensive genealogy records and artifacts. says. poutine being offered on the menu, streets and to create an art experience,” Eric “If you want to get your genealogy done La Liberté is a weekly French newspaper named after saints or through the classes Plamondon, director of La Maison, says. you can come here to the heritage building. founded in 1913 by Archbishop Adélard in our education system. In Winnipeg, the “Because we’re a minority, the focus is It’s very important for the Métis population Langevin. The Winnipeg based newspaper majority of schools from kindergarten to on creating a cultural experience so that here in Manitoba to be able to get their caters to Franco-Manitobans. La Liberté Grade 12 offer to teach French as a part of anyone in Winnipeg or Manitoba who is Métis card,” Prescott says. is often circulated around St.Boniface their curriculum. around can come in and get a taste of what “One of the ways you can get a card is throughout businesses, coffee shops and Each of Winnipeg’s school divisions has Francophone Manitoban artists are doing.” by retracing your Aboriginal ancestry. If restaurants. various schools that offer French courses or Additionally, artists are represented you do qualify, you do have to have your La Liberté is a commercial newspaper immersion programs. Students that wish to bilingually, written and orally, which genealogy done to obtain your Métis card,” which requires some readers to pay. It’s pursue post-secondary education, advance increases accessibility to all visitors. he adds. offered in print and online format. their French, and also inherit Franco- La Maison serves Francophone visual “We cater to all Manitobans, whether they Jacqueline Blay president of Société Manitoban culture are often found at artists from Manitoba, across Canada and may be native Franco-Manitobans, people franco-manitobaine (Franco-Manitoban Université de Saint-Boniface (USB). sometimes other countries. who come from Quebec or from France. We
A blacksmith smokes a pipe like those of the fur trade era at Festival du Voyageur.
The St. Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg is a Manitoba land mark. An entertainer juggles fire while riding a flaming unicycle at Festival du Voyageur. also have an increasing population of people “There are Filipinos that come, there who want to learn French which are known Afro-Canadians that come and are a big as Francophiles, which are encouraged to population in the province now. They’re come,” Prescott says. starting to explore the event even though they’re not tied to the history,” Lavack Walters says. Festival du “There’s something unique about our event (FDV) even though we show French Voyageur culture. It’s very open to everyone.” “There’s just something energizing, CCFM is also a partner of FDV. CCFM warm, wonderful and loving about the will be hosting guests during the festivities French culture. It’s why we’re so popular in and also helps out with FDV marketing. Winnipeg. I think people look for that.” “We have halls and resources that While there are many showcases of are available to them (FDV), and very French culture throughout the year, FDV knowledgeable staff in event management. stands out because of the sheer scale of its We partner with them on a number of event. levels,” Prescott says. A great feature that FDV offers is that Promoting French culture is also a it also gives visitors the opportunity to duty that FDV has taken on since the experience Francophone culture from a wintertime tradition began in 1970. FDV contemporary perspective. sees itself as the pinnacle of Francophone “If you want to see modern day community traditions being celebrated Francophone community at FDV, you will throughout Western Canada. There are find that on stage through entertainment. other events that also celebrate French There’s loads of local talent in French and culture in Manitoba as well however not to in English,” Lavack Walters says. the extent of FDV. “We do try to showcase French artists that “This is our 47th edition this year. The are trying to develop a career celebrating entire French community has embraced who they are as a Francophone.” it and calls it their own. This is our time, Blay agrees promoting contemporary this is our opportunity to showcase what’s acts is valuable, but she also remarks about great about being Franco-Manitoban and the time embracing Francophone culture what’s great about living in this wonderful began. province,” Ginette Lavack Walters, “Since the Francophones and Métis executive director of FDV, says. people founded the province, there’s a lot “We wouldn’t still be here if the of pride in that aspect of the culture,” she community didn’t embrace us. We’ve gone says. “The culture is very varied and very beyond the French community. More than rich. We have writers, we have musicians, 60 per cent of our clientele is Anglophone,” we have theatre.” she adds. Big rich pride deserves a big showcase, FDV also caters to many other cultures hence FDV. and people of different backgrounds, and “One of the biggest manifestations is isn’t limited only to the Francophone FDV… the pride comes from the fact community. But through the 10 days of that it’s a rich culture. It’s an interesting FDV, Francophones are able to share and culture.” A musician dressed in voyageur era clothing plays a tune on his fiddle. express their culture.
Statues of early French settlers.
Poutine is a traditional French-Canadian dish. College Universitaire de Saint Boniface. CITY
certainly see the value of it.” Winnipeg Transit will make new decals and signs on buses, transit stations and IMPROVING service centres to highlight the specific rules and regulations riders are to follow. The purpose of these signs is to remind the CONDUCT public of the consequences of threatening or attacking transit employees. Harry Wolbert, the co-chair of OVERALL Winnipeg Transit Riders’ Association is pleased the public is finally being educated New rules for Winnipeg about safety and security on buses. “Everyone has a right to feel safe and Transit riders and be safe on the bus. No one should ride in fear.” technology updates to 311 He would like to see police presence on buses as he feels the Codes of Conduct VALERIE NYAMORI @VALERIECHELA alone will not have a significant impact on the issue of assault to transit operators VOLUNTEER and passengers.
Winnipeg Transit has rolled out a code of PHOTO BY KEELEY BRAUSTEIN-BLACK conduct and public education campaign ... on the importance of safety and security for transit operators and passengers. Following a city auditor’s report Keep an eye out for Winnipeg Transit’s Code of Conduct while taking the bus. The Transit Code of Conduct, adopted by city council in February 2015 which was finalized in December 2015, that outlined 13 recommendations for as 311 allows citizens to track the progress Taxation, and Animal Services. IVR was created to encourage appropriate the city services hotline, 311 has begun to of their service calls, their accountability technology will help to route calls behaviour and conduct while using make some changes. has also increased. of particular subject matter to the Transit services. Nine out of the 13 recommendations However, the service was found to not appropriate expert. Joseph Kornelsen, the spokesperson have already been implemented. In late have met their goal of answering 80 per Kailey Barron, a communication projects for Functional Transit, a group that December a 311 self-service website was cent of incoming calls in 30 seconds, and to officer with the City of Winnipeg, explains advocates for the betterment of public launched with features that enable clients reduce the call per minute cost. To address that the improvements that will increase transit in Winnipeg, compares the to obtain service without the need to call this issue, 311 has introduced a number of the quality and efficiency of service. code of conduct to Winnipeg Transit’s the contact centre. updates to their system. In February, they “The changes are anticipated to result longstanding “Busology” tips, that aim In the report the auditor stated that will launch the use of Interactive Voice in shorter talk-times, leading to shorter to illustrate rider protocol on transit. 87 per cent of citizens are satisfied with Response (IVR) technology. wait times for callers overall,” Barron says. “It takes a firmer stance to communicate services provided by 311. The contact This will cater specifically to more A public education campaign will the importance of respectful behavior centre was found to provide services to complex inquiries that are typical be held to create awareness prior to the in public spaces,” Kornelsen says. “I Manitobans with high transparency, and of interactions with Assessment and launch in early February.
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PALMER FRITSCHY @PALMERFRITSCHY
NEWS EDITOR
The fourth annual Le Classique ball hockey tournament, the largest of its kind in Western Canada, has outgrown SUPPLIED PHOTO its original location and is moving to the In attendance at the official launch of the Canadian CMV Foundation on Feb. 5 were (left to right): Mathieu Allard (City Councillor St. Boniface), Festival du Voyageur site in St. Boniface. Rob Tétrault (President and Founder Canadian CMV Foundation), Claude Tétrault (CMV Advisory Committee member), Michelle Tétrault (Co-founder The first three years of the 3-on-3 ball Canadian CMV Foundation) and a representative from former MP Shelly Glover’s office. hockey tournament took place in the parking lot of Le Garage Café, where Jean-Luc LaFlèche, the director of behind the event is to raise awareness registered charity.” co-founders Rob Tétrault and Marc operations for Festival du Voyageur, and money for CMV Canada, an The Canadian CMV Foundation is Foidart conceived the project in 2012. hopes to make a bigger impact by hosting organization that aims to eradicate now a national non-profit organization. However this year’s event has gotten too the event. congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) Michelle Tétrault, a trustee with Le big for the Provencher Boulevard bar “We have four rinks this year, a better infections. Classique and the wife of Robert, says parking lot. spectator area and fire pits. We are also The CMV virus is related to the viruses that the event brings the community Le Classique has fortified their making it more kid-friendly with face that cause chicken pox and infectious together in a positive way. partnership with Festival du Voyageur painting, mascot appearances and a mononucleosis (mono) and is spread “So few people know about a virus and moved the tournament to the Festival performance from Festival performer, through close contact with body fluids. that’s so common. We’re the only ones grounds to accommodate the event on Mr. Circus,” LaFlèche says. “Our son was born with it but I’d in Canada doing this,” she says. Parents Feb. 5 to 6. Organizers hope to double the “The goal is for it to look a lot better never heard of it. My wife and I promised across Canada have reached out to the participation for the fourth edition. and to have a nicer event.” ourselves we would do something about it, tournament and the foundation, wanting “It’s a big partnership. The grounds Growing up in rural Marchand, Man., and that was eight years ago,” Tétrault says. to help out and do something similar. are perfect and they’re providing a lot Tétrault had played ball hockey his whole In 2013, Le Classique – the first “Think of how much better it could be of infrastructure,” says Rob Tétrault, life and saw an opportunity in organizing fundraising event in support of the if it were across the provinces,” she says. co-founder of Le Classique. an event around the game. CMV awareness – was held, raising Le Classique will be held on Friday New features to this year’s event “Nobody was doing it, we wanted to $7,000 for the cause. However, no group and Saturday Feb. 5 and 6 at Whittier include a large heated outdoor tent that do something fun,” Tétrault says. or organization existed in Canada for the Park at the Festival du Voyageur site at will serve as licensed beer garden, more “We wanted it to be the next (MTS) founders to give their money to. 866 Saint Joseph St. lighting and a designated “Icemaker” to Super Spike.” “There was no foundation, we created maintain the playing surfaces. Tétrault notes that the main objective it out of necessity. In 2014 it became a QUEER HEALTHCARE HURDLES Study on LGBT women’s experiences in healthcare to be presented at Rainbow Resource Centre
CHUKA EJECKAM @CHUKAEJECKAM
VOLUNTEER
On Feb. 11, the Rainbow Resource Centre will host Dr. Deborah McPhail and Claudyne Chevrier of the University of PHOTO BY KEELEY BRAUSTEIN-BLACK Manitoba (U of M) as they present their findings from a year-long study of LGBT Findings from an LGBT women’s healthcare study will be released at the Rainbow Resource Centre at 170 Scott St. women’s experiences with healthcare in Winnipeg. medical world, this can complicate and you always need local data on. I think a example, study subjects were asked if The study goes back to 2013 when Dr. potentially threaten a patient’s health, lot of people don’t realize that healthcare they wanted an LGBT-specific clinic in McPhail, an assistant professor in the and the caregiver may be unaware they’re is always difficult for queer people,” Winnipeg, or if it would be better to train U of M’s community health sciences even doing it. Chevrier says. doctors to be LGBT-friendly wherever department, approached the Rainbow Dr. McPhail recruited Claudyne “A few summers ago we held a lesbian where they worked. Resource Centre. Chevrier, a PhD student in the discussion group. One of the topics that Dr. McPhail and Chevrier both hope “I asked them if there were any studies Community Health Sciences department came up was a lack of services for LGBT this study and others like it will push they felt were necessary in Winnipeg. at the U of M, to help carry out the women,” Sarah Dack, an employee of the for the gaps in Winnipeg’s health care They thought there wasn’t enough research. From November 2014 through Rainbow Resource Centre, says. system to be rectified. information available that was specific 2015, Chevrier and Dr. McPhail conducted “There is the Transgender Health Klinic “At the end of the interviews, people to LGBT women. I identify as a queer 39 individual interviews and a focus group and Our Own Health Clinic (a gay men’s would often say, ‘Thank you so much woman, so when they suggested it, for with seven participants. They explored health provider), but there have never for doing this.’ As a researcher, that’s me, it made a lot of sense,” McPhail says. each participant’s relationship with the been any specific providers or resources so meaningful. It shows you that the McPhail explains that queer-identified available healthcare services in the city, for LGBT women in Winnipeg.” people in the community truly need it,” individuals may face numerous issues which services they use and which they The study also questioned how McPhail says. “We want the study to be when in search of healthcare, from avoid, their experiences with regular participants would change or improve able to inform in a very real way how outright homophobia to subtler physicians and walk-in clinics and more. the healthcare system in the city, both LGBT women are treated when they go heterosexism – when it is assumed “I think it’s something that needs to in terms of high-level, industry-wide to the hospital, or the doctor, or wherever that someone is heterosexual. In the be talked about, and it’s something that shifts and smaller, specific changes. For they go in the healthcare world.” CAMPUS often involves the gay community but that straight people do drag too. In fact, there is a long history of straight people performing as well, such as comedians Eddie Izzard and members of Kids in the Hall. DRAG, UP As an active member of the local LGBT community in Winnipeg, Cake volunteers for a non-profit organization CLOSE AND that fundraises for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, and queer communities (LGBTTQ*). UNDERSTOOD “I am looking forward to sharing my personal experience in drag with Free UWSA workshop on drag everyone in the workshop,” Cake says. The LGBT* Centre is located on the culture runs Feb. 8 concourse level of the Bulman Centre in room 0R13 and is an accessible and REINALDO CONTRERAS inclusive resource space for LGBT* people and allies, according to their website. VOLUNTEER STAFF It also offers free resources, including free condoms (external and internal), lubricant, dental dams and a library on On Feb. 8, the University of Winnipeg LGBT* topics. The Centre also shares job Students’ Association (UWSA) LGBT* postings and volunteer opportunities for Centre is hosting a free drag queen its members. workshop and informational session Rogers says that the centre aims to facilitated by local drag queen Cake. represent a diverse community who may or Steve Rogers, a coordinator at the PHOTO BY KEELEY BRAUSTEIN-BLACK may not identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, LGBT* Centre, says that this is an transgender, transsexual, two spirit, opportunity to learn about what drag Steve Rogers, one of the drag queen workshop and informational session organizers. intersex, GenderQueer, GenderDiverse, culture is like today, as well as drag queer, questioning, asexual or allied. This history, make-up and music. The event rare in the drag community because performed as a drag queen for over two variety of identities explains the asterisk will also include an open Q and A session. participants perform outside their regular years. in the LGBT* acronym. “Drag is a huge part of our community jobs and it is hard to find people willing “Drag is one of the broadest forms of Cake’s Drag Queen workshop runs Feb. and you will see people in drag at most to lead an informational workshop. art. It can empower, educate, liberate, 8 at 6 p.m. at The Hive in Lockhart Hall. community events,” Rogers says. Successful fundraising on behalf of the provide expression, entertainment, Rogers encourages everyone to attend. “Cake will be giving us a brief history of LBTQ* Centre and the participation of joy, and provoke. The meaning of drag “Invite your friends, we will all be how drag emerged, what drag is like today, Cake helped make the event possible. is subjective, and personal to each hanging out at the end of the workshop going over topics like etiquette, pronouns.” This is the very first workshop that individual,” Cake explains. and eating complimentary cake!” Rogers explains that workshops are she will be facilitating, though Cake has She says that the drag queen culture
The PROFile - GLEN BERGERON ACTING DEAN, GUPTA FACULTY OF KINESIOLOGY AND APPLIED HEALTH
LUKE REMPEL degree in physical education at University of Manitoba, I was introduced to athletic VOLUNTEER therapy by Gordon Mackie. He was the head therapist there and a legend in “I’ll be with you in a moment, just need Manitoba. It was my first experience of to finish an email,” Dr. Glen Bergeron how I could combine my love for sport says from his office treadmill. and my love for rehabilitation,” he says. Bergern uses a laptop placed on top of He went on to become an athletic his treadmill with the screen projected therapist at five Olympics and many on to the wall, and he can comfortably world championships. His work has walk on the treadmill and respond seen him treat famous athletes such as to emails at the same time. Both the Ben Johnson, Todd MacCulloch for the meeting table and computer desk in his Canadian men’s national hockey team office are standing-friendly as well. at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. It should be no surprise that Bergeron At the Olympics, athletic therapists is a professor in kinesiology, the try to create an environment where the scientific study of human movement, athletes can perform at their very best. and the dean of the Gupta Faculty of “We don’t try and do any major Kinesiology and Applied Health at the heroics. We just try and make sure that University of Winnipeg. on that day, they are the best they can Bergeron has been teaching for 40 be,” Bergeron says. years and has served as the head athletic Bergeron still does clinical athletic therapist and director of athletic therapy therapy even though he’s the acting at the U of W and the University of dean. He enjoys working with patients Manitoba respectively. as well as working with students to “While I was doing my bachelors teach them to become better clinicians. PHOTO BY SIMEON RUSNAK
AGE: 63. LOWEST GRADE IN UNIVERSITY: Probably a C somewhere. AREA OF RESEARCH: Concussions and sports injuries. MEANING OF LIFE IN SHORT: A sense of purpose and making a difference. NUMBER OF PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS: I started really late, so I STUDENT PET PEEVE: A lack of awareness to how their learning will apply probably have six or seven. to their future career. BEST FIVE MINUTES OF YOUR DAY: Any time I get to interact with BATTING AVERAGE: Probably .250. people. FAVOURITE BAND: The Guess Who. THE UNITER // F ebruary 4, 2016 15
PALMER FRITSCHY // NEWS EDITOR NEWS BRIEFS @PALMERFRITSCHY Nellie awards Chinese New Year
On Thursday, Jan. 28, 10 Manitoba women were Celebrations to ring in the Year of the Monkey honoured at the Nellie Awards gala celebrating for Chinese New Year 2016 will happen on 100 years of Manitoba women’s right to vote. Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural The awards were given to five urban women and and Community Centre at 180 King St. The party five rural women, and were named for Nellie on Sunday will begin with a lion dance while the McClung, the politician and social activist who banquet will feature 10 courses with Chinese was instrumental in securing the right to vote staples including long life noodles and fish, for women. which symbolizes fortune.
Get Wellness Social Justice fair
The newly renovated campus Wellness Centre Over 30 organizations will attend the 10th celebrated its open house on Friday, Jan. 29. annual Social Justice fair, Wednesday, Feb. 10 The Campus Wellness Centre offers one-stop at Riddell Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event counselling and health services and is now open serves as an opportunity for students to on main floor Duckworth Centre for students, network with and learn about social justice work faculty and staff. Students also can access locally and beyond. Organizations working in a general and specialized counselling team development, human rights, newcomer support, and health services for free through Klinic on Indigenous solidarity, youth programming and Campus within the new Wellness Centre. environmental sustainability will be present.
Leaders symposium Indigenizing media
On Feb. 29, Convocation Hall will host the 2016 On Thurs. Feb. 4, The Uniter and Red Rising Leadership Symposium presented by U of W, Magazine will host a free panel discussion the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and and on Indigenous representation in media the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. Panelists at the Urban Shaman Gallery at 203-290 include Paul Mahon, president and CEO of Great McDermot Ave. Panelists include Billy-Ray West Life and Jay Forbes, president & CEO, Belcourt, an Indigenous Rhodes scholar, MTS. The event will also feature Donna Burnett Michael Champagne, a public speaker and Vachon from Leadership and Human Resources community activist and Sheila North Wilson, a Research presenting on the Conference Board of former journalist and Manitoba Keewatinowi Canada’s recent research report on leadership. Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief. The event gets underway at 7 p.m.
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EMB_R1_TheUniter4.875x15.25.indd 1 16-01-28 11:46 AM Grand Opening May 1st CAMPUS COMMENTS UWSA, says listening to the opinion of international students is very important. “The ability for people from the university, staff and administrators, to HEAR THEM OUT hear directly from the students, who are using those services is extremely The U of W consults valuable,” he says. international students “It is incredibly important that the priorities of the unviersity aren’t just on issues determined by a small group of people, but are determined by students and ELENA SPITCYNA @CAMPUS_ELENA members of the university community.” Issues raised by international students during the discussion included tuition CAMPUS REPORTER fees, employment on campus, availability of scholarships as well as language, On Jan. 27, the University of Winnipeg accommodation and general finance- (U of W) held a Dine & Discuss at related concerns. Convocation Hall to examine the factors Jan Byrd, the executive director that influence the university experience wellness and student life, says that for international students. one of the major concerns they’ve Neil Besner, provost and vice- noticed through the discussion was the president of academics at U of W, says circulation of information. it was important to find out about the “I’ve heard a lot of comments where
academic issues, as well as non-academic. PHOTO BY ANASTASIA CHIPELSKI people gave ideas – ‘We ought to be doing “We were trying to hear from conversation circles; we ought to have international students about their The University of Winnipeg promoted their event for international students all throughout campus. employment on campus for international experience with the University of students’ - and I’m thinking ‘we have Winnipeg, of the academic part, of the is a stress for them, that’s going to have students, but the opportunity to have all of that stuff, but we’ve missed non-academic part, the social part, the an impact on all areas of their living, assemblies is rare,” Besner adds. communicating it,’” she says. financial part,” Besner says. including academics.” “There is a cultural evening, there Heini Lee, a fourth-year student from “Our objective is to ensure that While the U of W is currently planning are orientations, but there hasn’t been a Japan, says that high tuition is one of international students are supported more initiatives for international consultation – a real consultation in a the major stumbling-blocks on her path and are successful and we want to make students, this particular discussion was while. It started with the UWSA, who towards graduation. sure that we’re doing everything we can triggered by the University of Winnipeg came to us and said ‘We’d like to have “I couldn’t afford more than three to support them academically,” Nigel Students’ Association (UWSA), a kind of gathering of international courses (per term), but if it wasn’t Dixon, the executive director of U of W’s according to Dixon. students to hear about their experiences that expensive I could have already English language program, says. “The university is always interested with the U of W.’” graduated,” she says. “But if their life outside of academics in what’s going on with international Peyton Veitch, the president of the
HOPE IS BACK IN TOWN Acclaimed comics researcher leads talk on the importance of comic book preservation
ELENA SPITCYNA @CAMPUS_ELENA
CAMPUS REPORTER
Hope Nicholson, the Winnipeg-born comic book researcher, editor, producer SUPPLIED IMAGES and publisher, is set to deliver a lecture on comic book preservation in Canada (From left) The cover of Moonshot, a collection of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations comic book stories, and the cover of Nelvana of the Northern Lights, at the University of Winnipeg (U of W) co-published by Hope Nicholson. on Feb. 10. Nicholson says that finding and “There is a lot of different methods cottage country. fantastic work in terms of recovering lost preserving comics can help us to unravel you can use (for research) and combine She also edited Moonshot, a collection pop-culture and lost comics. She’s put a our history. together in order to find new information. of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations comic lot of energy into supporting indigenous “It’s a little time capsule of things There is a lot of ways to expand your book stories and produced researched and female cartoonists, and I think that that were important to people in history. thinking and to do research in ways that Lost Heroes, a documentary film on the would be of a lot of interest to people We can understand what our relatives might not traditionally be expected,” history of Canadian superheroes. She also here,” she says. were like, what the history was like Nicholson says. co-published Nelvana of the Northern Lights, “I’m teaching a course on women and how certain trends keep repeating Now based in Toronto, her current a reprint of 1940s Canadian comic book and comics: I think the students will be themselves,” she says. projects are the Secret Loves of Geek featuring Nelvana, an Inuit demigoddess. interested to know that if you’re not a Her talk, “Disposable Nonsense or Girls, a mixed-medium anthology of true Nicholson also owns a publishing cartoonist you can still have a career and Cultural Artifacts? The Importance stories from women in fandom on love, company, Bedside Press, that specializes do work a field through publishing and of Comics Preservation in Canada”, sex, and dating, Wing, Nitro, & Polka- in archival and anthology collections and research.” is co-sponsored by the Department of Dot Pirate, a reprint of 1940s Canadian she frequently speaks at conventions and English, the Centre for Research in superhero comics originally published events on women in fandom, Canadian Young People’s Texts and Cultures, the by Bell Features and Fashion in Action, a comic book history and self-publishing. Department of History, the MA program reprint of 1980s action-adventure comic Dr. Candida Rifkind, associate in Cultural Studies, and the University series by John K Snyder III featuring an professor and honours program chair Archives. all-female team of bodyguards for hire. in the department of English, teaches Hope Nicholson will deliver a public During the lecture at the U of W, Nicholson’s past projects include courses on comics and graphic narratives talk, “Disposable Nonsense or Nicholson will discuss her experience publishing Brok Windsor, a reprint of at the U of W and says having Nicholson Cultural Artifacts? The Importance in using archives and other research 1940s Canadian comic featuring Brok back in Winnipeg is a great opportunity. of Comics Preservation in Canada” methods for her projects, as well as how Windsor, a Winnipeg doctor who “This is someone who has a national on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 12:30 p.m. in room 5C02. to self-publish and use Kickstarter. discovers a magical forgotten island in and international reputation for doing COMMENTS THE UNITER // F ebruary 4, 2016 17 PRIVITIZATION OR BIRDS OF PREY? Privatization could jeopardize community investments ILLUSTRATION BY GABRIELLE FUNK REINALDO CONTRERAS Some Liberal promises are ill-conceived, community safety and health programs, grants to fix roofs and rooming houses VOLUNTEER STAFF or run-of-the-mill policies based on programs for the disabled, job-seekers and are available to owners. programs that already exist. Their rent newcomers, are currently publicly funded. Community development is also freeze proposal mimics the Rent-Assist They could be at risk of being eliminated or delivered through “Neighbourhoods Polls place both the Progressive program already in place to supplement downgraded to volunteer-based initiatives Alive!” funding for community Conservative (PC) and Liberal parties tenants who can’t pay rent. And their if they are not profitable under the direction associations, women centres, and ahead of the ruling NDP. Both “guaranteed minimum income” pilot of private financial organizations. community-based organizations that challenging parties seem to have much project is little more than a vague theory There is no doubt that some programs run programs for indigenous peoples, common ground in huge budget cuts, to be tested in an undisclosed area with no like Child and Family Services need total immigrants, people with disabilities, tax cuts, and giving public property and assigned budget. reengineering, and some issues facing seniors, and youth. services away to private business. After The PCs, on the other hand, promise northern indigenous communities need Privatization of public services and comparing both parties’ platforms, a clear to release “social impact bonds,” (SIBs) to be addressed in a better way. huge budget cuts will jeopardize the shift in public policy from public interest which will place social services in the However, Manitoba has become a powerful engine of social programs that to private business interests is looming. hands of private financial organizations. powerhouse of social programs and help cities and their residents keep afloat The Liberals have promised to This is bad news because the results of public services that place the public and remain vibrant. In Manitoba, social privatize liquor sales following Alberta’s many programs can only be measured interest as a priority. Poverty reduction programs and their improvement are best example, rejecting the idea that public in the long run, and a lack of immediate became law with the Poverty Reduction left in the hands of the province. control of alcohol protects public interest impact could mean funding cuts. This Strategy Act in 2012, and there is an Reinaldo Contreras is a second year student in through responsible sales. This is in is known as commodification of public official poverty reduction plan in place. the University of Winnipeg’s Urban and Inner spite of the recommendation by a 2013 services. If there is no profit to be made, Social and co-op housing are now City Studies program and former director of El study, endorsed by MADD Canada, there will be a scaling-down of programs. government priorities with 13,000 social Latino Newspaper of Alberta. that Manitoba’s provincial liquor board A whole range of community-based housing units in Manitoba and over 200 model should continue. programs such as after-school programs, housing co-ops in Winnipeg. Housing
STREETER BY ANASTASIA CHIPELSKI // MANAGING EDITOR Q: “DO YOU HAVE PLANS FOR READING WEEK?”
ALEX ZASTRE, AGE 18 JORDAN COULTER, AGE 20 STUDYING: EDUCATION STUDYING: BUSINESS (HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY) “NO, PROBABLY SEE WHAT HAPPENS.” “I HAVE TO VOLUNTEER FOR ONE OF MY CLASSES, AND THEN PROBABLY CATCH UP ON SOME SCHOOLWORK. IT’S A NICE BREAK TO HAVE.”
JESS KULL, AGE 20 KWADNA KESSEH, AGE 30 STUDYING: ECONOMICS STUDYING: MASTERS IN “TO RELAX, IDEALLY TO READ BUT I DOUBT GOVERNANCE THAT’LL HAPPEN. PRETTY MUCH NOTHIN’.” “JUST STAY BACK HOME AND JUST READ.”
LIAM VALGARDSON, AGE 20 CHINSOLUM CHINGBO, AGE 18 STUDYING: POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDYING: NO MAJOR YET “I’VE A COUPLE OF ASSIGNMENTS DUE ON THE “I HAVE AN EXAM THE FOLLOWING WEEK, A BIO MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY RIGHT AFTER, SO EXAM, AND THAT’S PROBABLY WHAT I’M GOING I’M THINKING I’LL TAKE THE NIGHTS TO JUST TO BE STUDYING FOR DURING READING WEEK… I RELAX AND SPEND THAT TIME SOCIALIZING AND FEEL LIKE IT WAS KIND OF POINTLESS PUTTING WITH MYSELF, AND THEN USE A NORMAL WORK READING WEEK WHEN THEY DID BECAUSE SO FAR DAY TO GET AHEAD OF THINGS FOR THE END OF MOST OF MY FRIENDS HAVE MOST OF THE EXAMS SEMESTER.” BEFORE READING WEEK, SO THEN WHAT’S THE POINT, HAVING READING WEEK WHEN YOU HAVE MOST OF YOUR EXAMS BEFOREHAND.” DIVERSIONS ASSCRO 37. Closest DOWN 29. ____ West of 38. Music or painting 50. Bert’s buddy Hollywood 1. Narrow valley 39. Water (Fr.) 1. Chow 43. Catch 51. Fix 31. Penn and Connery 5. Seasoning plant 40. New (prefix) 2. Carson’s successor 44. Antiseptic substance 53. Labels 32. “____ Doubtfire” 9. Tennis, e.g. 41. Hearing organs 3. Revise 46. Helps a crook 54. Spanish water 33. Faction 14. Decorator’s advice 42. Builds 4. Remarkable 47. Crawl 55. Certain bills 34. Stable morsels 15. Realm 44. Fails to exist 5. Custom 48. Less frequent 56. Uneasy 35. Active 16. Fragrant wood 45. Fidgety 6. Clapton and Roberts 49. Brief review 58. Sight organ 17. Single thing 46. Crossword direction 7. Pass along 18. Invoice 49. Paper measures 8. Lucille ____ 19. Calcutta’s country 52. Small nail 9. School subj. 20. ____ garden 53. Conclude 10. Mail friend (2 wds.) 22. Await judgment 57. Uncanny 11. More unusual 23. Flag-maker ____ Ross 59. Complexion woe 12. Drizzles
24. Thinly distributed 60. Mellowed 13. Exchange ONLINECROSSWORDS.NET 26. String instrument 61. Itty-bitty 21. Tidiness 29. Brunch, e.g. 62. Increase 24. Taste or smell 30. Items of value 63. Ladder step 25. Seasoned beef 32. Supplies workers 64. Shopping frenzy 26. Self-centered 33. Wail 65. Went fast 27. Capri or Man 36. Under the weather 66. Simple 28. Norwegian capital
The Student Services staff of The University of Winnipeg provides the student body with current information STUDENT CENTRAL “STUDENT PLANNING” and opportunities. This information is updated weekly. GRADUATION LAUNCHES MARCH 2, 2016 to the total amount required to support you in the ADMISSIONS Students who wish to graduate in June 2016 should program. complete an Application for Graduation form and “Student Planning” – is a new online tool for degree You can claim the part-time education amount the submit it to Student Central by February 16th. (All planning and course registration. All undergraduate EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES INFORMATION scholarship exemption is up to the tuition fees and required courses must be completed by April.) students will need to use “Student Planning” to SESSIONS costs incurred for program-related materials. register for courses for the upcoming Spring Term If you are interested in participating in a study This information was obtained through CRA website: READING WEEK and for all Terms in the future. The old way of abroad exchange with one of The University of www.cra-arc.gc.ca. Please visit their website or speak registering will no longer be available. Winnipeg’s exchange partners, join us: with an accountant or tax professional for more Reading Week is February 15-19. The University is Friday, February 5, 2016 information. closed Monday, February 15th for Louis Riel Day, but will be open for the remainder of the week. Students will be able to access “Student Planning” Room 2M74 (as of March 2, 2016) by logging into WebAdvisor and 12:30pm-2:10pm looking under Registration for “Student Planning.” CAREER SERVICES TAX RECEIPTS For more information visit: www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/ T2202a tuition tax receipts will be posted on intl-student-exchange “Student Planning” offers many great features: The Study Skills workshops run from Monday, WebAdvisor on February 29th. If you have any questions, contact HYPERLINK January 25 to Wednesday, February 10 in Room 1M33. degree planning from first year to graduation “mailto:[email protected]” je.michaluk@ For more information, go to www.uwinnipeg.ca uwinnipeg.ca interactive Timetable Click “Student” - Click “Academic Advising” - Click LOCKER RENTALS user-friendly course registration “Study Skills Workshops” Need somewhere to store your boots? Rent a locker from the Student Central! Locker rentals are $20 per easy access through mobile devices AWARDS & FINANCIAL AID person for Winter Term. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES tracking of progress in meeting degree and major requirements The ISS office has moved to 475 Portage Avenue. T4A TAX FORMS Just send a Webmail email to studentcentral@ MENNO SIMONS COLLEGE If you received an award through The University of uwinnipeg.ca with your preferred location or visit us Get ready for “Student Planning”! Sign up now for Winnipeg in the 2015 calendar year, a T4A income Menno Simons College is hosting its 10th annual at Student Central. an information session, and/or visit our website: tax form will be mailed to you shortly. T4A’s must be Social Justice Fair on February 10, 11:00 AM – 2:00 uwinnipeg.ca/student-planning submitted to Canada Revenue Agency. However, the PM in The University of Winnipeg’s Riddell Hall. The award money only needs to be reported as income if: fair is an opportunity for students and community MINDFULNESS MEDIATION You are not eligible for the full-time or part-time members to learn about and network with DROP-IN SESSIONS education amount, then any awards above $500 organizations engaged with social justice locally and These sessions are offered each Mon & Thurs, must be claimed; globally. 12:30-1:00pm in the UW Chapel. More Information is You are full-time and can claim the full-time on the UW Events Calendar. All are welcome! education amount, then awards are not taxable up THE UNITER // F ebruary 4, 2016 19 T ISSUE’S PUZZLE. S A SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS TO L
Un-Supermarket by Sari Habiluk facebook.com/SariHabilukArtisticWorks
Marty “Hungover in style.”
PHOTO BY KEELEY BRAUSTEIN-BLACK