Over The Edge
UNBC’s Independent Student Newspaper est. 1994
Monique Gendron | OTE
Student Life, pg 8 - 14 Volume 25, Issue 1
News, pg 3 - 5 Free
overtheedgenewspaper.ca
September 5, 2018 over.the.edge.unbc@gmail.com
Moniq ue
to like us on Facebook. For more information, please visit our website www.overtheedgenewspaper.ca.
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Next deadline: September 19, 2018
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Support is always needed and no experience is required; help make Over The Edge better. We want to hear from you! Call us at 250-960-5633, tweet us @overtheedgeunbc, email us at over. the.edge.unbc@gmail.com and be sure
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Every year, we provide employment as editors, designers, and managers to students with a passion for journalism and are always looking for motivated individuals to work and volunteer in our collaborative environment. Over The Edge offers competitive advertising rates for space in our print publication as well as online.
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Over The Edge is the University of Northern British Columbia’s independent student newspaper. Our office is located on the 3rd floor of the NUSC building in room 6-350. We are an equal opportunity publication which represents students in the UNBC and Prince George community. Our publication supports student writing by welcoming news, arts, sports, culture and opinion articles, as well as photography, comics, and creative writing submissions.
Our upcoming issues will return to our usual reporting on the goings-on of UNBC and the wider Prince George area that returning students will recognize. Over The Edge is your independent student newspaper, established in 1994. Our team is dedicated to
serving students to the best of our ability. If you’re interested in getting involved, we are always looking for written contributions from students in a variety of styles, as well as photography and visual art. And we pay you! More details are available at overtheedgenewspaper.ca or you can email questions and contributions to over.the.edge. unbc@gmail.com. So don’t be shy, have your voice heard, leave your mark, and make your university community all that it can be!
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For new students, we hope you are enjoying the orientation activities so far, and are beginning to discover the warm, receptive community at UNBC. This issue of Over The Edge is dedicated to those looking for a more
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personalized description of fun and helpful resources on campus. We’ve also included a map of the university to help you find your way (and us!), as well as other orientation events happening throughout September to continue connecting.
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reetings new and returning students! We at Over The Edge come to you from under a veil of smoke, as the British Columbia summer wildfires rage on. Whether you come to us from near or far, your back to school plans have
likely been influenced by the provincial state of emergency. We trust you have been taking precautions to care for your lungs, and hopefully our wonderful, hard-working firefighters can keep the flames at bay for a low-smoke September!
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Letter from the
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Public Druggings in Prince George Monique Gendron Production Coordinator
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n August 26, 2018, Prince George RCMP received multiple reports from women who believe they had been drugged at licensed establishments.
Douglass says investigations are currently ongoing, and incidents such as these are a priority for the RCMP. No further details have been released.
News of the druggings circulated via Facebook post, after a mother received a phone call from her daughter at 2:27 am, informing her mother that she had been left at a neighbour’s house by a taxi driver. According to the description of events, the daughter, who will remain anonymous at the behest of the family, went out for drinks the night of August 25 and left a licensed establishment at 12:30 am on August 26 after having three alcoholic beverages. Upon arriving home, she had no recollection of when or how she left the establishment, or how she had ended up at her neighbour’s home.
Police would also like to remind everyone choosing to go out and socialize with alcohol, regardless of gender, to take the following precautions: always attend with a trusted friend and arrange a safe ride home, never leave a friend behind, or a drink unattended, never accept a drink from someone you don’t know and trust, and advise loved ones of your plans.
The post went viral in the local Prince George community, and several other people have stepped up and reported similar incidents to the police. RCMP Corporal Craig
If you or someone you are with experience symptoms that lead you to believe drugging is involved, attend the hospital immediately, and if warranted, call the police. Anyone with any information about these incidents are asked to call the Prince George RCMP non-emergency line at 250-561-3300, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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News
The Silent Youth of Northern British Columbia Melanie Bellwood News Director
Sarah Pappalardo | reductress.com
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here has been a definite concern within the Canadian political environment for decades -- how can Canada’s youth participate in national discussions? As times have changed and generations have evolved, so has the political approach to Canadian participation in national and international affairs. A system that used to deny much of the population the right to vote, has changed to seek equality in gender, race, and most recently, age. With this, comes a push from our government to encourage young people to become more involved in federal, provincial, and even municipal matters. This month, the University of Northern British Columbia played venue to one attempt to accomplish a strong youth representation in Canadian government; the success of which was subjective to the beholder. Statistics Canada states, “the proportion of the population aged 24 and younger has been steadily declining over the past
four decades… from 48.1% to 29.9% of the population.” While this may be the case, nearly a third of the population is a significant amount of people. A push to get this thirty percent under thirty years more involved in our federal decision making has been first and foremost in the eyes of Canada’s majority political parties. The question then becomes, “does Canada’s youth want to be heard?” UNBC’s Youth Conference (as part of the nationwide For Youth, With Youth consultation) was held for the first time in Prince George in hopes of encouraging such participation. Facilitated by Canadian International Model United Nations delegate and Undergraduate student Karista Olson, this event sought to invite Northern B.C.’s youth to attend a special “forum to talk about issues and concerns that matter to them the most” on Saturday, August 18. Olson, who is well-versed in the world of Canadian politics, spent weeks advertising and preparing for the event. Discussing her role
in the forum, Olson said, “I am the volunteer local organizer for the For Youth, With Youth Policy Consultation process to create the federal government’s first youth policy. We are looking for youth to engage in a series of topics, and the government has identified six core themes that we will be asking youth to come together in groups and discuss, regarding what is important to them personally within these themes. The data collected will be compiled to create actual policy recommendations. This Prince George session, which is one of 25-30 sessions happening across the country, will produce reports given to Youth Consultation Project Manager Morrell Andrews to assess. Beyond that, Morrell has been promised a seat with the privy council in Ottawa, making this one of the most direct routes for youth in Northern BC to contribute in a real and meaningful way to federal decision making.” Olson went on to describe why she believes this event was important
to youth in our region. “All too often when youth is engaged in politics, it is done with too many steps in between what youth put down on paper and what the government actually sees. One of the great things about how this series has been designed is it eliminates the middleman and creates a direct avenue of access. Sessions have already happened in places like Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Edmonton. Why shouldn’t they be here as well?” Olson’s interest comes from a deep-rooted understanding and involvement in the process and planning of youth involvement in Canadian politics. Having contacted the For Youth, With Youth organizers directly to make this forum happen, she was putting her knowledge and experience to good use in order to bring an important event to the Prince George area. “When I asked about holding a session [the representative] was excited. She said they wanted as many sessions as possible in as many places as they could have them. None of us
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are paid. It really is just a matter of believing that this is important and putting in the hard work. Prior to this I was involved in the Board of Directors for the United Nations Association in Canada, researching and creating a report that workshopped the role of youth in Canadian peacekeeping for a forum in Vancouver. When you look at what that means and talk to people throughout our region (we spoke to CNC delegates and nationwide independents as well), it is extremely important.” It was not only Olson who came to support to involvement of youth opinion, however, as many other important faces from Prince George’s community attended
the Youth Consultation on August 18. City Councillor Garth Frizzell made an appearance, acting as a participant in the day’s discussions. Also present and active were Don Ireland and Erika Driedger of the Prince George Branch of the United Nations Association. As introductions and discussions got underway, however, an important piece of the puzzle was missing: the youth. In an event prepared for forty people, only eight participants showed up, a far cry from the nearly one hundred that had expressed interest over online avenues such as Facebook and Eventbrite.
unexpectedly small, organizer Karista Olson took matters excitedly into her own hands, with incredible results. Instead of splitting into groups of five and tackling themes like Job Opportunities, Health & Wellness, Reconciliation, and Climate Change in forty-five minute sessions, Olson led the group of eight participants in an in-depth exploration of what these themes mean and how they can be approached by Canadian youth. The result was stunning, as four hours flew by during the analysis of perspective, understanding, and protection for young Canadians.
Although the turnout was
So, what does this mean for
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youth involvement in Canada? Was the forum a failure? If one were only to count the number of participants as its success rate, then indeed, the Youth Consultation produced less than satisfactory results. It is also important to consider a different mindset, one that was not lost on Olson, Councillor Frizzell, or anyone else that did participate. A discussion was had, including many different perspectives, and because of that it was able to provide the Youth Consultation process with exactly what it was looking for -- a view of what is important to youth in Canada.
Tierney Watkinson | OTE BC Hydro | bchydro.com
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Culture
A Creative Home for ARTivists Sam Wall Editor in Chief
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ven as a small university, there are often a lot of interesting projects going on beyond the view of a typical student. For instance, did you know that UNBC has an art room? Tucked away on the third floor of the Rotunda Gallery, in amongst science labs and offices, such a creative space can be found. All you have to do is follow the hallway full of sparkles, plants, paintings, and memories.
secret. But now, we’ve been using it for the [Northern] Women’s Centre, for meetings, I’ve taught classes in this room. So it’s kind of like a concrete manifestation - or womanifestation - of feminism, social justice activism, creativity, it’s a whole bunch of things.”
The vision to create such a space on campus comes from Professor Si Transken, who has passionately dedicated herself to developing a creative sanctuary over several years with very little money. The art room supplies and furniture come from many generous donations from community members and scavenging useful items that would otherwise end up in the trash.
With a background in social work, and race/gender studies, Dr. Transken can often be found teaching classes in social work and feminist practice, spending time in the Northern Women’s Centre, dreaming about new ideas for the art room, or trying to convince you to take on a recently discovered stray cat. This wealth of experience is what drives Dr. Transken, as well as motivated her to complete a diploma from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI) and become an accredited Art Therapist.
“It’s a room that appears and disappears,” Dr. Transken says, “It was almost like, for a few years I was in here with a key and nobody knew we were here, and I was kind of okay with that, because it was our best kept
What is art therapy and why should we care about it? According to VATI, “Art Therapy is a mental health profession that combines the process of creative art expression with models of counselling and
psychotherapy to enhance emotional, physical, and mental health. Art Therapy provides the client with an opportunity to explore personal problems and potentials, resolve conflicts, and facilitate self-awareness and understanding, through the use of simple art materials.” It is with this philosophy in mind that Professor Transken holds space in the art room for fellow ARTivists, or activists who use art as their main medium of resistance. Dr. Transken identifies “ARTivism as one of her Super powers that she can apply to improving the world!” The important work done by Dr. Transken over a couple decades is challenging to summarize in its diversity, making it difficult for her to give a simple answer to the question: “what do you do at UNBC?” To aid in this and to share her work and knowledge, students have been working on a video project. These videos feature interviews with Professor Transken in her art room, discussing in more detail the passion she holds
for her work and the joy it has brought her. Students had the opportunity to edit these videos and share them on Youtube. Currently, ten videos have been posted, and there are plans for more, including a tour of the art room and other spaces on campus which art occupies, interviews with Dr. Transken on the art in the first floor of the Rotunda Gallery, and other creativitycentred events. If you are interested in viewing any of this content, please visit by searching “ARTivism PG” on Youtube. Hit the “subscribe” button to keep up to date as the project continues and more videos are uploaded. As well, Professor Transken’s art is available for sale, with all proceeds going back into the art room project.
Sam Wall | OTE
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Student Life
Be it Resolved that You Should Debate! Lila Mansour VP External, UNBC Debate Society
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re you the type of person who likes to win an argument or voice your opinion? Or do you like to investigate new ideas, ask questions, and see both sides of a discussion? Or are you just interested in learning a beneficial life skill? Debating is often viewed as a skill that only lawyers and politicians use, but that is an incredibly limited view. Debating is a skill that will help you throughout your life, whether you happen to be in the sciences, business, or arts, or you are an aspiring teacher, social worker, doctor or engineer. Engaging in healthy debates (not arguments) can enhance your ability to think critically and articulate your thoughts, allow you to gain new knowledge, and teach you to think on your feet. These are strengths that every person can gain. According to Study International News, people who take part and are successful in debate are often more socially conscious, empathetic, open-minded and can keep their emotions under control. In a world filled with ignorance and “fake news,� having such skills can be a great advantage. We need more people who have a strong understanding of the world around them, who are capable of presenting themselves in a pleasant and meaningful way. Luckily, your opportunity to debate is not too far away. The UNBC Debate Society has been a registered Student Led Organization (SLO) since 2010 and members have had the chance to debate nationally and internationally! The Society is looking to expand the club’s activities this year and get more students involved. This way, we can host tournaments at the university and build
the team so that hopefully in 2019/20, students can be sent to represent UNBC at other university debates, or go on to attend the World Universities Debate Championship! Debate meetings will be held weekly, but attendance every week is not necessary. The Society also has plans to host the Northern Academic Debate Championships (NADC) at UNBC, which is a high school debate tournament for students in the North. Any students interested in debating or helping organize debate tournaments are strongly encouraged to get in touch (debate@unbc.ca) or stop by the UNBC Debate Society table during SLO Days to register. Now we yield the floor to you!
Times Colonist
Student Life
Connect with the Northern BC Graduate Student Society NBCGSS Council
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e would like to welcome all of our graduate student members, new and returning, to the 2018/19 academic year at UNBC! The Society has a variety of ways for graduate students to connect. Our website is an excellent resource to learn about our organization and the services we provide. Join our Facebook group and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything that is going on in the graduate student community at UNBC. We also have a mobile app available for download, providing access
to campus information, your online services account, and to connect with other UNBC students. Ask us how you can get connected with NBCGSS, student-led campaigns, and the UNBC community. NBCGSS began in 1997, less than a decade after UNBC’s inception. The NBCGSS Council democratically represents approximately 600 full- and part-time graduate students, who pay dues and make up our general membership. Members are accorded certain rights by our Society bylaws, and representatives of the
Graduate Council provide advocacy and peer support in navigating academic and administrative challenges our members may face. Members of our Graduate Council also ensure that there is graduate student representative on boards and committees across campus. Throughout the year, NBCGSS coordinates various social and community service events to foster a thriving graduate student community. We invite you to come and get involved!
Sam Wall | OTE
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Student Life
Northern Pride Centre: Explore Equity Jade Mah NPC President
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he Northern Pride Centre would like to welcome all of you new guys, gals and nonbinary pals to UNBC. But what is the Northern Pride Centre? Who is it for? What can it do for you as a member of UNBC? The Northern Pride Centre is a safe space located at UNBC’s Prince George campus. Our primary goal is to establish an environment on campus that is open and equitable, with a particular focus on those marginalized by their sexual and/or gender orientations and identities. We do this by creating a LGBTQ2S+ community and educating people on LGBTQ2S+ subjects. Our office is a social space open Monday to Friday. Feel free to come sit on our couches, read our books, play our board games, drink our tea, and hangout with people! Everyone is welcome to join us so long as you are kind and respectful (cisgender/ straight people are welcome). We have weekly activities such as Art Night and Dungeons and Dragons. We also conduct smaller outings, such as trips to the Prince George Aquatic Centre, the SPCA, and more. The Northern Pride Centre also hosts several annual events including the Rocky Horror Picture Show movie screening on Halloween, and a Trans Day of Remembrance Ceremony. The Northern Pride Centre has many resources such as pamphlets, books, and information for other advocacy
groups. The Northern Pride Centre is a non-judgmental resource, so if you would like to learn about LGBTQ2S+ topics, please drop by! We are an entirely a volunteerrun resource on campus. We are always looking for volunteers to provide ideas, lead activities, teach people, etc. We welcome help, big or small! If, at any time, you would like to be a volunteer please contact us. Do you have any suggestions, ideas, or questions? We would love to hear from you. Email us at prideunbc@gmail.com or check out our Facebook page “Northern Pride Centre.” Better yet, come visit us in person! We are located in room 6-344 of the NUSC building on the third floor. See you all there!
PG NPC Facebook
Student Life
Find a Safe Space with the Northern Women’s Centre Sarah Boyd NWC Executive Director
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he Northern Women’s Centre (NWC) is a safe place on campus for all self-identified women in Prince George to access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Centre is a great space to chill, do homework, network, eat, or catch up on some zzz’s. All women are welcome to walk in anytime! Our aim is to create a safe, positive atmosphere that embraces the diversity of women’s experiences. We offer support, referrals, and advocacy for women in need or in crisis. In addition, we organize workshops, training, volunteer opportunities, access to community resources, and a library. Some of our amenities include a comfortable lounge, fridge, microwave, and coffee machine. The NWC is run by a group of women who are interested in helping the centre run smoothly, known as a collective. Keep your eyes peeled for our weekly collective meetings held at the centre. We are conveniently located at room 7-213 between the Winter Garden and the Security Office. Although the Women’s Centre is a space for women, men can access services and use the resources by making an appointment with the Centre’s Coordinator. We also encourage men to participate in our events and workshops. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Coordinator at 250-9605632 or empower@unbc.ca.
Monique Gendron | OTE
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Students for a Green University: Learn and Grow Sustainably Alex Naudi SGU President
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tudents for a Green University (SGU) is a Student Led Organisation (SLO) whose goal is to make UNBC more environmentally sustainable through student led actions, and to build community among sustainably-minded students, staff, and faculty. Everyone is welcome to come to our weekly meetings or check out our meeting minutes to keep up to date on projects, volunteer opportunities, and fun events! To kick off this year, we are organizing a campus wide cleanup at the end of September, so come out, meet some cool people, and make our campus beautiful. SGU has started a divestment campaign at UNBC. Last fall, we sent a letter to the Board of Governors (BOG) at UNBC urging them to consider divesting the endowment fund from fossil fuel investments. The BOG requested we write a formal proposal outlining exactly what we mean by divesting and what actions should be taken to start the process. This formal proposal was sent last January, and unfortunately SGU has still not received a formal response. By joining the ranks of Laval, Harvard, the country of Ireland, and the city of New York (to name a few associations that have divested their funds from fossil fuels), we can help lead the charge against pollution and become Canada’s “Truly” Green
University. Contact sgu.unbc@ gmail.com for more information, or if you are interested in volunteering with the campaign. One of our student-led projects is the SGU Dome Greenhouse, where our goal is to explore and educate students on how to sustainably grow produce in Northern climates. This is made possible with the help of many student volunteers maintaining the garden and selling produce to businesses on campus. The greenhouse is also a great outlet for students to conduct research projects. This year, we are building a compost heating system that will harness the heat generated in the decomposition of organic material to maintain growing temperatures all year long. Contact sgu.dome.greenhouse@ gmail.com for more information, or if you are interested in volunteering with the Dome.
Rhea Simpson | moveupprincegeorge.ca
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Let Your Star Shine through Musical Theatre UNBC Musical Club
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o you like show-tunes, long walks on the beach, and getting caught in the rain? Then we have the club for you! The UNBC Musical club is all about community, fun, and theatre. We are looking for people who enjoy or are interested in singing, dancing, acting, set design, marketing, or production. The club is focused on building a community where everyone can express themselves artistically while also having loads of fun! This year we will be performing selected songs from A Very Potter Musical in November and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in the spring semester. Come by our table at SLO days to learn how to get involved.
Tierney Watkinson | Contributor LOVE_LIFE | Getty Images
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Student Life
Orientation 2018
Monique Gendron | OTE
Events
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Other Events (+bonus map!) Friday, September 7 Saturday, September 15 Explore Local History Volley Into September/Backyard BBQ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Location: Bus Loop Location: NUSC Event Space Timberwolves Men’s Soccer Game 5:15 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Bus Loop
Wednesday, September 19
Tuesday, September 11
Student-Led Organization (SLO) 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: Canfor Winter Garden
University Farmers’ Market Kickoff 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: NUSC Event Space
Wednesday, September 12 First Nations Centre Potluck 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Location: Gathering Place First Nation Centre Garden Party 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Wabooz Garden
Thursday, September 20
We’re on the third floor! Come visit!
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