School Schmool 2011-2012 by School Schmool

Why School Schmool? School Schmool is your radical guide to your often unradical school. University doesn’t need to be an ivory tower, and this agenda highlights exciting ways to bridge the gap between academia and issues outside the classroom. School Schmool dates back to 1994. It began as a bi-annual publication that brought together group profiles, articles, and practical resources of use to all students, especially those interested in environmental and social justice issues. It was resurrected as an agenda and resource book in the summer of 2006, and has been connecting together the McGill, Concordia, and Montreal communities ever since. The 2011-2012 edition of School Schmool has four sections. We provide practical tips and recommendations in “The Resources”. “The Issues” features articles on a wide variety of topics, ranging from bike activism to building solidarity with international struggles. After reading an article, you can learn about Montrealbased organizations working on that issue by turning to “The Groups”, which lists local projects in thematic order. Finally,

you can keep track of your busy life with “The Agenda” section of School Schmool. We hope this ad-free, non-corporate, autonomous guide will help you locate the struggles you want to engage with, fight for, and find support within. So educate yourself! Become a good ally! Selfrepresent! Honour people’s struggles and history! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! In solidarity, School Schmool

illustration by Grace Brooks

QPIRG McGill The Quebec Public Interest Research Group at McGill (QPIRG McGill) is a student funded, non-profit organization that strives to raise awareness and motivate grassroots activism around diverse social and environmental justice issues. Here’s a quick guide to our resources and events. Board QPIRG McGill is run by a student volunteer Board of Directors, elected through campus wide elections each March. The Board of Directors is responsible for all decisions pertaining to the operation of the organization. The Library The QPIRG Library offers McGill Students and the general public hundreds of books, films zines, and magazines that you won’t find at university or public libraries in the city. Radical Frosh Rad Frosh is an alternative orientation program for incoming first-year students. Running alongside the SSMU Frosh Program, Rad Frosh brings a fresh, political and active approach to introducing new students to life at McGill and in Montreal. Summer Research Stipends QPIRG’s Summer Stipend is intended to provide individuals or groups with a budget/honorarium of $3,000 to work over the summer doing research leading towards action and change within the Montreal community.

Film Series QPIRG, often in association with our working groups, presents an annual program of films that deal with specific issues. All films are free of charge. Discretionary Fund QPIRG’s discretionary program aims to provide support for external, non-QPIRG-affiliated groups and individuals to conduct short-term action-oriented social change projects or events both on- and offcampus. Proposals are reviewed by QPIRG’s Board of Directors bi-weekly, and a sum of $250 is allocated each time. Space QPIRG-McGill offers meeting space, computers, phones and other resources to groups an community organizations free of charge. Call to make sure the space is available. Working Groups Working Groups, autonomous organizations that work with and under QPIRG’s mandate, are the heart of QPIRG. QPIRG McGill’s working groups organize around a plethora of issues, ranging from environmental concerns to research for social change to queer activism to environmental justice to HIV/AIDS campaigns.

3647 University, 3rd Floor 514-398-7432 qpirg@ssmu.mcgill.ca www.qpirgmcgill.org

QPIRG Concordia justice, from art skillsharing to migrant rights, from international solidarity to anti-police brutality work.

The Quebec Public Interest Research Group at Concordia is a resource centre for student and community research and organizing. We strive to raise awareness and support grassroots activism around diverse social and environmental justice issues. Our work is rooted in an anti-oppression analysis and practice. We seek to make campus-community links and inspire social change through engaging, inclusive and nonhierarchical approaches. Our core projects include: the Study in Action conference, DisOrientation, the CommunityUniversity Research Exchange (CURE), and our Resource Library. QPIRG also maintains an active schedule of events throughout the year, including speakers, films, skillshares and workshops. We support close to 30 working groups that organize on a wide variety of issues ranging from radical education and childcare to prison 4

We also publish Convergence: A journal of undergraduate & community research, School Schmool: An alternative student agenda, and At The Heart of Resistance: QPIRG Concordiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Working Groups Journal. Both students and community members are welcome to make use of our space and resources and participate in QPIRG projects.

1500 de Maisonneuve O. #204 514-848-7585 info@qpirgconcordia.org www.qpirgconcordia.org

The Resources ANTI-OPPRESSION 101................................................................................................. 6 GENDER NEUTRAL BATHROOMS.......................................................................... 7 CHEAP EATS..................................................................................................................... 8 FRANGLAIS: NAVIGATING LANGUAGE DIVIDES..........................................10 HEALTH CARE RESOURCES......................................................................................11 GETTING YOUR IDEA OFF THE GROUND..........................................................12 TAILORING YOUR DEGREE.......................................................................................13 ACCESSIBLE SPACES.....................................................................................................15 HERBAL REMEDIES.......................................................................................................16 LEGAL RESOURCES: KEEPING RENT AFFORDABLE......................................18 LEGAL RESOURCES: DEALING WITH THE POLICE.......................................20 MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES...............................................................................22 READS AND TUNES......................................................................................................26 SEXUAL ASSAULT RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS...........................................28 TAKING CARE OF YOUR BODY...............................................................................31 MAP OF MONTREAL NEIGHBOURHOODS.......................................................34

Anti-Oppression â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oppressionâ&#x20AC;? refers to the power and the effects of domination. It describes the injustices some groups experience as a consequence of institutionalized power and privilege assigned to other groups. Oppression can show up in ordinary interactions, where well-meaning people use unconscious assumptions that are proliferated in the media and cultural landscape. Because these same stereotypes also inform powerful institutions such as schools, governments, companies, and organizations, they are especially harmful. In other words, oppression could be understood as prejudice supported by a power structure. Anti-oppression is, then, resisting and fighting oppression in all of its forms. Anti-oppression is an umbrella term. It includes pretty much any kind of work that takes on marginalization and unequal power, in an effort to make the world a more just place. Anti-oppressive 8

movements include a variety of struggles. This includes struggles against racism, like the Black Panther Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organizing in the 60s and 70s, struggles against the stigma and marginalization faced by people dealing with various mental health problems, and struggles for free, safe, and accessible abortions. Anti-oppressive organizing could work on an interpersonal level, or it could occur on a systemic level. Most people are more familiar with the interpersonal variety. This is the anti-oppression of workplace seminars

and

awkward

classroom

discussions. Interpersonal anti-oppression is all about treating the individual people in our lives in an equitable way. Being aware of interpersonal anti-oppression entails making sure that everyone in a space feels comfortable, watching our language so that no one is harmed by the things we say and, at its most proactive, inter-personal

anti-oppression

might

involve calling somebody out on their oppressive behaviour.

Systemic anti-oppression, rather than working from an individual level, aims to challenge broad power imbalances. This kind of struggle sees oppression as something that goes deeper than interpersonal interactions, as something ingrained in our society from long histories of domination. As such, sysetmic anti-oppression recongizes the need for widespread transformation. The hunger strikes undertaken by members of the Irish Republic Army in the 1970s is an example of systemic change, as their actions fought against an entire history of British occupation and subjugation. The line between interpersonal and systemic oppression could never be clearly drawn, because they are always interconnected. Nonetheless, this distinction might be helpful for thinking about the kind of anti-oppression work we want to be doing. To learn more about anti-oppression and to get involved with some local initatives, be sure to browse â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Issuesâ&#x20AC;? section of School Schmool.

The Union for Gender Empowerment

Where do I pee? To find gender neutral washrooms on campus, ask these folks: McGill www.mcgill.ca/queerequity/washrooms/ This is a list on the McGill Equity Subcommittee on Queer People website of some gender neutral washrooms as well as a list of buildings without any The SEDE office For more information, talk to Tynan Jarrett, the LGBTQ Advisor tynan.jarrett@mcgill.ca Concordia The 2110 Centre You can get a list and info from the peer support and advocacy folks psa@centre2110.org Also check out http://safe2pee.org/beta A website with user-generated information about gender neutral washrooms in the city

Navigating the food culture of any city can be harrowing and exhilarating. In downtown areas particularly, one can feel hedged in by crummy overpriced pub food or aggressively mediocre chain restaurants. Getting to know the culinary landscape of a city can be a big part of coming to feel comfortable and at home in a place, and it doesn’t hurt to have a few strong recommendations of nourishing, delicious, and affordable food resources to start out with!

Al Taib (various locations near McGill and Concordia) A reliable spot for pizza, fatayer, falafel, and the feather in their cap that is the za’atar: all-dressed with fresh vegetables, olives, peppers and pickled turnip. Boustan (2020 Crescent) A fixture in Montréal’s varied and robust middle-eastern fast food scene, Boustan serves solid Lebanese fare with care and devotion. Try the vegetarian sandwich with spicy sauce. Seriously.

Buns (various locations near McGill and Concordia) The cheapest, simplest, and most reliable of the downtown burger shops. Excellent potato wedges and quality burgers, with portabello and veggie options — that this is their entire menu speaks to the value of picking one thing and doing it well. Wavel (1413 St Marc) Polish patisserie, claims their ponchki (jelly donuts) are the best donuts in town. I can’t say I disagree.

Ba Le (2148 Mackay) Banh mi (Vietnamese subs) have yet to gain a strong foothold in the “New Chinatown” of the Concoridia environs, but outside of Chinatown proper (where Hoang Oanh is a must), Ba Le makes them good and cheap. Chez Nouri (10 Pin O.) It could not be more literally a hole in the wall, and this Iranian lunch counter, tucked discretely into the hallway of a commercial building, could not be more charming. Soups, shami (sandwiches), baked goods.

Antep Kebab (1626 de Maisonneuve O.) Hearty Turkish fare, and they make their own bread. Lamb sandwich, all the way. Thali (1409 St Marc) Not simply the only affordable Indian restaurant downtown, but possibly the only truly delicious one as well. The chana samosa is excellent, almost a meal in itself, the naan always hot and fresh, and the thali ample and delicious, perfect for steeling a body against the harsh winter chill.

This is just a small selection of some options in the McGill/Concordia vicinity. So many Montréal neighbourhoods, with their own particular character and culinary strengths, cry out for exploration: the North Indian, South Indian and Pakistani food of Parc Ex (try Maison India Curry, Bombay Mahal, 786 Halal); Indian, Sri Lankan, Caribbean and Filipino of upper Cote-des-Neiges (Jolee, Dev, Mr. Spicee); the Vietnamese Pho and Mexican and Salvadorian tacquerias and pupuserias in Little Italy (Lyla, La Carreta, Sabor Latino, Los Planes). So get out there and get fed.

Jonah Campbell thinks and writes about food for www.stillcrapulent.wordpress.com

Navigating Language Divides Montreal is a city where dozens of languages are spoken in the streets, and a convoluted colonial and linguistic history. This makes language a point of fracture in Montreal. Activist campaigns and organizing need to account for this in order to be successful. Beyond t hat, bei ng sensit ive to t hese div isions and making our spaces inclusive show respect toward the communities we live in and the people we organize with. Beyond McGill and Concordia’s gates, much of the community and activist organizing in Montreal happens in French. I am going to focus on what students at predominantly English-speaking universities can do to make our work accessible to French speakers. Not only will this give us much greater access to potential allies and organizers; it will also help to challenge the status of the English universities in Montreal as institutions of Anglo-British dominance. That said, this article would not be complete without an acknowledgement of the many 12

First Nations and migrant languages spoken in Montreal. The best thing to do is to get out into our community and learn about them. Many of these tips will help with greater overall inclusivity. Needless to say, when we organize with a specific language community, we should make an effort to learn, and translate materials to their language, if not organize most meetings, events, and materials in that language. Here are some ideas for better dealing with Montreal’s multi-lingual reality: + Make sure public e-mails are translated + Start out with the French version first with a note to scroll down for English + Plan whisper translation at events + Ask the QPIRGs to help out with translation resources A final caution on communicating across languages is to avoid making assumptions, especially when it comes to politically correct language. As a general rule, it is polite to answer someone in the language they address us with, if possible. If someone uses a French

word that is unfamiliar and seems offensive, or resembles a problematic English term, try to find out what the speaker means before reacting. Learning French: There are lots of resources for learning French in Montreal. Most schools and employment centres offer some level of free French classes — it’s even possible to access bursaries to learn French at certain times of the year. Setting up a language exchange with a Frenchspeaker can be a great way to practice French. Just as important as language is history. People educated in Quebec or EnglishCanada are typically taught very polarized versions of this province’s history, with the First Nations suspiciously absent from the picture. Taking the time to get to know the different histories of this territory can help us understand where people are coming from and why speaking French is so significant here. Most folks will respect efforts made to learn about their history and speak their language, so don’t be shy! The best way to learn is to practice in our day to day life. This guide is chock full of resources that can help you get out there and learn more.

+ McGill Health Services (for McGill students) Downtown: 514-398-6017 MacDonald : 514-398-7992 + Concordia Health Services Concordia students) SGW: 514-848-2424 x3565 Loyola: 514-848-2424 x3575

(for

+ Head & Hands (for 12-25 year olds) For medical, social and legal support. 514-481-0277 + CLSCs are government-run community health clinics. To find the one nearest to you consult their website: http://www.sante.qc.ca/listes/ta-clsc.htm + The Shag Shop (a safer sex & health boutique at McGill) 514-398-2087 health.promotion@mcgill.ca + Info Santé Line dial 811 to speak directly to a nurse + sexualityandu.ca 13

Kick Start Your Project! If you have an idea for a group or project and need some back-up, info and/or support, there are a few ways to go about it. Find out what’s already out there There may already be folks working on the exact thing you are interested in (they may even be represented in this very edition of School Schmool!) — look through campus organizations, QPIRG working groups, posters and flyers that you can find on campus, attend events and talk to people. Chances are you’ll make some great connections. Identify your goals What is it that you are trying to do? Do you want to learn more about an issue? Do you want to raise awareness around an issue? Are you trying to change a practice? Are you trying to provide a 14

specific resource or service? Having a good understanding of your goals will help you to identify creative and effective ways to achieve them. Find people who are interested in working with you Either by joining an existing group or by starting your own, working with other people will make your project that much more effective. The more visibility you have through your events and campaigns, the more interest there will be in joining your group. Get QPIRG support and resources The QPIRGs are here to support student and community social/environmental justice activism. They offer support to new initiatives like yours by offering computer access, meeting spaces, discretionary funding, and logistical and administrative support. QPIRG staff and board members are great resources and can point you to all the things that you’ll need to get started.

Start a working group Both QPIRGs support working groups — small groups of volunteers working on a specific issue, project or campaign. Working groups benefit from a QPIRG budget and further logistical, administrative and financial support. The QPIRGs are always looking for new initiatives on campus. Applications are due at the end of August at QPIRG McGill, and at the end of September at QPIRG Concordia. Contact a QPIRG directly for more information on how to become a working group and for exact dates. Apply for discretionary $$$ You might need some cash to get your project going for things like photocopies. Many campus groups set aside money to provide discretionary funding for projects that are affiliated with the campus community, that are aligned with the group’s mandate, but that don’t require sustained, long-term financial support. Contact QPIRGs and other organizations directly for funding details and deadlines.

Don’t let your department’s limited and conventional course offerings get you down. There are lots of ways to learn what you want to learn. With a little persistence you can make university bureaucracy work for you! Independent Study Available through many departments at Concordia and McGill, an independent study is one of the most underutilised tools at your disposal. If you can find a sympathetic professor, you can get credit for doing almost anything. IndyClass Over the past couple years, students at McGill organized collective independent study classes on prisons, student movements and indigenous solidarity. For more info about how this was done check out indyclass.wordpress.com or email indyclass@gmail.com. Make it happen again this year at McGill or start an IndyClass at Concordia!

Ad-hoc Major

CURE for Class

At McGill, it’s possible to create your own interdisciplinary major by choosing courses around a particular theme. You need to find a professor who’s willing to supervise and submit a proposal to the associate dean. The proposal should include a cover letter, a description of the program, the credit break-down and, if possible, a list of other universities where the program is available.

If you’re already in a class that allows a bit of freedom for final papers and projects, search the CURE website qpirgconcordia.org/cure for a proposal that interests you, and run it by your professor as your final paper/project proposal. It’s a win-win situation.

Inter-University Transfer Every term, you can take one course at another university in Quebec and have it apply to your degree! Read up on the program and register at www.crepuq.qc.ca. Make sure to get organized early because it might take a while passing through both schools’ administrations. Study Abroad The deadlines for study abroad vary by university and department, but generally you must have departmental approval by late January or early February in order to leave the next fall. Find more info at: international.concordia.ca www.mcgill.ca/studyabroad 16

Making Events Accessible! Whether planning a workshop, panel, film screening, or party, making the event accessible to people with physical disabilities is just as important as keeping them affordable or free, providing childcare, and ensuring bilingualism. A physically accessible event is one in which people with a wide range of abilities are able to participate without significant barriers. When choosing a venue, look for features that might prevent someone with a physical disability to easily access the space. These include, but are not limited to: ledges, thresholds, narrow hallways with obstacles, and uneven floor surfaces. Also look for things that facilitate moving through the space, and ask the venue manager if they have access to a ramp.

themselves. A space is not completely accessible if folks canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t access its toilets! Apart from the venue, there are other steps to making an event accessible to as many people as possible. If the event involves a presentation or workshop, think about providing sign language translation in addition to translation between French and English. Consider making the event fragrance free for folks sensitive to perfumes. On the event callout, announce the accessibility specificities in as much detail as possible, and invite people to contact the organizers ahead of time for more information.

by Zoe

Remember to check out the washrooms. Often, a venue that has an accessible main space will have washrooms down a flight of stairs, through a narrow hallway, and limited space in the washrooms 17

Learning about herbal medicine and taking herbs can be an empowering way of dealing with our physical and mental health. It can be difficult to know where to begin, so here are some recipes and resources to get you started! Herbs affect everyone differently. When trying a new herb, always start with a low dose. Respect your limits.

drink tea! Tea is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to get herbs into your body. Relaxation tea 2 parts german chamomile 1 part skullcap 1 part passionflower 1 part lemon verbena ½ part marshmallow

herbs that could calm you down german chamomile – Matricaria recutita skullcap – Scutellaria lateriflora passionflower – Passiflora incarnata catnip – Nepeta cataria valerian – Valeriana officinalis lemon balm – Melissa officinalis lavender – Lavandula spp. oats – Avena sativa california poppy – Eschsholtzia spp. hops – Humulus lupulus damiana – Turnera diffusa

herbs around the house that are both food and medicine Garlic can be taken in almost any form: fresh, powdered, oil, honey Properties: antimicrobial, cardioprotective (good for your cardiovascular system) Uses: Eat it often for good health. And inserting a clove in the vagina at the very start of yeast infection often nips it in the bud. Don’t forget to remove it! Ginger can be taken fresh, as tea, powdered, or candied Properties: warming, stimulating, antimicrobial, mild antiinflammatory. Uses: Ginger tea for digestive problems, nausea, indigestion, motion and carsickness, morning sickness, post-surgery nausea. Ginger compress to soothe inflammation — make a strong ginger tea, let it cool a little bit, dip a rag in the tea and then place it on the swollen body part.

places to find/buy herbs Le Frigo Vert 2130, MacKay Frenco Vrac 3985, Saint-Laurent Bio Terre 201, Saint-Viateur O. Herboristerie Desjardins 3303, Ste-Catherine E. Anatol Spices 6822, Saint-Laurent Concordia Greenhouse 1455 de Maisonneuve O. Loyala Campus Tea Garden (Concordia) 7141 Sherbrooke O. Resources in the Alternative Libraries www.alternativelibraries.org +Hot Pants: Do it Yourself Gynecology +The Yeast of Your Worries!: Yeast Infection Survival Handbook +Wild Plants of Eastern North America and the Appalachian Region: A Plagiarized Guide +Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medecine +A Cooperative Method of Natural Birth Control +Home Remedies for Common Maladies

Keeping Rents Affordable Finding affordable apartments is becoming more and more difficult. One of the main reasons for the recent jump in rent prices is the frequent illegal rental increases that landlords get away with. Quebec has good laws regarding renting, however there are some serious shortfalls. The Regie du Logement clearly explains that rental increases or other modifications must be done in a specific manner. If the landlord does not complete the official process, the rent should remain the same for the year. However, landlords may get around this law by simply increasing the rent between leases even though they are not supposed to. There is a way to block this violation of the law. When you are signing a new lease, have the landlord complete the official Quebec Lease form — including the previous rent information of Section G — and you will be able to see whether there was an increase or not. If you’re 20

feeling even wilier, you can find out what the previous rent was by asking the tenants when you go visit the apartment. This knowledge will help you if the landlord lies on the lease. There is recourse with the Regie du Logement in either situation. Informed tenants can make a difference! Apprehensive renters may not question high rents due to fears of starting an antagonistic relationship with their new landlord. There is no need to feel badly for asserting your rights. In the grand scheme of things playing detective and making a fuss will keep rents from becoming unaffordable. The laws are in place for a reason, but no one is there to enforce them. Except for us.

Tenants’ Rights If you’re a university student, chances are you are living on your own, with a roommate, or in res. In order to protect yourself, it’s important that you know your rights as a tenant or occupant.

You have the right: + To an official Quebec lease in English or French + To peaceful enjoyment of a dwelling + To get the apartment in a clean condition, fit for habitation + To have repairs performed + To use the Regie du Logement to settle disputes + To keeping your private info private. (No landlord has the right to request your SIN or credit card numbers!) + To only pay a deposit for the first month. Last month’s, damage, or key deposits are illegal. + Having privacy in your dwelling. Landlords need consent at least 24 hours before entering your dwelling. Here are some other important facts that will be handy. + Landlords are responsible for dealing with vermin and pests (like bed bugs). + Leases automatically renew every year. If you forget to give notice before the appropriate time, you can always transfer your lease but landlords are not obliged to cancel it. + If you are trying to get residency at the university, having a lease is the most straightforward way. Occupancy agreements don’t count. + Have copies of everything!

Tenant Resources Off-Campus Housing & Job Bank 1455 de Maisonneuve O., suite H-260 514-848-7474 x. 7935 hojo.csu.qc.ca McGill Off Campus Housing 3473 University 514-398-6010 www.mcgill.ca/students/housing/offcampus Arnold Bennett Tenants’ Rights Hotline and Walk-in Clinic 517-1440 Stanley 514-488-0412 or 514-990-0190 Project Genesis 4735 Côte-Ste-Catherine 514-738-2036 www.genese.qc.ca The City Inspectors call 514-872-3182 for specific boroughs Regie du Logement 1425 Rene Levesque room 600 514-873-2245

By The CSU’s Off-Campus Housing & Job Bank

Dealing With the Police We have to rely on ourselves to know our rights and have them respected. The police systematically abuse their power, particularly when confronting unconventional individuals: the poor, youth, and anyone questioning authority. This information is based on Canadian laws as well as on the rules and regulations applying to police forces in Quebec.

place (park, street, etc). According to some municipal by-laws, people who refuse to indentify themselves can be charged with vagrancy. Other than these exceptions, you are never obliged to speak to the police. If the police ask you to idenitfy yourself or come with them, ask them, “Am I under arrest?” If you’re not, you don’t have to identify yourself or follow them.

Your identity is your own. You are under no obligation to idenitfy yourself to a police officer, except in the following cases:

However, the police have to identify themselves. According to their own code of conduct, police officers are required to idenify themselves and/or wear badges with their names and ID numbers on them.

+ If you are under arrest + If you are driving a motor vehicle; you must show your drivers liscence as well as the vehicle registrations (your passangers don’t have to identify themselves) + If you are under 18 and are found in a bar or movie theatre (to prove that you are 18 or older) + If you are found at night in a public

Asserting your rights might provoke two kinds of reactions from the cop: + Surprise. The cops are not used to dealing with people who are aware of their rights, so they may decide to let you go wihtout futher questioning. + Frustration. The police may feel they are being provoked and take advantage of the situation to put you under arrest.

Identifying yourself

For more information on being arrested, interogations, searches, and demonstrations, seek out “Guess What! We’ve Got Rights”.

From COBP’s, Guess What? We’ve Got Rights!

Legal Aid Resources Community Legal Aid 425, de Maisonneuve O. Bureau 600 514-864-2111 www.ccjm.qc.ca CSN Legal Information Clinic Room H-731, 1455 de Maisonneuve O. You must make an appointment to speak with a volunteer. Volunteer law students will provide you with legal information about: + Immigration law + Consumer protection (problems you may have with a business that provided you with a service and/or sold you something) + Discrimination + Referrals Please email or call to book an appointment: legalclinic@csu.qc.ca 514-848-7474 x. 7375

minimum donation of 20$. The clinic runs Monday-Thursday from 10am-5pm 5833 Sherbrooke O. 514-481-0277 legal@headandhands.ca McGill Legal Aid Clinic Clients can call us at 514-398-6792 and leave a message on our answering machine between 10:00am and 6:00pm. A volunteer will call you back within 48 hours. mlic.mcgill.ca The Mile End Legal Clinic 5276 St-Laurent 514-507-3054 www.justicemontreal.org If you need to speak with a lawyer, you can call: The Barreau’s Referral Service 514-866-2490 YWCA Legal Information Clinic 514-866-9941 x. 293 If you need the services of a notary, call 1-800-NOTAIRE

Head and Hands Legal Clinic For those 25 and under. They ask for a 23

Mental Health At some point in their lives, most people will deal with mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. Navigating a difficult time and finding a way to deal with it that’s right for you can be difficult, since everyone deals/copes/heals in different ways. There are lots of options out there, all with different levels of risk, effectiveness and cost. Ways of tackling mental health and selfcare can range from: + Exercise (cardio) and eating well + Going on drugs (pharmaceuticals or herbal alternatives) — generally it’s recommended to get advice or talk over options with someone you trust + Meditation, yoga, relaxation exercises + Creative outlets such as music, writing, drawing, etc. Of course, there is also therapy. For newcomers to therapy, or even for those 24

with experience, it can be difficult to identify the most helpful practice for you. Therapy comes in many forms, and within each category, the practice can range dramatically, depending on your therapist. For example, many psychotherapists will mix in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy methods, and vice versa. The first time at therapy can be very intimidating, but a good therapist, or one that’s right for you, will work on making you feel comfortable.

Types of Therapy Peer to Peer In the 1970’s an organized movement of people who had experienced rights violations within the mental health system, were building programs and networks where a different kind of support was offered. Peer support grew out from a movement that wanted to shift the emphasis on illness or diagnosis to one of mutual aid, housing support, advocacy and human rights. Peer therapy is about breaking down the boundary between

client and service provider. It’s about learning, skillsharing, and recognizing and tapping into the strengths of nonprofessionals. Its also about offering support regardless of ability to pay. Psychotherapy Counseling Psychotherapy, or personal counseling with a psychotherapist, is an interpersonal relationship used to assist a client in personal problems. It aims to increase the individual’s sense of their own wellbeing. Psychotherapists employ a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication and behavior change that are designed to improve the mental health of a client. Psychoanalytic Therapy Psychoanalytic therapy was the first practice to be called a psychotherapy. It encourages the verbalization of all the patient’s thoughts, including free associations, fantasies, and dreams, from which the analyst formulates the nature of the unconscious conflicts which are causing the patient’s symptoms and character problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) A ‘practical’ form of therapy that targets the thoughts and behaviors that affect our well-being. CBT targets behavioral patterns like ingrained thought patterns and helps you to ‘undo’ them. CBT is

good for anything from general anxiety to depression but is said to be particularly effective at addressing specific phobias and fears (for example, the fear of flying). You can get a referral from a walk in clinic, the wait list for free CBT services is usually around 6 months. ***For referrals, ask friends if you feel comfortable, they might have good ideas. If, for example, you want to make sure your therapist will be trans or queer positive, you can ask them first, or get a reference from a group like the 2110 Centre or Head and Hands.

Therapy Resources

Affordable Counseling and Mental Health Resources: 2110 Centre for Gender Advocacy 2110 MacKay www.centre2110.org Queer and trans positive, antiracist environment. To make an appointment with a peer support and advocacy volunteer, or for referrals over the phone, call 514-848-2424 x7800 (confidential line).

Ami Quebec 514-486-1448 Committed to helping people manage the effects of mental illness though support, education, guidance and advocacy. Free or low cost services. Argyle Institute 215 Redford 514-931-5629 Cheapest private counselling in Montreal: sliding scale between 25-60$ per hour sessions. When you call them, they ask you to describe the topic you want to talk about and take two weeks to pair you up with an appropriate counsellor. Concordia Health Services  514-848-2424 x.3565 www.health.concordia.ca  Range of psychiatric/psychological services. No fees. Must be a registered student at Concordia.

CSSS (Centre de Santé et de Services Sociaux) Quebec’s community health clinics. Offer mental health and social services. Find the one in your district, like CLSCs. Douglas Mental Health University Institute/Hospital 6875 LaSalle 514-761-6131 www.douglas.qc.ca Specialize in mental health. Will see anyone but must be referred by a doctor. No fees. Open 24 hours a day for emergencies. Will see people with no health care card. Head & Hands 514-481-0277 http://www.headandhands.ca/ Counselling service is free of charge, youthoriented, non-judgmental and flexible in duration. Counselling services are limited to youth aged 12 to 25. Referrals provided for those over 25. Queer and trans positive.

McGill Mental Health Services www.mcgill.ca/mentalhealth Range of psychiatric/psychological services. Must be full-time McGill student. No fees. Projet Suivi Communautaire www.projetsuivicommunautaire.com Support services for autonomous housing integration and community support for people with mental health problems. They come to your home. Must live in the South-West and be 18+. No fees. Queen Elizabeth Health Complex Cognitive Behavior Clinic 514-481-0317 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: . The Queen Elizabeth Health Complex’s CBT clinic has a much shorter waiting list than the Douglas , however visits costs $50 a session. The screening process involves filling out a questionnaire and talking to a panel of doctors.

Phone Lines + Infosanté/Health Links: 514-521-2100 or 811; available 24/7 and nurse will talk with you in English or French + Phobies-zero: 514-276-3105 Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; active listening + Revivre: 514-REVIVRE (738-4873). Mon-Fri. 9am-9pm

Local Zine Resources These zines can be found at the 2110 Centre Lending Library, 2110 Mackay + Pathologize This! 1, 2, 3 + Nailbiter, an Anxiety Zine 1, 2

Web Resources + www.phobies-zero.qc.ca + theicarusproject.net + www.radicalmentalhealth.net/?cat=7 + pseudochainsaw.yuku.com + www.ataq.org + www.revivre.org

This is a compilation of favorite reads of all varieties. For literature, you can find most of this stuff at the Co-op Bookstore or Drawn and Quarterly or borrow from the Alternative Libraries at Concordia, the zine library at the 2110 Centre or the Union for Gender Empowerment. You can find more information about all of these places in the “group profiles” section.

28 28

Fiction

Zines

Another Country, James Baldwin At the Bottom of the River, Jamaica Kincaid Brown Girl In the Ring, Nalo Hopkinson The Color Purple, Alice Walker The Dispossessed, Ursula K. Le Guinn Eighty-Sixed, David Feinberg Geeks, Misfits and Outlaws, ed. Zoe Whittall In Another Place, Not Here, Dionne Brand The Jade Peony, Wayson Choy Kindred, Octavia Butler Kiss of the Fur Queen, Thomson Highway Little Brother, Corey Doctorow Obasan, Joy Kogawa The Man Who Fell in Love With the Moon, Tom Spanbauer Memories That Smell Like Gasoline, David Wojnarowicz. Monkey Beach, Eden Robinson Stone Butch Blues, Leslie Feinberg Sula, Toni Morrison

+ Nailbiter: An Anxiety Zine + When Language Runs Dry: A zine for people with chronic pain and their allies + If I Can’t Dance is it still My Revolution? + Shotgun Seamstress + Naomi’s TuffTown + Support Zine

Non-Fiction

Podcasts

A Taste of Power, Elaine Brown Feminism for Real: Deconstructing the Academic In Search of the Blues, Marybeth Hamilton Industrial Complex of Feminism, ed. Jessica Yee Fight Back: Workplace Justice for Immigrants, Aziz Choudry and Jill Hanley et al. My Baby Rides the Short Bus, ed. Yantra Bertelli, Jennifer Silverman and Sarah Talbot Orientalism, Edward Said The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the NonProfit Industrial Complex, INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence Secret Historian: The Life and Times of Samuel Steward, Professor, Tattoo Artist, and Sexual Renegade, Justin Spring

+ Against the Grain radical theory, politics, culture, history + No One is Illegal struggles for justice by migrants, refugees and indigenous peoples + Behind the News economic focus + Democracy Now! radical news + Homoground queer feminist podcast + In Our Time history of ideas + This American Life human interest stories + Venus from ckut, the radio station at mcgill; don’t fear the female planet!

Graphic Novels Alan’s War: The Memories of G.I. Alan Cope, Emmanuel Guibert Fun Home, Alison Bechdel Louis Riel, Chester Brown Palestine, Joe Sacco Skim, Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki Stitches: A Memoir, David Small Waltz with Bashir: A Lebanon War Story, David Polonsky

Local Music + Bad News Brown + Kader Belaouni + Lhasa de la Sala + The Narcicyst + Nomadic Massive + Samian + Shadia Mansour

TRIGGER WARNING: some of this article might be hard to read and could bring back difficult memories. Consider not reading this unless you feel like you’re in a position to do so, or have some kind of support ready if you need it. In 1995, the University of Victoria conducted a study to assess the impact of sexualized violence on post-secondary students. The study found that 1 in 4 female university students surveyed had experienced some form of sexual assault during their time at school, either on or off campus. Despite the prevalence of sexualized violence on campuses, universities and colleges in Canada are under no legal obligation to provide services and policies specifically for survivors of sexual assault. When services and policies do exist, they often receive little support from the school administration, and are not promoted to the student population for fear of publicizing that sexual assault is a problem at the school. Sexual assault is not just a university problem; it is a societal one, with systemic 30

inequity at it’s heart. Misogyny, racism, heterosexism, cis supremacy, ableism, colonization of Indigenous peoples… all of these contribute to a world in which one in three women and one in six men worldwide will at some point in their lives be the targets of sexualized violence.

Sexual Assault: Terms and Tips Before going any further, let’s define some terms. Sexual assault: any unwanted act of a sexual nature. This means exactly what it sounds like, and is intentionally left vague in order to include everyone’s experiences of sexual assault, even if they do not use the label of “sexual assault” for those experiences Survivor: by no means a perfect term. Like any other label, it can be limiting and unrepresentative of certain people’s experiences. This term came into use in English language by more radical and progressive people and groups doing work around sexual assault. It’s used for a variety

of reasons, most of them resting on the idea that the word “survivor” is more empowering than “victim” and does not imply a state of helplessness. Nonetheless, many people do prefer to use the word “victim”, another word, or no word at all, while discussing their own experiences of sexual assault. Perpetuator: why use this term, instead of the more common “perpetrator” or “aggressor”, to describe someone who has crossed another person’s boundaries or sexually assaulted them? “Perpetuator” implies that someone has acted in a way that continues to maintain the prevalence of sexual assault in communities and in society at large. In this case, whether or not they had intended to commit sexual assault isn’t the point. “Perpetuator” encompasses a person who raped someone at knifepoint, a person who got too drunk to properly hear “no”, and a person who forgot to check in with their partner before doing something sexual, while leaving room for the survivor to have a wide range of feelings about the person who did something they didn’t feel okay with. Using this term also brings attention to the way that all of us oftentimes participate in the perpetuation of widespread, harmful assumptions and myths about sexual assault, even if we don’t mean to do so. How do we deal with living in a society where sexual assault is so widespread?

Here are some ideas, but this list is by no means complete. Name it: we need to acknowledge the prevalence of sexual assault in our communities, and that people with marginalized identities and and live in marginalized communities are more likely to experience sexual assault. Educate: start a conversation about sexual assault, attend a workshop about consent, read or make a zine about the issue. Call it out: hold people accountable for their behaviour. Not having bad intentions isn’t an excuse for seriously harming another person through sexual assault. We need to create an environment where sexual assault is taken seriously and provokes responses from other people. Speak out against sexual assault or sexualized violence in movies or on TV. Give/get support: this is complicated, because everyone has different needs when it comes to support. Some forms of support include: listening to someone talk about their experience, holding someone’s hand during a post-rape exam, talking to a friend or counsellor, holding a friend, partner, lover, and family member when they feel triggered (ask first), going to a sexual assault centre, making sure that resources and services for survivors are available and accessible. 31

Support and activism on campus

Resources

The Sexual Assault Centre of McGill Students Society (SACOMSS) offers free, confidential support for McGill students and non-McGill students alike. Its services include an anonymous and confidential phone line, walk-in support, support groups, workshops, and advocacy at McGill. For more information, call 514-3988500 or visit www.sacomss.org.

+ Montreal Sexual Assault Centre: bilingual resources for survivors of sexual assault; 514-934-0354

At Concordia, the problem of sexual assault is largely unreported, even as increasing attention has been paid to developing services and policies to serve students’ interests in the areas of plagiarism, tuition fees, and employment. This creates a culture of silence and marginalization for survivors of sexual assault within the university community that is reflective of the dominant culture in society at large. In direct response to this, the Sexual Assault Centre campaign at Concordia is working with organizations on and off-campus to educate the university and surrounding communities about the realities of sexual assault at post-secondary institutions. It aims to create new services and resources for survivor support, beginning with a sexual assault crisis centre at Concordia. For more information, contact: laura.centre2110@gmail.com. 32

+ Native Friendship Centre of Montreal: bilingual; individual counseling & support groups; 514-499-1854 + www.survivorproject.org: resources for trans & intersex survivors of sexual assault + www.incite-national.org: US-based, activist organization of radical feminists of color advancing a movement to end violence against women of color and our communities through direct action, critical dialogue and grassroots organizing. + www.phillystandsup.com: US-based, small collective of individuals working in Philadelphia to confront sexual assault + supportny.org: US-based, dedicated to healing the effects of sexual assault and abuse

by Laura Ellyn and Noah E.

Sexual Health-Primers Sexual health and “safer sex” literature often focus on protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and pregnancy. These discussions don’t usually challenge the problematic assumption thats about what “normal” sex is like, and rarely take into consideration the experiences of marginalized groups, like queer/trans people. Safe(r) sex is about having sex that you feel good and secure and hot about in every way.

Consent Getting it on means something different to everyone and here are some things to consider: It can be really helpful to start with where you are at. taking the time to check in with yourself, and to prioritize your own needs, desires, and boundaries can be a really helpful way to start to understand these things for yourself. it can also help you be better able to communicate with sexual partners.

Everyone has different places they like to be touched and places they don’t, different names for their body parts, and different things their body can and cannot do, so avoid making assumptions and find out what your partners like. Communicating about sexy stuff might seem really awkward, but it’s the only way to find out what is or isn’t okay with someone, and for them to know what is or isn’t okay with you. It can be hard to talk about things in the moment, so one tactic is to try talking at a time when things are less hot and heavy. Being communicative and getting consent is a super important part of having sex that feels positive and hot for everyone involved.

Protection There are many different ways to approach using protection, and many different kinds of protection available. Not everybody is into using safer sex stuff like condoms and dental dams, and some people are only comfortable doing sexy things if they are using some kind of safer sex gear. Checking in about this kind of 33

thing will make sure that everyone can feel good about the plan regarding using (or not using) protection, navigating risk, and so on. + Physical barriers: used in between two body parts coming into contact, physical barriers include condoms, dental dams, gloves, and other stuff like saran wrap (not the microwaveable kind!). These are used for a variety of reasons, including protecting against most sexually transmitted infections (like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV), and are also pretty effective (about 97%) at preventing pregnancy. Condoms don’t necessarily protect against STIs like herpes or HPV, as these are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and things like dental dams and gloves can be more effective here. A dental dam can be made by cutting the tip off a condom and then cutting it up the side, or by cutting the fingers off a glove and cutting it up the side. + Sex toys: sex toys can include everything from dildos, vibrators, whips, rope, cucumbers, spatulas, and more. Remember to clean sex toys before using 34

them, and consider using condoms on things like dildoes and vibrators – this can be a good idea if you are sharing them with someone else, and use a new condom for each person. When using toys in anyone’s ass, it’s better to use a new condom before reusing the toy in any other body part. + Watch your mouth: certain STIs – including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes – can be passed from person to person during oral sex. A dental dam can be used as protection for oral sex on a vulva or anus, and a condom can be used for oral sex on a penis. + Lube: lube helps prevent tearing during any kind of penetrative sex which can help reduce risk of STI transmission and can also feel really good! Something important to keep in mind when picking a lube is whether it’s water-based, siliconebased, or oil-based, as these are all good for different things. Using oil-based lube with latex condoms can increase risk of breakage, and using silicone-based lube with silicone sex toys can cause them to break down.

Other stuff to consider + Latex allergies: for people with latex allergies, there are non-latex options such as polyurethane condoms and nitrile gloves. + Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy: while condoms are pretty good at preventing pregnancy, they are not 100% effective. Internal condoms, spermicide, hormonal birth control, or something like an IUD or diaphragm are also methods of birth control that can be used, either in addition to or in place of a condom + Technical difficulties: since condoms and dental dams are only effective when used properly, consider carrying around a spare or two Free condoms are available at most health clinics, CLSCs, Head & Hands, and at lots of student spaces on Montréal campuses (QPIRGs, the UGE, Queer McGill, the 2110 Centre, etc). The Shag Shop at McGill sells condoms, lube, gloves and dental dams for cheap.

STIs Having an STI in no way makes someone any less sexy. However, STIs can cause serious health problems, so getting tested regularly is something to consider. The most common symptom of STIs is

no symptom, so don’t necessarily rely on feeling “sick” before getting tested. Having unprotected sex, sex with multiple people, sex with new partners, and/or sex with people you don’t really know are all reasons to maybe consider getting tested more often than you otherwise would. There are different tests for different kinds of STIs, and different tests depending on the body parts someone has. Some STIs can be tested with a blood or urine test, while others require a swab of the vagina, penis, mouth, or anus. Some STIs — like herpes and genital warts (HPV) — can be visually diagnosed.

Navigating Healthcare Sometimes healthcare providers try to tell people that they don’t need to be tested for STIs based on the kinds of sex that person has or who they are sleeping with, or what the healthcare provider assumes about that person’s sex life. People can be left in the shitty situation of having to argue for a given test and advocate for themselves in order to get the care they deserve. Bringing a friend or partner, informational materials, or asking someone like a streetworker for accompaniment to get tested can make the experience less scary.

illustration by Kate Bass 36

The Issues ACCESS TO EDUCATION..........................................................................................38 ACTIVISM ON CAMPUS............................................................................................40 ALTERNATIVE ART AND CULTURE...................................................................42 BIKES..................................................................................................................................44 BOOKS...............................................................................................................................46 CHILDCARE AND PARENTING.............................................................................48 ECOLOGICAL JUSTICE...............................................................................................50 FOOD POLITICS............................................................................................................52 GENDER AND FEMINISM........................................................................................54 HOUSING.........................................................................................................................56 INDEPENDENT MEDIA.............................................................................................58 INDIGENOUS SOVEREIGNTY.................................................................................60 INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY.............................................................................62 LABOUR RIGHTS ON CAMPUS..............................................................................64 MIGRANT JUSTICE......................................................................................................66 POLICE BRUTALITY.....................................................................................................68 PRISON JUSTICE...........................................................................................................70 QUEER...............................................................................................................................72 RADICAL HEALTH......................................................................................................74 RADICAL TECH SUPPORT........................................................................................76 TRANSGENDER ACTIVISM AND ADVOCACY................................................78

Whose education? Our education! But that’s not all: we can also expect bigger class sizes and an even greater emphasis on conducting research for private interests rather than the public good. In the next five years, students who are the first in their families to attend university may well be the last — all because some people at the top thought it would be a good idea to make us pay increasingly more for an education that is increasingly harder to distinguish from job training. Welcome to university! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the cost of our education is rising — by a lot. Last spring, the government of Quebec announced that every student’s fees will go up by $325/year for the next five years; meaning that university fees will double within a decade. These tuition increases will be even steeper for those of us that pay outof-province or international fees.

Women, people of colour, and other marginalized folks are likely the ones most heavily affected by these changes.

Thankfully, here in Quebec, we have a long history and clear future of fighting back. Over the next year, students from all over the province will be taking to the streets, staging direct actions and teach-ins, and organizing strikes and walk-outs to protest tuition increases. The 2005 student strike, which successfully prevented the government from eliminating bursaries for the poorest post-secondary students, is still fresh in people’s minds. The Quebec student movement is now heading towards a strike during the 2012 winter semester. The success of this strike hinges on our involvement, and it has the potential to force the government to choose between backing down or asking hundreds of thousands of students to start their semester all over again — a decision that would set the provincial budget back by hundreds of millions of dollars. And we are not alone: similar actions are happening all over the world. From California to Greece, from Puerto Rico to France, from Chile to the United Kingdom; students all over the world are organizing against cuts to university funding, the growing influence of the private sector on public universities, and measures like tuition hikes that make equal access to a university education almost unimaginable.

Like many people here in Quebec, students all over the world believe that university education should be free. Perhaps if we join forces with them, the days of university fees will be numbered. McGill students, historically, have been on the sidelines of the active and militant student movement in Quebec. Those times that we have thrown ourselves into the fight, however, we’ve made a huge difference. Get informed, get involved, and, most importantly, get organizing! For more information, and to get involved in the movement against the hikes, visit tuitiontruth.ca.

illustrations by Kat Dandy

Social Justice and the University “Washing one’s hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.” Paulo Freire, author of Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Universities have a long legacy of being enclaves of privilege. Historically, education was restricted to a small group of wealthy elites, mostly men. In Montreal, McGill did not admit female students until 1884 and, until the 1950s, limited the enrollment of Jewish students due to antiSemitic policies

opened up and become far more democratized. Much of what we take for granted today on our campuses are results of struggles from the past halfcentury. Curriculums that reflect popular histories, women’s studies and queer studies departments, financial support for lower income and working class students, the presence of students from marginalized ethnic communities and a diversifying faculty — these are all gains from antioppression struggles of past generations.

At the same time, universities also have a long legacy for being sites of radical resistance. As the result of broader social justice activism and student organizing in the 1960s and 1970s, universities have illustration by Kristin Li 42

In 1969, the computer lab at Sir George Williams University (now a part of Concordia) was occupied by over 400 students. The “Computer Riot” was instigated by the unfair treatment of West Indian students by a white professor, and the lack of response from the university administration. The occupation lasted nearly two weeks, and would become the largest student occupation in the history of Canada. In the same year, the McGill français movement began, demanding that McGill convert to French, reduce tuition, and open the McLennan Library to the public. A demonstration of 10,000 trade unionists, activists, CEGEP students, and some McGill students marched to the Roddick Gates, and many were arrested. This is the second biggest protest in Montreal history. Today, we see many of the victories won by past struggles overturned. Facing austerity measures that call for severe cutbacks to education spending, universities are increasingly run like businesses. Tuition is rising, financial aid is decreasing, workers’ rights are restricted, and research is becoming more profitdriven. Departments that aren’t seen as offering financially valuable information, including women’s studies, queer studies, and ethnic studies departments, are threatened with termination. It’s up to us

to continue the legacy of resistance against this continuing trend of corporatization. The coming school year will be packed with opportunities to get involved with activism on campus. From demonstrations against the commercialization of public space on campus to protests against tuition increases, from community-based research with QPIRG Concordia or McGill to the campaign to open a sexual assault centre at Concordia, we can transform universities into places to reflect, research, and act for social change.

illustration by Sarah Creagan

D.I.Y. Whatever in collaboration with friends, neighbors, allies, peers, cohorts, or anyone else. D.I.Y. is used to describe such a broad range of stuff that people do and make, and making a comprehensive list wouldn’t be possible.

illustration by Kat Dandy

D.I.Y. is, at its most basic, this very simple act: Do It Yourself. You don’t pay someone to do it, and you don’t just go out and buy it. You learn to do or make something, often

D.I.Y. can be found in: skill-shares and workshops; direct action and activism; independent publishing, ‘zines and comics; learning how to play instruments, recording, playing shows and touring; making and trading mixtapes; running a pirate radio; recycling and reusing discarded materials; building, repairing and modifying things like homes and bikes; gardening, composting, foraging, fermentation and other food-related processes; herbalism and health; sex safety, tools and toys; and anything having to do with the processes of art and

crafting like book-binding, silk-screening, photography, wheatpasting, knitting, collaging, sewing, stenciling, puppetmaking, button-making, video and filmmaking, theatre, mail art, and whatever else you could possibly imagine. D.I.Y. production is characterized by a common desire to freely share knowledge, skills, and materials. It’s driven by an enthusiasm for bringing folks together, on both a local level and through the formation of more extensive social and creative networks. The communities and collectives that form around D.I.Y. often exist (work, play, produce, learn, share) outside of the dominant forms of capitalist exchange, in a gift economy.

illustration by Kristin Li

D.I.Y. is a simple “ethic” or motivating idea. At the same time, it can become a cultural, aesthetic, and political process that works against the grain of the capitalist system and its corporate waste. D.I.Y. blurs institutionally created and enforced boundaries, such as what constitutes “ART,” professional production, skill and creativity, among other staples of a neoliberal marketplace.

illustration by Grace Brooks

D.I.Y. provides people with a genuine sense of agency as it brings them closer to the processes of creative production. It calls for a constant questioning of the meaning, values and aesthetics of everyday life, and reminds us that anyone can find and contribute to creativity outside of the hegemonic system of mass production and consumption. D.I.Y. provides a place from which to say, write, scream, cross-stitch, spraypaint: “we can reject that system, we can make changes, we can make better stuff and have more fun while doing it ourselves.”

Danielle Lewis, the Walking Distance Distro

Confronting Racism

illustrations by Lily Pepper

What usually comes to mind when the term “racism” is used? The slave trade in the US? Residential schools and other atrocities committed in the history of colonization? We often talk about racism in the past tense, but it is important to remember that racism is still a systematic issue.

country committed to multiculturalism. This assumption ends up masking the multiple ways that racism still pervades today. Simply put, racism is not something our society has left behind. It still exists in many different forms, some easier to recognize than others. Most of the time, racism is used to characterize overt acts of discrimination against individuals, like the use of racial slurs. Other forms of racism are less obvious. We’ll discuss a few of these below.

Racial stereotypes often subconsciously A systematic analysis of racism defines shape the way people of colour are treated. it as the exploitation and oppression of We might perpetuate racial stereotypes indigenous people and people of colour without being aware that we are doing so. and understands it to be ingrained in Even if our intention isn’t to hurt others, it our present society. In Canada, there is important to recognize that stereotypes is widespread belief that racism is no can be hurtful and take responsibility for longer an issue, because we live in a this.

Cultural racism describes the dominance of European and white North American culture, which is so ubiquitous that it is often taken for granted. One example of this is the way that literature and history classes in Canadian schools often only encompass European and white North American literature and history.

stop violence against indigenous women and women of colour. Radical anti-racism is about coming together to fight for voice, resources, dignity, and access for our communities!

Structural racism describes the racist structures embedded in society. This means that even if workplaces, schools, government services, and other institutions don’t explicitly exclude people on the basis of race, they are set up in such a way that forces indigenous people and people of colour to work harder than white people in order to have access to the same things. These forms of racism continue to impact the lives of indigenous people and people of colour every day. This is why anti-racism work is still relevant, and extremely important. Working for racial justice is not a cause by itself; it’s tied up with other struggles, like anti-capitalism, feminism, ability/disability justice, antihomophobia, gender justice, workers’ and migrants’ rights, and other global struggles. It involves actions like opposing racist immigration policies, fighting tuition hikes, recognizing that we live our lives on colonized land, and working to

The Wheel to Power Your bike will give you a whole new level of autonomy: stay up all night without worrying about missing the last metro and go explore neighbourhoods that still lack good public transport infrastructure. Rely on your own body to get you to the places you want to go.

Your bike is going to take you places school definitely wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Cycling is an inexpensive, healthy, fun, fast and environmentally friendly way of getting around the city. Having a bike in Montreal breaks down the barrier of distance between you and your next adventure, and connects you with communities in the city which you might not have otherwise explored.

Equipped with fenders and a rack, you will be prepared for anything the city throws at you, from a freak snow storm to sweet dumpster hauls or giving your friends a ride home. Montreal has strong cycling communities, often centred around bike collectives. The SSMU building at McGill hosts The Flat. In the Downtown Concordia area there is Right To Move (between Bishop and Mackay behind the Hall building). At Loyola Campus there is Le Petit VĂŠlo

illustrations by Danielle Lewis

Rouge. These organizations aim to make cycling more accessible by providing the knowledge, space and tools you need to repair, build, or learn about your bike. All three of these organizations seek to offer a non-oppressive space learning space. There are many others around the city, too.

Bixi, Montreal’s public bike system is good if you only want to ride in the summer and don’t want to deal with upkeeping your own bike. You need a bank account or a credit card, and it can get quite expensive if you want to make trips that are longer than 30 minutes. Bixi stations have not yet been deployed in all areas of the city, so if you are going somewhere a little off the beaten path, make sure you know where you are going to park! Critical Mass Cyclists meet on the last Friday of every month at Phillips Square (Ste-Catherine and Union) at 5:30 pm for a community bike ride through the streets of Montreal. Open to everyone!

Put the fun between your legs Buying a new bike should be your last resort. Buying and refurbishing a used bike has many benefits: you divert waste, learn how your bike works and hopefully meet some wonderful people in the process! The Flat has a used bike buying guide online: www.theflat.wordpress.com/ buying-a-used-bike. Talking to a volunteers at any of the city’s bike collectives/co-ops might also help you find a sweet ride.

A Brief, Un-authoritative Guide to Information The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Information Ageâ&#x20AC;? has transformed the way information is accessed, produced, and shared. We are bombarded with information from all sides, and so there is a need for activists to become information literate. Here are some pointers to help along the way: Librarians can help Librarians understand how information is organized. Whether at a local, public or alternative library, librarians (and others who work accessing and organizing information) can use their knowledge and skills to provide research support. Information isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t neutral Information is always produced with a point of view. Organizations and individuals who produce, manage, and

share information have political biases and prejudices, which affects how information is produced and presented. Activists need to evaluate information and information sources to decide whether to use them. Some criteria for evaluating information are: Who produced the information? What are they saying? How was the information gathered? Developing effective information evaluating skills allows activists to search multiple sources to find the right information. Access to information For political, economic and social reasons, not everyone has the same access to information. To fill this void, alternative resources such as; info shops, radical archives, alternative libraries, radical references, have emerged. The support and services these groups provide are

attempts at building a more equal and socially just society. Information to Access Alternative organizations also provide different information than the one offered by mainstream sources. Indeed it is the work of zinesters, bloggers, radical archivists, community radio, alternative libraries, etc (examples of alternative info sources are found in this publication) that records and documents social movements, providing society with access to alternative information. In fact, alternative info sources can be found in this very publication.

Information about you Activists must be aware of how their web presence is providing information about them that is being shared. Social networking sites, web browsers, and email servers are essentially huge databases of user information that can be used or sold. There is a reason Gmail hides its “sign out” tab: Google prefers its users to stay logged in so it can gather more precise information about them. There are a growing number of activist groups working on web privacy and security. A local example is the Anarchist Tech Support Collective (ATS). Further reading The article “Radical Reference: Socially Responsible Librarianship Collaborating with Community” by Melissa Morrone and Lia Friedman provides excellent article of the Radical Reference movement alternative libraries and info shops, alternative press, and the issue of neutality.

Vince Teetaert, Radical Reference Montreal

illustration by Madeline Spence

An Interview with Mubeenah Mughal parenting tries to remove the barrier between children and adults, and to give children more autonomy and respect.

School Schmool: what are some critiques of dominant forms of childcare and parenting? What makes radical childcare and parenting radical? Mubeenah Mughal: in mainstream culture, children aren’t often considered to have agency or being capable of making their own choices. Radical childcare and

Also, raising children is very, very hard. It can be difficult for parents to take care of themselves when they are solely responsible for raising and entertaining children. To me, it doesn’t make sense for one or two parents to be the only ones providing another person all their stimulation and perspectives on life. A radical, more community-oriented approach is much healthier for the child. When more people are involved in children’s upbringing, kids can develop a greater sense of care and responsibility for the people around them. It takes pressure off the parents and it’s more enriching for community, as well. Community childcare and being able to count on others in our community also makes having children accessible to more people.

SS: do activist spaces feel accessible for parents and children? Is there room for improvement? MM: childcare in Montreal has been pretty awesome. At events, childcare is prioritized as an activity, and not just seen as a way of allowing parents to attend.

illustrations by Rez Knoppers

SS: can you discuss some problems with mainstream education? MM: in the mainstream school system, learning is taken to be something that has to be structured. There are lots of expectations about what children need to learn at certain ages, everything falls into a curriculum. Lots of children aren’t suited for this environment, where they need to sit all day and only talk at appropriate times. Quebec doesn’t offer many alternatives for those children. There are schools that take an alternative approach to teaching, but still need to abide by the Quebec curriculum. Parents can home school, but that’s often very isolating.

Having said this, there is always room for improvement. For most events, parents need to notify the organizers 48 hours in advance in order to receive childcare. This places a lot of pressure on making a decision to go or not go to an event. Also, childcare is usually a separate activity from the event. Some kids don’t want to be separated from their parents, and it would be nice for childcare to be more integrated into the activist community, and for kids to be seen as part of the community.

Mubeenah is a Montreal-based radical parent

Re-imagining Ability Ableism, in its least conspicuous form, means ignoring the ways in which our personal experiences of physical and mental health may differ from others. This ignorance often results in expectations about the health and ability of others that are based on our own experiences We live our lives surrounded by endless reminders of the ways in which society values the able body that looks and functions according to mainstream standards of wellness and the able mind that is clear and focused. In this context, we sometimes fail to acknowledge and address is the extent to which dominant concepts of ability pervade the collectives, campaigns, and groups in which we participate as activists and community organizers.

illustration by Sarah Creagan

As people who actively oppose dominant systems of oppression and exploitation,

we are already up against a great deal, and this positioning naturally brings about a feeling of urgency and stress. While this can motivate us, it can also override the importance of living out anti-oppression practice through our organizing and how we relate to each other; compassion and sensitivity for each other as co-organizers are often placed on the back-burner, replaced instead by stressful, guiltbased interactions. We tend to demand productivity of one another, and to measure this through the completion of a series of physically and emotionally draining tasks. We must ask ourselves a few questions: what standards are we using when we set our goals? Who measures this progress? And what happens if not everyone is on the same page about what successful organizing looks like? The groups that I want to be a part of are ones in which everyone can recognize their own physical and emotional experiences of the world and can acknowledge, without judgment or a sense of superiority/ inferiority, how their own experiences differ from those around them. A community where I would feel comfortable would be one that aimed to completely re-imagine interpersonal interactions as well as the ways we engage with political organizing.

I would love to see able-bodied and ableminded people imagine what their world might look like should their ability level change, while those of us who experience limitations would feel proud of the work we do, without experiencing guilt, feeling like a â&#x20AC;&#x153;slacker,â&#x20AC;? or otherwise not living up to some unattainable standard. I hate to say it, but the revolution is not coming tomorrow. We need to remember that through organizing together against capitalism and all of the exploitation and violence inherent in that system, we are building and learning new ways of relating to each other, encouraging each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth, and that this is, in and of itself, integral to community organizing and a revolutionary way of life.

Anna Malla

Environmental Activism in Quebec From runaway climate change to the ever dwindling supply of clean fresh water, from toxic chemicals in the air to an extinction rate never before seen in history, it is clear that something is wrong with our planet. Environmentally destructive projects do not typically impact the lives of most Concordia and McGill students. Let’s face it, a strip mine isn’t going to turn up on the corner of Hutchinson and Milton anytime soon. But make no mistake — there is no shortage of ecological devastation; it just usually takes place in Indigenous communities, poor communities and communities of colour.

extracting natural gas. Developers are now eyeing the Gulf of the St. Lawrence for off-shore drilling. There is a renewed push for the nuclear energy industry, starting with the re-commission of the Gentilly-2 nuclear plant and the expansion of uranium mining across the province. Pipeline giant Enbridge is renewing plans to ship tar sands crude through Montreal. Plan Nord hopes to transform all of northern Quebec into a blank slate for mining companies to strike rich(er). This list is only the tip of the iceberg.

In Quebec, a new gold rush has started. The entire St. Lawrence valley is being parceled off to oil and gas developers for fracking, a volatile, harmful process for illustration by Anna Pringle 56

What can we do about it? The fight for a just, sustainable future is not only about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming out of smokestacks or going into our water. It also needs to focus on the people most hurt by these environmental degradations. This could involve standing beside workers when their rights are attacked by austerity measures; working for gender justice where the impacts that environmental destruction has impacts across gender lines; or taking on the industrial food system to work with small scale farmers and community food projects. The movement for environmental and climate justice must work with people on the frontlines of destruction. In many cases, this means working in solidarity with Indigenous communities, who are often at the sharp end of colonial policies that impose destructive projects on their lands. Five hours north of Montreal, the Algonquin community of Barriere Lake is fighting a copper mine project, the latest in a string of developments, that contravene the Tri-Lateral Agreement they signed in 1991. Closer to home, the Mohawk community of Khanasatake is trying to stop a company called Niocan from building a mine on their lands.

The fight for environmental justice can be found all over Quebec. We need to shift away from a system based on greed and exploitation, and demand instead a system rooted in justice and a better future for all. Find your frontline and join the fray.

illustration by Grace Brooks

Cameron Fenton, Climate Justice Montreal

Beet the System! Sustainability is the word of the day. Going green is fashionable. From environmental activism to corporate lingo — how do we differentiate between grassroots efforts toward sustainability and corporate cooption of the movement as a marketing scheme?

The O-word Picture that crisp organic apple for sale at the local supermarket, alluringly displayed with three of its siblings on a pristine Styrofoam tray, snugly secured by glossy plastic, wrapped 15 times over. These apples travelled from Chile to appear on our supermarket shelf. They are twice the price of non-organic options. We’re told that if we purchase these, we’re voting with our dollar — as more and more people begin to buy organic food, more and more food suppliers will begin to grow organic. What’s wrong with this picture? Contrary to common belief, the literal and figurative packaging of organic food is completely unsustainable.

illustration by Grace Brooks

Organic produce often travels thousands of miles to arrive at a grocery store in Canada,

where they are unnecessarily adorned with disposable and environmentally unsound materials. Also, the ol’ “vote with your dollar” line of consumer politics will never change food production en masse, because the exorbitant prices of organic goods are a barrier for the majority of consumers.

that corresponds to a decreasing number of permanent immigrants. Many of these workers labour in agricultural fields picking the food we enjoy; they do not, however, benefit from the same access to workers’ rights — collective bargaining and employment insurance — that other Canadian workers have.

What truly contribute to a movement of environmental sustainability is not simply buying organic products, but supporting grassroots projects that present creative alternatives to corporate practices. You’ll know organic is authentically sustainable when packaging and travel has been minimized. Joining a co-op that buys in bulk is a great place to start. The Frigo Vert and People’s Potato at Concordia University are great initiatives to check out.

The condition of workers is a good indicator of a organization’s commitment to a broader movement for environmental and social justice. Check out Coop Les Jardins de la Résistance for an example of a radical farming collective.

Loco about Local? While eating local is more sustainable in environmental terms, we cannot overlook the social element of food production. The condition of workers that grow our food is an integral aspect of a holistic sustainability that responds to both environmental and social concerns. In Canada, we see an increasing number of foreign temporary workers, a trend

*** The trend toward buying organic and local foods is a move in the right direction, but we also need to demand more socially and economically equitable means of growing, transporting, and selling food. Making sustainable choices is a constant weighing of one alternative against another. Be critical, ask lots of questions, and explore the many alternatives in and around Montreal.

Lili Eskinazi, the People’s Potato Collective

An Introduction Growing up, we’re taught that there are two genders, with natural and unchangeable differences between them. This is called the gender binary. Radical gender politics often points to the ways that these supposedly biological differences are produced and maintained by social forces. Starting at birth, depending on whether the doctor sees a vagina or a penis, an M or F gets stamped on their birth certificate as their legal sex. These Ms and Fs aren’t just innocent letters that hang around on all our personal legal documentation. Being assigned male or female as infants means being trained, expected, and enforced into a particular set of gender stereotypes our entire lives, by our family, peers, education, religion, the media, and so on. Boys are told to be tough and aggressive, while girls are told to be soft and caring.

Men are assumed to be strong and rational, while women are assumed to be weak and emotional. Guys are supposed to be attracted to women, sexually forceful, and masculine presenting, while girls are supposed to be attracted to men, sexually accessible, and feminine presenting. Men and women are not simply taken to be opposites — men, and traits associated with men, tend to be exalted in society while women, and traits associated with women, are devalued in society. This culture makes it so that, politically, socially and economically, women are subordinate and men are dominant. The skills, work, and industries most associated with or occupied by women are usually monetarily and symbolically undervalued. Women are either under-represented in politics or not at all. Women are systematically at risk of violence at the hands of men, whether

in the form of domestic violence, sexual assault, or sexual harrassment. Women often have limited access to services that enable them to control their own reproductive activities, like safe abortions and sex education. A large part of feminist activism involves empowering women in areas they have traditionally been marginalized.

illustration by Kerri Flannigan

Beyond the binary People whose perceived or chosen genders don’t conform to other people’s expectations often experience severe consequences. Failing to fit neatly into society’s rigid boxes of what it means to be men and women can affect one’s ease,

type and level of access to education, work, housing and healthcare. It can also increase exposure to physical, sexual and psychological violence. Something as simple as going to the bathroom can become intimidating and risky. Rejection from families and ostracism from peers can take a serious toll on one’s mental and emotional well being. Interactions with authorities like police, social workers and doctors can become threatening. Interactions with the government — like crossing borders — can be difficult when someone doesn’t look like the gender listed on their legal documents. The reality is, lots of people don’t, can’t or choose not to fit into this framework. People know themselves best. The way someone chooses to identify or live their gender may not make sense from the point of view of dominant society, but it is their right to choose and create themselves in a way that suits who they are, and with all their human rights intact. There is no such thing as a wrong or lesser gender. Rather, there are just different options. Everyone deserves to live out their own personal constellation in the gender galaxy with dignity.

Gentrification and Resistance In a narrow sense, gentrification is the physical displacement of the poor by those with greater access to capital, namely the upper class or the upwardly mobile. More broadly, it includes the displacemnt of social and political networks and cultural forms and practices. Gentrification is a process driven by the inequalities between classes and it disproportionately affects immigrants, racialized people, sex workers, drug users, and the homeless. In Montreal, gentrification is steadily increasing, with five times as many gentrifyed neighbourhoods today than in the first wave of gentrification that occured during the late 1960s.

Gentrification takes on a multitude of forms. It is often exacerbated when tenants don’t know their rights and don’t have access to information about their rights, causing many to live in slum-like conditions until a space becomes entirely uninhabitable. In these cases, instead of being repaired, buildings are commonly sold, torn down, and rebuilt into fancy condos that are unafforadble to most of the original residents. Gentrification is shaped, and sometimes initiated, by municipal development projects. This could happen directly, in cases where the municipal government plans to “clean up” poor neighbourhoods

illustration by Nina Slykhuis-Landry 62

by signing contracts with development companies, giving them the license to expropirate existing residents and businesses to make room for new buildings. Oftentimes, projects that don’t carry an explicit gentrifying agenda could indirectly have those effects. The city’s plan to tear down and rebuild the Turcot freeway interchange has threatened to displace hundreds of residents in the Village des Tanneries neighbourhood in St-Henri. Even though the goal of the Turcot project is not to drive up the rent, it shares many features of the gentrification framework. Like gentrification projects, the Turcot development sees the original residents in the area “movable”, echoing the same dehumanizing language from Canadian colonial history that saw the original inhabitants of this land as expendable. All of this happens under the banner of globalization, as cities worldwide compete with each other in order to have the most “liveable” cities in order to lure

wealthy corporations and businesses into their areas. A first step in combating the evils of gentrification is to stay informed and stand in solidarity with those fighting against it. The CSU’s Off Campus Housing and Job Bank provide students with legal information regarding housing issues. Such forums can stymie illegal rent hikes and pressure landlords to perform necessary repairs, slowing down the cycle of devaluation and revalorization that is crucial to gentrification. The “Village des Tanneries” blog has information about negotiations between residents of St-Henri and Montreal regarding the Turcot interchange project. Creating networks with your neighbours through discussion and an understanding of the history of your neighbourhood are important steps in combating the process of gentrification. For more information, visit: www.freewebs.com/villagedestanneries

Why We Need Independent Media protecting both government and corporate interests. Therefore, their news coverage often has little to do with social justice, and ultimately reinforces existing power structures.

illustration by Anna Pringle

It is generally taken for granted that Canada is a country of free speech. What deserves far more attention, however, are the institutional, political, and financial structures that dominate our media landscape. By and large, for-profit media have a vested interest in

Currently, the bulk of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media landscape is controlled by only six conglomerates: Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE), the Postmedia Network, Quebecor, Rogers, Shaw, and Torstar. Beyond the fact that corporations such as these have a tendency to generally defend corporate interests, many of them are dominated by executives who are extremely right wing and have close connections to the Conservative establishment. Quebecor, for instance, seats former prime minister Brian Mulroney on its Board of Directors, and its vice president formerly worked as Stephen Harperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spokesperson. Moreover, the anti-labour

editorial position taken by many of Quebecor’s media outlets mirrors the companies’ consistently belligerent stances against their own workers. Similarly, the Board of Directors of BCE, Canada’s largest communications company, is comprised of individuals who have built their careers in banking, mining, and military-industrial contracting. Until recently, the director of news and programming at CTV — a subsidiary of BCE — was actually engaged to Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay. (When their marriage was called off, the Toronto Star parenthetically quipped that “Many CTV competitors privately grumbled about an apparent bias for the federal Conservative Party in news coverage.” ) The impact of advertising in shaping the politics of the media is equally important. Advertisers typically aren’t fond of having their products associated with discussions of political oppression, violence, or graphic imagery. Indeed, it is not infrequent that advertisers refuse to do business with certain media because the picture they paint of the world is not adequately rosy. Today, as revenue from readership plummets, for-profit media outlets are increasingly forced to construct themselves as congenial vehicles for the

delivery of advertisements. Hard-hitting journalism takes the back seat. This type of collusion between news outlets, business, and government is not incidental to the structure of for-profit media that dominates North American discourse. Rather, it is the result of a system that inherently lends itself to corporate consolidation and cronyism, and it has a palpable impact on the media’s willingness to critically cover government policy. Tremendous swaths of society — including queers, people of colour, the poor, indigenous peoples, social justice activists, and more — are consequently shut out from mainstream political conversations. All of this raises the question as to whether news media can ethically be run under a forprofit model, and points to the importance of alternative media — something that Montreal has in spades.

Niko Block is a former editor of the News and Features sections of the McGill Daily, and sits on the Board of Directors of Montreal campus-community radio station CKUT.

Confronting Canadian Colonialism to uphold and seek to extend the colonial framework set up by the great European powers, working hand-in-hand with corporate developers to exploit the resources on Turtle Island (the indigenous name for North America).

illustrationss by Kerri Flannigan

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on stolen land. Forget what school taught us about Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benevolent multiculturalism: this country is founded on the systematic theft of indigenous land by European settlers, brought about through murder, coercion, and an active undermining of native communities and cultures. Today, the Canadian government and its provincial counterparts continue

For as long as there has been colonial violence, there has also been anti-colonial resistance. Here in Quebec, indigenous communities continue to struggle against the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attempts to undermine their

traditional systems of governance, and against various corporate logging and mining projects. The Mohawk community of Kanehsatake, for instance, is currently fighting the imposition of an environmentally devastating open-pit niobium mine on its traditional territory by the Quebec corporation Niocan. Further north, the Algonquins of Barriere Lake face off against repeated violations of their agreements with the federal and provincial governments by business interests bent on extracting lumber and minerals from Algonquin land.

are many groups in Montreal working to form concrete ties of solidarity between non-native activists and indigenous communities, and lots of work to be done. Solidarity work can be tricky. Taking direction from directly affected communities requires us to check many of our assumptions and regular practices at the door. Indigenous communities are complicated political spaces full of debate and disagreement over tactics and strategies, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to be conscious of the fact that we build alliances not as neutral parties, but as people with our own political histories and visions. The theft of indigenous territories is at the root of the colonial, capitalist system, and our hopes for social justice and liberation are fundamentally bound up with the struggles of indigenous communities.

These movements in defense of the land are first and foremost a product of indigenous organizing and resistance. Non-native allies can however play important roles too. Naming and rejecting Canadian colonialism is a good first step. Taking action is even better! There

International Solidarity Work: A Very Brief Introduction “…trusting the people is the indispensable precondition for revolutionary change. A real humanist can be identified more by his [or her] trust in the people, which engages him [or her] in their struggle, than by a thousand actions in their favour without that trust.” Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Radical communities in Canada and Quebec have a long history of commitment to international solidarity work, from Canadians fighting in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, to local grassroots movements joining the global campaign against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. As members of grassroots organizations, we continue to do this work because we recognize that people’s struggles are

connected around the world. Our common identities, be they as workers, students, women, queers, and/or racialized people, often motivate us to work for justice across international borders.

illustrations by Lily Pepper

We also do this work because we are implicated in the oppression of others by virtue of our participation in the global economy and because our governments

actively support other governments, such as those of Israel and Colombia, which regularly violate human rights. Canadian corporations also actively cause oppression globally. Two examples include Canadian mining companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ecological devastation and human rights violations in South America and companies such as Quebecregistered Green Park International, which is currently building illegal Jewish-only settlements on stolen Palestinian land. There is, then, no question about the relevance of this work. But we must also keep in mind, in the spirit of the words of Paulo Freire, that this work must be done in coordination with the groups and people with whom we are showing solidarity. We can never claim to speak in the name of people struggling against oppression in other countries, but we can consistently focus on aligning our work with that of grassroots groups, coordinating our action with their objectives and the spirit of their struggle. The work of Tadamon! in solidarity with Palestinians, for example, is based on relationships of mutual trust and respect between organizers here and members of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee (BNC) in Palestine, as well as with popular committees such

as that in the West Bank village of Bilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;in, where villagers have organized to defend their lands against colonization. Solidarity work is not charity work but an engagement in a common struggle against the injustices of capitalism and imperialism. Guided by the goals and demands of the international movements which we support, by undertaking international solidarity work we actively contribute to the fight for a world in which values of respect, trust, human dignity and love prevail.

Claire Hurtig, the Tadamon! Collective

The University and Contingent Labour We have all heard the predictions and the warnings: there will be no more steady jobs. We must be flexible, not only ready for change, but ready to revel in it. This is the latest of our new and exciting freedoms. We will now be free to choose our work just like we choose laundry detergents at the supermarket — and jump from one job to the next every 40 washes. Of course, flexibility in this case also means expendability. As work becomes “virtual”, so does our job security, our non-working time, and our wages. This is the dawning reality of contingent labour: part-time contract work with parameters created at the boss’ discretion. The university is an important site in the brave new world of enroaching contingency. Its role is two-fold.

illustration by Anna Pringle

On the one hand, universities have been at the forefront of the actual increase in contingent labour. At present, over threequarters of university teaching in the United States and over two-thirds of that in Canada is done by contract faculty. Poorly-paid, over-stressed, and without realistic hope for tenure or permanence, contract faculty are the higher-education

equivalent of McDonald’s counter staff. An impoverished and over-worked underclass of contract staff makes possible a small handful of highly-paid and glorified academic “stars”, while at the same time those lucky enough to be on the lower rungs of the tenure ladder are kept from asking why they are working increasingly more for increasingly less. Equally important is the university’s other role as the training ground for the future labour force. Curricula are changing to inculcate and reflect the values — speed, flexibility, and individuality — that support ever-increasing contingency structures across the workforce. How, then, do we counteract the growth of contingency labour? As we always have: by organizing! In doing so, we have to both move beyond traditional methods that are no longer applicable, while strengthening the core values of the labour movement. Solidarity, substantive equality, true democracy and the hope for real freedom are the bedrock on which we have to build our unions — for contingent and permanent workers alike. Contingency is a success for those who would impoverish us further.

illustration by Kat Dandy

AGSEM is active in the struggle to unionize contingent workers on McGill campus. Our UDrive team is working with sessionals to help them form a union and protect their rights.

We have to fight back!

No One is Illegal Canada was founded upon the theft of indigenous lands and the exclusion and exploitation of different migrant groups. From the imposition of the Chinese head tax to the refusal of the Komagata Maru, racist immigration policies have always played a dominant role in the promulgation of the colonial nation-state.

illustration by Kerri Flannigan

Deportations have increased by 50% over the past decade, with 13,000 in 2009 alone. On any given day, approximately 500 migrants are confined in detention centres across the country. The number of non-status people living in Canada increases every year, as high as 200,000 by some estimates. People without status are forced to go “underground”, often facing poverty, difficulty accessing services, isolation, and fear. The government’s migration policy is interconnected with Canadian corporations’ need for exploitable cheap labour, and must be understood within the context of globalized free trade and imperialism. The actions of Canadian companies overseas often create conditions that give rise to migration, while free trade deals have forced many in the global south to look abroad for economic survival.

The expansion of temporary foreign worker programs exemplifies the racist and exploitative nature of Canada’s immigration policies. As of 2008, more people are now admitted into the country as temporary foreign workers rather than permanent residents. This shift results in the creation of a highly exploitable class of migrant workers, often comprised of women and almost entirely made up of racialized people. 2011 Onward The election of a Conservative majority government in the Spring of 2011 promises to accelerate Canada’s attacks on migrants, as Harper and immigration minister Kenney continue to build on policies from previous years to further criminalize individuals and their families for attempting to migrate to Canada. The new conservative government already announced its plans to reintroduce Bill-C49, which was initially tabled in the wake of the arrival of the MV Sun Sea. The vague, ambiguously worded bill, with its prescription of mandatory detentions and a five-year ban on family reunification for all migrants arriving by “irregular means”, could potentially criminalize any migrant entering Canada.

Building Resistance The struggle continues here in Montreal. From the Action Committee of NonStatus Algerians to Abdelkader Belaouni’s campaign for status, the city has a vibrant history of community-led antideportation campaigns that have won important victories for non-status people. We join them in affirming the right to move, the right to stay, the right to return. We reject that companies and capital can travel freely across borders, while those most affected by them cannot. Above all, we believe there is no such thing as an illegal human being. There are only unjust laws and illegitimate governments! We stand in solidarity with migrants and their allies in demanding status for all, and we support their struggles for justice, dignity and access without fear.

Amy Darwish and Sam Bick, the Immigrant Workers Center

No Justice, No Peace! The role of the police in society is to “protect and serve” government institutions and the interests of corporations and the elite, rather than to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities, especially our youth.

“Our job as police officers is repression. We don’t need a social worker as chief, we need a general. After all, the police is a paramilitary organization, don’t forget that.” Yves Francoeur, President of the Montreal Police Brotherhood

Our neighbourhoods are marked by a heavy police presence, supposedly in the name of protecting “public safety” — but who is really being protected by the police?

Over the years, we have seen the police protect themselves while evading consequences, even amidst widespread calls for justice in response to repeated instances of police violence. In Montreal, more than sixty individuals have been killed by the police since the 1987 shooting death of Anthony Griffin, 19. More recent cases of police killings include the deaths of Anas Bennis (2005), Fredy Villaneuva (2008), as well as the deaths of Mario Hamel and Patrick Limoges in downtown Montreal this past summer (June 2011).

In addition to police killings, there is the unchecked but well documented targeting and harassment of poor people, sex workers, racialized and migrant communities, and people with mental health issues. The groups most affected by police violence and impunity are the segments of society that also deal with other forms of institutionalized violence. On stolen Indigenous territory, the police force plays an integral role in maintaining and perpetuating the centuries-long history of oppression and repression of Indigenous peoples. The federal police in Canada, the immediate predecessors of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, was created specifically to quell Indigenous and Métis uprisings on Canada’s prairies. The most effective way to combat police harassment, profiling, and violence is coming together to break down the fear and isolation we so often feel, and standing united behind clear demands for justice. We can do that by building meaningful relationships of solidarity and mutual aid in our various campaigns and struggles. United together, we can strengthen our movements against police violence and impunity here and now, while also working towards building a future society without police brutality.

There are many Montreal-area groups active in organizing against police violence and impunity, as well as in direct support of families and individuals directly affected by police brutality; they include: the Collective Against Police Brutality (COBP); Justice for the Victims of Police Killings Coalition; the Coalition Against Police Repression and Abuse; Justice for Anas Coalition; and more. Most of these groups are described in “The Groups” section in School Schmool.

illustrations by Kristin Li

A World Without Walls In Laval, a suburb of Montreal, there are three federal prisons and one ‘detention’ centre for migrants. On the island itself, there are two provincial jails. These prisons and jails are sites of repression and violence against folks locked up — through the violence of a bureaucracy that delays release dates, the violence of the strip search that folks are subjected to after visiting their loved ones, the violence of forced labour or the violence of the isolation units. Prisons are a magnifier of the systems of oppression that prevail on the outside. For instance, systemic racism and ongoing colonialism leads to the disproportionate incarceration of native women, who make up 87% of the female prison population. Inside prisons, gender normative policies force trans-identified folks into “protective” segregation units with limited access to

illustration by noam lapid

outside support. To put it simply, prisons are the focal point of the violence that the state and capitalism have worked so hard over the last few hundred years to perfect. However, the conditions inside are only one of many reasons to fight against prisons. The existence of prisons shapes struggles outside the walls, as the fear and isolation represented by these buildings leech into the movements fighting against oppressive systems in the streets. Prisons constitute the threat that hangs over the heads of those who dare to resist structures that seek to destroy them. An orientation against prison is, in part, about maintaining a continuity of struggle. If we are serious about our fight against the things that keep us down on the outside, then we must acknowledge that we, and our comrades/allies/accomplices, could end up inside prisons. When so many interactions and relationships in our world are pervaded by fear and isolation, building struggles that acknowledge the reality of prisons in our everyday lives, and working to bring down the walls, can create spaces for us to push ourselves to fight harder.

increasing new prison beds in exsisting facilities by about 9,500 with a budget estimated at $4 billion. The Conservatives got elected on a â&#x20AC;&#x153;tough-on-crimeâ&#x20AC;? platform, and took over Parliament with other parties towing the same line. In the last two years, acts that aim to help prisoners get out earlier, receive their pensions, and potentially get shorter sentences have all been repealed or overwritten. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been an important time to fight against prisons and what they represent, and this is still true today. For more information on prisons in general, check out Angela Davis, Claire Culhane, George Jackson, Julia Sudbury or the Critical Resistance collective. For more information on the current prison expansion project in Canada, check out the links below. tpcp-canada.blogspot.com/ againstprison.wordpress.com/

We live in a time when the government of Canada is building 23 new prisons and

What’s Left of Gay Pride? Queer 4ever When we say we’re doing queer organizing, we don’t mean that we’re honed in on legally marrying our partners or getting elected to Parliament. Why not? Because we don’t want to fight for superficial gains that boost some folks up to privileged status while leaving others in the dust. What’s way more exciting — and what makes queer organizing radical — is when we fight for broad-based social change that reaches across community lines. Each of us relates to communities outside of our queer ones, and our indentifications with those communities also shape our lives drastically. Gay rights advances that get “granted” by the state don’t account for these kinds of complexities. We see, time and again, that the queers most readily assimilated to heteronormative (straight world) ideals are

the first in line for newly allotted rights. The white gay couple with two golden retrievers and a house in the suburbs is infinitely more palatable to the state than a fierce queer person of colour or an out-and-proud street youth or a polyamorous perv. If we, like the state, see queerness with tunnel vision, the majority of queer folks will be left behind.

illustration by Grace Brooks

Pride & the Popo Although there’s now a police escort for the pride parade, even a cop contingent in short shorts, we can’t see them as our new partners in crime. In 1990 it was the cops who beat up party-goers during their raid on Sex Garage, a queer party in the Old Port. This incident led to a community response to police brutality now considered Montreal’s Stonewall. 20+ years later, the cops are still pulling out their guns on folks socially considered to be criminals. Youth of colour playing dice on the streets (Fredy Villanueva, killed by the Montreal Police in 2008) or folks rooting through the trash for cans (Mario Hamel, killed by the Montreal Police in 2011 alongside Patrick Limoges, who was on his way to work in the early morning) are no strangers to police brutality. Don’t let those short shorts fool you.

even if we’re not directly affected by a certain form of oppression or cause for struggle, we’ll all be somehow touched by the aftermath. Divided we fall, baby. When we ally ourselves with parallel struggles, we are honouring the ties that bind us. Knowing about and working along solidarity lines is the key to radical change.

So, Solidarity This isn’t just about queers. Folks get left behind when political gains are achieved on the basis of a single, assimilated identity. Solidarity work means acknowledging that any struggle for self-determination — from migrant justice to sex workers’ rights to indigenous sovereignty — is bound to all other struggles. It means recognizing that

illustration by Kristin Li

The Roots are Radical When we think about health, we often turn to thoughts about the colds we had recently or the number of cigarettes we smoked today. But we all know that health is much more than our bodies: it includes physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. So what is radical health? If radical means “root” and health means “whole”, then radical health means looking at the root causes of illness and striving for collective human wellness. A common criticism of western medicine is that it treats only symptoms, and not causes, of ill health. It’s faster, easier, and more lucrative for doctors to prescribe us pills than to have a conversation with us about the relationship issues, underpaid jobs, and experiences of discrimination that might be causing our headaches. By treating symptoms and patients myopically, the healthcare system can’t affect any systemic change.

illustration by Sarah Cregan

If we were to take a deeper look we’d see that socio-economic status, education, race, gender, and (dis)ability all have massive influences on health. For example, consider that the life expectancy for aboriginal people in Canada is 5 years less than that for nonaboriginals, or that black women in the US are 60% more likely than white women to die of breast cancer. Privileges, opportunities, discrimination, and hardships directly impact on our overall well-being.

The free medicare system in Canada by no means guarantees equal access to quality healthcare and resources. Access to healthcare is influenced greatly by our region of residence and qualification for a medicare card, which is not available to homeless or itinerant folks, nor people who are non-status or living in the country “illegally”. People that are criminalized, like sex workers, and marginalized, like trans folks, also experience barriers to care. In Quebec, the introduction of the twotiered, public-private hybrid system has eroded socialized medicare. People with wealth can buy their way out of waiting lists, and medical professionals are drawn out of the public sector, leaving the rest of us with fewer resources. As activists and human beings, we can inform ourselves, challenge our privileged notions of healthcare access, and lobby for things like alternative health insurance and better public care. Radical health is about creating positive change through personal empowerment, politically contextualizing health, and removing the barriers between people and their basic human right to wellness.

+ Check out theicarusproject.net to challenge some of the dominant discourses about mental health. + Got a vagina? Get a copy of the Hot Pants zine!!! Our Bodies, Ourselves is a great feminist health resource. + sexualityandu.ca is a comprehensive website about sexual health and STIs, and nativeyouthsexualhealth.com does amazing work around sexual health and cultural compentency. + Having a baby? Consider getting a midwife or doula! Many find this empowering. + For information and health realities of some racialized folks, check out the Black Women’s Health Imperative (US) at blackwomenshealth.org or the National Aboriginal Health Organization (Canada) naho.ca

Jos Porter, Head & Hands

A few tips and health resources that are based in politics of anti-oppression:

Autonomous Technology

illustration by Grace Brooks

In our society, technological progress is predominantly taken to be a uniform and inevitable development. This myth hides the ways in which technology, like everything else, is based in relations of power, and takes different forms through organizing and struggle. Technologies are never just benign, value-neutral tools. With this understanding, many of us are working to change the way we use technology in our own movements, from building our own sound systems to spreading networks of encrypted communications.

Yet, the use of autonomous technologies go beyond producing the means for achieving revolutionary ends. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also trying to create and promote the kinds of technologies that are based on liberatory, horizontal ways of relating to each other and organizing ourselves. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to completely transform everything, and this includes our technologies.

illustrations by L-Mar

This work is very practical, and it equipes us with tools that make our struggles more effective. For those of us coming out of a university context, where much of the work is intellectual and can often seem to have limited use to ourselves or anyone else, it is refreshing to work on projects that are firmly grounded in meeting the needs of our friends and comrades. As revolutionaries, we use autonomous technologies to decrease our dependence on the systems of power against which we are struggling. When we build and distribute our own tools, rather than purchase them, we are less bound to the pressure to make money for covering costs. Creating autonomous technologies is one more step towards learning to collectively organize our lives and struggles.

Boskote, Anarchist Tech Support

A Trans Health Primer Discussions about trans health within medical discourse, the media, and academia are too often relegated to hormones and surgeries — that is, to the “physical” aspects of a transition. Trans people’s bodies and identities are therefore reduced to the status of their sexual organs, and their lives and realities become understood only within those terms. This framework risks obscuring the ways in which institutional policies and social realities make the day-to-day lives of many trans people very difficult.

illustration by Grace Brooks

Trans, usually short for “transgender” and/or “transsexual”, is a term used to describe people who present, live, and/or identify as a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth.

Working from a holistic approach to trans health means recognizing that societal inequalities — racism, poverty, ableism, social isolation, past trauma, and other factors — affect trans people and their access to medical and social services. These inequalities also affect trans people’s access to accurate information

about surgeries and hormones, as well as their ability to afford all the financial and emotional costs of transition.

Further, difficulties in changing legal documents are obstacles for trans people to safely navigate the world, and limits their access to healthcare and other social services. Trans people are often excluded from acess to services that have separate facilities for men and women, such as shelters and detoxification/rehabilitation centers for drug and alcohol. Trans people have, and will continue to, struggle for improved access to health and social services, so that there are more trans-specific services, and organizations that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trans-specific will engage transpeople, and create resources that are both relevant and respectful. Allies can help make trans health issues a part of a broader movement!

illustration by Kat Dandy

Trans people, as a population, are disproportionately affected by poverty, homelessness, and violence, and are also at a high risk of being the targets of police brutality. Furthermore, they are overrepresented in the prison system, subject to a high HIV seroprevalence rate, have difficulty finding and maintaining employment, and are criminalized as sex workers.

Action SantĂŠ Travesti(e)s et Transsexuel(le)s du QuĂŠbec

The Groups ACCESS TO EDUCATION..........................................................................................88 ACTIVISM ON CAMPUS............................................................................................89 ALTERNATIVE ART AND CULTURE...................................................................90 BIKES..................................................................................................................................93 BOOKS...............................................................................................................................95 CHILDCARE AND PARENTING.............................................................................97 ECOLOGICAL JUSTICE...............................................................................................99 FOOD POLITICS...........................................................................................................102 GENDER AND FEMINISM.......................................................................................105 HOUSING........................................................................................................................107 INDEPENDENT MEDIA............................................................................................108 INDIGENOUS SOVEREIGNTY................................................................................111 INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY...........................................................................113 LABOUR RIGHTS ON CAMPUS............................................................................115 MIGRANT JUSTICE....................................................................................................116 POLICE BRUTALITY...................................................................................................119 PRISON JUSTICE..........................................................................................................120 QUEER.............................................................................................................................122 RADICAL HEALTH....................................................................................................125 RADICAL TECH SUPPORT......................................................................................126 TRANSGENDER ACTIVISM AND ADVOCACY..............................................127

group profiles

With fists in the air, feet on the street, and mouths to the megaphone, the Mob Squad is a force within the student movement at McGill. We mobilize for accessible education, student space, and the democratization of our campus. We will not allow students from lower socio-economic backgrounds to be excluded from our university. We will make our university a place where students have a say in how it is run, and we won’t allow private interests to take control. Next year will be a decisive one. As tuition is set to increase steeply, the student movement has a difficult battle ahead. Through protests, knowledge-sharing, various forms of direct action and by organizing strikes, we will make ourselves heard and felt. This coming year, we hope many more people will join us. Will you be one of them? To get involved, contact: mcgill.mob.squad@gmail.com

The Association for Solidarity among Student Unions (ASSE) is a union organization grouping student associations from CEGEPs and Universities across Quebec. For more than ten years, ASSE has been a key player in Quebec’s student movement and an agent of social progress in education. ASSE considers education as a fundamental right — not a privilege. We aim to fight for unequivocally free education for all, at all levels and against the discriminatory status quo of student debt, which denies low-income individuals access to higher education — reproducing societal inequalities. Within ASSE, each student association is sovereign. ASSE encourages and assists member associations to hold General Assemblies regularly to give it and its membership final say on demands and national action plans. www.asse-solidarite.qc.ca

group profiles Study in Action is a social and environmental justice conference designed to link students and community activism. The conference is a space for undergraduate students to present research, develop greater knowledge of social and environmental justice issues, and build ties with community organizations working on those same issues. Deadline for submissions of ESSAY, WORKSHOP or ART proposals from undergraduate students and community organization members is Thursday, January 12th 2012. The conference will take place at Concordia University March 2nd-4th, 2012. Join the organizing committee! studyinaction@qpirgconcordia.org qpirgconcordia.org/studyinaction CURE is an online database of diverse research requests from Montreal grassroots community groups. Students may take on these research projects and integrate them into their coursework. CURE offers students the opportunity to conduct socially relevant research that has a real word application. CURE operates on the principle that the

CONVERGENCE CONVERGENCE: A Journal of Undergraduate and Community Research was launched in 2010, with the intention to provide undergraduate students and community groups a venue for publishing their social justice based research. Readers are presented with original, well researched, and critical pieces on provocative topics from emerging writers & researchers. CONVERGENCE brings together articles, papers, political pamphlets, photos & art that were either presented at Study In Action or were part of the CommunityUniversity Research Exchange (CURE). CONVERGENCE is a core project of both QPIRG Concordia & QPIRG McGill. To consult previous issues or to contribute, visit: www.convergencejournal.ca

University is an institution which maintains systems of privilege and oppression around race, class, and neocolonialism. By redirecting resources to groups and individuals in need of theory, information, and the energy to supply them, CURE encourages students to acknowledge their institutional advantage, and convert it into a useful tool for political action. www.qpirgconcordia.org/cure 91

group profiles

Walking Distance Distro The Saint-Henri Walking Distance Distro is a collective that collates free packages of predominantly locally-made zines, tapes and flyers to distribute on foot to neighbors’ doorsteps. It began in 2005 and, while regularly changing hands, has been active ever since. Walking Distance is motivated by the urge to form autonomous networks for circulating the stuff people make and, in turn, to encourage people to make more stuff. The distro sustains itself by scamming photocopies and organising its own fundraisers, such as the annual Wanna Slow Dance? at the Decadent Squalor. Walking Distance packages consistently feature radical queer and trans content. contact: walkingdistance.distro@gmail.com

The Ste-Émilie Skillshare is a group of artists and activists, primarily people of colour and queer people, committed to promoting artistic expression and self-representation in our communities. The collective runs a DIY art studio that provides space for people to share their skills, learn new skills, and create art in the spirit of revolution and anti-oppression. Our space is open to all... Join our Super-Star Sidetracks Screenprinting Team. Join our low-traffic announcements list or facebook group. workshops | open studios | silkscreen studio | ‘zine distro | b&w darkroom | ‘zine launches | art shows | fundraiser events | film screenings | clothing swaps | sewing stations | read aloud club | dance parties | art parties | bike parties | kids days | more SELF-REPRESENTATION | SELF-EXPRESSION ANTI-RACIST | QUEER LIBERATIONIST steemilieskillshare.org

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Folio is a student-run magazine that publishes the visual art of McGill students on a biannual basis. Â It aims to act as an ongoing archive of the McGill artistic community by presenting a diverse crosssection of creative work. Folio showcases approximately twelve artists per issue and provides contributors with two to four pages for their work. Curated by a rotating panel of McGill students, Folio strives to be dynamic in its aesthetic while carefully holding onto its penchant for the unconventional. website: foliomagazine.ca email: foliomag@gmail.com

Cinema Politica is a weekly free political film series at Concordia University and on campuses across Canada and abroad. We screen Canadian and international independent political films and we believe in the power of art to not only entertain, but to engage, inform, inspire and provoke social change. Screenings at Concordia University are on Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. in Room H110, and admission is free or by donation. See you all there!! Email: concordia@cinemapolitica.org Website: www.cinemapolitica.org/concordia Weekly screenings: 1455 de Maisonneuve O., Room H110 Viewing Library: 1455 de Maisonneuve O., Room H733-1

group profiles

Rock Camp for Girls Montreal/Camp de Rock pour filles des Montréal is a volunteer-run, not for profit, 5 day music camp where girls ages 10-17 learn and practice instruments, form a band, write an original song together, and perform at the Showcase Concert. Through collaborative music composition and performance, as well as non-music workshops based in feminist and anti-oppression frameworks, Rock Camp aims to foster the development of selfesteem, skill-building, critical thinking and empowerment. Rock Camp is a space where girls discover and express their talents, and become leaders in creating their own kind of cultural production through music. The goal is for girls to rock in all aspects of life!

We are an activist marching band which organizes according to anarchist principles. We play songs of a political nature in remembrance of worldwide struggles against oppression; these songs are historical monuments to our own culture of resistance and are played to inspire our communities. We seek to reclaim public spaces, to help make political movements fun and exciting, and to celebrate resistance in a way that reflects our vision of the world we want to live in.

www.girlsrockmontreal.org

www.chaoticinsurrectionensemble.org

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Born for the 2006 “Status for All” demo in Montreal, we have been marching ever since. Many marchers have come and gone, and many have yet to come…maybe you are one of them?

group profiles

Brendt Barbur, founding festival Director, was compelled to start the Bicycle Film Festival when he was hit by a bus while riding his bike in New York City. He insisted on turning his negative experience into a positive one. In 2001, Barbur started the Bicycle Film Festival as a platform to celebrate the bicycle through music, art and, of course, film. The Bicycle Film Festival has been a major catalyst for the urban bike movement, one of the most powerful and culturally relevant forces of the last decade. The BFF is sure to carry this momentum into the next decade. The 2011 edition of the Montreal Bicycle Film Festival is happening from September 1-3rd. For more info, email: marissa@bicyclefilmfestival.com

Le Petit VĂŠlo Rouge is a collectively run community bike organization that builds and sells affordable used bikes to students and communities surrounding Concordia University, including the Loyola campus, as a way to support a growing need for sustainable and accessible transportation in the city. Are you interested in learning about Montrealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bike community? Do you believe that the bicycle can be a tool for empowerment and a vehicle for change? Do you want to meet like-minded folks on campus and in the wider Montreal community? If you would like to get involved or find out how to adopt a bike, you can email us or go to our website: lepetitvelorouge.wordpress.com Volunteer contact: external.lpvr@gmail.com Bike contact: internal.lpvr@gmail.com

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Right to Move/La Voie Libre is the oldest of Montreal’s many community bike workshops. It runs an open workshop/bike repair space with a full complement of tools, and is staffed by volunteers. People can drop in and do their own maintenance and repairs, with the help/guidance of the volunteers. Used (and some new) parts are available and workshops as well as other special events are offered occasionally. Membership is $20/year. New volunteers are welcome! Right to Move is located on the downtown Concordia campus, behind the Hall building (see website for directions and opening hours). www.rtm-lvl.org

The Flat is a collective that encourages cycling through the sharing of knowledge and tools. We have everything you need to learn how to fix your bike. All persons and bikes welcome — no experience necessary! We seek to make bicycling more accessible, provide a welcoming environment, minimize our environmental impact, and promote a greater sense of community. The Flat est un atelier de réparation de vélos coopératif visant à encourager le cyclisme par le partage de connaissances et d’outils. Nous avons tout ce que vous avez besoin pour apprendre à réparer votre vélo. Tout le monde et tous les vélos sont bienvenus. Aucune expérience nécessaire ! Ont cherche à rendre le cyclisme plus accessible, offrir un environnement accueillant, minimiser notre impact sur l’environnement, et encourager un meilleur esprit communautaire. theflat.bikecollective@gmail.com theflat.wordpress.com 3480 McTavish SSMU Building B-02

group profiles The Concordia Co-op Bookstore is an independent and not-for-profit cooperative bookstore in downtown Montreal offering an alternative to corporate-run bookstores over the last 9 years. Membership is $10.00 for life! $5.00 if you’re a Concordia Undegraduate.* Membership is not required, but has its benefits - such as member discounts and the opportunity to vote at our annual general meetings. Services: Used Textbook Consignment | Artisan Consignment (CDs, DVDs, zines and all things handmade) | Newsletter | Button Making | Individual Ordering Products: New & Used Books | Sustainable Products | School Supplies | Independent Media Specialization(s) in: Gender Studies | Queer Theory | Sustainable Development 2150 Bishop (Metro Guy-Concordia) Store: 514-848-2046 / Office: 514-848-7445 coopbookstore@gmail.com Web: www.co-opbookstore.ca Facebook: /concordiacoopbookstore Twitter: @Coop_Bookstore

Queer Between the Covers is a collectively organized Queer Bookfair whose goal it is to disseminate queer lit and art. The bookfair is organized as part of Pervers/ Cité, an annual summer series of events aimed at providing a financially accessible and issue-based alternative to the annual Divers/Cité cultural festival, aka Montreal Pride. Queer Between the Covers showcases queer bookstores, publishers, and zine distros from across Canada and beyond. Since the closing of L’Androgyne in 2002, Montreal has not maintained a longstanding queer bookstore. The bookfair aims to provide access to queer materials that are otherwise unavailable in the city, as well as community space and supporting queer cultural production. www.qteam.org www.perverscite.org

group profiles Montreal has a number of community resource centres on or near the McGill and Concordia campuses, each with their own lending library, and you can search their collections with the click of a button. Radical Reference is a collective that supports activist communities, progressive organizations and independent journalists. We provide experienced research support and access to information, as well as offering information literacy workshops and virtual reference services. The Montreal chapter of Radical Reference focuses on social justice and equality in our community. Post a question at: radrefmtl.wordpress.com or email: radrefmtl@riseup.net

Librairie Drawn & Quarterly is the flagship retail store of the esteemed graphic novel publisher. We are located in the Mile End, the same neighbourhood where EIC and publisher Chris Oliveros founded the company 20 years ago. We carry graphic novels, zines, fiction, nonfiction, theory, art books, children’s books,

The Alternative Libraries Database is an online catalogue with the current library holdings of QPIRG Concordia, and QPIRG McGill, and will soon also include the DIRA Anarchist Library, GRIP UQAM, and Queer McGill. The database permits you to search and borrow alternative books, periodicals, zines, and audio-visual materials on topics including art and activism, indigenous and migrant struggles, anti-racism, sexuality, gender, accessibility, environmental justice, and much more! www.alternativelibraries.org

and DIY/craft books from the world’s best independent publishers including D+Q, McSweeney’s, Ammo, Semiotext(e), PictureBox, Cornelius, NY Review of Books, House of Anansi, La Pasteque, Conundrum, New Directions, and Nieves. The Librairie always has a busy calendar of workshops, book launches, and other events, so be sure to come visit! www.drawnandquarterly.com

group profiles

The Montreal Anarchist Bookfair — a month-long Festival of Anarchy (May 2012) — brings together anarchist ideas and practice, through words, images, music, theatre, and day-to-day struggles for justice, dignity, and collective liberation. The Bookfair and Festival are as much for people who don’t consider themselves anarchist, but are curious about anarchism, as they are spaces for anarchists to meet, network, and share in a spirit of respect and solidarity. The Bookfair and Festival involve diverse events and expressions of anarchism, including a theatre festival, art exhibitions, films, poetry, demonstrations, benefit shows, a cabaret, book launches, discussions and rountables, anarchist workshops and presentations, and much more. The Bookfair and Festival are together one of the largest anarchist events in North America, and for the past decade, an important gathering and reference point for anti-authoritarian ideas and practice. www.anarchistbookfair.ca

At the Radical Mtl Free School, children are free to pursue their own interests, to explore at their own rhythm and to participate in a democratic community. Children are considered capable to direct themselves and to learn on their own, they are encouraged to discover their personal desire to learn; they are encouraged to explore, question, discover and grow! The adults involved act as mentors, guides and personal resources to facilitate the children’s projects. 1842, from Max Stirner: “now if the idea and impulse of modern times is free will, then pedagogy must hover in front as the beginning and the aim of the education of the free personality.” The Mtl Rad School needs volunteers! Contact us if you have experience you want to share with the children and/or want to help facilite the ideas and projects of the children. Also contact us if you are a parent and you are curious and/or interested by a freeschool project. The Rad School is in French and English. Website: www.ecolelibre-freeschool.org Twitter: @ecolelibremtl 99

group profiles The Concordia University Student Parents Centre (CUSP) is dedicated to offering support and services that assist parents studying at Concordia to achieve their academic goals. CUSP provides resources and referrals as well as a safe and accessible child-friendly space where student parents can congregate, voice their concerns, share common interests, and develop a support network. The CUSP office includes a lounge with couches and a microwave, computers, as well as a play area with books and toys for children. CUSP also holds events throughout the year for student parents including a community kitchen, free workshops, clothing swaps, and meet-and-greets. 1420 Guy, Suite 24 (TD-424) 514-848-2431 cusp@alcor.concordia.ca The Montreal Childcare Collective offers strategic childcare as a response to the fact that childcare is frequently overlooked and under-appreciated. We want to challenge communities and organizations to consider childcare fundamental to organizing and make events accessible to both parents and children. Our intentions are to meet the special needs of parents, children, low-income communities, non-status and 100

SPCCN The Student Parent Collective Cooking Network (SPCCN) aims to help studentparents balance their academic, family, and financial responsibilities. It consists of student-parents who gather monthly to cook huge quantities of highly nutritious, delicious, low-cost vegan meals which they divide up and bring home for busy weeknights, while cooperatively sharing childcare duties and food costs. Through (a final year of) generous funding from the Mary H. Brown Endowment, participants only pay a nominal fee! The friendships, skills, and laughs are free! Help us expand & permanently establish this endeavor — we’ll feed you well! Email us at mcgillspccn@gmail.com (im)migrant communities of colour, queer and trans communities, etc. For more information, check out our blog: www.childcarecollective.blogspot.com Or if you want to get involved email childcarecollective@riseup.net

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The Concordia Greenhouse Project The Sustainability Action Fund has a mission of building sustainability on campus. We provide funding for new and current sustainability initiatives and offer short-term financial support to worthwhile ongoing projects. As youth and global citizens, Concordia University students are striving to ensure that our common future will be a prosperous one. We seek to better the ecological and social system by allocating resources to sustainable development at Concordia; with the aspiration of our actions in Montreal resounding globally. The Sustainability Action Fund is funded by a 25-cent per-credit student fee levy, and totals approximately $150,000 per year. sustainable.concordia.ca/ourinitiatives/saf

The Concordia Greenhouse Project is based on the rooftop greenhouse of the Henry F. Hall building (13th floor) as an all-organic space geared towards education and research, urban sustainaility, and community-building. The project is a working group of Sustainable Concordia, a multi-stakeholder initative seeking to create a more ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable university community. As an education space, the greenhouse functions as an environment for workshops, projects, and events. The greenhouse is used as a springboard for spreading innovative solutions for urban sustainability and food security through popular education. In 2011, the greenhouse founded the City Farm School, a practical training program and speaker series on urban agriculture, which is based on the Loyola campus. Get in touch with us to learn more about our initiatives and upcoming events. Everyone is welcome and we are always looking for new project ideas and enthusiastic volunteers! concordiagreenhouse@gmail.com 101

group profiles The Plate Club is a nonprofit environmental student service at McGill University. Despite what our name implies we do not make plates (although we would be totally down with that). Instead, we offer two services in an effort to reduce food related waste: Lunch — we rent out reusable cutlery and crockery in the SSMU cafeteria at lunch in order to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, evil Styrofoam waste! Events — we also have a large inventory of wine glasses, plates, bowls, etc. that we rent to various events at McGill and within Montréal! We want YOU to join us in our battle! Along the way you’ll make awesome friends, come to delicious potlucks, but most of all make the world a better place! Contact us at: theplateclub@gmail.com Gorilla Composting was started in 2005 by a pair of students who were not satisfied with the state of organic waste management at McGill. In 2010, a joint effort between Gorilla and University Services brought about the installation of an industrial composter at the downtown campus beneath

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The Post Graduate Student Society of McGill The PGSS represents the interests of McGill graduate students on the environmental front. We organize several activities throughout the year, including a monthly Green Drinks get together where we have speakers/films, and PGSS Green Month in which we have speakers/films/workshops covering a number of environmental themes. We also participate with other environmental groups in several events including Car Free Day and the annual Rethink conference. www.pgss-environment.mcgill.ca pgssenvironment.wordpress.com/ environment.pgss@mail.mcgill.ca

the Wong building overhang (behind James Admin.). The machine processes a tonne of organic waste a week generated across campus. Gorilla also provides workshops on vermicomposting, waste reduction and project management to increase awareness of sustainable practices in the community. Learn more at: gorilla.mcgill.ca

group profiles R4: ReThink, Reduce/Reuse, Recycle Sustainable Concordia’s R4 group encourages community engagement in environmental stewardship on campus. Through practice of the R4’s the group seeks to divert waste from landfills. The group is currently involved in composting, Zero Waste Campus, a bottle water free university, the hug-a-mug campaign and school supplies at the Concordia and Co-op bookstores. R4’s goals: 1. Educate Concordia community members about the four R’s. 2. Promote the reduction of waste. 3. Develop and support initiatives which evaluate and implement waste reduction and recycling practices. If you are interested in volunteering with group activities please let us know at: r4volunteers@gmail.com. Greening McGill is a working-group of QPIRG McGill dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and activism on campus. We do this by holding events as parts of larger campaigns, for instance by holding apartment winterization workshops and film screenings under the broader theme of sustainability. We also

TAPthirst (tap drinkers against privatization) is a QPIRG Concordia working group dedicated to promoting awareness of the environmental, health and socioeconomic costs of the privatization of public water systems and the packaged water industry. At Concordia we have been working to mobilize students and lobby the administration for a bottled water free campus and a better food and beverage policy. We work with Sustainable Concordia, the CSU, the Polaris Institute and various community groups, and are always looking for new members! To learn more about or get involved with TAPthirst and our events and initiatives please contact us. tapthirst@gmail.com http://facebook.com/tapthirst

run campaigns focused on making administrative changes on campus, which have included such things as holding CarFree Day events in support of a car-free campus and founding the Plate Club to provide reusable dishes and utensils for campus events. We’re always interested in new projects, so if there’s a cause you’re passionate about then let us know! greeningmcgill@mail.mcgill.ca 103

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The Midnight Kitchen is a non-profit, volunteer-run food collective dedicated to providing affordable, healthy food to as many people as possible. We serve bydonation vegan lunches 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, at 12:30 p.m. in the Shatner building on the McGill campus. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always looking for new volunteers and collective members! You can volunteer by emailing us at midnightkitchencollective@ gmail.com or filling out a volunteer form at our kitchen, located on the third floor of Shatner. For more information about us, visit our blog at themidnightkitchen.wordpress.com

Can students who study ecological agriculture, practice it on campus? Can classes which revolve around these principles be practically applied? Can anyone who wants to, learn to garden? The McGill, Macdonald Student-Run Ecological Gardens (MSEG) answers these questions; students have 104

Initiated in 1999 in order to address student poverty, the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Potato is an autonomous non-profit vegan community kitchen. Not only do we serve meals out of our anti-oppressive kitchen space, but we also work with other community groups on broader goals of social justice, environmental sustainability and food security issues. We serve a four-course vegan meal on the 7th floor of the Hall building every Monday to Friday during the school year from 12:30pm until 2pm. This meal is a by-donation, paywhat-you-can food service, and no one is turned away! This project would not be possible without our volunteers! peoplespotato@gmail.com peoplespotato.blogspot.com

come together to create the foundation for a working, student-run organic farm, working to put a sustainable food system into practice and inviting all to get in touch with the world of vegetables. If you want to dig your hands into soil or learn more about the movement, check out the website for more details: mseg.weebly.com

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Le Frigo Vert is *the* place downtown for real food. Drop by for cheap but nutritious sandwiches, snacks and 50¢ fair trade coffee! Do your weekly shopping for organic fruit and vegetables, bulk food (grains, cereals, flours, nuts, dried fruit), canned goods, sauces, spices, juice, tea, bread and more! Check out our alternative health products and environmentally friendly household cleaners. Services include + lounge (you don’t have to buy anything to be there!) + news about political and social events around Montreal + workshops, events and other resources 2130 Mackay (across from the Hall Building) 514-848-7586 lefrigovert@resist.ca lefrigovert.com Hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm-7pm (Sept– May)

The McGill Farmers’ Market is an annual fall event on the downtown campus founded on social and environmental sustainability. The project brings together McGill students, administrators, local farmers, artisans and neighbourhood residents to create a space for networking and community building. The Market addresses the importance of local, sustainable, and alternative modes of agriculture by featuring student-run information booths and workshops alongside the locally produced foods. By facilitating the community’s access to local goods, the Market provides concrete solutions for reducing carbon emissions from food transport, supporting local food production, and minimizing participants’ ecological footprint. The market runs every Thursday from September 8th until October 27th, 12pm-6pm at Three Bares Park.

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Coop les Jardins de la resistance We are a workers cooperative whose objective is to grow fresh and delicious vegetables according to ecological methods. We are currently certified organic growers by Ecocert. Since 2007, we have done basket sales through the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model. We have drop off points at Le Frigo Vert and in NDG, Point St Charles, and UQAM. We also participate in the McGill market in the fall. We resist hierarchical capitalist systems that put bazillions of miles between you and your food and vast chemical-laden mono cultures of â&#x20AC;&#x153;vegetablesâ&#x20AC;? that are bad for people and the environment. www.cooplesjardinsdelaresistance.com/

We believe that good food has the power to change lives, and to make the world a better and happier place. Come help us garden, cook, package and deliver meals to seniors and people living with a loss of autonomy. Fix bikes in our bike shop, compost kitchen waste on-site, and help us out at events or with special projects. 106

As food insecurity continues to threaten our urban communities & our world, growing food in the city has become a means of resistance and community building. Campus Crops is a collective of students and community members that is dedicated to sharing skills and knowledge to grow fresh produce in the city and to think critically about the politics surrounding food production and land use. As a working group of QPIRG McGill and a close partner of the Midnight Kitchen, we run a volunteer-based garden, as well as a series of workshops on urban agriculture, food preservation, and indoor growing techniques. campuscrops@gmail.com campuscropsmcgill.blogspot.com Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always looking for new volunteers and friends to join the fray and have a laugh with us as we learn and work together to improve food security and nourish Montreal and Montrealers. www.santropolroulant.org 111 Roy, corner Coloniale

group profiles The 2110 Centre for Gender Advocacy is an independent studentfunded Concordia University organization that promotes gender equality and empowerment, particularly as it relates to marginalized communities. Along with a variety of programming and campaigns, the Centre provides respectful, confidential peer-to-peer support, advocacy, and resources with a focus on harm reduction, empowerment and selfdetermination; houses a resource centre and libraries; and offers accessible spaces that can be used to facilitate community organizing and action. For more info, please visit: www.centre2110.org TWO LOCATIONS: 1500 De Maisonneuve, Suite 404 (Campaigns, Events, Reference Library, Public Lounge & Meeting Space) 2110 Mackay, Ground Floor (Administration, Peer Support and Advocacy, Lending Library and Resource Centre) centre2110@gmail.com General Inquiries: 514-848-2424 x. 7431 Campaigns, Programming, Events, Promotions: 514-937-2110 Confidential peer support line: 514-848-2424 x. 7880

The Union for Gender Empowerment is a trans-positive feminist organization and a service of the SSMU. The UGE offers an alternative lending library, a zine distro, and a co-op selling at-cost ecologicallyresponsible menstrual products, DIY sex toys, safer sex supplies, and gender empowerment items. The UGE runs Trans 101 and anti-oppression workshops for other organizations and projects, the McGill branch of the Solidarity ID project, and takes part in the Rez project. It is a safe(r) space for people of all genders, and is equipped with health and counseling referral services, a free phone line, a microwave, dishes, a kettle, and lots of tea! You can find us in room 413, on the 4th floor of the Shatner building on McGillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown campus. Office hours vary seasonally and are posted on our blog at: unionforgenderempowerment.wordpress.com unionforgenderempowerment@gmail.com 514-398-2569

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The Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill StudentsSociety (SACOMSS) is a volunteerrun organization committed to supporting and empowering survivors of sexual assault and their allies through direct support, advocacy, and outreach. We provide a safe, accessible and non-judgmental space with services open to the public and provided free of charge. For those interested in volunteering with one of our branches (Crisis Intervention, Support Groups, Advocacy, Outreach), trainings are offered at the beginning of each semester. For more information: Shatner Bldg., Room B-27, 3480 McTavish 514-398-8500 main@sacomss.org www.sacomss.org www.facebook.com/sacomss

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Joining 5,400 initiatives worldwide, V-Day McGill is a campus chapter dedicated to fighting gender-based violence by increasing awareness, raising money and revitalizing the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations through benefit productions of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” and other creative events. V-Day McGill was founded in late 2002 by Queer McGill, and since then, V-Day McGill has raised over $130,000 for V-Day and Montreal antiviolence organizations. vday.mcgill.ca facebook.com/vday.mcgill organizer.vdaymcgill@gmail.com producer.vdaymcgill@gmail.com

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Le POPIR-Comité Logement Le POPIR-Comité Logement est un organisme qui vient en aide aux locataires du Sud-Ouest de Montréal (St-Henri, PetiteBourgogne, Côte St-Paul, Ville-Émard) depuis 1969. Que ce soit pour calculer une augmentation de loyer, contester une reprise de logement ou exiger des réparations, le POPIR peut vous aider à connaître vos droits et à les faire respecter. Aussi, si vous voulez en savoir plus sur le logement social, les coopératives d’habitation et les HLM, notre organisme peut vous aider à vous y retrouver et à formuler des demandes. Le POPIR est aussi un groupe militant qui s’oppose à l’embourgeoisement des anciens quartiers, à la construction massive de condos et fait pression sur les gouvernements afin qu’ils s’attaquent de front à la pauvreté, à l’itinérance et à la crise du logement. Tous nos services sont gratuits. Contacteznous au 514-935-4649 ou lepopir@gmail.com.

Le Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain est un regroupement national pour le droit au logement. Le FRAPRU est aussi actif sur les enjeux d’aménagement urbain, de lutte contre la pauvreté et de promotion des droits sociaux. Il est présentement composé d’environ 140 groupes membres. Le FRAPRU est membre de Coalition opposée à la tarification et à la privatisation des services publics. Le FRAPRU revendique actuellement un grand chantier de 50 000 logements sociaux en 5 ans, incluant un nouveau programme de HLM, de la part du gouvernement québécois. Pour appuyer cette demande, une caravane sillonnera le Québec au mois d’octobre 2011. Du côté d’Ottawa, le FRAPRU revendique que pour les logements sociaux existants subventionnés par le gouvernement fédéral, il y ait maintien de l’aide financière aux ménages à faible revenu résidant dans ces projets, l’entretien et la rénovation des logements et le maintien de leur vocation sociale. Pour informations : www.frapru.qc.ca

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Hojo The Concordia Student Union’s OffCampus Housing and Job Bank (Hojo) is a resource that can help if you want a general schpeel about tenant or employee rights, if you need help doing a housing search, need to know how to get your landlord to fix things, or even tips on preventing roommate conflicts. Some services that Hojo provides are how to write letters to landlords, referrals to legal clinics, lawyers or other aid, info on how to deal with bed bugs, and a classifieds site. CSU Off-Campus Housing & Job Bank Mon-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 11am-4pm 1455 de Maisonneuve O., suite H-260 Tel.: 514-848-7474 x. 7935 Email: hojo@csu.qc.ca hojo.csu.qc.ca

CKUT 90.3 fm is a campus/community radio station that broadcasts to the greater Montreal area. Our podcasts are archived for 3 months on our website. We are live 24-7, 365 days a year. Our programming is in blocks covering diverse musical genres (funk, folk, experimental, jazz, hip hop, electro…), news, and spoken word unlike what you get from your regular mainstream commercial outlets. And it is made by people like you — McGill students and Montreal Community volunteer members. If you would like to get involved make your way up the hill to 3647 University. We have orientations every Thursday in September and January and every third Thursday of the month throughout the rest of the year at noon, 3pm, and 6pm. Check the website for more information. There is a wealth of knowledge, history, skills, and hands-on-experience to be gained at CKUT. Come check out CKUT and learn to make radio from the ground up. 90.3 fm www.ckut.ca

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CJLO is Concordia’s one and only radio station. The station is 100% non-profit, and is run almost entirely by volunteers. In 2008 CJLO began broadcasting on 1690 AM throughout the Montreal area and features a wide variety of programming. CJLO has over eighty DJ’s who spin live. Whether you are interested in Rock, Alt, Hip-Hop, RPM, Punk, Metal, Jazz, World, Country or Talk, CJLO has something for you, and is always looking for more volunteers and on air talent. Come on down to the Loyola campus at CC430 and get involved. 1690 am cjlo.com

CUTV is a campus/community TV studio catering to the Montreal communities whose needs are not met by mainstream commercial TV stations. CUTV provides the space, equipment and know-how of video production to student and community populations that are interested in producing content that accurately represents them and their interests. CUTV OFFERS… + TV production workshops all year long + Access to video, sound and lighting equipment + Opportunities in community tv production + Special coverage of your community stories and topics + Public Service Announcements for campus/community events To find out more about CUTV, check out: cutvmontreal.ca

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group profiles The McGill Daily, in production for 100 years, is an independent student newspaper at McGill University that aims to empower and give voice to marginalized groups on and off campus. The Daily publishes twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays. Its content and reporting is guided by an anti-oppressive mandate and a strong statement of principles that outlines the paperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to providing a critical analysis of the power relations involved in events and issues. For more information about the paper, or on how to contribute, contact us at: coordinating@mcgilldaily.com mcgilldaily.com

The Montreal Media Co-op is a local, bilingual grassroots news organization online. Part of the crossCanada Media Co-op network (which also publishes The Dominion magazine), we seek to provide accurate and independent coverage of social justice issues

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The Link newspaper has been Concordiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independent press since 1980. A progressive, passionate and accessible hub of print and online media, The Link is an institution by students, for students. Run by a group of volunteers committed to keeping you informed and raising hell, The Link aims to get to the heart of the issues at this university and beyond, publishing stories not usually covered by mainstream media with a focus on advocacy journalism. Our space is a venue for writers, reporters, photographers, designers and artists eager to hone their skills, gain experience, share what they know and have fun. Our office is located in H649 and meetings are held every Friday at 4 pm. If you want to get involved, give us a tip or send us a pitch, contact: editor@ thelinknewspaper.ca

underreported by the mainstream media and give priority to voices and communities most directly affected by power. An open collective, anyone can sign up online to publish news, opinion, events, videos, audio and photos, or join us at our meetings. The Media Co-op is dedicated to developing a network of journalists with the skills to build a truly independent media. To find out more, write us at: cmm@mediacoop.ca or visit montreal.mediacoop.ca.

group profiles Missing Justice is a Montrealbased grassroots collective that fights in solidarity with Indigenous families, activists, communities, and organizations to achieve justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women living in Quebec and the rest of Canada. Centuries of encroachment on Indigenous territories, which continues to this day, is a direct cause of the disproportionately high rates of poverty that many Indigenous people living in cities or on reserves experience. Women are among the most vulnerable of this already marginalized population. Since roughly 1980, there have been between 583 and 3000 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. Reasons for this intense statistical disparity are largely due to inadequate police and media reports, and a lack of government interest in the results of its own policies. Missing Justice seeks to promote community awareness and political action through popular education, direct action, and coalition-building, all of these in consultation with and in support of First Nations families, activists, communities and organizations. We meet once a week and meetings are open. Visit us at: www.missingjustice.ca

Le Regroupement de solidarité avec les Autochtones Le Regroupement de solidarité avec les Autochtones est né à l’été 1990 en appui à la lutte des Mohawks de Kanehsatake (Oka). Au Regroupement, nous mettons de l’avant le dialogue et la défense des droits des Autochtones pour résoudre les conflits entre la société québécoise et les Premières Nations. Nous tentons d’atteindre ce but par et dans l’action. Nous avons organisé des manifestations, des assemblées publiques sur les grands enjeux concernant les peuples autochtones. Nous avons publié plus de 80 bulletins d’information en français et en anglais. Nous avons appuyé plusieurs luttes autochtones dont les Innus du Labrador contre les vols à basse altitude, les Innus de Maliothenam contre le projet hydroélectrique de Ste-Marguerite, les Algonquins du Lac Barrière contre les coupes à blanc et les Cris du Lac Lubicon pour la défense de leurs droits territoriaux. Maintenant nous appuyons activement la lutte des Mohawks de Kanehsatake contre le projet de mine de niobium à Oka. Pour connaître les activités du Regroupement ou pour nous contacter, consulter le blogue rsa.site.koumbit.net ou écrire à rsa.swnp@gmail.com

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Kanata

Barriere Lake Solidarity

KANATA was created in 2009 in the spirit of developing a niche within McGill/academia for discussing Native issues. By publishing student papers, literature, and artwork, lobbying for a Native Studies minor, and holding a peer-to-peer conference where students can share knowledge with one another, we hope to broaden the discourse on Native issues as well as expand the ways in which knowledge is made available, thereby legitimizing alternative approaches to learning about issues which affect Indigenous Peoples.

The Algonquins of Barriere Lake are a small community 5 hours north of Montreal who are fighting to have a governing say over 10,000 square kilometers of their traditional territory. Canada and Quebec signed a groundbreaking land rights agreement with the First Nation almost 20 years ago, but have refused to implement it, going so far as to oust the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional Chief to undermine the agreement. Barriere Lake Solidarity provides support through fundraising, filmmaking, direct action and popular education. Collective members have also set up a radio station in the community and helped to pilot a crafts business.

For more information, contact us at: mcgillnativestudiesjournal@gmail.com or visit our website for updates, news, and more at: kanata.qpirgmcgill.org/.

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www.barrierelakesolidarity.org

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Tadamon! (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Solidarity!â&#x20AC;? in Arabic) is a collective working to build solidarity with grassroots movements for social and economic justice in the Middle East, in coordination with grassroots activists in Lebanon, Palestine, and internationally. We are currently focusing on the international campaign for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israeli apartheid. Some examples of our ongoing projects include: designing and facilitating educational workshops, hosting film screenings, and organizing the Artists Against Apartheid concert series. We also aim provide analysis on the struggles of workers, women, queer people, and refugees in the Middle East. New members are always welcome! www.tadamon.ca info@tadamon.ca 514-664-1036 facebook: Tadamon! twitter.com/TadamonMontreal

SPHR (Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights) is a non-profit, student-based organization that advocates on a strong social justice platform to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people in the face of human rights violations and all forms of racism, discrimination, misinformation and misrepresentation. Through awareness raising, advocacy work, non-violent direct actions, solidarity building, and the promotion of Palestinian identity, culture and history, SPHR works to support and protect Palestinian human rights both locally and internationally. SPHR advocates for the end of colonialism and all forms of imperialism that infringe upon the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. SPHR is active at both McGill and Concordia campuses and in the wider Montreal community. New members are always welcome: sphr.concordia@gmail.com sphr.mcgill@gmail.com info@sphr.org 115

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Haiti Action Montreal was founded in early 2005, as a growing number of activists became aware of Canada’s role in Haiti’s coup d’etat of February 29, 2004 and the grave human rights abuses that followed. Haiti Action Montreal works to oppose Canadian government policy in Haiti, as well as the destructive actions of corporations, NGOs, and the UN occupation while building links of solidarity between ordinary Haitians and Canadians. Haiti Action Montreal is a member of the CanadaHaiti Action Network, which unites the solidarity committees of 12 different cities across Canada. If you would like to learn more about Haiti Action Montreal, please contact Nik at: nikbarryshaw@yahoo.ca Canada Haiti Action Network website: www.canadahaitiaction.ca

PASC (Projet Accompagnement Solidarité Colombie) is a Montreal-based collective that aims to create a direct network of solidarity with Colombian organizations and communities that struggle for Life, Dignity and Autonomy. Our work in Colombia consists mainly of accompanying threatened communities in resistance, and supporting political prisoners. In Canada, we strive to build awareness about the Colombian popular resistance movement, underlining links between economic interests and State terrorism, and circulate denunciations of the canadian profiteers of the Colombian war (mainly CIDA and corporations. We participate in community events with our photo exhibits, video documentaries and various workshops, while distributing journals and brochures. www.pasc.ca info@pasc.ca 514-966-8421

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AMURE is the Association of McGill University Research Employees that regroups research associates and research assistants working at McGill. We are in the first steps of building our union. Our collective contract is still in the process of being negotiated and soon enough, all the members will be asked to get involve in the project. Nonetheless, you can take a look at similar contracts from other universities unions on our website. There will be one contract for each group and each of these groups will vote exclusively on its own contract.

AGSEM — the Association of Graduate Students Employed at McGill — is McGill’s Teaching Union, the vanguard of student rights on this campus for the past 20 years. We represent more than 2100 members, most of whom are students employed as Teaching Assistants or Invigilators. This academic year is especially important for us because we are negotiating for collective agreements for Teaching Assistants and Invigilators. AGSEM counts on your support! More info can be found on our website: www.agsem-aeedem.ca

AMURE is local 17601 of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). For more information, please follow us on : amuremcgill.wordpress.com

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group profiles B. Refuge brings together McGill students, refugees, and refugee claimants who are living in Montreal to exchange culture, language, and to enjoy our fabulous city. Previous projects include awareness raising campaigns, social outings, and a volunteering buddy program which matched students and refugees in community service positions. B. Refuge is a non-hierarchical organization that welcomes ideas and input from all participants. If you are interested in getting involved, send us an email at: brefuge.montreal@gmail.com

The Coalition against repression and police abuse (CRAP) was formed following the death of Fredy Villanueva on August 2008, in Montreal-North. The CRAP was granted status at the coroner’s inquest into the death of Fredy Villanueva, thus enabling us to cross-examine witnesses and submit evidence. The CRAP also organized four peaceful demonstrations in Montreal-North.

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Project Fly Home is a collective which works to oppose state blacklisting, a form of repression based on profiling that has been on the rise over the past decade. Specifically, we work in solidarity with Abousfian Abdelrazik, a fellow Montrealer whose name was added to an international blacklist in 2006. Because his name appears on this list, he is subject to severe and indefinite sanctions: a complete asset freeze and an international travel ban. Project Fly Home supports Abdelrazik’s campaign for freedom, justice and dignity. For more information: www.peoplescommission.org/en/abdelrazik projectflyhome@gmail.com

The CRAP is now involved in the struggle against the deportation of Dany Villanueva, Fredy’s older brother. The CRAP also participated in the public consultation on racial profiling organized by the Quebec Human Rights Commission, in 2009. To learn more, please visit our web site: www.lacrap.org

group profiles No One Is Illegal Montreal is part of a worldwide movement of resistance, struggling collectively for the selfdetermination of migrants and indigenous peoples. We are in active confrontation with a colonial system built on the dispossession and genocide of indigenous peoples, as well as racist anti-immigrant laws. We struggle and organize for the right of peoples to maintain their livelihoods and resist displacement, as well as to migrate freely. We organize as a part of the resistance movement within the walls of Fortress North America. For more information or to get involved: nooneisillegal@gmail.com nooneisillegal-montreal.blogspot.com

The Filipino Solidarity Collective (FSC) is a student group dedicated to promoting solidarity and education with grassroots groups in Canada on the political, economic, and cultural struggles of transnational Filipinos. Our primary mandate is to raise awareness on the everyday experiences of Filipino-Canadians as they encounter systemic barriers related to racism/ discrimination, transnational migrant work,

The People’s Commission Network is a Montreal network monitoring and opposing the “national security agenda”. The network is a space for individuals and groups who face oppression in the name of “national security” — such as indigenous people, immigrants, racialized communities, radical political organizations, labour unions — and their allies, to form alliances, share information, and coordinate strategies to defend their full rights and dignity. The People’s Commision has several current projects including a Popular Education Committee, CSIS Watch, and Project Fly Home (which supports Abousfian Abdelrazik’s campaign for justice). For more information and to get involved: www.peoplescommission.org

women’s oppression, and low educational achievement among Filipino youth. In the past, we have participated in various research projects and creative arts-based events. These activities help promote our ultimate goal of a genuine settlement and integration of Filipinos in Canada’s multiethnic and multicultural society.

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End Exploitation: Temporary Agency Workers Association is a workerscollective actively engaged in connecting foreign and temporary agency workers to unite against workplace injustice. End Exploitation works to end unfair temporary agency practices and ensure quality workplace standards that foster respect, equality, and security for temporary agency workers, temporary foreign workers, and their communities. In the last year, this collective has undertaken a public awareness campaign about the conditions of placement agency workers, through the publication of documentaries, press conferences, and articles. During this time, End Exploitation has also given numerous information sessions and workshops, and conducts regular outreach to increase the number of agency workers involved in this campaign.

The Immigrant Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Center (IWC) is a migrant justice organization that offers resources and support to immigrants, refugees, and people without status. Our work focuses on the intersection of labor and migration, but we also provide assistance on issues ranging from health care to racial profiling. The center is also active in bringing together precarious immigrant or migrant workers who are either working in temp agencies, and/or are here as temporary foreign workers. These people often face poor work conditions, lack of pay, and even deportation. In this sense, they have become the most exploitable layer of our society. For these reasons, the center also runs political campaigns that target the root causes underpinning these issues. The center is looking for volunteers who are interested in forming an outreach team. If you are available to help us with these actions, whether on occasion or an ongoing basis, please contact us. We are particularly in need of people who speak languages such as French, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, and Arabic. cti.iwc@gmail.com 514-342-2111

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group profiles Solidarity Across Borders! Justice & Dignity for Migrants and Refugees We demand STATUS FOR ALL! We resist deportations and detentions, and we struggle for a full and comprehensive regularization program for all non-status migrants. We are a network comprised of migrants, refugees, non-status people and allies that supports individuals and families in diverse ways as they confront the immigration system. We also oppose and fight ‘double punishment’, the deportation of non-citizens with a criminal record, which mainly targets people in poor and racialized communities that have lived and worked in Canada for the majority of their lives. Since 2004, we have collectively built a network of mutual aid and support for migrants struggling for status and survival in the Montreal-area and beyond. Together, we aim to break fear and isolation and instead build a Solidarity City where all can live with full dignity. www.solidarityacrossborders.org 514-848-7583 solidaritesansfrontieres@gmail.com

Justice for Anas On the morning of December 1, 2005, Mohamed Anas Bennis, a 25-year old Canadian of Moroccan origin, was killed after being shot twice by a Montreal police officer in Côte-des-Neiges. The Justice for Anas Coalition, under the leadership of the Bennis family, launched its efforts in 2007. We demand: + The immediate release of all reports, evidence and information concerning the death of Anas Bennis to the Bennis family and to the public + A full, public and independent inquiry into the death of Anas Bennis + An end to police brutality and impunity. Over the years, the Justice for Anas Coalition has organized around these demands through (among others): rallies, popular education events, and coalition-building efforts. The Coalition has also played a role in further rooting broader struggles against police violence in Montreal, and beyond, through spearheading initiatives like the Forum Against Police Violence and Impunity. www.justicepouranas.org.

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Collectif Opposé à la Brutalité Policière Le Collectif Opposé à la Brutalité Policière (COBP) est un groupe autonome qui a vu le jour en 1995, par un comité de défense pour les personnes arrêtées suite à une manifestation contre Human Life International, un groupe d’extrême droite. Le COBP a pour but non seulement de dénoncer les harcèlements, violences, intimidation, arrestations et abus de pouvoirs policiers et d’informer les gens sur leurs droits face à la police, mais aussi de soutenir les victimes en les aidant à porter plainte en déontologie et à faire face à des accusations abusives. Le COBP fait régulièrement des ateliers d’information et de discussion sur les droits et les abus policiers, disponible sur demande. Nous faisons aussi du Copwatch, documentant les agissements de la police dans les rues. Depuis le 15 mars 1997, le COBP organise des manifestations dans les rues de Montréal pour souligner la Journée Internationale Contre la Brutalité Policière. 514-395-9691 cobp@hotmail.com www.cobp.resist.ca 122

Started in 2007, the Prisoner Correspondence Project coordinates a direct-correspondence program for LGBTTQ inmates in Canada and the United States, linking these inmates with people a part of these same communities outside of prison. It also coordinates a resource library of information regarding harm reduction practice (safer sex, safer drug-use, clean needle care), HIV and HEP C prevention, homophobia, transphobia, coming out, etc. The project aims to make prisoner justice and prisoner solidarity a priority within queer movements on the outside through events like film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions which touch on broader issues relating to criminalization and incarceration of queers and trans people. The project seeks to build gay, trans and queer cultures of self-determination and selfdefense as well as develop new strategies for trans and queer survival inside and outside prisons. www.prisonercorrespondenceproject.com

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Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners Calendar is a joint fundraising and educational project between outside organizers in Montreal and Toronto, and three Political Prisoners being held in maximum-security prisons: Herman Bell, David Gilbert and Robert Seth Hayes. We work from an anti-imperialist, anti-racist, anti-capitalist, feminist, queer and trans positive position. The theme of the 2012 calendar is COINTELPRO: repression and resistance then and now. 42 GORGEOUS FULL-COLOUR PAGES OF ART AND WRITINGS! A GREAT FUNDRAISER FOR GROUPS! AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING! AND A MEANINGFUL GIFT!

The Open Door Books collective, based out of QPIRG Concordia in downtown MontrĂŠal, is part of an informal network of Books to Prisoners programs throughout North America. We at Open Door Books send books to prisoners as a form of prisoner solidarity. We believe that prisons and the (in)justice system act as institutions of social control, further targeting marginalized communities as a result of forms of oppression such as patriarchy, racism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, ableism and an ongoing history of colonization. bookstoprisoners@gmail.com opendoorbooks.wordpress.com

Certain Daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2030; A QPIRG Concordia working group www.certaindays.org info@certaindays.org

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group profiles PolitiQ est issu des rencontres effectuées pendant la Radical queer semaine 2009. Notre collectif se définit par ceux et celles qui le composent et militent à l’intérieur. Nous souhaitons ouvrir des espaces de discussions et de débats autour des enjeux politiques liés à la sexualité et au genre pour construire un projet de société alternatif. Nous voulons combattre toutes les formes d’oppression et d’exclusion hétérosexistes et interroger la légitimité des pouvoirs. Nous ne voulons pas attendre demain pour danser. C’est pourquoi nous pensons qu’il est central de construire une communauté alternative, queer et solidaire, mixte anglo-francoallophone et une scène culturelle émergente.

Ethnoculture’s p r i m a r y mandate is to organize an annual, bilingual (French and English), and free social/cultural/artistic event which raises awareness and provides visibility for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people, ethnic/racial minorities, queers of colours and two-spirited people in the Montreal area by prioritizing self-representation and showcasing their diverse skills, talents, and knowledge. Activities include consciousnessraising workshops, educational panels, artistic performances/presentations, and a community fair. One of our main objectives is to engage in dialogue and challenge multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Our annual event will be held Saturday, Sept 24, 2011. www.ethnoculture.org

info.politiq@gmail.com / www.politiq.info Project 10 provides services and support to LGBTTIQQ2S youth (14-25) in Montreal, using an empowerment and harm reduction approach. Services include: a weekly drop-in night, a summer and winter retreat, a listening line (M-TH, 12-6pm), advocacy and accompaniment,

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and workshops. All services are free, confidential and bilingual. 514-989-4585 www.p10.qc.ca

group profiles

qteam is a radical queer collective that aims to queer activist spaces, and politicise queer spaces. Through fundraiser parties, panels, film screenings, workshops, and pink blocs, qteam values solidarity and endeavors to make links with many different social justice movements within and beyond montreal. qteam has been a working group of QPIRG McGill and QPIRG Concordia over the past five years. qteam is committed to anti-imperialism, anti-racism, short shorts, queering activist spaces and politicizing queer spaces, the downfall of single-issue politics, raging pervy queer dance parties, destroying all prisons, opening all borders, burning pink dollar$, and keeping on keeping on.

Pervers/cite a collaboratively organized summer festival that aims to make links across social justice groups, queer communities, and radical visions of pride. In a climate of corporatized gay agendas and whitewashed homogeneity amongst queers, Pervers/cite strives to provide a critical and accessible schedule of activities, designed to bring back the radical underpinnings to the pride movement. We reject the ideas of hierarchy, coercive power, and internal authority within our collective. We intentionally organize our events to contrast the corporate, mainstream pride agenda, and attempt to create dialogue with it, disrupt it, and call into question the power of pink dollars. www.perverscite.org

www.qteam.org

125

group profiles Queer McGill is a nonhierarchal social, political, informational and support service for queer students and their allies. Queer Concordia is an on campus resource centre for LGBTTQQ2SIA and allies. We believe in the diversity of communities and supporting safer sex practices. We acknowledge the complexities of oppression and are committed to breaking down the barriers of all forms of oppression through creating community and safer spaces. QC provides free safer sex products available at our 2020 MacKay office. We have an extensive resource library and a comfy couch for you to enjoy. Active listening & peer support available. Several on and off campus events and workshops are organized by QC, so come say hi or email: queerconcordia@gmail.com

We curate an extensive library (in collaboration with QPIRG) and operate a resource centre on the McGill campus. We facilitate Queer Line, a confidential, anonymous and nonjudgmental peer support phone line, and Allies, a student-run outreach program that works with middle and high school students in the greater Montreal community. We offer weekly discussion groups and social activities at McGill and across the city. We also facilitate the Political Action Working Group, a semi-independent collective that fulfills our political mandate on campus and beyond. Our office is open from Monday to Wednesday between 8am to 6pm in the Student Services (Shatner) building (Room 432) during the school year (September-April). 514-398-2016 www.queermcgill.ca queermcgill@gmail.com QueerLine (our queer peer support, informational and referral hotline) 514-398-6822 Monday-Saturday 8pm-11pm (September-April)

126

group profiles

Head & Hands is a non-profit community organization for youth between the ages of 12 and 25. Our mission is to work with youth to promote their physical and mental wellbeing. Our approach is preventative, non-judgmental, and holistic with a fundamental commitment to providing an environment that welcomes youth without discrimination. We facilitate social change, popular education and the empowerment of youth based on their current needs within our community and society at large. Health services, including drop-in clinics // Legal services // Social services // Street workers // A young parentsprogram // A youth drop-in centre // An emergency food pantry // Information and referrals // Volunteer opportunities // Amazing benefit parties, such as Faggity Ass Fridays at the Playhouse

AMI-QuĂŠbec is a grassroots organization committed to helping families manage the effects of mental illness. Mental illness can profoundly disrupt a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to think, feel and relate to others and it affects not only individuals but their families and friends as well. AMI-QuĂŠbec provides support groups, education sessions, workshops and individual family support. We also offer workshops to schools and community organizations on a range of mental health related topics. By promoting understanding, we work to dispel the stigma surrounding mental illness, helping to create communities that offer hope for recovery. www.amiquebec.org 514-486-1448

Stop by and have a coffee, or check out our website: www.headandhands.ca 5833 Sherbrooke O.(NDG) 514-481-0277 Monday-Thursday 10am-9:30pm, Friday 10am-5pm 127

group profiles

Ă&#x2030;quipe Sonore/Soundteam provides sound services for Montreal area community groups that cannot afford to pay professional rates. We build, maintain and operate P.A. systems for community events, rallies, conferences and performances. We also strive to disseminate and democratize the technical knowledge of audio production systems. Our purpose is to support peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grassroots initiatives and act in the interests of communities and their struggles for economic and political justice. To get involved or request tech support for events: equipesonore@riseup.net For info, updates, tutorials and more: equipesonore.wordpress.com

Anarchist Tech Support/ Anarchistes pour des technologies solidaires ATS is an informal Montreal-based collective that formed in the aftermath of state repression of anarchist organizing leading up to and during the G20 summit in Toronto in June, 2010. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to make the use of technology in our communities and broader networks more secure and resistant to state surveillance and repression by researching, distributing tools, skill sharing, and doing popular education on secure technology. We have focused on doing workshops discussing why we think secure technologies are important, and working on installing software for encrypted communications and anonymized web browsing. ats-mtl@riseup.net

128

group profiles Action Santé Travesti(e) s et Transsexuel(le)s du Québec aims to promote the health and well-being of trans people through peer support and advocacy, education and outreach, and community empowerment and mobilization. We understand the health of trans people and our communities to be interrelated to economic and social inequalities, which have resulted in trans people experiencing disproportionate rates of poverty, un(der)employment, precarious housing, criminalization and violence. We believe in the right to self-determine our gender identity and gender expression free from coercion, violence and discrimination. We advocate for access to health care that will meet the many needs of our diverse communities, while working collectively to build supportive, healthy and resilient communities. ASTT(e)Q : Action Santé Travesti(e)s et Transsexuel(le)s du Québec Un projet de Cactus Montréal 514-847-0067, poste 216 www.cactusmontreal.org/fr/astteq.html

Whether it is your name, sex or gender, territory or nation of allegiance, the Solidarity Identiﬁcation (S.I.D.) Card is your space for self-determination. The project aims to provide people with a piece of photo ID that is reﬂective of their identity. It comes from a desire to work in solidarity with transsexual, transgender and gender-non-conforming people. It is about being in solidarity with those who struggle daily against assimilationist policies through the anglicizing (or franco-cizing) of their names, and erasure of their nation and space. You can your Solidarity ID Card at Le Frigo Vert Coop at 2130 Mackay, the 2110 Centre for Gender Advocacy at 2110 Mackay, or the Union For Gender Empowerment, room 413, on the 4th floor of the Shatner University Centre at McGill University. Solidarity ID: solidarityidproject@gmail.com Solidarity ID McGill: mcgill.SID@gmail.com

129

131

lundi/ monday

(ao没t/ august)

mardi/ tuesday / 30 (ao没t august)

mercredi/ wednesday (ao没t/

31 august)

132

jeudi/ thursday

mcgill classes begin

vendredi/ friday

deadline for old working groups to re-apply to qpirg mcgill

samedi/ saturday

rad frosh

dimanche/ sunday

133

lundi/ monday

no school (labour day)

5 2011, third anniversary of the disappearances of maisy odjick and shannon alexander from the kitigan zibi first nations reserve in qc

mardi/ tuesday

concordia classes begin

mercredi/ wednesday

134

cure event

qpirg mcgill, qpirg concordia, ckut and rad frosh present hari kondabolu

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

9 2002, concordia students protest speech by israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu; several students are suspended

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

2002, a moratorium is imposed at concordia on all events related to the middle east 135

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

136

qpirg and working groups present at ssmu activities night (september 13-14) mcgill add/drop deadline with tuition refund for courses

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

137

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

21 1934, leonard cohen is born 138

disorientation: alternative orientation (september 19-23) qpirg concordia presents activism 101! concordia add/drop deadline with tuition refund for courses

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

139

lundi/ monday

26 1990, oka crisis ends in 1990 after a seventy-eight-day siege in kanehsatake

mardi/ tuesday

qpirg mcgill, ckut, and ssmu present free education and beyond: a panel discussion

1972, lhasa de sela is born

mercredi/ wednesday

28 1885, riots take place in montreal against the compulsory small pox vaccine 140

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

141

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

2002, the prefontaine housing squat is raided by montreal police

mercredi/ wednesday

142

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

1969, montreal police and fire fighters stage an eighteen-hour strike, sparking riots

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

1968, 848 students at cegep lionel-groulx vote by a large majority to occupy the school and expel the administrators 143

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

144

no school (anti-colonial thanksgiving)

qpirg concordia annual general meeting

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

1966, the montreal metro is inaugurated

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

16 1970, 3000 students march in support of the flq and the quebec sovereignty movement 145

lundi/ monday

qpirg mcgill and ssmu present culture shock 20// (october 17-21)

mardi/ tuesday

qpirg concordia presents activism 101! qpirg concordia presents community based social justice workshop mcgill deadline to drop courses for academic credit

mercredi/ wednesday

19 2000, a demonstration is held in support of melca salvador who is facing a deportation order, and protesting the policies of canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s live-in caregiver program (lcp); in may 2001, salvador beats her deportation order 146

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

21 1968, ugeq organized a 10,000-plus demonstration in the streets of montreal in support of student strikersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; demands

samedi/ saturday

22 1977, police raid gay bar truxx, arrest 146 people, and administer compulsory v.d. tests

dimanche/ sunday

23 1847, sixty-five immigrants die over the course of one week in pointe-st-charles 147

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

148

jeudi/ thursday

27 2009, three years, nine months and twenty-two long days after taking sanctuary in st. gabrielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s church in montreal, abdelkader belaouni is finally free, having won his struggle for status in canada

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

concordia deadline to drop courses for academic credit

dimanche/ sunday

30 1976, montreal forms the first gay civil rights group in quebec (adgq) 149

lundi/ monday

31 1977, the first woman bus driver in the history of montreal takes the wheel

mardi/ tuesday

1 2006, ssmu bans blood drive in the shatner building due to the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discriminatory screening policies

mercredi/ wednesday

150

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

2006, the ste-emilie skillshare holds its first open studios

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

151

lundi/ monday

7 1978, students at cegep de rimouski begin a general unlimited strike, demanding, among other things, the elimination of all financial barriers to education and reform of the loans and bursaries system

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

152

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

1987, anthony griffin, a black youth, is shot in the head and killed by montreal police

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

153

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

154

qpirg concordia presents activism 101! qpirg concordia presents community based social justice workshop

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

155

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

22 2010, students at cegep vieux montreal are locked out, after rumours of a student occupation of the school; students squat in front of the school and the protest goes ahead as planned

mercredi/ wednesday

156

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

157

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

2005, roadsworth, famed montreal street stenciller, is charged with fifty-three counts of vandalism

mercredi/ wednesday

158

jeudi/ thursday

1 2006, after leaving his morning prayer mohamed anas bennis is killed by two bullets fired by montreal police

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

1997, the comitĂŠ-des-sans-emploi raid a fancy buffet at the queen elisabeth hotel and share the food among more than 100 supporters 159

lundi/ monday

concordia classes end

mardi/ tuesday

mcgill classes end

6 1986 the montreal massacre, where fourteen women engineering students at the ĂŠcole polytechnique are shot and killed

mercredi/ wednesday

160

qpirg concordia presents activism 101! qpirg concordia presents community based social justice workshop

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

161

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

162

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

1875, bread riots in montreal take place 163

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

164

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

165

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

166

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

1 2006, abdelkader belaouni takes sanctuary in pointe-st-charles 167

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

concordia classes begin

mercredi/ wednesday

4 1919. fairmount bagels opens in montreal and the montreal-style bagel is introduced to the world 168

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

169

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

170

mcgill classes begin

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

171

lundi/ monday

concordia add/drop deadline with tuition refund for courses

mardi/ tuesday

1972, canadian air traffic controllers start a twelve-day strike grounding most commercial flights

mercredi/ wednesday

172

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

173

lundi/ monday

qpirg concordia presents activism 101! qpirg concordia presents community based social justice workshop

23 1976, the bawdy house raids occur

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

174

mcgill add/drop deadline with tuition refund for courses

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

29 1969, over 200 students occupy the concordia computer centre to protest racism within the university 175

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

176

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

177

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

178

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

10 2009, prince charles’s visit to the black watch is met with protesters against the cultural genocide of francophones by the crown, and drag queens raising awareness about the foreclosure of café cléopatre

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

2011, celebration outside the egyptian consulate in montreal following the people’s revolution in egypt 179

lundi/ monday

qpirg mcgill and ssmu present social justice days 2011 (february 13-17)

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

15 2007, no one is illegal protests the racist reasonable accommodation debates in montreal 180

jeudi/ thursday

16 1977, nationally co-ordinated protests take place against cbc radio after the stationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refusal to air gay public service announcements

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

181

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

182

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

24 2005, waves of student strikes begin, collège du vieux-montréal is occupied, followed a few days later by collège st-laurent; the strike boasts 230,000 students at its peak

samedi/ saturday

25 2010, 500 montreal artists sign a declaration against israeli apartheid

dimanche/ sunday

26 2007, qc premier jean charest defends a referee’s call for an ontario 6th grade soccer player, azzy mansour, to take off her hijab 183

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

qpirg concordia presents activism 101! qpirg concordia presents community based social justice workshop

2006, mcgill evicts the campus sexual assault center from its night office

mercredi/ wednesday

184

jeudi/ thursday

study in action (march 2-4)

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

185

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

186

jeudi/ thursday

8 2007, police attack the montreal international womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day march. several women are beaten and one person is arrested

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

10 2010, the city of montreal announces that it will no longer seek to expropriate cafĂŠ cleopĂŠtre

dimanche/ sunday

11 1990, mohawks set up a road block at the chemin du mille as the municipality lifts the moratorium on the golf club expansion project 187

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

188

qpirg concordia presents activism 101! qpirg concordia presents community based social justice workshop

jeudi/ thursday

15 2002, 371 are arrested outside the palais de justice during the international day against police brutality

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

17 1955, the “rocket” richard riots begin, the team’s fans claim a severe suspension faced by richard is motivated by his french-canadian ethnicity

dimanche/ sunday

18 2008, quebec superior court approves ban on student protests at uqàm 189

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

190

jeudi/ thursday

22 1975, twenty-four cegep associations and five university associations come together to form the association nationale des ĂŠtudiants du quĂŠbec (aneq)

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

191

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

2006, montreal’s école de technologie supérieure provides space for muslim students to pray

mercredi/ wednesday

28 1969, mcgill français demonstration begins; 15,000 people take to the streets to resist mcgill’s elitism and anglo-centrism 192

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

global day of action for boycott, divestment, and sanctions against israeli apartheid

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

1 1989, three hundred people march through oka to oppose a golf course expansion into a mohawk graveyard 193

lundi/ monday

2 2005, pope john paul ii dies and the montreal cross turns purple. the last time it changed colour was in the mid-80s, when it was turned red in honour of an aids march

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

194

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

195

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

196

qpirg concordia presents activism 101! qpirg concordia presents community based social justice workshop

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

197

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

198

mcgill classes end

jeudi/ thursday

19 2006, over fifty police officers raid a solidarity event with palestinian political prisoners at el salon, arresting three individuals

vendredi/ friday

20 2001, the summit of the americas begins in quebec city and more than 10,000 people demonstrate in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;carnival against capitalismâ&#x20AC;?

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

1972, the quebec government passes bill 19, forcing unionised workers back to work and banning trade union rights for two years 199

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

25 1845, hundreds of rioters set fire to the canadian parliament in montreal while members of the legislative assembly sit in session 200

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

201

lundi/ monday

qpirg mcgill annual general meeting

30 2005, montrealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s la grande bibliothĂ¨que opens to the public

mardi/ tuesday

may day

1 2005, mayworks, a festival of working class art and resistance, is launched by the immigrant workers centre

mercredi/ wednesday

2 2011, after the harper government is re-elected with a majority, a spontaneous protest takes place in berri square at midnight 202

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

203

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

204

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

205

lundi/ monday

14 1976, police raid neptune sauna arresting eight-nine men during a city â&#x20AC;&#x153;clean-upâ&#x20AC;? for the olympic games

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

206

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

2005, stellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forum xxx, a sex workers rights conference, opens

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

20 1973, la centrale, a montreal feminist artistrun-centre, holds its first show 207

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

1976, police raid club bathes

mercredi/ wednesday

208

jeudi/ thursday

24 1917, montrealers demonstrate in large numbers against impending forced conscription into the war

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

26 1969, john lennon and yoko ono check into the queen elizabeth hotel

dimanche/ sunday

27 2006, the montreal anarchist marching band is formed 209

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

210

jeudi/ thursday

31 2011, toronto queer artist alvaro orozco beats his deportation order and is granted status

vendredi/ friday

1970, dr. henry morgentaler is arrested in montreal for performing illegal abortions

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

211

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

212

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

2011, hundreds protest the police killings of two men in downtown montreal two days earlier

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

213

lundi/ monday

11 1872, labour unions become legal in canada

mardi/ tuesday

1843, twenty die when striking workers on the lachine canal are shot by the seventh-fourth regiment

mercredi/ wednesday

214

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

215

lundi/ monday

18 2005, solidarity across bordersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s march to ottawa begins, demanding regularization of all non-status persons, an end to deportations and detentions of migrants, and the abolition of security certificates

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

216

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

24 1976, gay activist stuart russell and four others are fired from cojo for political activity and sexual orientation 217

lundi/ monday

25 1970, jean chrétien, then minister of indian affairs, announces a plan to end legal status for native persons

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

27 1734, marie-joseph angélique, a black slave, is tried and hanged for setting fire to her “owner’s” home and burning down much of old montreal 218

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

anti-canada day

dimanche/ sunday

219

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

220

jeudi/ thursday

5 2003, clac-logement and other housing activists set up tent city in parc lafontaine

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

8 1852, the great montreal fire leaves one fifth of the population homeless, mostly artisans and labourers 221

lundi/ monday

9 1793, the importation of slaves into canada is prohibited

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

11 1990, the oka crisis begins as quebec police attack mohawks defending their land in kanehsatake 222

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

15 1990, police raid the sex garage loft party in old montreal with over four hundred queers in attendance 223

lundi/ monday

16 1763, jefferey amherst writes to colonel bouquet approving the plan of giving native communities contaminated small pox blankets; a montreal street is named after amherst

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

224

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

225

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

226

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

2003, montreal police arrest 238 protesters for demonstrating against the world trade organization ministerial 227

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

1 1993, montreal hosts divers/citĂŠ, an lgbt arts and music festival, for the first time 228

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

5 2007, pervers/citĂŠ is launched as a queer summer festival in contrast to divers/citĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s white-washed, corporatized gay agenda 229

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

8 2008, montreal north riot takes place following the murder of fredy villanueva by montreal police and in the context of constant racial profiling of marginalized communities 230

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

231

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

15 1925, oscar peterson is born 232

jeudi/ thursday

16 2000, prime minister jean chrĂŠtien is pied and canadians claim the honour of being the first to pie their head of government

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

233

lundi/ monday

20 2007, three police provocateurs are caught trying to incite violence from riot police against demonstrators at the montebello protests against the security and prosperty partnership

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

234

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

235

lundi/ monday

mardi/ tuesday

mercredi/ wednesday

236

jeudi/ thursday

vendredi/ friday

1968, grade school students occupy their school in a montreal suburb demanding reforms

samedi/ saturday

dimanche/ sunday

237