2 July 2017

feature

Learning from Grassy Narrows Students take classroom to Asubpeeschoseewagong Page 8

news

Resilience 150

News

Labour Pains

Canada Day events in Winnipeg recognize Indigenous history Page 5

UMFA complaint heard by Manitoba Labour Board Page 3

editorial

Strike Out UMSU statement on faculty negotiations misses point Page 6

Vo l 1 0 4 · N o 2 · J u ly 1 2 , 2 0 1 7 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

Index

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VOL. 104 NO. 2 July 12, 2017

Editor-in-Chief Garett Williams

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Sohni Tappia

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Ryan Catte

news

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Choose Wisely

Editorial

Managing Editor Malak Abas

UMSU adopts multi-tiered health plan

me@themanitoban.com

page 4

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Imreet Kaur

News Editor Shaden Abuselah

levi@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

Comment Editor Shawn Garbutt

comment@themanitoban.com

science & technology Editor vacant

science@themanitoban.com

arts & Culture Editor Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

arts@themanitoban.com

Sports Editor Ryan Stelter

sports@themanitoban.com

Copy Editor Evan Tremblay

copy@themanitoban.com

Design

Design Editor Bram Keast

design@themanitoban.com

Graphics Editor Kelly Campbell

graphics@themanitoban.com

Photo Editor Asha Nelson

photo@themanitoban.com

Design associate vacant graphics associate vacant pHOTO associate vacant pHOTO associate vacant pHOTO associate vacant

Reporters

News vacant News vacant Columnist vacant Columnist vacant arts & culture vacant arts & culture vacant Sports vacant Sports vacant Copy vacant

Volunteer Contributors

Will Gibson Jessie Bercier Julia Hardy Sari Habiluk

sports

Reppin' the Red n’ White Bison basketball player to play for Canada

Jason Pchajek Kellen Taniguchi Jamal Abas Karan Saxenas

MANITOBAN 109 HELEN GLASS U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N I TO B A WINNIPEG, MB R3T 2N2

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Making space

People of colour are shut out of queer celebration page 7

Design Design Editor: Bram Keast Contact: design@themanitoban.com Graphics Editor: Kelly Campbell Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com Photo Editor: Asha Nelson Contact: photo@themanitoban.com

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News

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News Editors: Imreet Kaur & Shaden Abuselah Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Manitoba Labour Board to rule on unfair labour complaint filed against the university by faculty union UMFA is seeking various remedies, including individual and union compensation for strike costs, and the restoration of a salary proposal that included an average 17 per cent increase over four years Imreet Kaur, staff

T

he Manitoba Labour Board and Gerry Irving, secretary of publicheard arguments in May sector compensation for the Province regarding an unfair labour practice of Manitoba.

“The U of M administration had a complaint filed by the University of Manitoba Faculty Association choice and they chose to side with the (UMFA) stemming from the run- government, ” Morrill said.

“UMFA didn't find out that the up to a three-week strike last fall.

UMFA, which represents over 1200 wages were off the table until mediafull-time professors, instructors tion which was the weekend before and librarians, picketed for 21 days the strike,” she added.

“The University of Manitoba,” she in November after negotiating for months with the U of M toward a added, “is an autonomous institution and the province of manitoba collective agreement failed.

U M FA president Ja net shouldn't dictate 100 per cent of uniMorrill, who recently took over versity’s operations with 45 per cent the union’s leadership, called the of the funding contribution made bargaining process leading up to through an annual operating grant.”

Morrill said the provincial gova strike vote in October difficult.

“We were expecting to see accelerated ernment has the right to appoint bargaining but we weren't getting members to the U of M board of many bargaining opportunities and governors and it is through those appointments it exercises oversight it was frustrating,” she said.

“Instead of both parties feverishly over the U of M. Guard said the university, not the working to strike a deal, the U of M administration didn't seem to be province, is the faculty’s employer and the government should not moving very much.”

At the time of the strike, there was insert itself into negotiations. no legislation in place to freeze or cut “The government has no direct role in collective bargaining between the public sector wages.

After the union rejected a four- employer and the union,” she said. year proposal that included an average 17.5 per cent increase because it failed to address issued critical to “The government’s faculty – collegial governance, job security for instructors and librar- actions were a ians, workloads, and performance problem as they indicators – the university took salwere secretive and ary negotiations off the table.

Julie Guard,an associate professor that it was targeted of history and coordinator of labour studies at the U of M, said the prov- towards one union” ince forced the university’s hand.

- Janet Morrill, “The U of M had already indicated that they would increase salaries and UMFA president. agree to a multi-year agreement,” she said.

“In the case of some public sector “However, the province directed the employer to retract any money workers, the province is the employer offer – that it was to offer zero in sal- and, of course, in those cases the ary increases – and to insist on a one- province does negotiate. But the U of M is independent from the province.” year contract.”

Guard said that any interference in The University of Manitoba bargaining team’s retraction of the salary the collective bargaining process may offer, and withholding of informa- constitute unfair bargaining.

“The government ’s actions were a tion crucial to the bargaining process, constitute an unfair labour practice, problem,” said Morrill, “as they were according to the complaint filed by secretive and that it was targeted towards one union.”

UMFA. John Danakas, the University of UMFA is seeking for various remedies, includ ing compensation for the Manitoba’s executive director of pubunion and individual members for the lic affairs, said the university was fair cost of the strike, an apology from throughout the bargaining process.

“We await the conclusion. The unithe U of M administration, and the reinstatement of the final salary offer. versity continues to stay confident in The complaint further argues its position that it dealt fairly with that UMFA's collective bargaining the faculty association in the recent team was not made aware of the com- negotiations,” he said.

Whether the employer’s actions munication between the university

constitute bad faith bargaining is up to the Labour Board to decide. Both sides are now awaiting the its decision, which is expected to come down sometime this fall.

The two parties eventually agreed to a government-mandated one year wage freeze along with adjustments to non-salary issues such as promotions, workloads, and job security.

According to Morrill, “UMFA made progress on the bargaining priorities.”

Morrill explained that UMFA earned the right for all faculties to develop workload guidelines in conjunction with the deans of respective faculties, and the right for the faculties to approve tenure and promotion guidelines.

“We didn't do as well as we had hoped for when it comes to job security, “ Morrill said.

“We did end up getting a letter outside of the collective agreement signed by members of the administration saying that there will be no lay offs [until] December 31, 2018.”

With regards to performance indicators, Morrill acknowledged that the union secured some language with the formation of a working group responsible for investigating more extensive language around performance indicators.

The most recent contract expired at the end of March. No dates have been set to begin negotiating toward a new agreement.

An UMSU press release published last week calls for “both parties to reach a settlement by midnight on Sept. 19, 2017, to guarantee students

photos by miguel yetman

academic stability for this year before the class withdrawal and fee refund deadline on Sept. 20.”

UMSU is further asking the university to offer full refunds and academic amnesty to students for the upcoming academic year if classes are interrupted again.

Responding, Danakas said, “ the university certainly understands the

concerns of the students and continues to try to begin bargaining as soon as possible as the strike was difficult on the entire university community especially the students.”

The provincial government has also indicated that it will seek a 15 per cent reduction in management positions at all post-secondary institutions.

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News

News Editors: Imreet Kaur & Shaden Abuselah Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

UMSU opts for layered health and dental plan Student union adopts multi-tiered plan allowing students to tailor their individual coverage Garett Williams, staff

80 per cent coverage for prescription drugs and vaccinations, $300 per year for MB Pharmacare, and health practitioner coverage of $50 per visit up to $300 per year.

“With the diverse student population we have, with diverse needs, it makes the most sense to move forward in this direction” - Tanjit Nagra, UMSU president

C

hanges coming to the University levels. Students with pre-existing of Manitoba Students’ Union coverage can still opt-out of the (UMSU) health and dental plan this program. fall will allow users to individualize UMSU president Tanjit Nagra their coverage. said the plan allows students to select At its regular council meeting the level of coverage that most fits May 30, UMSU finalized the nearly their needs.

“With the diverse student populayear-long process of developing a plan that allows students to choose tion we have, with diverse needs, it between enhanced coverage, with makes the most sense to move forgreater benefits at higher premiums; ward in this direction,” she said. a basic, more affordable plan with The enhanced plan will cost stuscaled-back benefits; or a combina- dents $345 annually. The basic will run tion of health and dental coverage $245. U of M students paid $292 for

The basic health plan includes 70 per cent for prescription coverage, 70 per cent coverage for vaccinations up to $150, and health practitioner coverphoto by miguel yetman age of $30 per visit up to $200 per year.

The basic plan does not include MB coverage in the 2016-17 academic year. Pharmacare coverage.

Both the enhanced and basic plans Undergrad and graduate students who remain in the program are auto- include 100 per cent psychological matically enrolled in the enhanced coverage up to $600 per year. The program but will be able to opt-down enhanced plan includes $90 for eye to the basic plan online through the exams and $200 toward glasses or program’s administrator, Studentcare, contact lenses every two years.

The basic plan covers $60 for eye who will issue a reimbursement.

Individuals can also pair enhanced exams and $100 toward glasses or health benefits with the basic dental contact lenses every two years. plan, or select basic health coverage The enhanced dental plan includes with enhanced dental benefits to best 80 per cent coverage for basic and meet their needs, said Nagra. restorative procedures, 50 per cent The enhanced health plan includes coverage of endodontic procedures,

and four units of scaling with a total annual maximum coverage of $750.

Basic dental includes 70 per cent coverage for basic procedures, and 50 per cent coverage for both restorative and endodontic procedures, and two units of scaling with a total annual maximum coverage of $500.

The changes act upon the results of a survey circulated in November 2016 that indicated a majority of students support the multi-tiered plan.

Issued to both graduate and undergrad students, 74 per cent of the nearly 400 responses were positive.

Request for Quotations

At the same meeting, council voted to put off a process to issue a request for quotations to change its insurance provider for another year. Coverage is currently provided through Manitoba Blue Cross.

Nagra noted that there are no guarantees the quotes will come back with a lower rate and said it is simply easier to roll out the new plan without the added complication of looking at switching providers as well.

She also said that the more flexible plan may boost enrolment which, in turn, may drive down costs when the request for quotes is issued.

“Having more buy-in gives us a good deal, potentially, with different services providers,” she said.

“We are going to see how the plan works with the new changes,” she added.

“Right now, we want to ensure stability for students first and foremost.”

Canadian researchers leaving fundamental research at a rapid pace Malak Abas, staff

A

recent survey has found that the Fundamental research generally number of scientists conducting has no end “product,” and instead basic research in Canada dropped pursues a greater understanding of from 24 per cent to 1.6 per cent in the natural world through research. just 10 years.

Applied research is more pragmatic The survey was performed by the and, when successful, results in a final Global Young Academy, a society of product. scientists under the age of 35 from Global Young Academy argues all over the world, founded in Berlin. that by defunding fundamental Over 1,300 Canadian researchers research, Canada risks destabilizparticipated in the survey, which ing applied research since without found that the Canadian government baseline scientific findings, applied has sharply shifted its financial sup- experiments have no base to work port away from fundamental research from. and toward applied research. Since It also suggests that deprioritiz2013, basic researchers have seen the ing basic research could result in amount of funds available per person discouraging a younger generation drop by 35 per cent. of scientists, who may turn away from The difference between funda- careers in science if they see that more mental and applied research lies in complex long-term research is not their goals. getting the funding it needs.

Global Young Academy measured Canada’s research funding by comparing its gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) as a percentage relative to its gross domestic product (GDP) with other countries.

Canada’s GERD has dropped from 1.98 per cent of its GDP - an already relatively small percentage to 1.61 per cent between 2005 and 2014.

Canada ranks low compared to other countries, including some developing countries such as Tanzania and Nepal.

Canada is also the only G8 nation in the world to have so significantly reduced its GERD, with other G8 members increasing funding.

“Every academic can unequivocally tell you that the landscape of funding for basic research in Canada has been

changed and damaged beyond recognition over the past decade,” said a participant of the study working in the physical sciences.

This is not the first time this concerning drop in funding has been brought to public attention.

In 2014, a report from the French National Trade Union of Scientific Researchers found that Canadian scientists were concerned with government funding prioritizing industrial-based over fundamental research.

One of the consequences of this shift in funding has already begun to take place in Canada, as 88 per cent of the researchers surveyed reported that their research now relies at least partially on the support of external partnerships, which can lead to dis-

proportionate amounts of research based on the influence of external funders.

The survey finishes by suggesting that funding from the Canadian government should be more evenly spread amongst active researchers in Canada, enabling the creation of a more diverse range of researchers in the fundamental field.

It also suggests that the Canadian government invest at least $459 million into fundamental research programs, which would then be used to increase the number of successful grant applications, reintegrate successful researchers who lack funding back into the research community, and to offer more research opportunities to young people just starting out in the workforce.

VOL. 104 NO. 2 July 12, 2017

News

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Winnipeggers gather to “unsettle” and acknowledge more than 150 years of Indigenous resilience, determination, and courage Ottawa’s decision to spend $500 million on Canada 150 celebration “more symbolic than meaningful” Imreet Kaur, staff

W

hile Canadaians celebrated 150 years of confederation on July 1, a handful of events in Winnipeg were meant to draw attention to this continent’s much longer – and complicated – history.

The Winnipeg chapter of Idle No More organized an event branded “Resilience 150” to acknowledge and honour 150 years of Indigenous resilience. Friends of Shoal Lake 40 hosted their own event, “Unsettle Canada 150,” in the spirit of reconciliation.

Idle No More is a Canada-wide movement that mobilizes to uphold Indigenous rights to sovereignty in order to protect the land and waters.

The event aimed to encourage contemplation on 150 years of colonial history and the realities of Indigenous peoples across Canada.

“Shoal Lake 40 is sort of an iconic symbol of what has happened to many of Indigenous communities in Canada” Kathy Moorhead Thiessen Sadie-Phoenix Lavoie, co-founder of Red Rising Magazine, student at the University of Winnipeg, and speaker at the event, said “for me, decolonizing, as an Anishinaabe, is going back to what it was like before colonization, like in terms of my teachings, my mind, and my spirit.

“It includes unlearning a lot of the assimilation that has happened.”

Lavoie said decolonization within society means learning Indigenous perspectives directly from the Indigenous peoples of Canada, and changing an oppressive system that incarcerates and criminalizes indigenous people for defending the land.

Indigenous groups refer to North America as Turtle Island and Lavoie

said the event was meant to pay tribute to their relationships with the land.

“To respect and to honour what it means to be on Treaty 1 territory, what it means to be on Turtle Island, and decolonizing the way [the government ’s] relationship is with the environment,” Lavoie added.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated Canada’s residential school's colonial legacy, issued more than 90 “calls to action” in 2015 it said are required to move toward reconciliation and build meaningful relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians.

“It is a huge list but very minuscule if you look at the overall impact of what has over the last 150 years,” said Lavoie.

“I don't think that the government is authentic enough in acknowledging the resilience of Indigenous people across Canada and understanding that they have no power over us – and that there is power with us,” she said. photo provided by jen doerksen of red rising magazine Lavoie said the government has failed to respect Indigenous rights ment and forming stereotypes around encouraging people to reflect on “Shoal Lake 40 is sort of an iconic internationally by failing to imple- Indigenous peoples as a result, adding Winnipeg’s relationship with the symbol of what has happened to ment the United Nations Declaration that “they need to acknowledge the Indigenous community that provides many of Indigenous communities in on the Rights of Indigenous People fact that they are guests here.” the city with its water supply.

Canada," she said.

(UNDRIP).

“There are a lot of great things Shoal Lake 40 has been under a “It shows how Indigenous peoOttawa’s decision to spend $500 Canada has done – for example, boil water advisory for the past two ple were [made] invisible so that million on the Canada 150 celebration universal health care – but we need decades.

Winnipeg could have its water and is “more symbolic than meaningful,” to understand that notions of taking The group tabled educational it hasn't started to be corrected until she observed that “it took decades to care of the community comes from materials such as copies of UNDRIP almost 100 years later.” meet the gap on education funding the Indigenous peoples of Canada,” and the Truth and Reconciliation The federal government, along for indigenous people on reserves." she further added.

Commission’s “Calls to Action,” with the governments of Manitoba “It is frustrating because they [the Toward the end of the event, using Canada Day as an opportu- and Winnipeg, have committed to federal government] would rather Winnipeggers left red dresses on the nity to educate the public about the help fund construction of a road spend half a billion dollars for one stairs of the Legislative Building to impacts of colonialism. linking Shoal Lake 40 to the Transday on celebrating colonialism and commemorate the lives of missing Kathy Moorhead Thiessen, Canada highway, connecting it to the genocide rather than uplifting and and murdered indigenous women. spokesperson for the Unsettle Canada rest of the country. honouring the relationship with 150 event and a Friends of Shoal Lake Thiessen also questioned the use of the Indigenous peoples of Canada,” A little bit of “unsettling” 40 member, stated that Canada’s 150th resources in spending $500 million on Lavoie said.

Friends of Shoal Lake 40, a col- birthday has been highly publicized the Canada 150 celebrations. lective of students, faith-based groups, without a sincere acknowledgement “I don't know why so much money Role of immigrants community organizers, and non- of the history before confederation. has been spent on this birthday,” she Lavoie said there is a lot of catch- profit organizations, hosted an event Thiessen said Friends of Shoal said. ing up for new immigrants – and called “Unsettle Canada 150” in the Lake 40 aimed to force settler “It seems like half a billion dolCanadians in general – to do to edu- spirit of reconciliation to explore set- Canadians to think about the indig- lars could have gone into much more cate themselves on Canada’s relation- tler and Indigenous relations through enous people who have been on important things than one big birthship with its Indigenous peoples. spoken word and digital storytelling Turtle Island for so long, welcomed day bash with fireworks where people She said they are getting a one- at Augustine United Church. settlers with open arms, and have get drunk .” sided perspective from the governThe group displayed artworks been treated brutally since then.

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Garett Williams Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

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Latest UMSU press release misses all the points Urging negotiations continue while provincial wage freeze challenge before court irresponsible Shawn Garbutt, staff

photo by miguel yetman

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ne would think that the failing to give faculty a stronger voice toward student advocacy. court’s decision on the legality of the University of Manitoba in guiding university policy.

Firstly, the claims UMSU made government’s actions. Otherwise, a Students’ Union (UMSU) had finally After the proposal was rejected, in its release. The union declared the major issue for labour is moot before woken up from its apathetic slumber, it was revealed that the province lack of ongoing negotiation between negotiations even open. what with the recent executive press mandated that the university nego- UMFA and the administration intolrelease condemning a lack of haste in tiate a wage freeze, effectively tak- erable for students. UMSU further ongoing labour negotiations between ing salaries off the bargaining table. asserted that the uncertainty con- The current climate the University of Manitoba Faculty The union filed a complaint to the cerning last year’s academic sched- at the U of M calls Association (UMFA) and university Manitoba Labour Board as a result, ule following the strike was bad for for organizing administration. claiming the university bargained in students.

One would think wrong. bad faith by striking salaries from Curiously missing is the imporunion solidarity, Alas, UMSU remains fast asleep negotiations. The case was heard in tant fact that the provincial governwhen it comes to the substantive the spring. A decision has not yet ment is currently facing a lawsuit filed not scoring empty issues it claims to speak to. This is been released. by the various public sector unions political points most apparent in the empty grandThe strike was ultimately settled across Manitoba – including UMFA standing found in the union’s state- after the university and its faculty – which alleges the government’s ment on negotiations – an issue the agreed to a one-year deal that took controversial plan to freeze public organization could hardly articulate steps toward addressing the union’s sector salaries violates constitutionTo think labour should find this a position on during a three-week concerns concerning governance and ally enshrined collective bargaining acceptable and proceed regardless faculty strike in the fall of 2016. performance indicators, but held sala- rights. is fantastical thinking of the most The union representing 1,200 pro- ries stagnant. That agreement expired With proper attention paid, it dangerous kind. UMFA’s memfessors, researchers, and librarians at the end of March. becomes clear the release misses so bers remain among the lowest paid picketed for 21 days in November What is at stake in the latest round many marks that the bullseye, func- groups of professors in the country. after months of negotiations failed of negotiations between UMFA and tionally, never existed.

To acquiesce to the government’s to reach an agreement. While all the administration? UMSU was trivRegardless of whether the gov- wishes would mean further delegatclasses were eventually completed ially correct on one thing: a lot. ernment is found legally at fault, its ing the University of Manitoba to the in full, the disruption affected the But UMSU’s call for action – a declaration of intent to freeze wages back benches of national and interremaining academic schedule and demand to issue students full refunds itself has effectively frozen collective national scholarship. Even opponents left students in uncertainty while if the coming academic term is inter- bargaining. Management has taken of last year’s strike - of the financially negotiations unfolded. rupted by further labour action – the cue, so to speak. friendly type - can see how the curPrior to the strike, UMFA spawned the uncertainty it claims To be frank, the business of the rent situation at the U of M is bad for rejected a four-year proposal that to address by standing woefully provincial government has amounted competitiveness. included average salary increases of ignorant of the surrounding cir- to pulling an emergency brake for The current climate at the U of more than 17 per cent, saying the offer cumstances. To speak out on a topic labour negotiations. If management M calls for organizing and union did not go far enough to address con- without addressing context is as naïve refuses to consider, or is mandated solidarity, not scoring empty politicerns surrounding governance issues as it is unbecoming, especially for to freeze, salaries, then further col- cal points. If our student union really and performance indicators, while an entrenched organization geared lective bargaining should await the cared about students’ interests, then

it would be condemning a privatization-happy provincial government that would see the university sold off to the highest bidder. If our student union really cared about students’ interests, then it would be condemning an administration that continually cuts at the academic underpinnings of our university while pumping millions into marketing and capital projects.

If our student union really cared about students’ interests, it would not issue a press release that paints a false picture by neglecting crucial, relevant facts regarding the current situation at the U of M. UMFA and the university administration are not similarly situated in current collective bargaining, nor do both parties have the same capacity for massively impacting the students.

It is the administration which holds all the cards, but UMSU has presented an erroneous false equivalency in its depiction of events.

Students’ interests will only begin to be realized if the university population – students, faculty, instructors, service workers – band together to face the harsh light of our governance structure’s increasingly brazen neoliberalism.

Student and faculty unions should be working together, not against each other. UMSU’s press release contributes only to the latter.

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Comment Comment Editor: Shawn Garbutt Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

Inclusion of queer people of colour in Pride parades is long overdue Racism continues to be an undercurrent in the LGBTTQ* community Karan Saxenas

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n June 17, four black protestors – one of whom identifies as transgender – were arrested at the Columbus Pride Parade in Ohio.

The activists blocked the parade and asked for seven minutes of silence, one for each bullet shot at Philando Castile, a black man killed following racial profiling and police brutality. The activists also wanted to raise awareness about the existence of and the hardships faced by queer and trans people of colour. One activist claimed that instead of receiving support, two white women laughed and spat at her as the protestors were being arrested. The question needs to be asked – where is the solidarity for queer and trans people of colour?

Each year, as Pride parades begin to take place across the world, white cisgender people and white allies seem to take up the majority of space, celebrating their sexualities clad in rainbow clothes. But this rainbow lacks the colours that matter most.

People forget that many of the most prominent LGBTTQ* activists have been people of colour, such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Despite this, people expressed outrage when a Philadelphia-based group asked for the addition of black and brown to

the current rainbow flag so often seen at Pride, and started a new campaign called “More Colour More Pride.”

More often than we think it is, racism is internalized in the LGBTTQ* community, be it subtle or not There are a number of reasons why I believe that they should reconsider their opinion. More often than we think it is, racism is internalized in the LGBTTQ* community, be it subtle or not. Queer and trans people of colour have felt excluded from a many aspects of queer celebration. They have faced crude rejection on dating websites, where people are openly racist and employ harsh language such as “no blacks, no Latinos.” When these colours are added to the flag, it is a crucial step in putting an end to a cultural and racial barrier between queer people of colour and queer white people, who together are oppressed for being true to themselves. It is not to say that

graphic by kelly campbell

racial minorities require their own You open up a conversation with stripes to be able to identify with the those around you. The request to add LGBTTQ* community. It does not these colours has already opened up imply that all queer people of colour the conversation about queer people face the same kind of oppression. of colour and the way their identities Rather, the move acknowledges and intersect. offers solidarity to those who are Unfortunately, a lot of people marginalized because of the colour still argue against the addition of of their skin as well as their sexuality. these colours, believing that the When you wave a flag, use it as a acknowledgment of someone’s race sticker or even a button on your back- will create a racial divide within the pack straps, you make a statement. LGBTTQ* community. However,

if we keep avoiding the topics of race and racism, won’t we in turn create a more ignorant society that fails to see the differences between people, paving the way to bigotry by celebrating ignorance? If we really want to work towards achieving a society undivided by race, gender, and sexuality, we need to eliminate the stigmatization attached to various identities by accepting and celebrating our differences.

The long road to 2020 The NDP has two very different candidates looking to lead the party Jamal Abas

M

anitoba's NDP will be selecting a new leader in September to replace former premier Greg Selinger, defeated in the province's April 2016 election.

The longest-running candidate in the race to replace Selinger, with multiple endorsements, is the rookie MLA for Fort Rouge Wab Kinew.

Kinew, 35, is well known in Manitoba and across Canada, with a career that has included journalism, music, and university administrat ion.

But he’s no shoo-in. Veteran MLA Steve Ashton recently announced his own bid for the top job in Manitoba's NDP. Ashton is a career politician who lost his most recent bid for re-election after having held his Thompson seat since 1981.

When you tally it up, this will also be Ashton's third bid for the job of leader of the NDP. In terms of policy, style, and experience, there is a distinct difference between the two candidates.

Kinew represents a change as well as an ability for renewal. As a rookie MLA, Kinew is new to the political scene, and has been touring the province and meeting with Manitobans

and the NDP party faithful.

Meanwhile, Ashton represents the past – perhaps the same past voters rejected in 2016.

While Ashton brings a wealth of experience, having served as a minister in both the Gary Doer and Selinger governments, one must remember that a young Doer, then a rookie MLA and seen as a "bridge builder," became the leader of a frail NDP party in 1988. He eventually led the party to three straight majorities, enjoying immense popularity in both rural and urban Manitoba. Whoever is leading the NDP needs to remember that they may have the job for a few elections before the party has a serious chance to form government.

During that time, said leader must work to build bridges within the community. Ashton’s leadership may not be in the best interest of the party if the party is looking to rebuild and seek new paths. Kinew has shown in scrums and in the legislature that he is passionate and willing to rebuild and renew Manitoba's NDP while remaining committed to the issues affecting the province today.

The NDP also needs to remember

that it is facing a formidable competitor, electorally speaking.

Brian Pallister received the largest majority in the province's history, and has been given a clear mandate to govern. This, after running on a relatively bare election platform, stating that "there are no sacred cows" when discussing the future of government services in the province. The NDP needs a leader at the helm with a vibrant vision accompanying a strong direction if the party will successfully – and quickly – oust Pallister’s Progressive Conservative party.

Like Ashton, Pallister has a long history in public service as a career politician. A key minister in Gary Filmon's government in the 1990s, and later a member of the federal conservatives in Ottawa, Pallister has remained a social and fiscal conservative for the majority of his political career.

He faced criticism for a reconciliation bike ride where he did not engage with any First Nations people but left his tour to attend a PC fundraiser. A $300 million Cancer Care Manitoba facility, approved by the NDP, was axed by the new PC government.

photo by levi garber

Regardless of the validity we of Manitobans went out to the polls deem Pallister’s actions to possess, he with the intent to vote PC. The next remains as premier until at least 2020. leader of the NDP must understand Pallister is essentially building on the why that happened and address it. ideology that Gary Filmon left the They need to be able to do this while PCs with after losing in 2000. The presenting themselves as a new and difference is, Pallister's government appropriate alternative to Pallister is starting with a sweeping major- in hopes of best managing change ity whereas Filmon's PC's entered in the years to come. Whoever leads government with a fairly thin minor- the party after September will have ity. The political road is clear for the a big job on their hands, and to have premier for a few more years at least. any electoral success, will need to The key for the new leader of the appeal to both new voters and curNDP is to remember that a great deal rent supporters.

Features

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Contact: features@themanitoban.com

Students camping in the middle of Ball Lake Lodge: once a bustling fishing hub and key employer for Grassy Narrows. The lodge was closed following the discovery of mercury in the English-Wabigoon river system, leading to a dramatic rise in unemployment in the community.

Grassy Narrows: Learning through action Native studies students take the classroom to Asubpeeschoseewagong territory Shaden Abusaleh, staff

Photos by Asha Nelson

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ast month, 22 University of Manitoba students took part in a two-week program that situated them directly in the context of the Anishinaabe of Northenwestern Ontario to develop an understanding of their place as “treaty” people by engaging in the environmental and cultural politics of Grassy Narrows First Nation, also known as Asubpeeschoseewagong.

Some 89 kilometres northeast of Kenora, on the English-Wabigoon river system, Grassy Narrows is one of 28 first nation communities under Treaty 3, which covers more than 140,000 square kilometres in Northwestern Ontario and eastern Manitoba.

The community continues to experience the impacts of Canada’s colonial foundations – enduring over one hundred years of dispossession in their homeland and dishonouring of treaty rights through persistent resilience, determination, and courage.

Grassy Narrows lies within the “land of 10,000 lakes” and is home to the longest running Indigenous logging blockade in Canadian history, stretching back to December, 2002.

Students were asked to attune themselves to the boreal environment and consider the importance and continued relevance of Indigenous knowledge in today’s world.

In 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the Ontario government’s right to permit logging on Grassy Narrows’ traditional land.

The case, brought to the Supreme Court by the people of Grassy Narrows, sought to defend their traditional lands from logging in conjunction with the blockade.

Nearly 15 years after it began, the blockade is ongoing and it continues to be an ode to the fortitude of the people of Grassy Narrows.

Learning through action

Reflecting on her experience, Jenna Vandal cited the course’s unconventional teaching style as one of the reasons for her interest.

“I much prefer learning outdoors than in a classroom, especially when in relation to Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, so I jumped at this opportunity,” she said.

“I was internalizing only a small fraction of the neurotoxin that the community was, but I was also internalizing centuries worth of tradition, sustenance, and pride” Jenna Vandal, U of M student

The “Grassy Narrows Environmental and Cultural Politics” program is a six credit hour summer course delivered through the department of native studies. The travel-study course, created by instructor Ryan Duplassie, attempts to provide a holistic approach in exploring the cultural and environmental politics affecting Grassy Narrows.

“Since my late teens I became really interested and concerned about environmental issues,” Duplassie said.

“My father’s side, we’re Anishinaabe. And so I understood myself as being somebody who has “I’m also a native studies major, and a Métis ancestral ties to the land and perhaps that informed Anishinaabe [...] so this course has educational my environmental consciousness.” and personal significance for me.”

Duplassie said he hopes to demonstrate to his The course consists of a three-day lecture series students the direct link between ecological and on campus where the class learns about the history social struggles and instil within them an expansive of Grassy Narrows – from the signing of Treaty 3 notion of the meaning of “treaty.” up to the blockade.

Explaining that “we are all treaty people,” This is followed by 10 days of camping at Grassy Duplassie said Indigenous understandings of the Narrows where students experienced living off treaty go beyond political contracts. the land.

“They extend to a commemoration of our underStudents then write four assignments which standing of ourselves as embedded in the world in including reflective essays and a report. the set of relationships with the water, the insects, “Every single person involved in this course was the soil, the fish, the fire, the wind, the sun, the fantastic and committed to positive social change moon, our ancestors, and our future generations,” in their own unique way,” Vandal said. he said.

“Meeting my classmates and the community

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members was, without question, the best part of the trip. We spent time in nature, we built, partook in, and disassembled a sweat lodge, we picked medicines, spent the day at the Grassy Narrows community centre playing sports with the community members, saw pictographs, went fishing, and built slingshots, among other things.”

A legacy of mercury poisoning

Between 1962 and 1970, a pulp mill located in Dryden dumped 10 tonnes of mercury, a potent neurotoxin, into the Wabigoon River, contaminating fish stocks and poisoning generations of people for whom the river’s fish provided a staple source of protein.

First identified in 1969, the mercury has never been cleaned up.

Nearly five decades later, the impacts of mercury poisoning are still omnipresent; it is estimated that there are 9,000 kg of mercury in the river’s sediments.

Recent studies have found that 90 per cent of people tested in Grassy Narrows and nearby ndigenous communities have symptoms of mercury poisoning.

A Mercury Disability Board was set up in the 1980s following a court settlement, though the compensation levels – which range from $250 to $800 – have not increased since that time.

The mercury poisoning had a direct impact on the community’s traditional way of life as many continue to suffer the neurological symptoms of mercury poisoning - even people born long after the mercury dumping had ended.

“It is an opportunity for the students to figuratively and literally internalize the implications around mercury poisoning” - Ryan Duplassie, instructorv Symptoms include sensory disturbances on the limbs, difficulty walking a straight line, difficulty seeing, visual disturbances, hearing impairment, headaches, insomnia, exhaustion, fatigue ,and numbness in the limbs.

“Of course when you’re talking about a landbased people who are traditionally going to be on the land fishing, hunting, trapping, gathering and you have neurological symptoms of mercury poisoning, well, you can’t do those things,” said Duplassie.

“So not only are they dealing with the economic fall out of the mercury poisoning, but they're dealing with the physical and medical fall out as well.”

While at Grassy Narrows, students learned to set nets, ate fish, and drank from the water.

“It is an opportunity for the students to figuratively and literally internalize the implications around mercury poisoning,” Duplassie said.

“That, you know, they are eating fish and it’s got mercury in it and so they have to put themselves in a position of crisis, if you will.”

Vandal reflected on her experience fishing and eating from the contaminated river, explaining how drawing from the land connected her with the community.

“This was a surprisingly healing experience," she

Reid Buchanan taking in a fishing net with the help of Shoon - local fishing guide, story-teller, and respected community member.

A fishing guide from Grassy Narrows First Nations teaches students traditional methods of preparing and smoking fish

said. “I knew I was ingesting a minute amount of mercury in the water I drank, and in the freshly caught fish we ate, but to me it was a symbolic gesture of becoming closer with the land and the plight of the people who have endured so much more.

“I was internalizing only a small fraction of the neurotoxin that the community was, but I was also internalizing centuries worth of tradition, sustenance, and pride.

“I was happy to do so.”

Glass half empty vs. glass half full

In late June, it was announced that the government of Ontario would spend $85 million to clean up the mercury contamination around Grassy Narrows. Clean-up preparation work will be completed this summer, with remediation starting as early as 2018. An additional $2.7 million has already been set aside to accelerate work underway on the river.

Calling it too little too late, Duplassie gave a glass half empty versus glass half full analysis.

He said that while $85 million is a substantial figure, the river system serving Grassy Narrows is nearly the size of a water shed.

Additionally, as Duplassie explained, as water

Barbra Fobister, prominent activist in the logging blockade, shares stories and lessons learned during her days spent at the blockade.

flows, the affected sediments move.

This means that the mercury is a moving target.

Problems therefore arise when determining where best to start and end the clean-up.

“How are they going to use 80 some million dollars to clean up a water shed of the mercury is beyond me,” Duplassie said. "It’s not to say that they shouldn't try, but I’d be very, very interested to see the details of their strategy.”

However, the positive side, quite simply, is that something is being done.

Duplassie explained that whatever the results of the clean up might be, he hopes it will involve the community members of Grassy Narrows through proper training and employment opportunities.

“I kind of see this as an economic opportunity, as sad as that is,” he said.

“If it's going to be anything, it could bring $85 million to the community, which would be huge.”

Room for hope

Reid Buchanan, another student who took in the course, spoke to the impact the course had on him.

“The knowledge and the experience with the people as a whole has been kind of invaluable to me and having a personal connection there, I think, can help solidify a lot of things that you learn about,” he said.

“It’s important that issues stay at the forefront and that we maintain connection. Its not just land and culture, this is people,” Buchanan added.

“And this is people who are emotionally, culturally and economically invested in their community and we need to do what we can to help them.

"They’re facing a lot of issues, but at the same time there’s so much positivity and so many good things going on there too and I don’t want people to lose sight of that as well.”

Duplassie echoed that there is always place for hope.

“Yes, climate change is real,” he said. “Yes, our water and land and air systems are becoming polluted. Yes, there is deforestation and erosion and desertification and acidification of the oceans and melting polar ice caps, yes – but we’re alive.

“There’s over 7 billion of us on the planet and the fact that we are actually all alive tells me that Mother Earth has the ability to keep us all alive.”

Diversions Graphics Editor: Kelly Campbell Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com

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graphic by kelly campbell

graphic by julia hardy

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Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Contact: arts@themanitoban.com

Canada day at the forks

Hundreds of Winnipeggers take in Canada Day festivities at the Forks July 1.

photos by asha nelson

Sports Sports Editor: Ryan Stelter Contact: sports@themanitoban.com

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Bison guard Justus Alleyn to represent Canada at Summer Universiade in China Kellen Taniguchi

photo provided by jeff miller

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ison guard Justus Alleyn is head- take in the other sports being played it all through the University of from a new coaching staff that may be able to help his team next season. ing to China for the 2017 Summer at the FISU. Manitoba,” Alleyn said.

Universiade that will take place in “It looks like we’re going to have a lot “Honestly I have no clue what it’s “This is going to be the highest August. of time to check out other parts of the going to be like. I’m just ready to soak level that I will play at,” he said. “It’s Alleyn is just the second Bison to country,” Alleyn said. “It’s a two-week it all in because I know it’s going to definitely going to help bringing that represent Canada at the International event and we only play the second week, be one of those experiences I’m going experience back to the U of M and University Sport Federation games so we will probthe other guys on which run from Aug. 19-39. Martin ably have a chance team and just “I’m just ready to soak it all in because I know my Riley represented the University of to check out other show them how Manitoba for the 1977 and 1979 games. sports as well.” we got to work if it’s going to be one of those experiences “I was just really excited” Alleyn The 2016-17 we want to be one I’m going to remember for the rest of said.

Bison co-captain of the best teams “I’m going to get to go to China, averaged 17.4 points in the country my life” – Justus Alleyn, Bison guard it’s somewhere that I have never been per game and was again.” and the fact that the coaches thought named a Canada Alleyn’s goal that I was one of the top players in the West second team all-star last season, to remember for the rest of my life.” for the 2017-18 basketball season is country and being able to represent as he helped lead the herd to their first The University of Manitoba men’s for the Bisons to make a run for the Canada at the same time it is just a nationals birth since 1986. basketball team will also benefit from Canada West Championship and big honour.”

“This was one of the most event- Alleyn’s selection to the FISU games. secure a birth in a second straight The six-foot-two guard said he is ful years of my basketball career The veteran is already the leader of the nationals tournament. excited to explore the country and and I’m just thankful I got to do team, and will bring back knowledge “We’re just going to try and get

back to where we were last year at least,” he said. “We got a taste of nationals last year and I think everyone on the team is eager to get back and show that we can do it again.”

A lot of work may need to be done for the Bisons to clinch a nationals birth again, especially with a big chunk of last year’s team graduated.

Co-captain AJ Basi, Keith Omoerah, Illarion Bonhomme, and others are no longer on the Bisons roster.

However, Alleyn lacks no confidence when it comes to the young guys that will be suiting up for Manitoba this upcoming season.

“One of the toughest things for me to get used to next year is being the older, more veteran guy on the team,” he said. “I’m excited to work with the next generation of guys.”

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Early offseason moves have multiple Manitoban hockey players changing addresses Jason Pchajek

graphic provided by brandon wheat kings

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ith the NHL entry draft, Las Vegas expansion draft, and a free agent frenzy, a number of players with ties to Manitoba saw their hockey futures shift substantially.

Nolan Patrick: Drafted 2nd Overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers

exceptional two-way play, and great shot to the Flyers as early as next fall.

Calvin Pickard: Selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Expansion Draft

The Colorado Avalanche elected to expose Winnipeg born goaltender Pickard in the expansion draft.

The Vegas Golden Knights wasted Brandon Wheat Kings centre and no time picking up the 25 year-old Winnipeg native Nolan Patrick was goalie, who is fresh off his second drafted at the number two spot by the appearance wearing the red and white Flyers, behind Nico Hischier who for team Canada at the 2017 World was taken by the New Jersey Devils Championships. at number one.

Pickard posted a 2.98 goalsPatrick potentially slipped in against average and .904 save perthe draft due to questions about his centage on an abysmal Avalanche health. The centre missed consider- squad this past season. However, able time this past season due to a while playing for Canada in the last sports hernia and leg injury. two World Championships, he regDespite the injury trouble, the for- istered a 0.995 goals-against average ward racked up 20 goals and 26 assists and .955 save percentage, flashing his in 33 games for the Wheat Kings, true potential. following a stellar 2015-16 campaign Likely to play the backup role where he netted 102 points in 72 behind Marc-André Fleury for games. Patrick will bring his com- Vegas, Pickard has shown flashes petitiveness, work ethic, puck skills, of brilliance and will undoubtedly

help the NHL’s newest team be competitive. If the “Flower” should suffer an injury, look for Pickard to grab the starter job and hold on.

Brendan Leipsic: Selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Expansion Draft

Potentially one of the best picks

by Golden Knights general manager George McPhee in the expansion draft was Leipsic. The Toronto Maple Leafs lost a promising young talent to Vegas.

The Winnipeg native has posted 124 points – 45 goals and 79 assists – in 141 games with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies over three seasons. Stuck behind a wealth of young talent, he was unable to crack the Leafs roster, except for a six-game stint in 2015-16 when he tallied three points.

The former Nashville Predators draft pick seems poised to finally get a full-time NHL roster spot, being a promising young talent for the fledgling Knights squad.

Cody Eakin: Selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Expansion Draft

The third Winnipegger taken by Vegas in the expansion draft, Eakin spent the last five years of his career with the Dallas Stars.

Over a 379 game NHL career, he has tallied 154 points - 65 goals and 89 assists.

Eakin will likely operate in the same capacity with Vegas, which boast the likes of William Karlsson, Erik Haula, Oscar Lindberg, the promising Tomas Nosek, and the aforementioned Leipsic at the centre position.

Patrick Sharp: Signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 1

Following an underwhelming stint with the Dallas Stars, Sharp will make his return to the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2017-18 season.

The Winnipeg-born winger recorded 28 goals and 45 assists with the Stars

in two seasons hampered by injuries.

Sharp returns to a Blackhawks club that he won three Stanley Cups with.

Sharp will likely slot in behind Brandon Saad on the wing, also returning to Chicago, on the team’s second line with Artem Anisimov and Patrick Kane.

Ryan Reaves: Traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins during the NHL Entry Draft

Looking to add some grit to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ cup-winning roster, the team traded away their first-round draft pick to acquire this Manitoban tough guy.

Yet another Winnipegger, Reaves has spent his entire seven-year career with the St. Louis Blues. Through 419 career NHL games he’s racked up 695 penalty minutes, chipping in 27 goals and 24 assists along the way. Only time will tell how this deal works for Pittsburgh as they flirt with dynasty status, chasing a three-peat in the 2017-18 season.