vol 107, iss 6, September 23, 2020

COMMENT

Safeguarding students and teachers

Keeping schools healthy requires further provincial precautions

VO L 1 0 7 · N O 0 6 · S e p t e m b e r 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 · W W W.T H EM A N I TO B A N .CO M

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Index

VOL. 107 NO. 06 September 23, 2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Matthew Doering

editor@themanitoban.com / 590.6446

BUSINESS MANAGER Alice Teufack

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Diego Castro

ads@themanitoban.com / 881.0663

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Ty Brass

me@themanitoban.com

NEWS EDITOR Amira Tekle

amira@themanitoban.com

NEWS EDITOR Gillian Brown

gillian@themanitoban.com

COMMENT EDITOR Lucas Edmond

comment@themanitoban.com

ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR Shaylyn Maharaj-Poliah

arts@themanitoban.com

SPORTS EDITOR Isaiah Wagner

sports@themanitoban.com

RESEARCH & TECH EDITOR Sarah Doran

research@themanitoban.com

COPY EDITOR Ursula Chojko-Bolec

copy@themanitoban.com

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Joshua Wesey

design@themanitoban.com

GRAPHICS EDITOR Jenelle McCann

graphics@themanitoban.com

VISUAL COMM. DEVELOPER Evan Tremblay

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ARTS AND CULTURE

From lights to bytes

Manitoba rural art show goes virtual

AUDIO AND VIDEO

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PHOTO EDITOR Alex Decebal-Cuza

visual@themanitoban.com

AUDIO EDITOR Tino Hove

audio@themanitoban.com

VIDEO EDITOR Nish Joshi

video@themanitoban.com

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Kathy Dinh

social@themanitoban.com

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

Kaelen Bell Emily Unrau-Poetker

A “volunteer staff” member is defined as a person who has had three volunteer articles, photographs, or pieces of art of reasonable length and/or substance published in three different issues of the current publishing year of the Manitoban. Any individual who qualifies must be voted in by a majority vote at a Manitoban staff meeting. Elected representatives and non-students may be excluded from holding votes as volunteer staff members in accordance with the Manitoban Constitution.

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The Manitoban is an independent and democratic student organization, open to participation from all students. It exists to serve its readers as students and citizens.

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vited to contribute to any section of the newspaper. Please contact the appropriate editor for submission guidelines. The Manitoban reserves the right to edit all submissions and will not publish any material deemed by its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic, ableist or libellous. Opinions expressed in letters and articles are solely those of the authors. Editorials in the Manitoban are signed and represent the opinions of the writer(s), not necessarily those of the Manitoban staff, Editorial Board, or the publisher.

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News

News Editors: Gillian Brown and Amira Tekle Contact: gillian@themanitoban.com amira @themanitoban.com

UMSU implements changes to health and dental plan

Increases in coverage for clinical psychology, chiropractic, physiotherapy and athletic therapy visits AMIRA TEKLE, STAFF

promise forged by the slate ‘UMSU For You’ in this past election,” he said.

“We saw a slight lack of coverage when it came to [physiotherapy] and [chiropractic] health coverage that we wanted to improve upon.”

Scott also noted that issues of mental health are becoming more prevalent among the student body.

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MSU recently revealed a reformed health and dental plan that sees the maximum coverage for certain services increase.

The plan, administered through StudentCare, is now offering increased coverage for visits to mental health practitioners, physiotherapists, athletic therapists and chiropractors.

The maximum coverage for visits to mental health practitioners, such as clinical psychologists, has risen from

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA

$1,000 to $1,250 per policy year, while coverage for physiotherapy and athletic therapy appointments has gone up to $500 per policy year for students on basic or enhanced health plans.

For students on enhanced health plans, maximum coverage for chiropractor visits has increased from $300 to $500 per policy year.

Basic plans are the less expensive option, which provides students with less coverage for a lower upfront cost

of $245 for the year. Enhanced plans provide more coverage at a costlier $345 for the year.

UMSU vice-president finance and operations Brendan Scott said the changes have been on the current executives’ minds since the UMSU elections that took place earlier this year.

“The impetus that caused us to increase the benefits of the health and dental plan came based on an election

“Mental health among students is a growing concern and we thought increasing the health coverage on it would be one of many ways to address it” — Brendan Scott, UMSU vice-president finance and operations “Mental health among students is a growing concern and we thought increasing the health coverage on it would be one of many ways to address

it.”

Scott said he found support for the plan in conversations with students.

“From what [executives] heard while tabling in [UMSU University Centre] for the two weeks of [the] election period, there was widespread support for the increase in coverage.”

He said the cost to UMSU for the increased coverage is very little for each increase in coverage.

Scott said the funds for the increases in coverage “comes from the fact that premiums for our plan have slightly declined as well as [the fact that] the plan has taken on 5,000 more students a year since the plan’s inception.”

Scott said he believes the newly changed plan will help students access the care they need.

“Overall, I think this will benefit students greatly,” he said.

“Mental health continues to be a growing problem and I hope by increasing the maximum amount students’ plans will cover, those who need help will be a little less worried about at what point their insurance runs out.

“The same can be said about the increase in physiotherapy and chiropractor coverage, we will see less instances of students’ insurance running out halfway through their [academic] sessions.”

Bison athletes gear up to take part in consent culture workshops Justice for Women hopes to ‘dismantle some of the rape culture that exists’ on campuses GILLIAN BROWN, STAFF

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or the first time, Bison athletes will participate in a consent culture workshop held by the U of M student group Justice for Women with a contribution of $1,000 from Student Affairs.

Justice for Women’s president Marni Russell said sexual violence on campus is most likely to occur within the first eight weeks of the school year.

Because of that, the group plans this October to hold nine workshops in total for the sports teams.

The consent culture workshop

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA

program has been ongoing for the past few years.

The upcoming programs, initiated

by Bison Sports and co-ordinated by consent culture workshop manager Riley Shannon, plan to cover the legal definition of consent and social expectations of consent. For the Bisons’ workshops specifically, additional topics of human sexuality and gender will also be covered.

“We want people to go above and beyond what is just not a crime when we discuss sexual consent,” said

Shannon.

He stressed the importance for people to have “at least a baseline understanding of consent and how we can dismantle some of the rape culture that exists.”

“If we’re aware of how some of our actions can contribute to that culture, we might be more conscious of that, to change some of those behaviours, but also call out those behaviours in others to create a safer space.”

Shannon said the initial plan was to begin with remote sessions and potentially transition later on to socially distanced workshops in person. However, he said more recently, the current climate “is not allowing for a lot of that to take place.”

“Even through Zoom, we can accomplish a lot,” Shannon said.

All athletes in all sports teams, both male and female, will participate in the program.

Lisa Tinley, associate director of athletics and recreation, said the workshops were initiated because Bison athletes “are seen as leaders on campus and are recognizable.”

“If we can promote the fact that they have taken the workshop, it might also be an incentive for others

to educate themselves on the subject matter.”

Shannon noted that especially in male sports, there’s a culture of masculinity that can “become a bit toxic

“We want people to go above and beyond what is just not a crime when we discuss sexual consent” — Riley Shannon, consent culture workshop manager and feed on itself.”

He hopes the workshop can help call out that culture and help to eliminate the high rate of sexual violence across university campuses.

“Within Winnipeg these past few months, and especially on Twitter, we saw a lot of people come forward with their experiences, and a lot of those

perpetrators found themselves in that popular, sports-esque clique either in high schools or now in universities, so obviously it’s an issue and we hope to address that,” he said.

Both Tinley and Shannon emphasized the importance of responding to disclosures appropriately.

“Something happens, and if you have someone that reveals to them that there was a sexual assault, I think it’s important that people know the proper steps to go through and where to guide people and to get resources and to make sure everyone is looked after,” Tinley said.

The sexual violence resource centre is open by phone and email for U of M staff, students and community members seeking support regarding an experience of sexual violence.

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Matthew Doering Contact: editor@themanitoban.com

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Reduced class sizes best bet for in-person instruction

Action should be taken before, not after, number of COVID-19 cases rise URSULA CHOJKO-BOLEC, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

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ess than three weeks after the What he fails to understand is first day of full-time school for that, if it is true that kids do learn elementary and secondary students better when physically attending in Manitoba, the province has seen a schools, it is only true under optimal spike in cases of the novel coronavirus circumstances. in some schools.

Do kids learn better in an enviStudents from kindergarten to ronment in which they are likely Grade 8 have returned full time, afraid due to the possible spread of while high school students are COVID-19? returning for up to five days a week if Do kids learn better from teachers physical distancing can be effectively who are under immense pressure to implemented. enforce sanitization, physical distancSadly, this was to be expected with ing and mask use? the province’s back to school plan.

Do kids learn better from teachers This unfortunate but anticipated who may feel uncomfortable being at news comes after a cry for help to the work each day?

Manitoba government from teachTo most, these questions answer ers, parents and community members themselves. asking for measures to be put in place What’s most upsetting is that for a safe return to school. remote learning is possible — The requests were not unreason- Pallister is simply choosing not to able: mandatory mask use for all go the safe route. teachers, staff and students, reducWhile some remote learning is to ing class sizes to incorporate physical be expected for high school students, distancing, assessing and updating online learning is only being used as a ventilation or filtration systems where last resort at one school that has seen necessary and providing employees a rise in COVID-19 cases, and only who wish to work from home oppor- after the cases have been confirmed. tunities to do so.

Even then, it is only Grades 6 to 8 In other words, the province was and a split class of Grades 4 and 5 stusimply asked to ensure a safe work dents that are switching to a remote environment for staff and a safe learn- learning environment. Beyond this, ing environment for students. remote learning will only be used for Premier Brian Pallister — a for- up to two weeks until it is designated mer teacher — has said that, despite “safe” to return to school. the dangers, “children learn better This is too little, too late. And this in schools.” won’t be the first time, either.

With the abrupt switches to buses, proper physical distancing is as frequently as recommended? It isn’t remote learning and no notice every out of the question. as easy as putting a bottle of hand time a series of confirmed cases sanitizer at the entrance to a room. occurs, teachers will struggle to This would require the child to, of prepare materials for online delivery their own accord, remember to use If mask use on and parents will have to scramble to sanitizer as often as needed. school buses is ensure someone is home with their Even if all the right precautions for children during the day. in-person learning are taken, parents as “mandatory” as This could have all been avoided simply do not know if their child is it is on Winnipeg sick and transmitting the novel corowith a plan for remote education — or a plan for shortened and divided navirus if he or she is asymptomatic. transit buses, we’re in-person learning — from the first This only heightens the risk of bringday of school. ing the virus causing COVID-19 into in big trouble Although the province took initiaschools and, sadly, the only way to tives to close schools back in March, avoid this is to adopt further safety the lack of interest in closing schools measures or to avoid in-person learnnow that the risks are much higher Does the government really ing altogether. is troubling. expect a bus full of kids to not only If in-person instruction is absoWhile the province did put some wear their masks properly, but to keep lutely necessary, children and staff measures in place for a safe reopen- their masks on at all times, even when deserve as much safety as possible. ing this fall, the efforts have already out of sight of adults? After all, it’s no This means smaller class sizes and proven to be inadequate. secret that children tend to defy rules part-time school days so all students In August, the province made given the chance. are able to return to school with a Further, if mask use on school higher chance that physical distancmasks mandatory in schools for students in Grades 4 to 12 when physical buses is as “mandatory” as it is on ing is able to be enforced. distancing is not possible.

Winnipeg transit buses, we’re in big Until the province takes conHowever, for children who are trouble. Though masks are required trol, the number of active cases of younger than the aforementioned age on transit buses, it’s rare to see the COVID-19 will likely continue to groups, it has been left to the dis- rule enforced. rise. cretion of parents to decide whether Although hand sanitizer placed their children should wear a mask at throughout a school may seem like school or not. an active step in the right direction, Although all students are required we must remember that proper sanito wear masks on the school bus, this tization requires initiative from the is a requirement that would be dif- students. ficult to enforce, and considering Can we expect young students to the number of children using school be sanitizing or washing their hands

VOL. 107 NO. 06 September 23, 2020

News

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Comment Comment Editor: Lucas Edmond Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

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Inexpensive ridesharing comes with long-term cost Welcoming Uber to Winnipeg could mean saying goodbye to unionized transportation LUCAS EDMOND, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

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he notorious tech giant Uber was workers’ pay rates by 25 per cent in company that has the leverage and welcomed to Winnipeg earlier the U.S. in order to boost its value resources to lay labour movements this summer with open arms by the both in absolute terms and to make its and state sanctioned decisions to rest municipal government and customers stock more attractive to Wall Street. in powerful and unrelenting manners. desiring a more modern and simple Uber drivers from across the coun- A local cab company placed in a simiway of hailing a ride after a night out. try rose with a collective strike but lar situation would never be able to Uber is well known globally as were met with a difficult truth: gig successfully carry out a capital strike. a middleman-eliminating mobile jobs, like the ones provided by Uber, Although the Supreme Court of app which provides effortless access are nearly unorganizable.

Canada has upheld Uber workers’ to drivers and payment options to While masses of workers decided rights to be recognized as employees customers at the tap of a button. But not to log hours that day, Uber was in a class-action lawsuit earlier this besides easy access to a ride, should not fundamentally fazed by the issue summer, the behaviour of Uber in Winnipeggers really have been so and did not budge to the strikers’ the U.S. context, nonetheless, diswelcoming to Uber? position. plays their priorities as a transnational While people’s affinity for the Recently, Uber has faced judicial company. ease that Uber provides is well docu- trials around North America which Ultimately, this is a force we have mented, so is the company’s blatant are attempting to force the company welcomed to our doorsteps. abuses of workers’ rights. to recognize their workers as official Beyond disrupting Uber workUber markets itself as a propo- employees as opposed to contract ers’ ability to unionize, the company nent of the “sharing economy” — an workers — a distinction which pre- could potentially hurt pre-existing idea which suggests people use their vents Uber workers from accessing unionized taxi jobs in Winnipeg as agency to act collaboratively and flex- the same rights that are afforded to well. ibly to offer services and fill demand “official” employees, rights such as a This story is not new, it’s the same where the formal market cannot — guaranteed minimum wage, vacation reason we have seen local corner but in reality, nothing could be fur- pay and other benefits. stores closing when new supercentres ther from the truth.

The company has recently open — local businesses simply canBehind the facade of flexibility responded to judicial hearings being not compete with the overwhelming and agency that Uber hides behind held in California by threatening a resources that massive transnationals is a powerful force that could poten- capital strike, divesting their money have at their disposal. tially end unionism in the ride-hail- and laying off workers en masse.

While Winnipeg has made Uber’s ing industry.

Before it could do so, however, access to our municipal market conThis is shown not only by the way courts afforded the company a ditional by forcing the company to the company manages itself, but reprieve to appeal the case after pre- follow similar regulations as other through its history and the economic viously ordering an unconditional local cab companies, Uber will likely mode of thought that facilitated its injunction to force Uber to give its still be able to offer better consumer creation. workers rights as employees. prices by maintaining bare-miniLast year, Uber unilaterally cut This is typical behaviour of a mum employment standards. This

may force local companies with union presences to put the hammer down and reduce wages and rates or to enforce large employment cuts to compensate for the added

in numerous U.S. cities and it has been correlated with the growth of Uber and other similar apps.

Winnipeggers cannot allow private conglomerates to dissolve public institutions and unions that are crucial for equitable living standards.

Manitoba Federation of Labour Behind the facade president Kevin Rebeck previously of flexibility and raised concerns about the tech company’s history of deregulation and agency that Uber their reliance on the exploitation of low-income workers. hides behind is a Uber’s so-called labour “f lexpowerful force that ibility” that the company claims is at the core of its brand and the way could potentially it attracts drivers is simultaneously a end unionism in the large source of its profit margins. Not having to afford employee benefits, ride-hailing industry vacation pay or a minimum wage on top of low pay rates grants Uber a great deal of its own flexibility in terms of what it can charge customers. competition.

Considering this, expect Uber to Either way, workers will suffer. do what it can to deregulate its posiBeyond hurting taxi companies, tion in Canada.

Uber has openly asserted it wants to The position we have placed our compete with public transportation transportation sector in is as precariand so far, it has been successful. ous as Uber workers’ employment.

Experts at a variety of universi- We have opened our doors to a comties have found that a large portion pany which may very well offer easier of Uber’s customer base would have access and cheaper rates for a ride opted to travel by transit if the ride- home, but at potentially devastating hailing company had not been availa- long-term costs. ble. This means the app could displace If we wish to maintain the labour our public transportation system. movement’s legacy, be sure to catch Bus ridership has already dropped a cab or bus and not an Uber.

VOL. 107 NO. 06 September 23, 2020

News

Chaos The Band creates second music video ALEXANDER DECBAL-CUZA

Chaos The Band films the yet unreleased music video for their upcoming song “Shopno,� which is planned to be released late September. This will be the second music video for the multicultural band that has written music in English, Bengali, Urdu and Hindi.

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Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Shaylyn Maharaj-Poliah Contact: arts@themanitoban.com

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’Toban cornertable Andrew Unger — ‘Once Removed’ EMILY UNRAU-POETKER

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istorically, the Mennonite presence in Manitoba has been of some significance but, aside from deserving credit for this province’s excellent agricultural record, what does it mean to have Mennonite heri-

Unger is the mind behind the elders to the “assimilated Mennonites” eration, and I found the disconnect Daily Bonnet, a satirical digital pub- of late, and everything in between, he felt as a result of this relatable. lication focusing on Mennonite life Unger’s portrayal is filtered through While I may disagree with Unger in rural Manitoba. Having grown up a humorous and critical lens with- as to how some low German words in a rural Mennonite context myself, are spelled, and which sides of the Unger’s short articles for the Daily river are jantsied and ditsied, even Unger provides Bonnet made me feel understood and this discord is accurate to the variappreciated, even as they poked fun ances in rural Mennonite life across a broad-strokes at everything familiar to me. southern Manitoba. depiction of rural Once Removed is Unger’s debut The Mennonite towns of southern novel, which is set against the backManitoba today are, themselves, once Mennonite life, and drop of the fictional community of removed from the town of Edenfeld: Edenfeld in southern Manitoba. you will seldom find a housebarn if you grew up in Timothy Heppner is a frustrated within town limits. Regardless, any Mennonite ghostwriter whose prospects appear Unger provides a broad-strokes depiction of rural Mennonite life, to be drying up. The mayor is on a context, you will mission to modernize, and Timothy’s and if you grew up in any Mennonite find something loyalties are divided between the local context, you will find something you Preservation Society and his desperarelate to. you relate to tion to keep his job with the parks and The exposition throughout the “wreck” department, tearing down novel, however, is not overly explanathe very buildings the society works tory, so if you lack this background to save. out malice. The food, genealogi- you will find there may be gaps in When hired to write a history of cal obsession and loss of language your understanding. the town, he is caught up in the world shared by these characters reminded The themes of this novel, progress of small-town politics and must find me of home and family continuously versus preservation, finding your his voice in order to tell the story of throughout. voice and identifying where your Edenfeld: past, present and future.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TURNSTONE PRESS Low German, or Plautdietsch, loyalties lie, are universal. Unger Once Removed makes use of the words are used throughout the novel. addresses them with humour and tage in this day and age? rural Mennonite context to explore Thrown into the middle of English tact, using the Mennonite context Drawing from his experiences the tension that inherently exists sentences, they are often employed as an effective vehicle. growing up in Steinbach, Man., between plain talk and propaganda, to drive a point home and are mostly author Andrew Unger provides a personal and professional pressures understandable from context. window into rural Mennonite life and progress and preservation.

Timothy speaks very little low today through his writing.

From the set-in-their-ways church German, as does most of my gen-

’Toban turntable Figure Walking — ‘Vertical/Horizontal,’ 4/5 KAELEN BELL

alien heart.

It’s very much a Winnipeg record, with references to familiar landmarks and feelings

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igure Walking’s 2017 debut, the Big Other, was lean and thrilling post-punk, a seedy dash through crowded city streets and purple alleyways, all steam and flickering streetlights. Its new record, the vibrantly tilted Vertical/Horizontal, is electrifying in equal measure, though it trades

feeling, a beautifully brief piece of alt-rock balladry.

The warmth of “Paradise” can be found woven subtly throughout the record, a certain Springsteenian heft and knack for chest-swelling melody that the duo releases in small, illuminating gasps.

It’s there in the driving one-two punch of “Indonesia” and “In it to Win it,” a taste of the classic songwriting chops that help hold the sharper, stranger side of their sound together.

Vertical/Horizontal contains another echo of the Boss in its specific sense of place — it’s very much a Winnipeg record, with references to familiar landmarks and feelings.

Gardiner and MacPherson mine the Prairies not for their homeliness and small-town warmth, but for their expansive strangeness — the outlandish quality of an endless and unbroken sky meeting endless and unbroken earth.

While it may have clear sonic forebears, Figure Walking has created something singular with Vertical/ Horizontal — in clearing space within the songs, the duo has made room for new sensations.

From the chintzy keyboard that dances across opener “Last Dollar (Green July)” to the rolling bass of the hypnotic “Heavy Rain,” there’s something unnerving about the world that drummer Rob Gardiner and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Greg MacPherson conjure on Vertical/ Horizontal. These songs move in stiff, disorienting jolts, embodying the strange double perspective of the record’s title.

MacPherson’s vocals are conversational and prodding — wordless PHOTO PROVIDED BY DISINTEGRATION RECORDS the winding avenues of the Big Other collapse, built from white space and hiccups and phrases repeated with for the transfixing strangeness of an held together by some peculiar ener- such fervor that they become unfaempty sky. getic current. This electric minimal- miliar. His voice adds further shadow There’s room for the wind to whis- ism pushes the record away from the and light to this world of right angles. tle through these arrangements, to more familiar post-punk of the Big However, it isn’t all inflexibilshift and rattle against the nervous Other and toward something skewed ity and sharp corners. The relative drums and spidery guitar — the and elusive — by paring the music to softness of the lovely “Paradise” is Want us to review your band? Email entire record feels on the verge of its bare essentials, the duo found its a welcome moment of earth-bound arts@themanitoban.com today!

VOL. 107 NO. 06 September 23, 2020

Arts & Culture

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The Manitoba Arts Council announces award recipient Alan Greyeyes discusses his contributions to the Indigenous music community SHAYLYN MAHARAJ-POLIAH, STAFF

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lan Greyeyes, an Indigenous music promoter and mentor of Indigenous artists, is the 2020 recipient of the Manitoba Arts Council’s award of distinction.

peer review.

Greyeyes has been working exclu“I got to see Indigenous artists take and iskwē. sively in the Manitoba music industry some incredible first steps.”

This year, to abide by COVIDfor almost 15 years.

19 health precautions, Greyeyes was “I was a big fan of magazine culture challenged with moving the festival and hip hop back in the early ’90s and online, a difficult transition to make.

“I’m not used that made me want to work on the “I believe that art deserts have the to being in the business side of the music industry,” same negative effects on our mental Greyeyes said. health that food deserts have on our spotlight, but I feel “I started with photography, physical well-being,” said Greyeyes, like awards help graphic design, website design and a “which is why the sākihiwē festival little editorial writing […] and then takes music to some of the divested us tell stories that built up more project management neighbourhoods in Winnipeg each year, but we weren’t able to do that skills and my grant writing chops. our resumes can’t That put me in a good position to this summer so I feel like we let the and I’m excited to families in those neighbourhoods and compete for a job in the non-profit arts world and when the aboriginal our community partners down.” see what kind of music program coordinator role at However, he continues to look to doors it opens for Manitoba Music came up, I was able the future and is currently working to convince the organization to give with partners in England and France me in the future” to establish the festival in Europe. me a shot. I spent 12 years there, met — Alan Greyeyes, some really great people and learned “I’m excited about the idea of PHOTO BY ELLA GREYEYES a lot.” extending this role to help new voices award recipient build momentum overseas.”

Over the years, Greyeyes established numerous festivals, awards, On being the recipient of this year’s award, Greyeyes is excited for residencies and other projects to supThe Manitoba Arts Council, an port and showcase the talent within Among his many accomplish- what lies ahead.

“I’m not used to being in the spotagency of the province of Manitoba, the Indigenous community. He said ments, one of his favourite projects awards this $30,000 prize every sec- he especially values the Indigenous is producing the annual sākihiwē light, but I feel like awards help us tell ond year to a Manitoban citizen for Music Residency program where he festival, which has been a launching stories that our resumes can’t and I’m outstanding artistic accomplishments mentors artists to develop both busi- pad for Indigenous artists, including excited to see what kind of doors it and contributions to the arts based on ness and artistic expertise.

A Tribe Called Red, Jeremy Dutcher opens for me in the future.”

Manitoba Rural Northern Juried Art Show goes online Community voting feature boosts artists’ exposure SARAH DORAN, STAFF

IMAGE PROVIDED BY CANDACE LIPISCHAK

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n the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, the Manitoba Rural Northern Juried Art Show (MRNJAS) has pivoted to an

online format. The show, run by the Manitoba Arts Network (MAN), displays the work of 56 artists from the Central, Eastman, Interlake,

Northern, Parkland and Westman regions.

Participants are usually chosen by winning their regional juried art shows. However, this year the MAN put out a call for submissions instead, selecting several from each region with the help of a three-person board.

The results include a range of mediums from painting and photography to sculpture and textiles.

Nicole Shimonek, marketing and visual arts coordinator at the MAN, was enthusiastic about the unexpected benefits of a digital format, including a community voting system.

“The fact that we’re doing this online voting and having a voter’s choice award, we’re really increasing every artist’s exposure,” Shimonek said.

“Artists are getting a lot more people looking at their individual artworks than if they would just be in a gallery, so I think there’s benefits to both having a physical exhibition and then also online.”

Shimonek also emphasized the value in taking advantage of technological expertise to best fulfill the requirements of an art show.

“It was really important for us to work with a professional to deal with the fact that we have a shop, and we have a voting structure, and we have all the regions — six regions on six different gallery pages — and that was all basically the developer,” she said.

“Anybody that would be doing something like this, I think hiring a developer is really worth it — especially because we’re still running all of our programs at the same time.”

Though the online gallery only began because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MAN will continue

“I think there’s benefits to having both a physical exhibition and then also online” —Nicole Shimonek, visual arts and marketing coordinator, Manitoba Arts Network using it to showcase artists who do not live in Winnipeg, with Shimonek calling it “a really exciting initiative” for the MAN. However, moving the MRNJAS online is not the only change the organization has made due to the pandemic.

The annual Manitoba Showcase, which normally takes place in October, has been cancelled entirely

for 2020, though it will return in Gimli, Man. next year. Programs that normally run alongside the showcase are still ongoing, such as the Indigenous emerging artists mentorship intensive and the RBC emerging artist mentorship program, both aimed at musicians.

The MAN has also started a webinar series on Wednesdays for its members, covering a variety of topics and often featuring guests. Other online programming has included livestreamed pitching sessions and one-on-one coaching.

“It’s been really good because a lot of the people we connect with are rural Manitobans, so having the opportunity for rural Manitobans to dial in and have a discussion and learn from different topics that we post on Wednesdays is really valuable,” said Shimonek.

The MRNJAS online gallery is available at artgallery.manitobaartsnetwork.ca until Jan. 4, 2021. Several artworks are available for purchase in the site’s shop. Members of the public can vote for their favourite artworks until Oct. 20 and voter’s choice awards will be announced at the Zoom launch party on Oct. 22.

Diversions Graphics Editor: Jenelle McCann Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com

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Sports Sports Editor: Isaiah Wagner Contact: sports@themanitoban.com

Lightning take on the Stars in 2020 Stanley Cup finals Preview and prediction ISAIAH WAGNER, STAFF

Meanwhile, the Stars offence, although strong, is going to have a tough time matching the elite-scoring offensive team in the Lightning.

Advantage: Lightning

Defence

Now this is a tough one to call.

The Stars have elite Finnish

The Lightning’s last Stanley Cup win was in 2004, while the Stars have won just one, in 1999, since their founding in 1967 PHOTO TAKEN FROM NHL WEBSITE

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fter a long and unique 2020 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, we have finally been awarded a final.

The Dallas Stars and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing off in a best-of-seven series in the Edmonton, Alta. bubble.

The Lightning’s last Stanley Cup win was in 2004, while the Stars have won just one, in 1999, since their founding in 1967.

Here, we’ll take a look at the matchup between these two teams, with analysis broken down into three categories — offence, defence and goaltending.

Offence

The battle between the top lines of each team are going to be a big part of who wins the series. The Stars’s top line Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin

and Alexander Radulov will have a tough battle against the Lightning’s Ondrej Palat, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov.

Kucherov, with 26 points, and Point, with 25, are the league leaders in the playoffs so far.

The Lightning have been the top goal-scoring team in the league in four of the past six seasons, including each of the past three.

defenceman Miro Heiskanen, third overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft.

Currently, Heiskanen is leading all 2020 playoff defencemen in scoring with 23 points.

Heiskanen is the best offensive player on the Stars, even as a defenceman.

On the other side, the Lightning have stud defenceman Victor Hedman, not only one of the top defenders, but one of the top players in the NHL. Hedman leads all

defencemen in the playoffs with 9 goals.

The defensive advantage all depends on who plays better, Heiskanen or Hedman.

Advantage: Tie

Goaltending

The Stanley Cup final could be known as the battle of the Russian goalies.

Andrei Vasilevskiy and Anton Khudobin have both been difference makers for their teams so far in the playoffs, Vasilevskiy leading with 14 wins and Khudobin a close second with 13.

Despite the nearly even record between the two during the playoffs, Vasilevskiy has been one of the best goalies in the league in the past seasons, and in this matchup, Khudobin doesn’t appear to stand a chance.

Advantage: Lightning

Prediction: Lightning win in seven games

The Stars have been a great story during these playoffs, but the elite forwards for the Lightning and the play of Vasilevskiy might just be what gives the team every hockey player’s ultimate dream.

Sports

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Sports Editor: Isaiah Wagner Contact: sports@themanitoban.com

MJHL expands with the Winnipeg Freeze

New team finds a home alongside the existing Winnipeg Blues ISAIAH WAGNER, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KEVIN SAURETTE

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he Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) announced on Sept. 4 that they will be expanding.

Winnipeg is to be rewarded a second team, later revealed to be named the Winnipeg Freeze.

The team will share its home city with the existing Winnipeg Blues, a staple of the MJHL for over a century.

The Freeze will be Winnipeg’s fifth major men’s hockey team along with the Blues, the Winnipeg Ice, the Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose. The team is under the ownership of 50 Below Sports and Entertainment, who also owns the Winnipeg Blues and the Winnipeg Ice. Josh Green, a former assistant coach for both the Winnipeg Ice and Winnipeg Blues, will serve as head coach and general manager of the Freeze. Green’s playing career included time with the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and several other NHL teams over 10 seasons.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be a head coach,” Green said in a statement.

“It’s a great opportunity to work and develop young hockey players

who are looking to forward their hockey careers.”

With the addition of the Freeze, the league will now have 12 teams to compete for the championship.

Expansion can be a tough process, but 50 Below and MJHL commissioner, Kevin Saurette, seem to have a strong relationship.

“The relationship with 50 below Sports and Entertainment is positive as they are a group we have familiarity, confidence and trust in,” said Saurette.

“They have been a good member in standing within the MJHL since they joined the league last season.”

According to Saurette, the idea for the expansion came from both the MJHL and 50 Below.

“It was mutually discussed by both parties before it was brought forth to the MJHL’s full board of governors to be further discussed for approval,” he said.

“Expansion during this environment is obviously very unique, however the benefits far outweighed any negative reasonings and the expansion request was approved accordingly.”

It may be tough to become a popular team in Winnipeg due to the considerable number of major sports teams that are already here, but Saurette does not see that as a problem for the Freeze.

“They have a strong management team that will do a great job with branding and promotion as they enter the MJHL this season as the fifth major hockey team in the Winnipeg market,” he said.

“This season also brings on a unique opportunity for the MJHL brand overall, both in the rural markets and the city, as we may be the only hockey league playing within our province for the foreseeable future.”

Adam Guercio, U of M student and sports fan, voiced his excitement to welcome the Freeze to Winnipeg.

“As a hockey fan, [the] more hockey, the better,” Guercio said.

“With COVID-19 sticking around, it gives people something to look forward to.”

The presence of five teams is a significant accomplishment for any city and is exciting for Manitoban hockey fans.

“The Winnipeg Freeze is a great addition to an already impressive amount of Winnipeg hockey teams,” Guercio said.

Expansion during this environment is obviously very unique — Kevin Saurette, MJHL commissioner

“With Winnipeg being such a hockey city, it is great for people to have more teams to follow.”

Not only is the addition of another MJHL team to Winnipeg good for the city’s hockey fans, but it may be a boon for the University of Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey team.

Last season, 16 of the Bisons’ 25 players had previously played in the MJHL. “I think it is a great thing for the

Bisons,” said Guercio.

“On their roster, they have many previous MJHL players and another team in Winnipeg should add on to that in the future.”

The Freeze and the Blues will be sharing a home for the next little while, with the new team set to play out of the Rink Training Centre alongside the Blues for the beginning of the 2020-21 season.

The Freeze will make their regular season debut at home against the Steinbach Pistons on Oct. 9, and the team’s first game against the Winnipeg Blues is set for Oct. 23.

Domestic travel restrictions enacted due to the current pandemic won’t be an issue for the Freeze after chief provincial public health officer Brent Roussin’s recent announcement that the province’s ban on travel north of the 53rd parallel has been amended to allow sports teams to attend games.

Saurette is positive on the whole about the league’s expansion and the prospects of the new team.

“The MJHL is excited to welcome the Winnipeg Freeze for the upcoming season.”