vol 107 iss 2, July 22, 2020

NEWS

‘There’s nothing left’

Hundreds sign petition to save photo club’s darkroom after fire damages University Centre

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SPORTS

ARTS AND CULTURE

Wog’s wins

Absolutely Indspiring

Top female athlete, hopeful future Olympian

Justice for Women founder receives award

PAGE 18

PAGE 17

EDITORIAL

The speed of safety Lowered residential speed limits could save lives PAGE 10

VO L 1 0 7 · N O 2 · J U LY 2 2 , 2 0 2 0 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

Index

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VOL. 107 NO. 2 JULY 22, 2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Matthew Doering

editor@themanitoban.com / 590.6446

BUSINESS MANAGER Alice Teufack

NEWS

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No bones about it

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U of M professor joins Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Grace Paizen

PAGE 6

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

JUNIOR RESEARCH EDITOR Mario Mendez Diaz

mario@themanitoban.com

COPY EDITOR Ursula Chojko-Bolec

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DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Joshua Wesey

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GRAPHICS EDITOR Jenelle McCann

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VISUAL COMM. DEVELOPER Evan Tremblay

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WEB DEVELOPER Ty Brass

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AUDIO AND VIDEO

PHOTO EDITOR Alex Decebal-Cuza

photo@themanitoban.com

AUDIO EDITOR Tino Hove

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VIDEO EDITOR Nish Joshi

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SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Kathy Dinh

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VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS Kaelen Bell Jared Rost Dominique Wightman

COMMENT

Necessary caution

Pallister’s response to the pandemic puts Manitobans at risk PAGE 14

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News

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

U of M continues with tuition increase during pandemic Provincial post-secondary budget cuts to go into one-time institution support fund GILLIAN BROWN, STAFF

I

n the midst of a global COVID19 pandemic, the U of M has announced that, as outlined in the 2020-21 budget, tuition for undergraduate and graduate classes will be increased by an average of 3.75 per cent beginning this fall. Most courses offered in the fall 2020 semester will be remote learning classes.

The tuition plan, developed beginning about a year earlier by Todd Mondor, deputy provost (academic planning and programs), was based on the one per cent — or $3.5 million — reduction in the university’s operating grant from the province and was approved by the board of governors and announced May 19.

Mondor said the increase was a necessary step.

“We need to have a certain amount of revenue coming in to support everything that we do,” he said.

“It’s sort of a last resort, increasing student tuition.”

He said half of the money for the operating budget comes from the province and a quarter comes from tuition. The remainder comes from university services as well as other grants, donations and investment income.

To set the tuition increases in each faculty, tuition rates across other Canadian post-secondary institutions were consulted, but the U of M maintains the lowest tuitions across Western Canada.

Students in the arts, education and medicine faculties will see an increase of seven per cent.

Students in the environment, health sciences, kinesiology, management programs and the faculty of science will see their tuition increased by 5.5 per cent.

The agricultural and food sciences, architecture and music faculties as well as the fine arts program will have an increase of 3.75 per cent while tuition for engineering, law and social work will increase 2.25 per cent.

PHOTO BY ALEX DECEBAL-CUZA

The school of dental hygiene and Mondor. economic recovery,” it read. spending, limited reordering of supthe colleges of dentistry, medical A source of concern for the U of “Employees displaced in the eco- plies and left vacant positions empty. rehabilitation, nursing and pharmacy M since the pandemic hit has been nomic downturn will be turning to In addition to the provincial cuts, will see the lowest increase at one provincial announcements of fund- our institutions to refresh their skills the university is bracing for further per cent. ing cuts for the purpose of helping and connect to work. We have busi- revenue loss through the non-operAll graduate programs will Manitoba financially during the nesses who need employees with ation or low operation of university see a 3.75 per cent specific skills services. and abilities “If [the cut to the operating grant] increase, excluding the master of busi- “If [the cut to the operating grant] continues and individuals continues next year, it’s going to be ness administration who need good hard to keep everything going,” he next year, it’s going to be hard to keep and the master of jobs. We want said. finance programs in our students At the May 19 board of governors everything going” — Todd Mondor, deputy to succeed in meeting, the board expressed concern the Asper school of business. t hei r s t ud- over the impact the budget proposal provost (academic planning and programs) Wit h i n the ies and secure will have on students experiencing approved tuition employment unprecedented hardships along with changes is also a new lab fee structure pandemic. that provides a high quality of life the impact of the pandemic on enrolbased on lab delivery costs along with In April, the provincial govern- for themselves and their families.” ment and the communication with an increase in the Desautels faculty ment asked the U of M to prepare It also said that “going forward, students about the tuition increases. of music’s major and minor practi- for budget cuts of up to 30 per cent. there will need to be more attenMondor said “the university is cal study fees from $50 to $500, to be This was more recently brought tion paid to supply and demand in sympathetic to students and their phased in over a period of four years down to a five per cent — or $17.3 mil- our workforce,” and that the focus families, yet revenue must increase with the goal to bring the costs closer lion — reduction. should be on providing students with in order to maintain and enhance A four per cent reduction is only the skills necessary to “facilitate a programs, supports and services.” to music programs at other Canadian institutions. for this year, but the predetermined quicker connection to employers He said bursaries for students in International students’ tuition one per cent cut will be ongoing. The upon completion.” need of financial aid will be increased will increase the same percentage as approved U of M tuition increases On May 25, the previously “as much as possible” within the condomestic students, with the exception take only the planned one per cent announced one per cent ongoing straints of the budget. of international budget reduction UMSU executives Jelynn PhD students, from the univer- Dela Cruz and Kristin Smith and who will pay the “Especially given the financial hardships sity — along with UMGSA president Silvia Sekander same amount as the four per cent opposed the motion to increase a lot of, if not almost all of, the student domestic PhD one-time pan- tuition.

The reaction from U of M understudents. demic-related cut population is going through, it’s just not The — were announced graduate and graduate students has the time to be raising [tuition] yet again” — to be redirected to been unsupportive overall.

International Col lege of a transitional supEmma Cheal-Brownlee, a firstEmma Cheal-Brownlee, U of M student Manitoba and port fund of $25.6 year student, said “tuition is not all the U of M intermillion. of the expenses that are a part of the nat iona l cenThe fund will university experience.” tre declined to be made available She drew attention to the fact comment. reduction into account. to institutions after the province that students are also responsible for With these increases, internaIn a letter sent May 25 from the receives the schools’ plans to orient housing, course materials and fees, tional students in engineering should provincial department of economic programs toward the labour mar- and feels like “that’s not being taken expect to pay $715 more per year, and development and training to the kets, ensure high-quality education into account.” those in arts and science will be pay- university, the importance of post- through online materials and tools “Especially given the financial ing approximately $950 more for a full secondary education and students and to address international student hardships a lot of, if not almost all course load. in the rebuilding of the economy enrolment challenges. of, the student population is going Though the increases were and their role in the workforce was Mondor said that to offset the through, it’s just not the time to be planned before the COVID-19 out- emphasized. budget reductions, the university raising [tuition] yet again,” she added. break, “there was no contemplation “Our colleges and universities will has limited travel and conference to stop the tuition increases,” said play a critical role in our province’s attendance, halted all discretionary

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News

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

New U of M president set to lead through pandemic

Former U of M dean Michael Benarroch begins tenure as president and vice-chancellor JARED ROST

PHOTO BY MS ALIA YOUSSEF

F

ollowing the completion of former U of M president David Barnard’s tenure, Michael Benarroch began his term as the University of Manitoba’s 12th president and vicechancellor July 1.

The new president’s focus is on “where we want to go next as a university.”

He said the “University of Manitoba is an essential and critical part of the province and of the economy of Manitoba, and the economy and the world are constantly changing,” and he wants the university to reflect that.

His plans for the U of M focus on establishing it as a leading research institution among its peers in Western Canada.

Another priority is cultivating a space for marginalized communities to both academically succeed and feel safe by ensuring the university is an institution that “confronts racism in all its forms and responds meaningfully to the challenges we have around these issues.

“It’s incumbent on us as a university to take a lead in these areas,” he said, drawing special attention to the 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRCC).

Returning home Moroccan-born, Benarroch immigrated to Winnipeg with his family when he was three years old

and was the first generation in his home even though I was [living] in family to attend university, receiv- Toronto, so I’m really excited about ing his bachelor’s degree from the the opportunity to come back,” he University of Winnipeg, his master’s later added. degree from Western University and Benarroch is a familiar face at the his doctorate degree from Carleton U of M, known for his time as the University, all in economics. dean of the school of business from Following the completion of his 2011 to 2017. During his tenure, he PhD, he spent almost 20 years as a proposed a five-year plan which has professor at the U of W and was the led the faculty to the forefront of the founding dean of the U of W’s fac- business community. ulty of business and economics. He Among his successes are improvewent on to serve as the dean of the ments to the U of M’s Indigenous U of M’s Asper school of business business education program. Under for over five years and is currently an his leadership, the program saw internationally recognized economist, unparalleled growth, with more an award-winning community mem- Indigenous students graduating than ber and a leader with extensive board ever before. In addition to this, his experience. plan saw significant growth in graduMost recently, he served as the ate student programs and the instituprovost and vice-president academic tion of a master of finance program, at Ryerson University for just over along with international exchange three years. During his tenure, he programs and research funding. led truth and reconciliation efforts Benarroch looks fondly back on and contributed to the develop- his time as dean, calling it “a really ment of a new academic plan which exciting six years. emphasized advancing Indigenous “There was never a dull moment. initiatives, community and urban It was action-packed and everybody partnerships, innovation, graduate pushed each other to constantly be studies and student experience. better during that time.

After his work at Ryerson, “I think we laid the groundwork for Benarroch is looking forward to the continued growth and success of returning to Manitoba. the school.”

“I think my values and my beliefs To welcome a new leader, an old around higher education, around one must leave. On June 30, the U of what we want for our province, I M said goodbye to David Barnard. think those really align very well Over his 12-year term, Barnard with the [U of M],” he said. increased both the Indigenous and “I never stopped calling Winnipeg international student populations and

led the U of M to philanthropy and research successes.

“I think my values and beliefs around higher education, around what we want for our province, I think those really align very well with the [U of M]” — Michael Benarroch, U of M president and vice-chancellor Barnard also spearheaded truth and reconciliation efforts by being the first leader of a post-secondary institution to make a formal apology in front of the TRCC. In recognition of his achievements, he has been appointed president emeritus, an honour given only to presidents who have served at least five years and have rendered distinguished service to the university during their term.

Barnard is only the third person to receive this honour. He follows the ninth U of M president Arnold Naimark, for his work in promot-

ing health sciences research at a national and provincial level along with creating the department of family medicine.

He also comes after the 10th president, Emőke Szathmáry, who, during her time as president, doubled Indigenous enrolment, tripled international enrolment, tripled sponsored research income, built a dozen new research facilities and helped the university undertake a $237 million philanthropic campaign.

Benarroch commended Barnard’s accomplishments.

“Over the 12 years, the university has taken its place amongst global universities, not just Canadian universities, and I think it’s a real credit to the work that he did in his position,” Benarroch said.

Entering his tenure during a pandemic, Benarroch already has plans in place for the U of M’s future. In terms of COVID-19, he emphasized a safe reopening.

“I think the U of M has put a good plan in and I think what we’ll start to see is a slow reopening, a safe reopening of campus,” he said.

“COVID has sent us all a shockwave and it’s not quite how we all want it to be working at this time,” he added. “But, I think it’s incredible how the community has come together and been able to continue to deliver education of the highest quality.

“It’s what inspires me every day.”

News

VOL. 107 NO. 2 JULY 22, 2020

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UM photo club losing darkroom after fire at UC 116 University Centre is being renovated into ‘bookable’ spaces AMIRA TEKLE, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE UM PHOTO CLUB

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he existence of the UM photo club is in jeopardy after a fire took place outside UMSU University Centre (UC) March 13.

The student club is one of the oldest on campus, dating back 50 years.

Photo club president and computer science student John Baptista wants UMSU to continue providing a space for the long-standing club.

According to Baptista, the photo club has roughly 50 members with more students coming in to use the darkroom services. The club uses its space to store equipment, hold workshops, congregate, take members on walkabouts and provide a darkroom to develop photos either for free or at a low cost.

The club offered free development for black and white photos for members and $2 development for colour photos.

“A lot of the students come in because our prices at our darkroom are really good compared to other public darkrooms around the city,” Baptista said.

The photo club is now being pushed out of its permanent space in UC. The space included the last public darkroom at the U of M. Baptista said the photo club needs the darkroom and storage space at 116 University

Centre to function. on deaf ears.

“Running the club without a space The photo club then received corwould be very logistically difficult,” respondence from Thomas Blumer he said.

— UMSU’s general manager — on Baptista said the first contact March 31 saying the photo club would from UMSU regarding the fire was no longer have sole use of the space. from UMSU service centre manager According to Baptista, Blumer Leeandra Wren March 23 to tell them said “This situation has prompted to vacate their space and remove all UMSU to re-evaluate how our space items due to the damage caused to is used currently.” the space by the fire.

“Later on in the email [he said] “Basically just [saying] ‘There was a ‘Unfortunately, we can’t give you a fire […] can you please take your stuff room,” Baptista said. out of the room because we need to do repairs,’” Baptista recalled.

He said all members of the photo “We didn’t feel like club executive team are storing club we were heard” — equipment in their homes and a storage unit they purchased after being John Baptista, photo refused alternative storage space by club president UMSU. Baptista said he was concerned about the future of the darkroom from the beginning and asked Wren Blumer declined to comment for to clarify about whether it would this article. remain a darkroom and how long Baptista said he was told that repairs would take.

UMSU is trying to move away from “She responded [that] it would take permanent club spaces to “rentable around 18 months and ‘I’m not sure spaces.” how it will look after,’” he said.

“This makes sense for clubs, but for Baptista said the club requested our club which needs the darkroom, to see the reconstruction proposal needs the space, needs the storage, tender and the contract work plan it wouldn’t be very valuable for us,” to get a better idea of what the space he said. would look like, but the inquiry fell Baptista said that due to “the

nature of our club, we need a space Szocs said the affected spaces are “not going to exist in the same way to do what we need to do.”

Baptista said the photo club that they did before the fire occurred.” started a Change.org petition due to She said access to the spaces frustration over not making progress affected by the fire will not be poswith UMSU executives and staff. He sible for another two years, and the said the photo club was not properly club darkroom space at 116 University informed of the removal of the dark- Centre will no longer exist due to a room and UMSU failed to give the redesign of the affected area. club any say in the process.

Szocs said UMSU cannot give an “We didn’t feel like we were heard,” alternative space to the photo club he said. because it is impossible to give all “At this point, we’re not getting student clubs their own dedicated anywhere — we can’t talk to [Wren spaces. and Blumer], we can’t talk to [UMSU “There are [many] student clubs president Jelynn Dela Cruz]. What that exist that are recognized through are we going to do?”

UMSU at the university right now.

The petition was launched on May As much as we wish that we could 10 and calls for Dela Cruz, UMSU give all […] clubs their own private vice-president student life Savannah space to work in […] unfortunately, Szocs, Blumer and Wren to make we don’t have jurisdiction over efforts to save the darkroom. Baptista [that many] different spaces at the said the photo club is overwhelmed university. and pleased with the support — the “We 100 per cent respect the work petition has garnered over 600 sig- they’ve put into their club, communatures to date. nity and the services that they provide However, Baptista and other to students,” Szocs said. members of the club were able to Szocs said the goal for UMSU in see the progress of the renovations these renovations is to provide more in person and he describes the room clubs with an opportunity to use the as “flattened.” spaces to gather and meet.

“There’s nothing left.”

“We want to provide as many stuThe club is now left trying to work dent clubs on campus as possible with with UMSU to secure another space the opportunity to have access to an on campus. office space.”

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News

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

Research and Technology

Professor working with Fossil Discovery Centre

Research into extinct teeth to improve knowledge of prehistoric Manitoba SARAH DORAN, STAFF

U

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CANADIAN FOSSIL DISCOVERY CENTRE

niversity of Manitoba assistant professor of paleontology Kirstin Brink has taken an adjunct vertebrate curator position with the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC) in Morden, Man. The centre boasts the largest collection of marine vertebrate fossils in Canada.

Brink’s role involves advising the CFDC on initiatives involving its fossil collection and field sites, as well as providing a conduit between the resources at the centre and the university.

“The main goal of my adjunct curator position will be to highlight the existing collection of the CFDC in

terms of research potential and to grow the collection through fieldwork,” Brink said.

“There will be plenty of opportunities for students to work on honours theses, M.Sc. and PhD projects focused on the fossils of Manitoba.”

Brink is the first academic vertebrate paleontologist with the CFDC since the 1980s, when Elizabeth Nicholls helped expand the centre’s collection of marine fossils.

One specimen of a plesiosaur, discovered in 2004 and extracted in 2005, is nicknamed “Betsy” in Nicholls’s honour.

“A lot of the plesiosaur’s bones

are still covered in sediment from the field, so work needs to be done before research can be completed,” Brink said.

“CFDC staff and researchers have shown that the specimen has associated gut contents, so we can tell what the plesiosaur’s last meal was before dying.

“These interactions are hard to find in the fossil record.”

Teeth play a large role in Brink’s research. Her work focuses on the evolution and development of teeth and bones, as well as how those changes interact with the animal’s environment.

“Right now, I am very interested in the teeth of Cretaceous-aged animals found in Manitoba,” Brink said.

Betsy the plesiosaur is particularly interesting for Brink because the specimen has a full set of teeth.

“Teeth are very useful because they give us an idea of what an animal ate and their role in ancient ecosystems […] I will be working on projects with undergraduate and graduate students looking at the microstructure and the chemical composition of these teeth to understand in great detail how they are formed and what information they can give us about tooth function.

“In order to better understand the development, diet and lifestyle of extinct animals, data collected from these teeth will be compared to data collected from living animals, since we can watch living animals grow and interact with their environment.”

“The main goal of my adjunct curator position will be to highlight the existing collection of the CFDC” — Kirstin Brink, assistant professor of paleontology Most vertebrate animal fossils in Manitoba are marine fossils. The deposits around the CFDC date from the late Cretaceous period, roughly 80 million years ago, when the Western Interior Seaway split North America in half. Brink calls the province’s fossils “relatively underexplored” in comparison to other Prairie provinces,

since Alberta and Saskatchewan are internationally known for their animal fossils, particularly dinosaurs.

Brink’s research on teeth at the U of M will help her and other paleontologists understand aspects of life in the prehistoric Western Interior Seaway. The process involves cutting fossils into tiny pieces and examining them using technology like powerful microscopes and computed tomography (CT) scans.

“The nanostructure of bones and teeth can be used to determine how extinct animals grew and under what conditions, which in turn gives us clues to how these animals interacted with their environment and what the planet was like when they were alive,” Brink said.

The CFDC runs over 30 active dig sites in southern Manitoba, where the general public can join researchers and staff in excavating fossils. The 2020 dig site tours have been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but the CFDC galleries are open to visitors and Brink remains optimistic.

“This will give us a chance to prepare for next season by searching for new, significant quarries that could be opened for public participation next year,” she said.

Research and Technology

Scholar integrates Indigenous knowledge and science

Myrle Ballard aims to explore how science can learn from traditional knowledge MARIO MENDEZ DIAZ, STAFF

management communities should be consulted.

A

lecture by assistant professor and Indigenous scholar Myrle Ballard — part of the U of M’s Science Public Online Talks (SPOT) series — explored how the lexicology of the Anishinaabemowin language is descriptive of ecosystems and their inhabitants. The lecture, which took place July 10, also emphasized how science can benefit from Indigenous knowledge.

Ballard’s lecture delved into Indigenous expertise, showcasing how Anishinaabemowin indicates properties of an ecosystem, such as water flow, weather and fishing patterns.

“We have our own knowledge base that has existed with us [for] a long time, since time immemorial,”

PHOTO BY ALEX DECEBAL-CUZA

Ballard said in the lecture.

“If you don’t engage the knowledge Anishinaabemowin also con- holders when you do planning, you tains specific and concise animal are going to miss a lot of important descriptors. details regarding the land,” she added.

“We have descriptors of the variBallard said she believes bringing ous animals,” Ballard said. “For Indigenous knowledge to science — example, ‘ajidamoo’ refers to squir- what she calls “Indigenizing science” rel. ‘Ajidamoo’ means the way the — will complement the relationship animal moves […] These descriptors between culture, spirituality, envican be used for behaviour and base- ronment and sustainability. She proline indicators.” posed that Indigenous peoples be the Indigenous science involves “first responders,” the voice for land, knowledge of the community. When people, flora and fauna. planning for community develop“We are the ones that know what ment, Ballard said it is important to is at risk,” Ballard said. include the rich oral history and tra“We know what the species are — dition of Indigenous peoples. what’s happening with the species.

“Within western science […] com- The science goes a long way, it’s not munity planning involves knowledge just about flora and the fauna.” of the land,” she said.

Ballard thinks that in disaster

“If you don’t engage the knowledge holders when you do planning, you are going to miss a lot of important details” — Myrle Ballard, associate professor and Indigenous scholar “When they want to release water, they have to consult because the Indigenous knowledge users will be the ones that know what’s happening with the land and what’s happening with the fish,” she said.

The federal government’s Species at Risk Act — which protects endangered and dwindling species in Canada — requires advisory bodies to implement subcommittees specializing in Indigenous traditional knowledge in order to assist with wildlife reports.

As highlighted by Ballard, a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada — whose work has been transferred to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the U of M — calls upon the government to “provide the necessary funding to post-secondary institutions to educate teachers on how to integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms.” This is an end Ballard’s current research focuses on.

Ballard, an Anishinaabe from Lake St. Martin First Nation, received her PhD in natural resources management and policy from the U of M in 2012.

In her work, Ballard has been a part of numerous advisory bodies related to biodiversity and Indigenous peoples, such as the provincial ecological reserves advisory committee, the Winnipeg regional health authority and the provincial clean environment commission.

In February, Ballard was awarded funding through the University Indigenous Research Program and the University Collaborative Research Program. This funding will aid her in establishing a framework in which Indigenous aquatic knowledge and western science can work together.

VOL. 107 NO. 2 JULY 22, 2020

News

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Research and Technology

U of M libraries offer access beyond online catalogue

Improved access available for eligible students, faculty members MARIO MENDEZ DIAZ, STAFF

PHOTO BY ALEX DECEBAL-CUZA

T

he U of M research community — particularly graduate students and faculty — have one less obstacle in their academic work amid the ongoing pandemic.

Starting July 15, as part of the gradual reopening of services, the University of Manitoba Libraries (UML) launched a curbside pickup program.

Eligible students and faculty are now able to request and access hard copies of items in the library

undergraduate students might need collection.

Based out of Elizabeth Dafoe to wait for an equivalent service until Library, the program features mate- September. rials from all libraries on both U of Lack of immediate access to M campuses. physical resources delays research.

While the curbside pickup pro- Additionally, graduate students gram is only available to faculty, often require materials not available postdoctoral researchers and gradu- digitally. ate students, a service that includes The safety measures implemented undergraduate students is in the — while necessary — could force works. some graduate students to purchase According to an announcement materials themselves.

by Lisa O’Hara, university librarian, Materials requested through this

program will be quarantined before delivery for the safety of staff and students.

Results of a study released June 22 by the Reopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM) project found that the virus responsible for causing COVID-19 is not detectable on library materials such as hardback book covers, plain paper pages and DVD cases after three days. The REALM project is in part executed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an organization in charge of research and policy for libraries and museums in the United States.

Requesting materials could take up to 10 days, quarantine and shipping included.

The curbside pickup measure comes as the second initiative aimed at offering access beyond the scope of materials available digitally.

On June 17, UML introduced on-demand scanning of items in the physical collection.

In accordance with copyright law, library staff will generally be scanning up to 10 per cent of an item. The library is also offering to purchase e-book versions of materials, if digital versions are available.

An aspect of graduate student life

inevitably lost to the current situation is navigating the library halls in

While the curbside pickup program is only available to faculty, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, a service that includes undergraduate students is in the works search of additional resources.

Online access to library resources and services has gone uninterrupted, but access to library facilities remains indefinitely suspended since its announcement March 20.

Due dates for lent library items were extended until Aug. 21, but students may still turn in materials through the return bin outside the Elizabeth Dafoe Library.

Anthropology department to offer COVID-19 course Course set to explore cultural response and effects of the pandemic GILLIAN BROWN, STAFF

and their own changing experiences.

“I thought [modifying the course content] worked really well, and I think it actually provided a space that many of us, including myself, needed to be able to speak and look at our own experience with a little perspective,” she said.

PHOTO BY ALEX DECEBAL-CUZA

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he COVID-19 pandemic brought document and examine [the cultural uncertain times for the University effects of COVID-19],” Rosenoff of Manitoba, but this fall assistant Gauvin said. professor and cultural anthropoloThis fall, the U of M anthropolgist Lara Rosenoff Gauvin hopes to ogy department is offering ANTH explore and understand its effects 4780, a remote learning course titled with her students.

“Anthropology Now: COVID-19.”

“Why I wanted to offer [the class] The class has 10 spaces and is was to be able to create a space for available for fourth-year students, students, young people, to be able to those with written consent from the

department head and those in graduate studies.

Rosenoff Gauvin hopes to help her students look at “the human experience now, in real time.”

While teaching online during the winter semester, she recognized that her students, instead of sticking to the syllabus, wanted to look at the sociocultural climate around them

“Just as much as COVID shaped us, we shape the possibilities that we can live within the post-COVID world” — Lara Rosenoff Gauvin, assistant professor of anthropology To offer a more in-depth version of that class discussion, the new course aims to examine “human experience today in terms of the pandemic from multiple perspectives.”

Using media and art as well as academic texts to capture “the range of human experience,” Rosenoff Gauvin’s focus will include a look into

how North American media in particular has responded to the rapidly changing pandemic, as well as the world’s varied responses and the institutions that cause those responses.

The course will also examine historical pandemics and how historical factors and current perspectives directly affect community health.

Rosenoff Gauvin said the course content will be flexible, reflecting that as the climate changes, her class will respond to those changes.

To her, anthropology students have a particular duty to look at this pandemic, to look at the changing world and to determine the skills they need before entering the workforce or continuing studies.

She said students “are going into the future.”

“You are the ones that are going to be shaping the COVID and postCOVID world,” Rosenoff Gauvin said.

“Just as much as COVID shaped us, we shape the possibilities that we can live within the post-COVID world.”

The class, along with all fall 2020 and winter 2021 courses, is listed on Aurora. Registration opens for returning students July 23.

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News

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

Art instructor departs over racist artwork uproar Instructor Steven Cochrane resigned effective June 30 after student-led email campaign sought his dismissal AMIRA TEKLE, STAFF

PHOTO BY ALEX DECEBAL-CUZA

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urrent and former U of M students in the school of art have expressed outrage over a white instructor’s collection of artwork depicting himself in blackface and depictions of racial stereotypes along with racist titles to some of the works.

Former instructor Steven Cochrane has resigned, effective June 30, from the school of art at the U of M. This occurred following an email campaign led by Chroma, a collective for Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) artists in Winnipeg.

The email campaign — titled “Steven Cochrane Must Go!” — urged students and members of the public to send emails using a template to the school of art administration to ask for the removal of Cochrane from his position.

On June 5, the acting director of the school of art, Jeffery Taylor, informed students in an email that he accepted Cochrane’s resignation, effective June 30.

Cochrane’s personal website formerly displayed several works of his art depicting racial stereotypes, Confederate flags and white figures in blackface. Works titled “Selfportrait as a Racist Joke,” “Still Life (Mammy Jar and Watermelon)” and “Swanee River Minstrel Co.” were removed from his website following a social media storm surrounding the offensive pieces.

Ekene Maduka is a former copresident of the School of Fine Arts Students Association (SOFA) and graduated from the school of art

this summer. She is also a member of Chroma.

Maduka said she was the first to broadcast the works to the community via her Instagram story and that she was disappointed in the actions of an instructor she had taken classes with in past years.

“I’ve taken several classes with Steven Cochrane and participated actively in those classes,” she said in an email.

“We are actually quite familiar with each other, which is why my disappointment with his behaviour is the way it is.

“My post got a lot of buzz and many U of M students who had taken classes with [Cochrane] replied to me and expressed heavy discomfort and some even [said] they felt weird when seeing the works during classes, but didn’t know how to react to them in the moment,” she said.

Maduka thinks Cochrane and the school should shoulder more accountability for racism within the school of art. She also believes the faculty members should be made up of more diverse faculty members to help prevent future events like this.

“The school has a lot to do to stop systemic racism and they also have to train their staff via diversity training as it is unacceptable to have to go through these things and have professors make excuses that they are unaware they are being offensive,” Maduka said.

“The faculty generally also lacks diversity in their staff, which is unfortunate.”

Cochrane apologized on his Instagram page following the wide-

“The school has a lot to do to stop systemic racism” — Ekene Maduka, U of M alumna spread online sharing of his racist works.

“For me, the biggest issue was [Cochrane’s] apology that was nothing more than a lot of paragraphs explaining the work and patting himself on the back for being bold enough to make the work at the age he made them,” Maduka said.

A current student in the school of art who wished to remain anonymous said they had seen one of the offensive paintings twice — first in “Art Now,” a mandatory first-year course taught by Cochrane, and then again on another isolated occasion.

“When I was in my second year, [Cochrane] came to my studio to see what I was working on,” the student said.

“He was telling me how he studied painting at some school in the U.S. […] and he showed me one of those paintings […] and I was really shocked that he was showing me in person,” they said.

“He would show this stuff in class […] and try to put it in [the] context of

what he did in school back in the day.”

They believe the persistent email campaign led to Cochrane’s resignation.

“People in the community were sending emails about how this was not okay,” the student said.

They believe hiring practices at the school of art should be changed to foster a more inclusive and diverse environment.

“It’s not just a Steven Cochrane problem,” they said.

“There are more people like him [in the school] […] there are other people also who are not as extreme as Cochrane but have done harmful things to BIPOC students.”

“They should hire BIPOC [candidates],” the student added.

Annie Beach is a former student at the school of art who graduated this past spring. She was the co-president of SOFA for two years and served as the Indigenous representative for SOFA during her time at the university.

Although Beach did not observe the paintings in class directly, she said the paintings were shown to previous years’ honours students in Cochrane’s class.

She also heard rumours of the paintings prior to viewing them on social media.

“I was in [the honours program] this past year and happened to miss the class that he did show the paintings [in], so I didn’t see them in the classroom, I didn’t have to go through that whole ordeal of sitting amongst peers and seeing that.”

“I think the school has tried to brush this aside and get it out of the way as much as possible, despite having a very direct hand in enabling it and also in other racial acts against students, Black students, Indigenous students and students of colour,” Beach said.

Beach said it did not take sitting in the classroom that day to feel shocked and hurt by the paintings.

“It goes to show that not even having to sit in that classroom, [I was] very shocked and hurt to see them,” she said.

She believes the school of art should go beyond merely tokenizing BIPOC students and make a greater effort for equity and diversity in the faculty.

“What I mean [by] tokenizing is I remember having to [lead] a tour for a high school and asking […] [if] there was a land acknowledgement and [the student advisor said] ‘Oh, right’ so [it’s an] afterthought,” Beach said.

Beach said she is disappointed that the display of the offensive works to students has been going on for so long without action.

“And then to know that this has been happening for a couple of years […] and that students have had to sit in his class and see these works as if it’s part of the curriculum or that they have to learn it to get their degree is pretty disappointing.”

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

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

10

City, province must put foot on gas to slow traffic

Pilot project to reduce residential speed limits is long overdue MATTHEW DOERING, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

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ne of the benefits of the nage should speed limits be lowered the need for driver education. A COVID-19 pandemic is, argu- city wide. reduced speed limit may take time ably, the increased numbers of cyclists Currently, the traffic act sets an for some drivers to get used to, but and pedestrians turning to the out- urban speed limit of 50 km/hr and opposition may also speak to overdoors for exercise. But with vehicles requires frequent signage at any confident driving attitudes. returning to the city’s roads, ensuring departure from that speed.

Frequently checking all the mirtheir safety is paramount.

But having a universal residential rors and driving under the speed limit The calendar year of 2019 broke speed limit would open the possibility is part of being an engaged driver. the record for the highest num- of “gateway signage,” which is defined Checking mirrors ensures drivers ber of pedestrian deaths caused by as the posting of default speed limits are aware of everyone around them motorized vehicles in Manitoba along the edges of neighbourhoods and driving slightly under the posted — there were 17 deaths compared or cities. speed limit gives room for speed flucto Manitoba’s annual average of 12 This would allow the urban tuations without the need to continudeaths. On average, a further 130 speed limit to be reduced along with ally monitor the speedometer. pedestrians are injured by vehicles reduced signage and greatly reduced Cruise control should never be on Manitoba’s roads in a typical year. cost — one estimate is $7.8 million to used at lower speeds and should not Compounding this, there are sign all residential neighbourhoods be used in the city at all. approximately four cyclist deaths given the current traffic act.

It is intended for clear weather and and 78 injuries per year in Manitoba, Pushback to this proposal seem- highway driving. meaning action is needed to protect ingly falls into just a few categories: In setting a target for reduced all users of our roads.

30 km/hr is too slow, it’s too hard to speed limits and thinking about Winnipeg city council is set to maintain speed while always looking improving pedestrian and cyclist evaluate, at its July 23 meeting, the at the speedometer — which removes safety, the question arises as to proposal of conducting a pilot project drivers’ attention from roads — and whether it is about saving lives or to reduce the speed limit on several cruise control does not work at such reducing injuries. residential roads to 30 km/hr and on slow speed.

In fact, there has been some at least one street in each city counHowever, if a reduced speed research that suggests that speed cillor’s ward to either 30 km/hr or limit prevents fatal collisions with limits between 30 and 40 km/hr are 40 km/hr. pedestrians and cyclists and reduces sufficient in order to prevent most Council will also evaluate the the number of collisions with these fatalities while speed limits below 25 proposal of requesting the provincial unprotected users of roads, then it is km/hr prevent most injuries. government to modify the Highway appropriately slow.

A 2011 study done by Bert Lauwers Traffic Act to allow for reduced sigThese concerns, then, highlight — Ontario’s chief coroner at the time

of the study — suggests that when pedestrians are hit by a vehicle travelling up to 30 km/hr, roughly 10.3 per cent are killed or maintain critical injuries. That rate reportedly jumps above 50 per cent of all pedestrians

Alongside a speed limit reductions is a need for driver education

hit by vehicles travelling 60 km/hr.

Depending on the reports consulted and the priorities identified by city council, school zones may need a further reduction in speed if all residential speeds are reduced city wide.

However, such a decision would likely be highly controversial.

Although precise speeds appropriate for Winnipeg’s neighbourhoods are not yet clear, what is clear is the city’s need for reduced speeds to protect pedestrians and the provincial need for a modernized traffic act that allows the city to cost-effectively regulate speeds in Winnipeg’s

neighbourhoods.

But these actions alone are not enough. Alongside speed limit reductions is a need for driver education.

Education on why lowered speed limits are critical to saving lives and reducing injuries.

Education on safe driving strategies to ensure attention remains on the road and not solely on the speedometer.

Education on the need to be aware of your surroundings as a pedestrian or cyclist sharing roadways with speeding, possibly lethal rolling frigates of metal.

Continued education and enforcement of distracted driving offences.

And re-education of currently licensed drivers on the new speed limits — 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted.

Following 2019’s record number of collisions with pedestrians, the city must investigate ways to improve pedestrian safety and road safety in general.

As well, the province must modernize the Highway Traffic Act. Let’s hope these actions are embraced and we can all cross the road without yelling “I’m walking here!”

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

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Goertzen’s discussions with U.S. politicians worrisome Provincial education minister’s trust in market solutions will put Manitoban children at risk LUCAS EDMOND, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

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rian Pa l lister promised Manitobans that he would phase out property taxes designated for the education budget during his election campaign in 2019.

Austerity measures have long been used as a tactic to disrupt the functionality of public entities which then allow radical free market politicians to fill the vacuum with damaging forprofit institutions.

Now, alarmingly, Manitoba’s education minister, Kelvin Goertzen, participated in webinars with U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz to discuss policy alternatives in the education system.

DeVos and Cruz have become notorious allies of the private school movement in the United States, seeking to reduce the role of the U.S. federal government in education.

Instead of expanding the budget expended on the sector, DeVos and Cruz have a record of promoting more “choice” in order to emphasize personal private benefits over social public ones. This is a typical rhetoric used by many free market politicians

to justify and promote profiteering of universal public goods.

Patricia Rucker, a Republican senator for West Virginia, also partook in one of the webinars. Rucker is a representative of the American Legislative Exchange Council — a conservative think tank that provides legislators pre-drafted bills which attempt to reduce corporate taxation, promote anti-gay laws, water down environmental legislation, attack labour unions, oppose gun control and promote the privatization of public schools.

Taking advice from groups and individuals like these displays the underlying nature of conservative thought in Manitoba and Goertzen had already made clear before the webinar that Manitobans should expect further austerity and privatization.

Manitoban families, then, should get ready for radical changes in the way their children are taught.

Selling public schools out to market mechanisms would be disastrous for Manitoba. Not only would privatization cut off low-income families

from quality and free universal education, it would also stunt children’s personal ability to learn.

Promoting additional expenses for vulnerable low-income families would likely increase rates of childhood stress and trauma at home — ensuring that at-risk youth would become less equipped to learn than they were in public school settings.

high-end, expensive equipment and curriculums.

Applying market solutions to our education system, then, would establish less robust schools and leave poorer children in precarious environments unable to access proper education.

Social mobility would also likely tighten due to a less equitable universal curriculum, and the sheer expense of schools would redistribute necesOur children’s sary tax funds and individual dollars into the hands of private profiteers. education should The solution to raising the standnot be treated as a ard of education in our system will not and should not be found in fortradable commodity profit institutions.

In fact, recently, the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, Dougald Lamont, called for Goertzen’s Further, the curriculum is virtu- resignation. ally unregulated in non-government Lamont believes Manitobans funded private schools. This inevita- should be worried that our educably would divide education on class tion minister, and one of the most lines. senior members of the Progressive Poorer communities would likely Conservative government, is sharbecome segregated from more afflu- ing ideas with Republican politicians. ent families who can afford to send While Lamont himself respects pritheir kids to private schools with vate schools, he sees no benefit to the

government defunding the public school system.

If the provincial government wants better results in the public school system, Lamont believes they should put money into fixing it instead of essentially freezing public school funding and beginning the privatization process.

The prospect of privatization in Manitoba’s education system is worrisome and the COVID-19 crisis appears to have emboldened the Progressive Conservatives politically. They have been making cuts and pushing through unpopular legislation under the pretence of the pandemic and meetings with U.S. politicians who have condemning track records should not go unnoticed.

Our children’s education should not be treated as a tradable commodity. Subjecting them — and their basic human right to quality education — to the market mechanism would spell disaster for the province and its families.

When Goertzen says Manitobans should expect further austerity and privatization, know that he means it.

14 Comment

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

Care-free, mask-free behaviour puts Manitobans at risk Pallister is neglecting the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 in Manitoba LUCAS EDMOND, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JENELLE MCCANN

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anitoba Premier Brian is Ontario one of Canada’s hardPallister has made it clear to est hit provinces during this health Manitobans that the health of the crisis, Toronto Pearson Airport has economy is more important than the made mask wearing mandatory at risk COVID-19 poses to the prov- all times because it is a national and ince’s workers and families. international point of entry. Worse, Unfortunately for Pallister, his Manitoba’s elected officials are not obsession with reopening the econ- required to self-isolate after travel omy may backfire. unless they are symptomatic.

Manitobans have taken to various In an interview with CTV News public venues of Winnipeg since the Winnipeg, Uzoma Asagwara province began its phased reopening — critic for health for the New May 4.

Democratic Party of Manitoba — And Winnipeg’s jolt to public criticized Pallister for his carelesslife has, perhaps, disseminated from ness. Asagwara referred to Pallister’s Pallister’s nonchalant leadership actions as “shameful” and highlighted throughout the crisis. the sacrifices citizens have made Moreover, recently, the premier across the country in order to mainwas photographed sitting in Toronto tain the safety of the public.

Pearson Airport without a mask Asagwara is right to criticize on, talking to Conservative Leader Pallister. His neglect to wear a Andrew Scheer. mask, placed in the context of the The premier’s actions pose a con- risk he has put Manitobans in when siderable health concern. Not only he pushed them back to work, dis-

played his privilege of power. It also revealed his priorities as the leader of the province.

Thus far, Pallister’s actions dealing with COVID-19 have reflected opportunism as opposed to a genuine care for the health of Manitoba’s citizens.

Just a few weeks before Manitoba’s reopening, the premier was mostly concerned with attacking the public sector and unions with the threat of budget and employment cuts, leading to mass layoffs.

The contradiction here lies in the fact that the provincial government cited the health, safety and functionality of the health-care system as the reasons for the cuts — it was asserted that money should be re-invested from “non-essential” public services into the health-care system.

But if Pallister were really concerned with the severity of the pan-

demic, wouldn’t the economy remain closed?

The premier’s actions pose a considerable health concern Pallister’s budget cuts, his plans to reopen the economy shortly after these cuts and his neglect to wear a mask in order to prevent the spread of the virus cannot be understood in isolation from each other.

These political actions and lapses of judgement serve as commentary to a political leader full of contradictions.

If the health of Manitobans were wearing on Pallister’s mind, the economy would have remained precautionarily shut down and he

would be sure to wear a mask when travelling to a COVID-19 hotspot.

Yet, circulation of money seems to be Pallister’s priority.

Rather than pursue policy alternatives, Pallister has pried businesses back open rather than pursue policy alternatives — a decision that may very well lead to a second wave of cases in Manitoba and the subsequent closure of the economy yet again.

While Manitobans suffer from austerity or risk of infection due to detrimental policy, Pallister was witnessed acting remiss to the safety measures so crucial for keeping the pandemic at bay.

His obsession with reopening the economy has put Manitobans at risk and so has his precaution-free travel.

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

Winnipeg’s annual summer theatre festival will go on

The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival goes virtual amid COVID-19 restrictions SHAYLYN MAHARAJ-POLIAH, STAFF

PHOTO BY LEIF NORMAN

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summer in Winnipeg is rarely complete without a visit to the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.

In years past, patrons could take in a show, check out the free entertainment in Old Market Square, visit the beer tent or grab a tasty, affordable lunch in the heart of downtown.

Due to the health and safety concerns caused by COVID-19, this year’s Fringe Festival has been cancelled for the first time since its inception in 1988.

The annual festival, presented by the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, produces live, independent theatre from almost 200 local, national and international companies, and festival participants range from seasoned performers to aspiring artists.

The cancellation comes as a disappointment for many, especially because Winnipeggers begin planning for the festival in November, when the festival passes begin to be sold.

These passes, called Frequent Fringer Passes, allow patrons to view either eight or 14 shows at a fixed price point. Due to the event’s

cancellation, the Fringe organizers Fringe fans without a Facebook critically acclaimed comedian Mike people can watch at home whenever issued full refunds to early purchasers account have nothing to fear as the Delamont, who returns with a new they choose.” of these passes. event will also be streamed via the addition to his God is a Scottish Drag This webpage will be continually Despite the cancellation of the festival’s YouTube channel.

Queen stand-up comedy series. updated as more online theatre conphysical event, the festival is unde“We’re doing Virtually Yours just “Our goal was to make sure we had tent becomes available and remain up terred and, following the lead of many this year because we wanted to give a representative sample of the type over the course of the summer. These festivals in of work and artists that shows, separate from the official prothe Fringe patrons would normally gram, are available to view for free, by “We’re doing Virtually Yours just this year get a chance to see dur- donation or for a fixed price. circuit, has moved ing the Fringe Festival,” “That way, it gives us a chance to because we wanted to give [Fringe fans] a online for McEwen said. support more artists,” McEwen said. chance to see something and performers festivalgoers To t h is end , Artists and companies who Vi r t u a l l y Yo u r s , were selected for this year’s Fringe to get their a chance to perform or put their plays #WpgFringe boasts a Festival but opted out of participatfix. online” — Chuck McEwen, festival producer range of genres, includ- ing in Virtually Yours, #WpgFringe The ing comedies, dramas, for various reasons were given the Winnipeg spoken word, puppetry, option to hold their spot for the 2021 Fringe clowning, musical festival or to forfeit their guaranteed Theatre Festival presents Virtually Yours, [Fringe fans] a chance to see some- theatre and musical interludes, all spot and receive a full refund on their #WpgFringe, a four-day, online ver- thing and performers a chance to running at approximately 20 to 25 application fee. sion of the festival hosted by U of M perform or put their plays online,” minutes each.

When asked about festival plans alumnus Ray Strachan. festival producer Chuck McEwen The productions are not full-scale, for next year, McEwen said, “if we’re but the spirit of the festival is still cap- able to put on an indoor live festival Virtually Yours, #WpgFringe said.

Though the program is signifi- tured through these creative works next year, that is what we’re planning runs from July 14 to 17 and begins at 7 p.m. nightly, with a new lineup of cantly smaller than what Fringe and works-in-progress being given on right now and that’s what we’re hopeful will be able to be achieved. shows every evening and an approxi- fans are used to, the lineup is packed the opportunity to be shared. mate three-hour runtime per night. with a variety of theatre and musical In addition to the scheduled lives“If it’s possible, we want to do it.”

The shows are free to watch on the performances from local favourites tream event, McEwen said the Fringe Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival’s — such as Winnipeg’s own comedy has launched another webpage “with For more information go to Facebook page. groups Outside Joke and Hunks — to a list of online plays available that winnipegfringe.com.

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Arts & Culture

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

Indie film amplifies voice for mental health awareness ‘February’s Dog’ provides a timely exploration of toxic masculinity and depression DOMINIQUE WIGHTMAN

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LUCTOR PICTURES

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hile mainstream cinema has a Walters’s and Loggins’s personal lives, “I had been in a relationship where A poignant reminder of the cor- with their emotions. history of stigmatizing men- threatening to destroy both men and I was dealing with someone who was relation between unemployment and Actor Jill Maria Robinson also tal illness, Calgary, Alta. filmmaker their loved ones. going through depression, anxiety mental illness, the film will resonate echoed Chinook’s sentiments, assertPaul J. Chinook, promises a progresChinook said the script is and job loss,” Teechma said. with many grappling with the anxiety ing that the film will help break barsive contribution to mental health inspired by his own experiences with The actor hopes the film will illus- and depression borne of indefinite riers to progress discussion of men’s discourse. unemployment. trate the importance of interpersonal unemployment. mental health in the film industry.

February’s Dog, Chinook’s upcom“In 2015 […] I thought I had my connection in a relationship burdened February’s Dog is also a statement “I think [Chinook’s] breaking the ing directorial debut, provides an life course plotted out,” Chinook said. by depression. on toxic masculinity and mental boundaries to talk about men’s menintimate character study based on This was until the Alberta oil crash, “Talking with somebody and health stigma. Chinook hopes the tal health,” she said. the male experience with depression. which Chinook film will contrib“I hope with the film more people February’s Dog follows Dale described as “a ute to the bur- are inspired to bring up their authen“Make sure that your identity isn’t tied to Walters and Nigel Loggins, two temporary intergeoning discourse ticity of mental health […] we really distinct yet archetypically masculine ruption that lasted on men’s mental hope it makes a difference.” something that could be taken away from Albertan oil workers struggling with three years.” health. There is a February’s Dog is currently in postyou” — Paul J. Chinook, filmmaker economic catastrophe, unemployThrough his pervasive cultural production, with the cast and crew ment and depression. f ilm, Chinook sentiment, accord- hoping for a theatrical release in fall Walters, played by Chinook, is hopes to share the ing to Chinook, 2020. a charismatic and optimistic self- valuable lessons he learned. connecting with somebody is what’s that “men don’t have emotions, men Luctor Pictures, Chinook’s own made man. Loggins, played by Kevin “Make sure that your identity isn’t going to pull you out of […] depres- don’t want to talk about [depression].” production company, has recently Davey, is a reserved and calculated tied to something that could be taken sion,” she said.

“We’re supposed to be in control entered the 2020 Cannes Film military veteran. Both men are laid away from you […] learn to operate Discussion of unemployment and and put on this mask all the time, Festival Marché du Film to share off following a decline in the Alberta with gratitude and accept that things depression is particularly relevant when [in reality] we’re totally lost,” February’s Dog with prospective interoil sector, which they are assured is a can change,” he said. during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinook said. national distributors. temporary disruption.

Quinn Teechma, a supporting an unforeseen circumstance which Chinook hopes the film will desHowever, the protracted economic actor in the film, similarly has a per- has caused a surge in unemployment tigmatize male vulnerability and help For updates on the film, go to crisis has destructive consequences in sonal connection to the script. across the world. men to better vocalize and connect februarysdogmovie.com.

VOL. 107 NO. 2 JULY 22, 2020

Arts & Culture

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U of M alum honoured at Indigenous awards ceremony Alana Robert receives recognition for women’s rights activism at the 2020 Indspire Awards SHAYLYN MAHARAJ-POLIAH, STAFF

June 21. It was also broadcast on APTN and CBC Radio One and is available to stream on demand on CBC Gem.

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his past June, Indspire — an Indigenous-run charity that focuses on funding the education of Métis, Inuit and First Nations peoples across Canada — broadcasted their 27th annual event, the Indspire Awards.

Indspire is an organization that aims to fund Indigenous education on a national level and seeks to inspire Indigenous youth to achieve greatness. One of the charity’s goals

is to increase the graduation rate of Indigenous students through financial aid and mentorship programs. It was also selected as a Top Rated Charity in 2019 by Maclean’s magazine.

Since 1993, the Indspire Awards has been recognizing Indigenous achievement in Canada across a variety of fields such as education, sports, business and more.

Recipients of the awards can be

Alana Robert, who was the recipient of the Métis Youth Award for her human rights advocacy, namely her founding of the U of M’s Justice for Women student group and her involvement in Equal Voice, an organization dedicated to supportThe ceremony does ing women in politics. not only highlight Her work with Equal Voice included presenting to the House of professional Commons’ standing committee on accomplishments, gender-based violence.

Robert currently serves on the but also honours board of directors of the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto the achievements and works tirelessly to improve the of outstanding legal rights of Indigenous women and girls through her work with youth who have the Women’s Legal Education and demonstrated Action Fund.

In addition to honouring their leadership potential new laureates, the 2020 Indspire in their communities Awards also showcased some of the Indigenous musical talent that Canada has to offer, from emerging This year’s award show was co- young artists to long-time veterans PHOTO PROVIDED BY INDSPIRE nominated by anyone via nomina- hosted by Juno award-winning of the craft. tion form and are selected by a jury Inuk artist Tiffany Ayalik and The lineup included Juno awardAnishinaabe actor Craig Lauzon, winning musicians Tom Wilson and of past winners.

The ceremony does not only high- known for his work on the televi- Leela Gilday, Theland Kicknosway — light professional accomplishments, sion show Royal Canadian Air Farce a singer, hoop dancer and Indspire’s but also honours the achievements and for his upcoming mini-series, youngest laureate to date — and of outstanding youth who have dem- Trickster. This year is especially nota- Chuck Copenace, a jazz musician onstrated leadership potential in their ble as all of the award recipients, from Winnipeg. communities. known as laureates, identify as female.

Among those honoured at this For more information about The event physically took place at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa year’s event was Governor General’s Indspire and the Indspire on March 6, but aired on CBC on Award recipient and U of M alumna Awards, go to indspire.ca.

’Toban turntable

Silver Clouds — ‘Silver Clouds,’ 4/5 KAELEN BELL

T

he artwork for the debut record guitar lay the foundation of the tent mood, a glittering mosaic of from Silver Clouds — with its record, with beachy vocal har- five decades of indie rock. splattered psychedelia and tossed- monies and third-wave ska horns Slaughter’s lyrics are quickoff lemon slice — recalls immedi- rounding things out. witted and slyly political. Songs ately the cover of the Stone Roses’s encompass the state of the world 1989 debut, another self-titled and the state of the self, breakAt a time when album that made big, bold sounds ups, break outs and everything in from drums, guitars and bass. simple pleasures feel between.

But where the greys and greens The lyrics almost always explode of The Stone Roses reflected that in a memorable chorus just when more vital than ever, band’s particularly English brand they need to. it’s a rush to hear of cheery melancholy, Silver Clouds This is concise, clear-eyed song is all bleeding neon and glowing, writing made to be played fast and good songs played loud. transparent white. with real passion Silver Clouds is a brighter, faster, It’s a nervy, danceable record goofier band — elements of ska and with something genuine to say — pop-punk fuse with classic indie an invigorating collection of songs pop, making for a debut record The band rarely lets up the by a band with enough humour and that’s high on energy and low on momentum — the closest thing experience to know exactly what flab. to a breather is the brief, gently they’re doing.

Made up of members of strummed middle section of closing At a time when simple pleasures Duotang, Novillero, Boy and track “The Conversation,” which feel more vital than ever, it’s a rush Transonic, the band is a who’s who continues to build into a cathartic to hear good songs played with real of Winnipeg’s music scene. Rod “na na na” sing-a-long before fading passion.

Slaughter fronts the group, and he out on tumbling piano.

If this is the first glimpse of what sings with a refreshing absence of The highlights are plentiful, Silver Clouds has to offer, we can irony. from the bounce of “Maginot Line” only hope they continue on.

There’s a bright-eyed sincerity to the slow-burn of “Inclement to what Silver Clouds does. Songs Weather,” or the aforementioned are played with immense skill and “The Conversation” — the album Want us to review your band? Email legitimate vigour. Buzzy keyboards, manages to rope in a variety of arts@themanitoban.com today! lively drums and skidding, dynamic styles without sacrificing a consis-

IMAGE PROVIDED BY DISINTEGRATION RECORDS

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

18

Bison wins Canadian university female athlete award Swimmer Kelsey Wog talks routine and future goals ISAIAH WAGNER, STAFF

B

ison swimmer Kelsey Wog has something that can be taught. It is been named the 2020 U-Sports rare and makes for the best of the female athlete of the year. best athletes.

With this award, she becomes But becoming a dominant athlete the first member of the University is not easy. It requires hard work and of Manitoba Bisons to receive it. dedication.

Wog undoubtedly had a year to Wog believes that a routine is remember. She won gold medals in something that has made her into the 50, 100 and 200-metre breast- the athlete she is today. stroke events at the 2020 U-Sports “A typical [pre-COVID-19] day Swimming Championships in looks like me waking up around 6:30 Victoria, B.C. a.m. to get to the pool for 7:30 a.m. to Not only did she win, but she also start some activation and warmup,” set a U-Sport record in the 200-metre Wog said. breaststroke.

Practice makes perfect and Wog Although Wog knows she has has proved that time and time again. accomplished so much early in her “I would get into the pool and career, she is excited for the future. swim from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., go to “I have been super happy with my class, then swim again around 12 p.m. career so far, but every time I accom- for 45 minutes […] take a rest and plish something that I think I would eat lunch, then swim again around be satisfied with, I want more, so I 3 p.m. for 45 minutes […] then go keep pushing,” Wog said. to weights and lift for an hour and a “I never imagined that I would get half,” she said. to this level in sport, so each day it is “I would finish my day with a masreally incredible.” sage or some sort of recovery and go This kind of determination is not to bed early.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KELSEY WOG

Wog’s training may look different than other sports, but it is, arguably,

“I have been super happy with my career so far, but every time I accomplish something that I think I would be satisfied with, I want more, so I keep pushing” — Kelsey Wog, Bison athlete

a whole lot tougher.

“I do both swimming in the pool and weights,” she said. “We have a

more intensity-based program where training is shorter but super high intensity, and I love it.”

Sport is something that is not only fun, but can also be meaningful in someone’s life and make them a bet-

“Olympic trials are the main focus for next year, then hopefully the Olympics” — Kelsey Wog

ter person.

“Sport has taught me so much,” Wog said.

“It has taught me about trust, patience and persistence. It has taught me so much about overcoming struggle and coming back stronger than before.”

Winning this award is a great honour. It not only represents Wog well, but also the U of M sport program.

“In my life, I have won a lot of awards, but this one is by far the most meaningful,” Wog said.

“I have really enjoyed my time on the Bisons and I am very proud of everything that I have been able to accomplish. I am proud of how I have been able to represent the university.”

With Wog’s power, determination and work ethic, the sky may be the limit for the young Bison athlete.

With uncertainty about when she will be competing next, Wog will wait for her next chance to claim first place and hopefully another prestigious award.

“My future plans are to graduate from university in May 2021 and I will keep swimming for as long as I am still enjoying it,” Wog said.

“Olympic trials are the main focus for next year, then hopefully the Olympics.”

VOL. 107 NO. 2 JULY 22, 2020

Sports

19

University football eligibility rules face uncertainty Multiple Bisons players impacted by controversial U-Sports decision ISAIAH WAGNER, STAFF

any player who turns 25 years of age before Sept. 1, 2021 will not be allowed to take the field in a football uniform despite what their eligibil-

This ends up impacting 13 Bison football players this year and ultimately 16 others who will lose a full year of eligibility if their birthday is before Sept. 1.

PHOTO BY ALEX DECEBAL-CUZA

U

-Sports has announced it will not be extending the age restric-

tion for Canadian university football players.

This is significant because of the

cancellation of the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, what this means is that

ity says.

This ends up impacting 13 Bison football players this year and ultimately 16 others who will lose a full year of eligibility if their birthday is before Sept. 1.

Not only does this impact the

players on the field, but it also causes them to lose a year of scholarship money to pay for school.

This is something that can be crucial for some families that rely on scholarship money to get the education the athlete needs.

Although already announced, U-Sports has said they will take another look at this rule.

This is mainly caused by the negative feedback they have received from staff and players.

A fifth year can be a critical year for an athlete’s life.

It can determine whether they end up going pro or unfortunately hanging up the cleats and pursuing other career options.

Although the rule is up for debate, players, coaches and fans are going to have to wait patiently to hear the good or the bad news that will come out of it.

Jets play Flames in return to play NHL playoffs

Winnipeg vs. Calgary deemed to be great series ISAIAH WAGNER, STAFF

This is a prime example of two evenly matched teams.

There are many key matchups and storylines to watch for during this series, the first being the goaltending.

Connor Hellebuyck has recently been nominated for the Vezina Trophy, which is given to the league’s most outstanding goaltender

Connor Hellebuyck has recently been nominated for the Vezina Trophy, which is given to the league’s most outstanding goaltender.

Hellebuyck finished the season with a 2.57 goals against average round is the hometown Winnipeg (GAA) and a .922 save percentage Jets vs. the Calgary Flames.

(SV).

The Jets finished the 2019-20 seaIn between the pipes on the other son 37-28-6, while the Flames fin- side remains a question mark. It could ished 36-27-7. be Cam Talbot (2.63 GAA, .919 SV), The teams played once during the or David Rittich (2.97 GAA, .907 regular season, with the Jets taking SV). the 2-1 victory.

Either or, the Jets and the Flames PHOTO SOURCED FROM NHL.COM

O

n Aug. 1, the NHL Return to Play will commence with 24 teams in competition.

The playoffs will begin with eight best-of-five series between the 16 teams competing in the qualifying round.

The other eight teams — the top

four teams from the regular season’s Eastern Conference and Western Conference — will play a roundrobin and then wait patiently to see who they will be competing against in the 2019-20 Stanley Cup playoffs.

One of the matchups in the Western Conference qualifying

are both going to have a tough time scoring against these netminders.

Although a goaltender is an important piece of a dominant team, the Jets and the Flames also have superior firepower at the forward position.

The Jets are led by captain Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor.

The Flames have similar firepower as they are led by Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm.

With the great goaltending and superior offence, the fans are in for a treat after a long time without hockey, and this matchup has the potential to be a very exciting series.

The Winnipeg Jets face off against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alta., Aug. 1 at 9:30 p.m. CDT.

Construction continues during COVID-19 ALEX DECEBAL-CUZA, STAFF

Various construction projects on the Fort Garry campus continue while classes are being taught remotely until January 2021.