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Messages of empathy honours those impacted by residential schools
Iyanda Ajuwon, staff
In preparation of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Denise Tardiff, the manager of Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint, collaborated with Kayla Lariviere, engagement lead for Indigenous Engagement and Communications, to create a heart garden at the Buller greenspace.
This year, the heart garden was decorated with 465 hearts, with each of the hearts planted with an offering of tobacco.
Tardiff said to UM Today that “it is to honour our relatives, the children who never came home from residential schools and their families that had their children taken from them and of course, survivors, who did make it home, but brought the legacy of residential schools with them.”
This is the second year in a row that the heart garden has been created within the university. Lariviere said, “we want to continue to grow it every year. We’ve had people taking photos, asking questions. I had someone come up to me and say, 'thank you for doing this' so I think it’s having an impact.”
Each heart in the garden represents a person who attended residential schools and displays an empathetic message. “In memory of all the children taken. You are
not forgotten. You matter. Every child matters,” reads one of the hearts.
Another one reads, “E’tasiw Mijua’jij Mekite’tasit,” meaning “every child matters” in Mi’kmaq.
The organizers hope that when folks notice this space, they could ask questions, get engaged and be more curious to learn more about reconciliation and what that means to
them.
“We hope this space will be respected, and people will be cognizant of the footprint they’re leaving if they come and read these [hearts] and imagine what it would have been like for them to suddenly lose brothers, sisters, cousins, aunties, uncles and have that void in their life,” Tardiff said.
In addition, Tardiff said that “there is fear of saying
the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing and it paralyzes folks. My message to them is do not let that stop you. If you don’t know what the best way to go about on Reconciliation actions, whether you’re making policy, programs or you’re a teacher and you have Indigenous students, humility is the key.”
Tardiff continued, “humility is one of our teachings and
key values. When in doubt, have the humility to just ask. There is huge diversity in our Indigenous peoples, in our languages, in our practices, in our protocols. What works with one group may not necessarily work for another. Consult, listen, make plans, but always keep consulting.”
U of M adds new Digital Scholarship Commons and XR Lab New facilities to elevate Elizabeth Dafoe Library user experience
Sylvester
Delali Agbado, staff
The U of M is upgrading its library facilities by constructing the new Digital Scholarship Commons and XR Lab. These state-of-the-art facilities, set to transform research and learning on campus, will offer students, faculty and researchers access to cutting-edge technologies for data visualization, geographic information systems (GIS) and immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences. Construction for the Digital Scholarship Commons began on Sept. 16, 2024, and will continue through spring 2025. The facility is being built on the main floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, near the main entrance. Despite the ongoing construction, the library will
remain open throughout the entire process. Starbucks, located within the library, will also be accessible via an alternate entrance to ensure continued access for the campus community.
The Digital Scholarship Commons aims to be a hub for collaborative research and interactive learning, providing a dynamic environment where students, faculty and staff can develop vital data visualization skills. The space will feature modern technology, including a large data visualization wall, video conferencing capabilities and programmable sound and lighting systems. These tools are expected to elevate the learning experience, helping researchers explore and
communicate their findings innovatively and engagingly.
The Digital Scholarship Commons will specifically focus on GIS and data visualization, two areas of increasing importance in many fields of study. GIS technology allows users to visualize, analyze and interpret data related to geography, patterns and relationships.
While construction will take place on the main floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, the university is making every effort to minimize noise disruptions. Quieter study zones are available on the second and third floors of the library and other libraries across the campus. In addition to the Digital Scholarship Commons, the university is also construct-
ing the highly anticipated XR Lab, which will begin in early October 2024. The XR Lab will occupy the current first-floor computer lab space in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library. In the meantime, students can access computers in the Gold Lab around the corner or use the Laptop Lending Locker provided by the library.
The XR Lab will be equipped with four VR workstations that offer access to a wide range of virtual reality applications and programs for teaching, learning and research. This new facility will allow students, faculty and researchers to engage with information in ways that traditional textbooks simply cannot match.
Beyond enhancing individ-
ual learning experiences, the XR Lab will foster collaboration. Sharing virtual environments with peers allows for real-time discussions and teamwork, providing students with a platform to work together on projects or presentations.
As the U of M moves forward with these projects, the university is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The Digital Scholarship Commons and XR Lab are not just spaces, they are tools for exploration, collaboration and discovery that will enrich the academic experience for years.
photo provided / University of Manitoba
Orange Shirt Day Walk honours residential school children
Campus walk occurs ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Milan Lukes, staff
The U of M Nursing Students’ Association (NSA) hosted the 10th annual Orange Shirt Day Walk on campus on Friday, Sept. 27 to honour children of the residential school system.
Orange Shirt Day originated in 2013 following inspiration from Phyllis Webstad (née Jack) who attended St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School from 1973-74 in British Columbia. Upon arriving at the residential school, Webstad wore an orange shirt from her grandmother — which was stripped from her and never given back.
Each year on Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, orange shirts are worn to honour survivors of residential schools and children who never returned home.
Judah Chepil, NSA senior stick, explained that the Orange Shirt Day Walk provides a forum to allow nursing students to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation.
“Historically, a lot of Indigenous people face health disparities and fill our healthcare systems,” said Chepil. “It’s important that we are culturally aware and competent of the issues that they face so we can help dismantle some of the barriers that they face in healthcare.”
Kayleigh Pagee, NSA Indigenous student representative, hopes that the event serves as a step forward toward reconciliation. “It’s also for the community and the rest of the faculty to learn of the harms and the mistakes of the past and to make better choices in the future.”
In previous years, the Orange Shirt Day Walk led participants to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus, said Chepil. Due to a growing number of participants, the walk was planned to circle the Administration Building and return to the starting point at the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing.
Several speeches were shared before the start of the annual walk.
“When I see you wearing that orange shirt, it fills my heart,” said Grandmother in residence Karen Cochrane, who grew up in the shadow of residential schools. “You’re honouring my parents. You’re honouring my aunts and uncles. You’re honouring my siblings. You’re honouring my community. You’re honouring all those who were at the residential schools — all those who didn’t come home.”
Jennifer Chen, MLA for Fort Richmond, expressed her
delight to have learned that the NSA received the Orange Shirt Day grant funding from the provincial government. Chen stated that, “on the path of Truth and Reconciliation, there will be generations that will carry the torch and continue on this path — we don’t just stop today.
“In December 2023, Manitoba established Orange Shirt Day as a provincial statutory holiday,” added Chen. “All Manitobans have the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and the profound impacts of that trauma that still exist today.”
Michael Benarroch, U of M president and vice-chancellor, acknowledged that though we say “every child matters” — a message associated with Orange Shirt Day —
there is still so much work to do to put that statement into action.
“It’s my hope as president that I can empower our community to continue to do the work that needs to be done,” said Benarroch. “To continue to move forward in a good way and to build better relationships, and I think every day we try to do that as an institution.”
Netha Dyck, dean of the college of nursing, stated that “today is not just a ceremony, it’s a day of reflection and commitment. We are here to remember the past, honour the survivors and dedicate ourselves to creating a future of reconciliation where every child matters.”
Dyck mentioned that 128 Indigenous students are in
the bachelor of nursing program and receive academic, personal and cultural support through the program Mahkwa omushki kiim — a pathway to Indigenous nursing education.
“Let us not only honour the past, but also commit to being advocates for change,” said Dyck. “Together, we can ensure that ‘every child matters’ not only becomes a statement, but a guiding principle in everything we do.”
Grand Chief Garrison Settee of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak shared that his relatives went to residential schools, but that “nobody ever talked about it.
“Many years passed, decades, even one hundred years — those stories were hidden, because they were too pain-
ful to talk about, too difficult to share and they carried that pain.
“But we’ve come a long way since then,” said Grand Chief Settee. “Today, the Indigenous people are rising up. We are reclaiming our identities. We are reclaiming our languages. We have reclaimed our ceremonies […] We are no longer subscribing to the ideologies that were conditioned into our people. We no longer subscribe to the oppression of our people.”
Grand Chief Settee concluded that “true reconciliation will not happen unless we do it together. True reconciliation will not happen unless there is action, and that’s what we’re doing here.”
photo / Zulkifl Rafah / staff
Speakers at the Orange Shirt Day Walk pictured in front of the new mural in the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing atrium. Karen Cochrane, Grandmother in residence; Judah Chepil, NSA senior stick; Garrison Settee, Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak; and Kayleigh Pagee, NSA Indigenous student representative.
photo / Nischal Karki / staff
photos / Nischal Karki / staff
Climate action rally seeks provincial support
University students call for provincial support on demands for Youth Climate Corps
Milan Lukes, staff
“Promote green energy,” “do not let our planet die” and “keep your carbon in the soil,” were some of the phrases chanted in front of the Manitoba Legislative Building on Friday, Sept. 27.
A climate action rally, advertised as a “rally for a sustainable future,” marked the anniversary of the global climate strike that occurred in September 2019. At that time, climate protests were reported to have taken place in more than 100 countries across more than 4,000 locations in the world — including downtown Winnipeg.
Bianca Siem and Juan Vargas Alba, campaigners for Youth Climate Corps, were amongst the speakers that addressed the crowd.
Siem, the lead organizer for Youth Climate Corps of Manitoba and a student at the U of M, said that “the need for climate solutions is clear.” Siem also stated that youth have been struggling to secure employment while living through an affordability crisis. “Youth want change,” she said.
“I’m concerned for our future. I’m concerned that we won’t have jobs that are focusing on good green jobs, focusing on good wages, benefits, pensions as well as job opportunities that are focusing on climate solutions.”
Siem explained that the overall goal is to get a federally funded Youth Climate Corps — “something that is
public service where young people have a chance to gain those skills in good green jobs, in sustainable industries.”
She specified that the goal of the rally was to seek support from the provincial government in supporting their demand for a federally funded Youth Climate Corps.
When asked whether the Youth Climate Corps has reached out to either level of government, Siem mentioned that she had met with the provincial Minister of Environment and Climate Change and other MLAs in the
environmental caucus. Siem added that this was the first meeting and that there will have to be more in the future.
Michaela de Hoop, Indigenous students’ representative of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU), was one of the university students in attendance at the rally. De Hoop stated that it was important to attend the rally because of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“I think it is really important to emphasize the role that Truth and Reconciliation
has when it comes to climate action, and land back and Indigenous land sovereignty.”
Divya Sharma, president of UMSU, was present and mentioned that she was invited by students to attend the rally.
“Something students, especially young people, are so prone to seeing is inaction, especially in respect to climate change where it is often put on the back burner. The climate is not going to stop changing if we do not do anything about it,” said Sharma.
“That’s why it was so important to be here, to sup-
port other students and other young people who were here today, calling for action,” she said.
Sharma noted that youth deserve a seat at the table and should be involved in policy-making decisions.
“I would say that’s true not just for climate change, but for the various initiatives that the governments make policies on […] we deserve a seat at every single table because young people are the ones who are going to be continuing to be affected by climate change.”
photo / Nischal Karki / staff
Prabhnoor
Rachhvir
Pumpkin Pie Lattes
Bisons basketball assistant coach speaks of new season
Elijah Lostracco touches on preparations, his return and student-athlete life
Abdul-Jalilu Ahmed, staff
Bisons basketball alumnus, Elijah Lostracco, has returned to the basketball team as an assistant coach for the first time.
During his playing days, Lostracco brought his experience by helping the Bisons to a program record of 18 conference regular season wins in 2022-23.
Coach Lostracco talked to the Manitoban about preparation for Bisons basketball ahead of the new season, his return, role on the bench and how student-athletes could stay disciplined.
The Manitoban: Coach, first of all, let’s look at the Bisons basketball, how is preparation going so far for the team?
Elijah: It’s good. We started at the end of August and we’ve been going strong five, six days a week ever since. Beginning of the season, especially with like a young team, it always has its challenges. The coaches have been trying to watch a lot of game film, make a lot of adjustments just to prepare them as best as they can. We start pre-season in two weeks. So, like I said, we got a lot of young guys on the team and just making sure they’re ready for their first pre-season games.
M: We have yet to play a competitive game or the season has yet to start, but so far looking at preparation, are we on course? Are we on board to do something better when the season commences?
E: Yeah, for sure. That’s always the goal is to build off of last year. It’s hard to say, you know, if we’re going to be better or what not. […] It’s always hard to say like whether you’re going to be better than last year until you’ve actually played the games, but that’s always the goal is to revisit what worked and what didn’t work last year and make our adjustments and then just try to be better moving forward.
M: Looking at the players, are they in good shape? Are they in a good mood ahead of the commencement of the season?
E: Yeah, practices have been really competitive. The guys are working hard in the off-season, so there’s no worries about any of that. Guys not being in shape or anything. They all work hard in the off-season and that’s our job as coaches is to get them in shape and ready for the regular season.
M: I know it is or it will be the purpose or the ambition of any side to better what they
did last season. Is that the same way or does that apply to Bisons basketball?
E: For sure. Every year we’re trying to build off and give the guys a better experience than the previous year. Like I said, the guys were working hard in the off-season to improve their games. Then, I was in the gym with them as soon as I got hired and other coaches as well have been preparing all summer to have a better season this year.
M: What is it that we can do better in order to be able to conquer our opponents when the season starts?
E: I just think a big part is all in the preparation, so as coaches we watch a lot of game film, we prepare a scouting report, and then we relay all that information to the guys. After that, it’s on them to be prepared. Any information we give them, they can to the best of their ability execute that and go out and play a good game. Just a lot of game film and knowing your opponent and then just making a game plan that’s going to give them the best opportunity to succeed on the court.
M: This time you didn’t come as a player, you came as an alumnus Bison. You are coming in as a technical man. How is the feeling like for you?
E: Good. It’s been an adjustment. I always tell people I think coaching is harder than playing. There’s so much more to it, so many aspects to it and then just trying to get all the guys to buy in and be on the
same page. But I think I have good basketball knowledge. I have good basketball experience, so I can offer a little bit of a different perspective.
And then really my main job is just to be training the guys. I’m like a player development coach, so just understanding the opponent we’re going to play every week and then getting in with the guys after practice hours, before practice hours and then giving them little details that they can add to their game for the upcoming week. Or, you know, if it’s guys that are not getting much minutes, just trying to improve their game as best as possible. When I was a player, I was always in the gym training, trying to get my game better. So, I’m excited to be able to come back here and share some of my knowledge with the guys this year.
M: I’m picking your own words. You did say that you have experience, you have knowledge in basketball. So, what do you intend to bring on board now that you are a technical man and not a player?
E: Yeah, honestly, just like all the good habits that it takes to be a winning team, a winning player, just always being in the gym, watching game film, staying in shape, just keeping sharp as a player. There’s a lot of little details that can go into it that some guys might not have learned yet, or some guys just need or would like to have a coach there, kind of guiding them along that path. So, I played
here and we had a very good season in my last year. And so just kind of bringing back some of those winning habits to the team.
M: As a former player of the Bisons basketball, what would you say about the program?
You’ve experienced it before, what would you say that may convince a potential player to join the Bisons program?
E: Yeah, well, for me, I’m not from Winnipeg. I moved here from Toronto during COVID to play for this team […] like I always tell people, like U of M has one of the best basketball programs in the country, without a doubt. Just in terms of the facilities, the experience of the coaches here, the funding for our program, especially the alumni that have been doing a great job helping fundraise to give the players and the coaches a better experience. Coach Schepp is an amazing coach, definitely one of the top coaches in the country. I think that’s all you look for in a university program. You have experienced coaching staff, you have the funding, you have the facilities, you can get a great education. And the team has been nationally ranked for the past two seasons, two or three seasons. And one of the top teams in their conference, right. So just in terms of all those things, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to come to U of M.
M: Let me get your perspective on this. These players are student-athletes. And with
your experience, what would you say about maintaining discipline as a student-athlete?
E: What helped me be successful is just being organized and disciplined, writing out your schedules, writing out what your day is going to be like, getting a good night’s sleep, getting a good diet and just staying consistent with all of it. There’s days where I didn’t want to come to the gym, but I did the best I can. Not every day, I’m going to have a super intense workout. But if I wrote down, 'I’m going to get in the gym that day,' I’m going to get there. And even if it’s not putting up a bunch of shots, I’m going to do whatever my body’s allowing me to do that day. So just staying consistent in that sense.
M: What would be your words to the entire university community concerning Bisons basketball?
E: The last few years, the support around the team has been amazing. The school has done a great job of publishing our games and promoting our games and everything. So all students get into games for free. We have a bunch of home games. Our first home game is a pre-season game. The first week of Oct. 1, I think it’s a Thursday and Friday we play. So just come out and support the team. These guys put in a lot of good work. And it’s not easy being a student-athlete. So the support really means a lot to everyone involved with the program.
photo / Anthony Nardella / volunteer
Research & Technology
Using dental anthropology to understand humanity
U of M researcher uses past humans’ teeth to explore modern populations
Rhea Bhalla, staff
F or decades, anthropologists have used teeth to answer questions about the lives and relationships of ancient and modern-day people. Dental anthropology is the study of the development, number, size, wear and pathology of teeth aimed at understanding the evolution and diversity of humans.
Julia Gamble is a dental anthropologist and associate professor in the U of M’s department of anthropology. Her fieldwork has spanned Europe, with experience in England, Wales, Denmark and Greece.
While Gamble’s work has covered diverse areas of anthropology, she focuses on dental markers of growth and how they relate to indicators of health later in life. She emphasized the breadth of information that can be obtained by examining teeth.
“Looking at past populations, we can kind of look at
different segments of their lives by looking at their teeth and looking at their skeletons,” said Gamble. “As an anthropologist, that tells me something about humans.”
Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. While bone decays easily and absorbs materials from its surrounding, teeth are extremely resistant to changes when fossilized. Because of this, teeth are often found in archaeological sites.
Teeth can also provide insight into the identity of an individual.
Asian and Indigenous North American teeth, for example, commonly have shovel-shaped incisors. Men have differently shaped teeth than women. Genetic simulations of teeth can determine regional ancestry. Dietary patterns, too, can be determined based on teeth. Plaques on teeth can be analyzed using spectroscopy to reveal traces of ancient foods and medi-
cines, shining light on the dietary habits and medicinal practices of past peoples.
“We’re living in a period where we’re seeing fairly drastic changes in terms of climate and environment,” said Gamble. “Looking at the past helps us to understand how people adapted and responded to different circumstances.”
Many events that have occurred in human history have continued to shape populations to this day.
One example is the Black Death, a 14th century bubonic plague pandemic that killed up to half the population of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Certain gene variants conferred protections against the disease, making those who possessed them up to 40 per cent likely to survive and pass those genes on to future generations.
But while carrying those genes may have helped one’s ancestors survive the Black Death, they have been linked
to a heightened risk of certain autoimmune diseases. The same genes that provided an edge to those facing the bubonic plague also predispose them to the inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s.
“The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis is one that we see a lot with modern populations,” Gamble said. “It’s the idea that early life factors and experiences can shape our healthcare experiences later in life.”
She explained that because of the long length of modern lifespans, it can be challenging for a single study to track participants for the entire duration of their lives. Looking at fossilized remains can provide information about the course of a deceased individual’s life.
Gamble expressed plans for her future work to use information gleaned from ancient peoples to provide insight into how current populations are being affected by modern
environmental disruptions such as climate change.
“If you can find pollution indicators in their teeth, for example, how is that looking in terms of their current health?” she said. “[My work] has ways to expand into modern populations.”
Gamble encouraged students to take a closer look at anthropology. Nearly every aspect of the human experience ties into anthropology in some capacity. Anthropology, she added, can offer those who study it a greater appreciation of the world.
“It’s an incredibly important field, because it looks at humanity,” Gamble said. “It looks at humanity across time, across cultures and digs into every component of it. And I think in a world where we have very complex variables taking place, a really deep understanding of humanity is important.”
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
Challenging assumptions about aging
U of M aging researcher goes beyond health to social justice
Eve Alexiuk, volunteer “W
e’re ignoring so many parts about aging if we just think of it as a health issue,” said Laura Funk, a professor in the U of M’s department of sociology and criminology whose work explores the social aspects of aging within the context of people’s lives.
Her research teases out the dominant assumptions of aging to understand what truths are being obscured, invalidated and rendered invisible.
Social and critical gerontology “often calls us to question the dominant narrative around aging, aging well [and viewing] dementia as the end of the world,” she said.
said. “Usually, you might get into a building that has affordable rent, and maybe you get some meals and then everything else is up to you.”
Another study focuses on the housing needs and experiences of urban dwelling older Indigenous adults in Winnipeg. The intersectionality of Indigenous identity experienced by these older adults and the systemic barriers that accompany it are often ignored, even as it lands older adults in unsafe living accom-
ways of shifting current structures and systems of care so that they do “not perpetuate inequities associated with aging or within dementia or care work.” She highlighted the need for society to move away from institutional models and prioritize systems that stem from the perspective of caregivers and older adults.
“We’re ignoring so many parts about aging if we just think of it as a health issue”
— Laura Funk, U of M professor in the department of sociology and criminology
modations.
Consistent with the notions of critical theory, a social perspective focused on critiquing and changing society, Funk shared that “there is always value in encouraging different ways of thinking and challenging some of the implications of dominant assumptions.”
For example, contrary to what society often asserts, people living with dementia can still have purposeful, important and fulfilling lives, even if it diverges from the type of life others may place value in.
In one of Funk’s current case studies, she explores the experiences of participants with low income emphasizing the impact of wealth on how older adults experience aging.
“There’s a lot of for-profit, tremendously expensive assisted living where you can pay thousands of extra dollars, but if you can’t afford that, you’re very limited,” Funk
Funk also noted the differences in attitudes and accommodation provision towards people with disabilities across the spectrum of age.
“If someone has a lifelong disability, human rights would dictate [that] this person has to be supported with that disability in this place and accommodated within that space,” she said. “But if you develop disabilities because of aging, it’s an entirely different kind of mindset that people seem to have.”
This pattern raises questions about how non-profit housing providers, health authorities and community-based social services can intersect to support older adults with low income. Whether or not these organizations have the appropriate resources to fill these gaps and the dynamics that form when they attempt to, are the source of further questions. Taking these narratives a step further, Funk explores
Funk also explores the experience of caregivers who are ambivalent and reluctant to provide care. “Rather than judging them for feeling ambivalent about it or reluctant, it’s like you can totally understand once you just see their life and how it’s gone, how things came to be this way,” she said. “It’s great if people can [provide care] and if they’re supported, but it can be a really difficult experience.”
In addition to revisiting societal institutions and policies, she highlighted the importance of addressing our own fears of aging and dementia. It has become important to have a shift in narrative, especially as Canada’s population ages. For example, the idea that Canada’s growing elderly population is a problem is merely a subjective narrative that overlooks the potential benefits and contributions of older adults.
“[We need] that huge cultural shift to learn from other cultures that don’t sort of pathologize aging and dementia to the same extent that we tend to,” Funk said.
“The reason we have population aging is not just because of low fertility but because of high life expectancy, which is a good thing.”
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
Disability is not a bad word
Euphemisms for people with disabilities do more harm than good
Rhea Bhalla, staff
“H andicapped,” “Special needs,” “accessibility-seeking,” or the newly popular “differently abled.”
These are just a few euphemisms — terms to soften or obscure a word deemed too blunt or unpleasant — for people with disabilities.
In a progressive world that strives to include and empower vulnerable groups including the disability community, there is something bitterly ironic about the fact that “disability” seems to leave a bad taste in so many mouths — enough to opt for (or, perhaps, invent) another descriptor altogether.
It is important to note, of course, that a good majority of those using euphemisms for the disability community do so with the best intent. Often, they are parents, allies or friends of those with disabilities — who truly support people with disabilities.
But the linguistic euphemisms that manifest from this support may result from attempts to separate people with disabilities from their disability. Disability, to them, is something negative, uncomfortable and unpalatable.
Avoiding the word “disability” doesn’t make a person any less disabled. It only reinforces the idea that an individual’s disability is something to be skirted around, politely ignored and never directly addressed or acknowledged.
Disability is not a bad word. It’s simply a neutral descriptor for a certain range of diversities and differences — unique ways of interacting with and navigating the world. It is one stitch in a rich tapestry of human experience.
Not only does the use of the term disability “tell it like it is,” so to speak, but it also normalizes disabled experiences and helps erode negative connotations that still linger on the word.
ary to who they are. In this mode of thought, disabilities are simply something a person “has” rather than what they are. “Person with cancer” or “person with diabetes” are examples of person-first language. However, not all people prefer person-first lan -
Many of those in the autism community, for example, prefer identity-first descriptors, such as “autistic” or
ality are arguably as much markers of identity as disability is, yet referring to someone as
That brings us to another facet of the modern movement toward inclusive terminology: the debate between person-first and identity-first language.
the tongue very well. Today, person-first language is generally considered a best practice in the disability community.
a “person with Asianness,” a “person with Christianness,” or a “person with Canadianness” might, to the ear, be bordering on
guage. In this view, person-first language might be seen as a shallow attempt to distance an individual from a trait deemed “wrong” or “undesirable,” reinforcing those negative connotations.
Person-first language emphasizes the person and views their disorder, condition or disability as second-
Identity-first lan- guage places the disorder, condition or descriptor first. One might refer to an individual as a “deaf person.”
“autistic person.” They believe these terms appropriately express that autism is an inherent and meaningful part of their identity. In their view, “autistic” is a term that places their identity at the front and center rather than shunting it to the side as an adage or afterthought.
I believe there is merit to the argument for identity-first language. Race, religion and nation-
absurd. Why is it dif- ferent for disability?
The answer might be found in the broadness of disability. If we are to opt for identity-first language, “disabled person” might sound fine, but what of more specific disabilities? What is the identity-first equivalent to “person with a traumatic brain injury,” or “person with cystic fibrosis,” or “person with ADHD?" The reality is sometimes accurate, specific person-first descriptors just don’t exist.
And, if I might interject a purely subjective opinion, “ADHD people” doesn’t roll off
For many in the community, person-first language means hearing others acknowledge their humanity rather than simply referring to them by their diagnosis. The history of dehumanization of people with disabilities, whether in the healthcare, education or workplace sector, makes this especially important. It ensures their personhood is at the centre of their description. A healthcare professional stating, “I’m going to see the person with multiple sclerosis in bed nine” is, for obvious reasons, preferred to “I’m going to see the multiple sclerosis in bed nine.” Of course, everyone in the disability community has unique experiences and perspectives, and it’s always best to ask what terms someone prefers if uncertain. In general, however, person-first language is considered a best practice in the disability community and is generally preferred. Ultimately, that is all that matters. But all this begs the question: Why does it matter?
The simple answer is that language matters. Making a conscious effort to incorporate inclusive language helps challenge and dismantle system biases. Changing our words changes our thoughts. Changing our thoughts changes our actions. Changing our actions changes our society.
So go ahead. Say “disability.”
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
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The spectacle of political debate
The rise of performance over substance in modern debates
India Schlegel, staff
I felt entertained and agitated watching the U.S. presidential debate on Sept. 10. Seeing my preferred candidate, Kamala Harris, blow Donald Trump out of the water was gratifying. But it was not a debate I wanted from world leaders — it was more like a vaguely political sparring match designed for viral clips and sound bites. My TikTok feed reflects this reality.
The debates we know today have strayed far from their roots. Debate originates in ancient cultural practices, from ancient Greece to classical Chinese and Indian philosophy, to name a few. The purpose of this esteemed practice was to uncover truth and foster understanding between opposing viewpoints.
However, even in ancient Greece, not all debates served this noble purpose. Philosophers like Plato criticized the sophists — skilled orators — who prioritized persuasion and spectacle over truth, a tendency that is clearly reflected in today’s political debates.
The goal understood throughout the long history of the practice of dialectic is to create change through the process of reasoning. However, in the mod-
ern era, the nature of debate has changed dramatically. It no longer aligns with the history of dialectic. Instead, it has become a sport and an attention-seeking endeavour, especially with the rise of social media. Debate has evolved into something quite different, a spectacle that prioritizes performance, entertainment and personal gain over thoughtful, truth-seeking dialogue.
Political debate in the United States can be traced back to the historic Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, which took place during the Illinois Senate race. These debates were not merely contests for votes. They were profound exchanges of ideas that grappled with the critical issue of the day: slavery and the moral implications of its expansion or cessation. There were seven debates in total. Each debate was three hours long. Beginning with a one-hour speech, then a 90-minute rebuttal and finally, a 30-minute conclusion from the initial speaker.
the dialectic in uncovering the truth about morality and creating change.
Although Lincoln lost the Senate seat, his debates on the immorality of slavery helped propel him to the presidency, where he issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
But make no mistake, Lincoln was racist as he subscribed to white supremacy despite believing in the immorality of slavery. Nonetheless, the depth of their discourse reflected the importance of reasoned argumenta-
between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump illustrate a further evolution of the trend of spectacle.
These contemporary debates have become platforms for candidates to deliver rehearsed lines and create viral moments, prioritizing performance over meaningful dialectic. This shift reflects how debate as a sport, focused on “winning” over idea exploration, has infiltrated political debates. Candidates now use these televised events to score points, blurring the line between genuine discourse and strategic performance.
Debate, once a tool for creating change through reasoning, has become a battleground in the culture wars, where the only objective is to win publicly
tion and the democratic process.
Fast forward to the first televised U.S. presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960, which marked a dramatic shift in political discourse. This event transformed debates into media spectacles, where image and presentation became as crucial.
The Lincoln-Douglas debates followed the spirit of
In today’s political landscape, debates like the one
This co-opting is especially problematic as it carries all the issues of a win-lose mentality without proper structure and substance. Social media’s impact has also transformed debate into a performance designed for public consumption, using a fractured understanding of debate. From Jubilee’s popular Middle Ground series on YouTube to the TikTok lives that aim to debate a simple topic such as “god is not real” where the host debates the chat and guests. These forms of content bring huge
amounts of attention and revenue.
We can no longer be sure when issues are being exploited for personal gain and when citizens aim to have sincere dialogue.
We see the influence of social media in political debates, where candidates strategize for the perfect “clipable” moment that can fuel their campaign’s media presence.
These viral sound bites dominate post-debate coverage, sometimes more than the policies discussed.
Watching the Harris-Trump debate, I could not shake the feeling that we have lost something essential in the evolution of debate. While it was satisfying to see Harris perform well, it was clear that modern debates have been reduced to little more than performances in a political theatre.
The need for instant gratification and viral moments has overshadowed the pursuit of truth and meaningful change. Debate, once a tool for creating change through reasoning, has become a battleground in the culture wars, where the only objective is to win publicly.
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
Haggling: A lost art young people must reclaim
As costs rise, negotiating prices can empower young consumers
India Schlegel, staff
A friend recently dragged his dad along to buy a new TV, convinced he needed his help negotiating a better price. Armed with his father’s experience, they walked into the store, only for my friend to quickly find out he did not need his dad’s assistance.
After matching the TV’s price to an online deal he found on Amazon, my friend managed to haggle the price of a soundbar down by $50. As they left the store, his dad turned to him and said, “you didn’t need me here after all.”
Moments like these remind me how much we rely on our older relatives for skills like haggling. Research shows that 1 in 4 millennials prefer to have a parent haggle for them for major financial purchases rather than do it themselves.
Our older relatives have the advantages of experience in haggling and economic literacy, making them generally more skilled at finding a deal. But we cannot let the tradition die with them.
With prices at an all-time high, we need to bring back the art of haggling.
Haggling is the process of negotiating a purchase, typically in a marketplace where buyers and sellers engage in a back-and-forth to reach a price they both agree on.
In many cultures around the world, haggling is a common practice. But, in North America, haggling is much more limited to big-ticket items like houses and cars. However, even in the automobile industry, we are losing the normalcy of haggling due to a lack of supply. Homebuyers can be seen pulling out of potential bidding wars to avoid paying over the asking price.
Fixed pricing became commonplace in the market alongside department stores and, in some ways, can be both ethical and helpful for the consumer and the seller.
Fixed pricing assigns a strict, immovable ticket price for an item, set by the seller.
The issue with fixed pricing
is that there is no room for negotiation, and it is inherently discouraged by the creation of a standard ticket price. The seller makes an offer and the buyer then chooses to access the product or to leave it entirely.
This lack of flexibility often benefits sellers more, as it discourages the possibility of compromise or personalized offers, leaving consumers without room to advocate for better terms.
Accepting fixed prices without question means laying down and allowing skyrocketing prices — on groceries, rent and services — to dictate our financial situations.
Financial situations are generally not very good, especially
for young adults.
By incorporating haggling into our buying habits, we can push back against the inflated costs that are bleeding us dry. Not only can this save us money, but it can also build our confidence and economic knowledge, giving us more control over our personal finances and putting pressure on stores to yield to the demands of the consumer.
Haggling and negotiating with large retailers or bigbox stores, like grocery chains that feel untouchable in their pricing, is a crucial area where we can create pressure.
For instance, Superstore offers “ad matching.” I encourage young consumers to take advantage of this by finding
better deals online or at other retailers and negotiating for the same price as often as possible.
This practice shows retailers that we young folks are not passive buyers but active participants in determining fair prices. The more we push back, the more likely stores will offer flexible pricing options or sales that work in our favour or at least become accustomed to it.
Online marketplaces are also a great place to sharpen our haggling skills.
Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji are built around bartering and negotiating, and it is common for buyers and sellers to engage in friendly
price discussions. Starting here makes negotiating feel less intimidating, and you can get comfortable asking for better deals. Whether buying a used bike or selling old furniture, these platforms provide a low-pressure environment to build confidence and learn how to negotiate.
Haggling is a lost art that young people must reclaim for their financial well-being and consumer buying power. It is a skill that can save money, build confidence and push back against big corporations. By negotiating prices, we can regain control in a fixed-price market.
graphic / Teegan
Gillich / staff
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column, and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. In Straights, like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. Each compartment must form a “straight.” A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how “straights” are formed.
Arts & Culture
WNDX festival showcases bold new films
Championing diverse voices in experimental cinema
Thandi Vera, staff
The WNDX Festival of Moving Image returns this October, celebrating bold and boundary-pushing experimental films.
Founded in 2005 by local filmmakers Cecilia Araneda and Solomon Nagler, WNDX was created to reflect the independent and experimental film culture in Winnipeg. As it enters its 19th edition, the festival continues to champion underrepresented voices in the filmmaking world, with a focus on women, Indigenous artists and racialized filmmakers.
“The landscape has changed so [much] in Winnipeg that sometimes it’s hard for people to imagine what even 20 years ago was like,” said Araneda.
She emphasized the lack of opportunities for local filmmakers at the time. “Cinematheque itself has always existed and it’s always a really appreciated thing. But for a filmmaker a screening in a film festival is a career changing event.”
One of the highlights of the 2024 edition is the screening of Terra Long’s experimental documentary Feet in Water, Head on Fire, a film that takes viewers through California’s Coachella Valley.
Long, who is making her WNDX debut, said she is thrilled to be part of the festival.
“I’m so happy to show at WNDX,” said Long. “It’s my first time showing there, but I have long admired the program, and I know many people who have been involved in the festival and who have shown their work there. I think they have a focus on community which is really wonderful, and they also celebrate experimental film.”
Long’s film explores themes of community and place, centring on the Coachella Valley’s iconic palm trees.
“The palm trees need their feet in water and their heads in heat in order to grow,” Long explained, using the trees as a metaphor for the valley’s contrasting elements.
The film delves into the social and economic disparities in the region, known both for its wealth and its reliance on migrant agricultural workers.
“There’s a lot of polarity and conflict,” Long said. “It’s a place with incredibly wealthy gated communities of leisure, centres of people who play golf and yet it’s also home to many migrant workers who work the agricultural lands.”
In addition, Araneda
reflected on how the festival has grown over the years to provide a platform for filmmakers to connect, exchange ideas and grow.
“It’s not just about connecting the works to the public,” she said. “It’s also about how they create an environment where filmmakers come and gather, and there’s a lot of interchange between filmmakers from all over the world.”
This community spirit is a hallmark of WNDX, and the festival’s unique focus on collaboration is also evident in Long’s work.
“The film was made very collaboratively, and it’s kind of a polyvocal film,” said Long. “I like to say it was made with people and with the place, not about people or the place.”
She emphasized that the film was created with the people of the Coachella Valley, particularly those with close ties to the region’s palm trees.
Long’s deep connection to the natural world is central to her filmmaking process.
She recounted how she began experimenting with film processing during a residency in Morocco, where she used dates to develop film.
This led her to the Coachella Valley and its imported palm trees, which originated in the Middle East. “I started developing the film with dates […], and I was also able just to observe the harvest and observe the relationship of people to the palm tree,” she explained.
As Feet in Water, Head on Fire makes its Prairie Region premiere at WNDX, Long hopes that the audience will not only experience the Coachella Valley through her lens but also reflect on their own relationships with land and history.
“I think it’s an invitation to think about land and land history,” Long said. She hopes the audience will understand how human intervention shapes the landscapes we live in. “I hope that they’re swept into it […], and I hope they are able to reflect on the place that
they’re in also through this film.”
As WNDX has grown, it has introduced initiatives like the One Take Super 8 event, which gives local filmmakers a chance to experiment with short films.
Araneda recalled how this event launched the career of Ian Bawa, a Winnipeg filmmaker whose work at WNDX went on to be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
“His film Strong Son was a One Take Super 8 event […] and then went to TIFF as a result of it,” she said.
Despite its success, WNDX has faced challenges, particularly in securing funding as a newer entrant among more established festivals.
“So much of the money is already going to these historically funded organizations,” Araneda noted. “Newer entrants just cannot get the same amount of funding, and so it becomes a bit of the chicken or the egg.”
The future of WNDX is
uncertain, especially following the unexpected passing of Jaimz Asmundson, who played a key role in the festival’s production.
“I didn’t expect to be back at WNDX, but I’m back as the festival producer and again, working for free,” Araneda said. Reflecting on Asmundson’s legacy, she said, “Jaimz passed away unexpectedly […] and he would have wanted me to just, you know, do whatever I could as much as I could to keep this as a legacy to him.”
Araneda remains hopeful about WNDX’s future. “I’m just gonna keep it up — like just even existing past the next two years is what we’re focused on,” she said.
She also hopes to eventually hand off the festival to a new generation of filmmakers. “And I do know that Jaimz hoped for that too.”
For more information and scheduling, visit wndx.org.
Top: A scene from Feet in Water, Head on Fire, screening Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Bottom: Karl Lemieux's Unzip Violence film performance at WNDX festival.
photos provided / WNDX
Monsters unmasked: The Menendez brothers’ dark legacy
Ryan Murphy’s new series explores a chilling tale of homicide
Thandi Vera, staff
R
yan Murphy’s latest instalment in his Monster anthology series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, dives deep into the chilling 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menendez.
Following the success of Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Murphy’s gaze now shifts to the infamous Menendez brothers, bringing the details of their shocking crime back into the spotlight.
The series, which was released on Sept. 19, stars Javier Bardem as José Menendez, Chloë Sevigny as Kitty Menendez, and Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch as Lyle and Erik Menendez, respectively. The series recounts the lead-up to the double homicide and the turbulent legal battles that followed.
For those familiar with the true crime frenzy of the 1990s, the Menendez case is a hallmark. In their Beverly Hills mansion, Lyle and Erik shot their parents at close range, leaving investigators stunned — not just by how brutal the crime was, but by the fact that children were the killers. The brothers later claimed years of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of their father and claimed that was the reason for the crime.
While the brothers’ allegations of abuse became a central part of their defense, the court proceedings were far from straightforward. The first trial in 1993 ended in a hung jury, and it was not until the second trial that both brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
What makes Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story unique is its focus on the aftermath of the crime. The series explores the broth-
ers’ lives in the weeks after the murders, depicting them as young men who sometimes appear unaffected by their actions.
Their extravagant spending sprees and questionable behaviour stirred up public outrage, making the brothers even more suspicious.
Chavez, in his portrayal of Lyle, highlights the character’s cold, calculated demeanour, walking the fine line between ambition and hate. Meanwhile, Koch gives Erik a softer, empathetic side and plays on the idea that his older brother had a great influence over him.
While the show vividly shows the brothers’ postcrime behaviour and actions, it leaves the audience with more questions than answers. In fact, the audience is pulled into the complicated relation-
ship between the brothers, left wondering who is more to blame.
The series encourages viewers to think about whether the brothers’ claims of abuse justify their actions. Although these claims were important to their defense, Monsters questions if they were just meant to sway public opinion. The show balances sympathy for the brothers with the seriousness of their crime.
The series also struggles to avoid comparisons to Dahmer. Both seasons of Monster have been criticized for sensationalizing real events and ignoring the pain of the victims’ families. Just as Dahmer caused fresh grief for the families of its victims, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story risks downplaying the tragic Menendez case.
True crime has become a major obsession, filling TV screens, podcasts and documentaries. In December 2023, half of Canada’s top ten podcasts were true crime, according to Triton Digital. However, the genre often struggles to balance telling interesting stories with avoiding the exploitation of the real victims’ suffering.
Rita Isbell, sister of one of Jeffrey Dahmer’s victims, criticized Dahmer for re-traumatizing victims’ families. Similar concerns come up with Monsters. It raises the question: How many more versions of the Menendez case do we need and when does storytelling turn into exploitation?
The release of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has also faced criticism from the Menendez brothers.
On Sept. 20, Erik Menendez, speaking through his brother Lyle, shared their disappointment with the series on Facebook.
In the post, Erik criticized the show for spreading “blatant lies” about their lives, saying, “I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle […] I can only believe they were done so on purpose.”
He also suggested the portrayal was intentionally misleading, adding, “it is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives.”
While Monsters tells a compelling story, the Menendez brothers believed the show missed the point and does not reflect the deeper truths of their experiences.
A still frame from Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez
photo provided / Miles Crist / Netflix
Bisons football make 5-0 for the first time in 17 years
Bisons defeat Regina Rams to stay unbeaten in the season
Abdul-Jalilu Ahmed, staff
The U of M Bisons football team are on a winning spree after making it 5-0 this season for the first time in 17 years.
The herd showcased resilience by overcoming a stuttering start to the game and chalked up a win over Regina Rams with a 22-13 score at the Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Playing in front of 4,000 spectators, the Bisons justified their impeccable performance by playing to maintain their enviable winning adventure, leaving Regina Rams in a state of aggravation after recording their third defeat in the season.
Manitoba presently stands 16-5 at home against Regina over the last 27 seasons.
Quarterback Jackson Tachinski came through with an incredible 224 passing yards, Breydon Stubbs with 121 rushing yards and AK Gassama with 90 receiving yards.
The Regina Rams caused a stir in the first quarter following a 3-0 score. Isaac Wegner had every reason to smile and celebrate following a 22-yard field goal. There was a drive of six plays, 37 yards.
The Bisons revamped their strategy in the second quarter to end with 7-3 score. Visiting team Regina Rams did not disappoint for the Bisons. Maya Turner advanced a good kick for Breydon Stubbs to run one yard, with a drive of nine plays, 75 yards.
The third quarter changed the dynamic of the game, swinging in favour of the host in grand style. It was a moment of dominance and joy for the herd as they wrapped up with 14-0 score. Maya Turner delivered a spectacular kick for Jackson Tachinski to rack up a 13-yard run. There was a drive of six plays, 57 yards. Mula Yitna received a pass from Jackson Tachinksi and ended up with a 25-yard run.
The Regina Rams tried to stage a surprising comeback as they fought their way across the lines in the closing stages of the fourth quarter, ending with 7-1 score. Isaac Wegner whipped a good kick for Marshall Erichsen to run seven yards. Despite exerting power and agility in the final quarter of the game, the Rams were left with no choice than to depart Winnipeg with defeat.
“You look at the sideline, it doesn’t look like we’re down 6-0. Everyone looks pretty upbeat. Our experience, our wisdom, we’ve been here, done that,” said Tachinski to Bison Sports.
He continued, “last year
we were in a lot of close games that ended up slipping through our fingers, and this year we’re making sure those games don’t slip through.”
“We made some pretty uncharacteristic mistakes at the beginning,” stated Tachin-
ski. “We were a little slow, a little flat. The coaches told us to get on our horse. I don’t think we had the fastest start or the strongest start, but it didn’t really matter.
“I looked at those guys on the sidelines and they weren’t
defeated. They were very optimistic. When we were in the locker room at halftime everyone was optimistic, and we just kept grinding.”
On the 2024 Canada West football standings, the Bisons football team ranks at the top
with 10 points — four points ahead of the University of British Columba Thunderbirds.
The Bisons have the chance to extend their winning streak as they play away against the Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday, Oct. 4.
