Students Supporting Israel host Oct. 7 commemoration event
Sylvester Delali Agbado, staff
Students Supporting Israel (SSI) hosted a commemoration event on Oct. 7 in front of the U of M administration building, bringing together community members to mourn the loss of lives and express hopes for the safe return of hostages held by Hamas.
The vigil was organized by SSI, the Jewish Heritage Centre, Etz Chaim synagogue, the Jewish Community on Campus (JCOC) and Hillel. Tomer Hatzir, an executive member of SSI, stated that “the importance of this collaboration cannot be overstated.
“It allowed the Jewish and Israeli community, along with our broader community of supporters, to come together in mourning the lives lost on Oct. 7 [2023] and to collectively pray for the safe return of those still held captive by Hamas,” said Hatzir. “This horrible massacre was the deadliest act of violence against Jews since the Holocaust, a devastating reminder of the enduring need to confront hatred and violence.”
The vigil featured community leaders, including Belle Jarniewski of the Jewish Heritage Centre and Rabbi Kliel Rose of Etz Chayim, that addressed those in attendance.
“Community members spoke, with tremendous sorrow, about the brutality of Hamas terrorists on that day and of our deep longing for the return of the hostages,” said Hatzir.
“Seeing the community come together to mourn and show solidarity reminded me of the power of collective action in times of grief. It gave me hope that even in the darkest of times, we can find strength in unity.”
The board of SSI indicated that the response to the vigil was incredibly heartwarming with support from all corners of the community. “We were particularly touched by the attendance and support from various groups across our campus,” said Hatzir.
He concluded, “we must continue to come together, raise awareness and stand united in our commitment to peace and mutual understanding for all.”
Students for Justice in Palestine host vigil on Oct. 8
Ngozi Okose, staff
Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) held a vigil on campus on Oct. 8 to honour Palestinian lives lost and to raise awareness of the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Isreal.
Kareem Sowid, a member of SJP, shared the group’s vision behind organizing the event, emphasizing the need for a safe space where students could mourn the events that have occurred over the past year.
“We just wanted to amplify and raise awareness, not just of the Palestinian occupation, but of the treatment of Palestinians on campus, and the vigil allowed us to provide that safe space for students,” said Sowid.
The vigil featured a list displaying the names of children under the age of 17 who were killed in Gaza since March, according to Sowid. The list was draped across the steps of the university’s administration building.
Several individuals spoke at the vigil, including David Camfield, a U of M professor and coordinator of
the labour studies program. “Today is a time to mourn,” stated Camfield during the vigil. “As we mourn, we also need to recommit ourselves to action to support the people of Palestine,” said Camfield.
Melody McKiver, an assistant professor of the Desautels faculty of music, also spoke at the vigil. McKiver sung “Duck and Dive,” from the Nez Perce people and described it as a traditional song depicting their battle with the U.S. army.
Members of SJP also addressed those in attendance from the steps of the administration building.
Sowid mentioned that the faculty for Palestine — defined as a “network of academics committed to advancing the struggle for Palestinian liberation, justice and equality through the academic sector” — assisted SJP to craft this event.
“Everything went by smoothly,” stated Sowid. “We’re extremely grateful for the turnout.”
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U of M graduate students receive Vanier scholarships
Three PhD students awarded funds toward their research
Iyanda Ajuwon, staff
Three PhD students, Pahan PteSanWin (department of Indigenous studies), Dallas Murphy (department of psychology) and Sydney Levasseur-Puhach (department of psychology) have been awarded the prestigious Vanier Canada graduate scholarship to support their research in areas of community health and the humanities.
The Vanier Canada graduate scholarship is a program that helps Canadian universities attract top-class PhD students within Canada and around the globe.
This scholarship helps doctoral students who demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, engineering and health.
Mario Pinto, the university’s vice-president (research and international), told UM Today that “the recognition of these three UM graduate students as prestigious Vanier scholars is a testament to their research leadership.”
He continued, “UM is proud to provide an excellent training ground with talented faculty and mentors. This award is a sound investment in the next generation of scholars and the Canadian workforce of tomorrow.”
Over the next three years, the selected Vanier scholars will each receive $50,000 per year toward their research.
Pahan PteSanWin supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research council
PteSanWin’s research is titled Beyond Repatriation of Indigenous Ancestral Remains and Cultural Heritage: Rematriation and Reparations in the Canadian Context
“In June of this year, the University of Manitoba offered a public apology to Indigenous people for the university’s participation in a specific kind of colonial violence, and that colonial violence is the accepting the control and stewardship of Indigenous ancestral remains,” said PteSanWin.
“And the other thing that happened on that day was the university also adopted a policy, a university-wide policy that, going forward, no Indigenous ancestral remains are ever to be accepted by the university again and that the
university made a commitment to return these — we call them ancestors, the remains, we call them ancestors — return the ancestors to the descendant communities.”
PteSanWin continued, “my research flows from what happened there. Because the university will repatriate the ancestors to descendant communities. But my research […] builds on the assumption that merely returning ancestors, and other things too, not only remains, but also, cultural heritage, maybe sacred items or a song or even a photo that was taken from Indigenous community without consent. Those have to be returned too.”
PteSanWin said that her research is building on that return is very important. However, it is just the beginning, and merely returning the item in an act of repatriation is not enough.
She continued by saying, “my research wants to look at something called rematriation, which is much more comprehensive than just returning an item. It’s looking at all the other things that need to be returned and restored, like sovereignty and right relationships and other kinds of decolonization that needs to happen.
“So, looking at it more gen-
erally across Canada, what kind of reparations would be appropriate? And so my research wants to look at how do we support and encourage and challenge colonial institutions to […] move toward being willing to repatriate and then take the next steps, which is rematriation, do more and then reparations, which is how do you atone for the harm that you’ve caused through this kind of colonial violence. And that’s what I want to make a difference.”
PteSanWin said, “that’s what I want to do, is to look at how do we support colonial institutions to move along this continuum from one side to the other so that when we get to that place where the rematriation has happened and the reparations have happened, then Indigenous community can thrive in a more robust way than what is happening today.”
Dallas Murphy, supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Murphy’s research project is about developing mental health resources that are more accessible to a broader population so people who might have a tougher time getting access to it. “I think it’s
important because Manitoba in particular has the lowest number of licensed psychologists per capita,” said Murphy
The Vanier scholar continued, “the government just funded an expansion of the clinical health psychology program here, which means there’s a few more psychologists now. But as of a couple of years ago, for every 100,000 people in Manitoba, there were only 17 psychologists. And about one third of every Manitoban at some point in their life will meet the criteria for a mental health disorder, which if you do the math, means there’s not enough professionals to treat everyone who needs the help.”
Murphy discussed how the number of professionals to treat individuals with mental health issues is limited, and his research looks at how more people can get the necessary treatment at a low-cost in an efficient manner.
Sydney Levasseur-Puhach, supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research council
Levasseur-Puhach is collaborating with Indigenous women to research how programs and services can better meet their maternal men-
tal health needs.
In a news release by UM Today, she stated that “I want to showcase that there are so many gifts that Indigenous women possess that should be honoured within mental health systems.
“I hope to disrupt systems and create safer spaces for women and families to be able to live their lives in alignment with personal, familial and cultural values. I believe that providing the care that Indigenous women deserve will serve as a means of supporting intergenerational family thriving.”
These Vanier scholars were selected for their academic excellence, research potential and leadership, and they can now count themselves as Canada’s top graduates.
“UM’s Vanier scholars have been recognized for their excellence and this funding allows them to continue their journey to transform our world through their research, leadership and desire to make a difference,” said Kelley Main, dean of the faculty of graduate studies, to UM Today. “Congratulations to all of them on this outstanding achievement.”
Pahan PteSanWin, Vanier scholar
photo courtesy of / Dallas Murphy
Sydney Levasseur-Puhach, Vanier scholar
photo courtesy of / University of Manitoba
Dallas Murphy, Vanier scholar
photo courtesy of / Pahan PteSanWin
Student affairs participation award recipient honoured
Student Makenna Coldwell is celebrated for academic and community work
Sylvester Delali Agbado, staff
T his year, Makenna Coldwell, a biosystems engineering student, is the recipient of the student affairs participation award.
The student affairs participation award — a scholarship provided by the U of M — recognizes students who balance voluntary commitments with academic success. Since 1992, the award has honoured students who maintain good academic performance while demonstrating leadership and contributing to the university or the broader community.
To be eligible, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and completed sufficient courses that constitute at least the first full year of an academic program.
Coldwell participates actively in her faculty and the office of sustainability. She served as the student representative on the biosystems department council, the engineering undergraduate academic relations and curriculum committee and the engineering local discipline committee.
As human resource manager for the U of M Space Applications and Technology Society, she developed onboarding practices, conflict management resources and EDI information. She also contributes to the team’s design work on CubeSat, which recently won the Canadian satellite design challenge.
Coldwell expressed her satisfaction and joy for being recognized for her contributions in and outside the university community. Coldwell said she has been a part of the U of M community since her undergraduate days and is now pursuing a master of science in engineering focusing on agricultural engineering.
She revealed that she participated in many student groups during her undergraduate studies and remains an active member for groups related to women in engineering, sustainability and the Ukrainian community.
“I am a part of and was a part of a lot of student groups in my undergraduate degree, and I’m continuing to be a part of a lot of them, mostly related to engineering inclusivity,” said Coldwell. “So, for women in engineering specifically, and a lot about sustainability. I’m very involved in my community outside of the University of Manitoba,” she added.
In addition, she volunteered on the board of directors for a local Ukrainian
dance school last year and continues to work with the school. She also tutors students in mathematics and engineering and said she got involved not for recognition but because she enjoys and loves what she does.
Coldwell mentioned, “everything I do is something I do because I love it. I don’t do it for recognition, but it’s nice to see other people see all of the hard work that I’ve put into different student groups and initiatives and understand that it is possible to be doing all of these things while maintaining a high academic performance.”
She noted her reaction to this recognition. “It came as a surprise for me. I think I was nominated by one of my supervisors while I worked for the office of sustainability at the University of Manitoba,” said Coldwell. “So, they nominated me without me knowing. And I didn’t really know about the student affairs participation award prior to joining all these clubs and initiatives. So, it was a pleasant surprise for me.”
Coldwell mentioned how she balances her student life and volunteering by focusing on what she enjoys, finding purpose in her work and planning her activities effectively.
“Everything for me is scheduled down to the minute in my calendar. So, my Outlook calendar is always scheduled or my Google calendar,” she said. “Everything has a timeline. I don’t like having
free time. I like to be doing something, something with a purpose, […] everything I do is something that I enjoy. So, for me, doing it didn’t feel like a task,” she added.
Coldwell disclosed that while growing up, she knew she had a couple of different paths that she wanted to explore, whether it be engineering, medicine or mathematics. Even as a child, she always excelled in mathematics and also scored a 100 per cent on her pre-calculus provincial exam. “So, I always knew growing up that I was good at the skills that lead to engineering, such as problem-solving and mathematics. So, when I joined engineering my first year, I immediately felt like this is for me. I belong here,” Coldwell said.
She maintained a high GPA while balancing academic work with volunteer activities by dedicating many scheduled hours to studying and working on practice problems, rather than relying solely on attending classes. She mentioned, “every time that I had professors say, ‘do these set of practice problems,’ I would do it. You have to do everything out of your initiative. You can’t just rely on going to class and absorbing the information and then just getting an A+.”
Aside from coming from a supportive family, she revealed that her parents were first generation students who achieved academic success and did well in their careers.
Inspired by their accomplishments and those of her sister, she aims to follow their example to keep the same pattern in the family. “They always say, do whatever you want to do, do what’s your passion. And it just so turned out that my passion was following kind of in their footsteps, going to university and for me pursuing engineering,” she said.
She encouraged girls to consider engineering or any other field, saying there is always a place for everyone. She stated that it is normal for women in engineering to feel scared at times, as she also experienced the same at first. Coldwell indicated, “so you also have the right to feel scared, but I promise you, you will find a place in this field and your ideas matter. Your problem-solving, your solutions, anything that you want to design, there is a place for that in this field of engineering. So, I highly encourage you to explore this field if you want to.”
Coldwell enjoys solving math problems and reading math-related textbooks. She spends time with friends at coffee shops, where they discuss various topics. These activities help her when she feels down.
Sharing her thoughts about leadership, she pointed out that being a leader for specific initiatives is important. She revealed that she was a shy and reserved person who never saw herself getting into
leadership roles before coming to the university. She said one cannot simply fall into a leadership role. It requires significant effort and a lot of work.
She expressed, “it takes a lot of connections, obviously, connecting with your peers. So, my advice is for someone who wants to be a leader in a specific initiative, or student group or organization, you do have to start from the bottom. Join the group as a first year, just as being a member.”
She advised potential students who want to gain recognition for the student affairs participation award to remain involved, keep doing their work and share their activities with people from the various communities that they belong to.
“I just want people to know that anything they do, it matters. Whether it be something small, some one-off volunteering, or whether it be being a leader or a part of a larger organization, your involvement in your community is so important,” Coldwell mentioned. “So, please continue to do so. Set an example for others in your community,” Coldwell added.
“Look at my story and say, it is possible for you to participate in things like this and maintain a high GPA. If you’re a student, you can do both. It is hard sometimes, but you can do both,” she advised.
photo courtesy of / Makenna Coldwell
U of M crime statistics for July and August
Security services release statistics for crime incidents on campus
Iyanda Ajuwon, staff
The university’s security services has released crime statistics on the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses for July and August 2024.
Security services is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure environment for students, lecturers, staff and visitors frequenting the university.
The crime statistics report covers various crime categories, including theft, break and enter, mischief, sexual assault, harassment, threats, trespassing, driving offences and other criminal code offences.
July crime statistics
According to the statistics for July, there were a total of 28 incidents that occurred on the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.
The Fort Garry campus recorded 10 theft incidents, seven mischiefs, detention of one intoxicated person, five
driving offences, one account of trespassing and three incidents that were related to the city of Winnipeg by-laws.
The Bannatyne campus only recorded one theft incident — theft of cash.
In addition, security services responded to 57 suspicious calls, four medical emergencies, 179 requests for an unscheduled entry into the university building, 255 alarms and five calls for parking service. During the same month, they completed 11 safe walks and one safe ride.
August crime statistics
In August, more crime incidents were recorded. According to the released statistics, there were a total of 35 crime incidents on the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.
The Fort Garry campus also recorded more crime incidents than the Bannatyne campus in August. This included 13 theft incidents, two harassments, four mis-
chiefs, one assault, seven driving offences, detention of an intoxicated person, two trespasses, break and entry of a trailer and two violations of Winnipeg by-laws.
The Bannatyne campus had just one theft incident and mischief, which was the theft of a laptop and a vandalized vehicle, respectively.
Additionally, security services responded to 64 suspicious calls, four medical emergencies, 155 requests for unscheduled access to the university buildings and rooms, two calls for service and 180 alarms.
There were 19 completed safe walks and one completed safe ride in August.
Security services can be contacted at 204-474-9312 for the Fort Garry campus and at 204-789-3330 for the Bannatyne campus.
photo / Anthony Nardella / volunteer
Research & Technology
Arctic freshwater impacts carbon exchange
Researcher examines increasing freshwater effects on the Arctic Ocean and climate
Divyata Gosai, staff
As the Arctic warms at an unprecedented rate, it is important to understand how increased freshwater influx impacts the carbon dioxide exchange between the ocean and climate.
Kristina Brown is an assistant professor of environment and geography at the U of M.
Her journey into research began with an interest in the natural system of the Arctic Ocean, its ecosystem and how it is changing.
“I’ve always been drawn to ocean science in particular and the chemistry of the ocean,” she said. “The research that I do is working in the Arctic and spending time trying to understand how the ocean works and then how it might be changing as the climate in the Arctic continues to warm.”
Brown, a chemical oceanographer, researches how the ocean functions using various geochemical tracers to understand ocean processes.
Her current research examines how the ocean changes over time and how it behaves now.
“My primary research interest is looking at how the ocean plays a role in the climate system by helping to modulate the amount of carbon dioxide that’s in the atmosphere,” she explained.
Humans are increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through activities like burning fossil fuels, farming livestock and cutting down forests.
“My research tries to [understand] how the ocean is taking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and how that might change in the future,” she said. “As the climate continues to warm, the Arctic in particular is warming at a rate of four times faster than the rest of the planet.”
Due to the warm temperatures that result from climate change, ice and snow in locations such as the Arctic have begun to melt, resulting in that melted freshwater flowing from the rivers and land to the ocean.
The increased freshwater entering the ocean has altered its chemistry in various ways, such as changing its carbon dioxide content.
Brown emphasized the larger implications of her work.
“The ocean plays a huge role in the climate system from a planetary perspective, but also it’s really important for communities in the north that live along the ocean, that live along the coastline,” she said.
“It’s really important to better understand how changes in river inputs and sea ice melt affect the ocean ecosystem so that they can better prepare for the changes that warming will bring to their lives, livelihoods and their cultural practices.”
stand how changes in sea ice affected the carbon dioxide exchange between the ocean and atmosphere.
As her research continued,
communities in the north who have first-hand experience of the changing ecosystem.
“As the climate continues to warm, the Arctic in particular is warming at a rate of four times faster than the rest of the planet”
During graduate school, Brown began working on Coast Guard vessels in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. Her goal was to under-
— Kristina Brown, professor in the U of M’s department of environment and geography
“I have gotten an opportunity to work closely with northern communities that live on the Arctic coastline and are there observing these changes every day,” she said.
“Inuit communities have lived in the north since time immemorial, so they have this long-term understanding of how things
She explained that her recent work allows her to bring traditional knowledge contexts into her observations, allowing her to better understand Arctic ecosystems.
“There’s so many things that we can learn by being open to many different ways of observing and ways of seeing the world,” she said. “By working with many different perspectives, we can really get a better understanding of the present natural world around us.”
she moved closer to land, exploring freshwater directly. Over the years, her work has shifted into collaboration with are changing [and] how the system might change in the future.”
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
The brain, the placenta and cells that birth other cells
U of M researcher dives into neurodevelopmental neuroscience
Rhea Bhalla, staff
L
ei Xing had always been fascinated by the human brain.
Initially, his desire to understand the inner workings of the brain led him to medical school to become a medical doctor. When he ultimately changed his career path and went into research, Xing knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life uncovering the secrets of developmental neuroscience.
“I always wanted to study the brain, because there is so much we don’t know about [it],” Xing said, now an assistant professor in the U of M’s department of biological sciences. “In order to understand how the human brain functions, we need to learn how the human brain becomes this elegant structure.”
Xing completed three independent research projects during his postdoctoral degree.
The first research project looked at progenitor cells in
the brain. Progenitor cells are undifferentiated cells that can turn into a variety of mature, specialized cells depending on the needs of the body. Xing aimed to understand how hormones and neurotransmitters — chemical messengers that carry communications from one nerve cell to another — regulate progenitor cells in the developing brain.
He found that as a neurotransmitter, serotonin can encourage progenitors to divide rapidly.
the major players that contributed to human brain development and essentially made our brain so much bigger compared to other species,” Xing said.
The second project Xing completed looked at the gene ARHGAP11B, which is found only in humans. The gene forces a specific type of pro -
“give birth” to many brain cells.
“This gene in particular contributed to the evolution of the human brain, because only in the evolutionary lineage leading toward humans [did] this gene emerge.”
Xing’s third project looked at how ARHGAP11B works with other genes to ensure progenitor cells produce large numbers of brain cells.
“In order to understand how the human brain functions, we need to learn how the human brain becomes this elegant structure”
— Lei Xing, assistant professor in the U of M’s department of biological sciences
The more progenitors that appear during development, the more brain cells form as a result. This eventually leads to a larger brain. “We think this is one of
genitor found in the neocortex to rapidly multiply. This human-specific gene regulates the growth of cells to encourage progenitors to
When placed in mice, Xing found that human ARHGAP11B genes led to parts of their brains expanding and their memory becoming more flexible, suggesting that the mice’s cognitive ability may have been improved. Similar results were noted in ferrets and marmosets.
Xing’s ongoing research is centered on the human placenta, an organ that forms in the womb during pregnancy and
provides oxygen, nutrition and waste removal for a growing baby. The study began by exploring the placenta to examine what molecules it secretes that may be linked to progenitor cells.
Xing’s team found one particular molecule that may cause progenitor cells to multiply especially quickly. The next step in the project is to incubate mouse tissue with this molecule and see if it increases the number of progenitors. Eventually, he plans to grow miniature human organs with the molecule to determine whether it truly is causing more progenitor cells to appear.
Ultimately, Xing aims to further explore the human placenta and placental signals, comparing them to other species to determine the precise role of the placenta in brain development. His goal is to understand what specific characteristics lead to the development of the human brain and contribute to our higher cognitive functions and larger brain size.
“Research like this project will certainly broaden our knowledge,” said Xing. “The information gained from projects will help us to understand much better about how human brains develop and grow […] This will provide the fundamental knowledge also to understand the basics of some of the neurodevelopmental disorders.”
He explained that if scientists are able to understand precisely what unique biological players contribute to the development and growth of the human brain, they can use that information to guide the development of therapeutic approaches to diseases and disorders. The fundamental research he produces as a neuroscientist adds to a growing body of work that continually improves the lives of patients.
“Fundamental research, or basic research, is what moves our society forward,” Xing said. “We need all of this knowledge. Then we can apply them.”
•
Breaking boundaries: from the classroom to the photo pit
Photographer from the Manitoban opens up about his photography journey
Nischal Karki, staff
N
ine months ago, I was halfway through my photography course at Red River College Polytech, working on a final portfolio assignment that felt both exciting and overwhelming. The task was straightforward on paper: create a photo book of 40 high-quality images, including three 8 by 10 framed prints and three larger framed pieces. But at the time, I had no clear direction. Without any models to work with, I began experimenting with self-portraits — something I never imagined I’d be able to do.
To my surprise, this challenge became a defining moment in my career, pushing me to grow as a photographer.
Self-portraits allowed me to discover something important, that photography can be as much about self-expression as it is technical skill. I also knew self-portraits alone wouldn’t make my work stand out. My classmates were all talented, each developing their own style. I needed something more for my final. Something different. I was paranoid about not measuring up, and I started questioning my creative path.
A month later, after questioning myself, I picked up my camera with a new mindset.
I realized that overthinking was paralyzing my progress. Instead of waiting for the perfect idea, I just needed to shoot anything and everything. This shift in mentality opened me up to new possibilities.
That’s when I stumbled across an ad for Stylus Magazine looking for volunteers to cover local events. I signed up and photographed my firstever concert on Jan. 26, 2024.
Concert photography was an entirely different challenge. I had no idea what I was stepping into, but I went in acting like I did, because sometimes, that’s all you can do. I had to figure it out along the way. The fast-paced environment forced me to think on my feet, experiment and take risks. I even tried using a plastic beer cup to create some light effects. Anyone who saw me that night might have thought I was a bit eccentric. I was myself. A quote from Anne Leibovitz reminded me, “only smear can lead to clarity,” and so I smeared.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Being shy, I struggled to communicate with promoters and other photographers, which I soon realized was a
significant hurdle in an industry that thrives on networking. In any creative industry, you have to push past your comfort zone, and concert photography is no exception. I still get nervous when shooting alongside seasoned photographers who have been in the business for years, but I remind myself that everyone started somewhere.
Despite my nerves, I quickly found that the concert pit felt like home. Something about the chaos, the energy and the lights resonated with me. The adrenaline, the music, the challenge of capturing those fleeting moments — it’s what drives me, even if the ear-splitting speakers sometimes leave me ringing in my ears for hours after the show.
Concert photography has its own set of rules. At high-profile gigs, photographers are typically only allowed to shoot for the first 20 minutes or during the first three songs. But when I started, I didn’t know that — I’d shoot the entire show unless told otherwise,
leaving with 2,500 to 3,000 images per set. Looking back, it was overkill. Now, I shoot more selectively, understanding that culling and editing can take as long as the shoot itself. While software can help with the process, I prefer to go through the images myself. There’s an instinct in selecting the best shots that software simply can’t replicate.
After that first show in January, I am being more than myself in every set I attend. I do respect the audiences, fellow photographers and artists, and if needed, I run around and change my body posture into some strange yoga pose just to get the perfect shot. As Gordon Parks famously said, “I feel it is the heart, not the eye, that should determine the content of the photograph. What the eye sees is its own. What the heart can perceive is a very different matter.”
If I believe I can capture epic images, I am ready to chase after them. As I reflect on my journey over the past
nine months, I realize how far I’ve come. From feeling lost during my portfolio assignment to discovering my passion for concert photography, every experience has shaped me.
That stressful assignment became a turning point. It pushed me to think differently, to stop overthinking and to just create. Once I broke past that initial stress, it opened up doors I hadn’t considered.
I’ve embraced the chaos of the concert pit, learning to adapt and thrive in an environment that fuels my creativity. Each show offers a fresh opportunity to push my boundaries, whether it’s trying new techniques or capturing the emotion of a live performance.
With three months left in my personal challenge, I’m eager to see where this path leads. I’m excited not just for the upcoming concerts but for the stories that artists and audiences have. Each performance brings its own
energy, and I can’t wait to capture those fleeting moments that resonate with both the audience and myself.
So, if you’re a fan of live music and want to witness the magic firsthand, I invite you to join me. Let’s celebrate the power of music together! Catch CCMA award winner Tim and the Glory Boys on Oct. 18 at Park Theatre, and who knows? You might just see me in the pit, chasing that perfect shot once again. Here’s to the next chapter of this incredible journey — full of new experiences, risks and unforgettable moments! Consider this an invitation for all of you to explore your creativity. Bring your camera, take some photos at a concert, or find your own way to step out of your comfort zone. Embracing creativity can lead to amazing experiences, whether it’s through photography or another form of expression.
photos / Nischal Karki / staff
Meule band’s first Canada tour, performing at West End Cultural Centre (WECC) for Winterruption 2024. This is where I used a plastic beer cup for this effect.
Testament performing on the KlashofTitans tour Sept. 24, 2024 at the Burton Cummings Theatre
Sub-headlining band: Persefone for the band Fallujah. (The Flesh Prevails Anniversary Tour) at Park Theatre July 15, 2024
The problem with town halls
Why they are losing relevance in today’s society
Thandeka Katsika, staff
Afew weeks ago the U of M’s president’s office sent out an email to notify students of the town hall meeting president and vice-chancellor Michael Benarroch will be holding on Oct. 16. The town hall’s primary focus will be the university’s financial health and budget process.
As tuition-paying students, I am sure we are all — at least to some degree — interested in the information he will be sharing. And yet, perhaps each of us is apprehensive to attend. Many town hall meetings discuss topical issues which heavily affect people’s lives, yet they record great decline in attendance and participation over the years. Young people may be starting to believe that they are now insignificant to society.
A town hall is defined by Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries as an “event at which a politician or public officer answers questions from members of the public.” The concept of this gathering has evolved over the years to mean any gathering in which a leader or person of influence meets with the people under their authority to discuss matters that concern them.
Town halls tend to find relevance in democratic systems, in which administrators and officials require the willful co-operation and approval of their constituents. These public hearings allow the community to personally voice their worries while giving those in authoritative positions the opportunity to inform and understand their people. Gatherings of this nature are an important pillar for free and well-functioning societies.
However, in recent years, on both the local and national stage, I believe the significance of these public discussions has been undermined by the growing distrust people have toward those in positions of power.
An article from Environics Institute noted that “Canadians are less likely to have confidence in business leaders, governments and political leaders.” This skepticism is not random but rather a wellfounded response to what the public has observed over the years.
In free societies, those in charge require the willing support of members of the community, but it appears to have become easier for them to get it by projecting an inauthentic stance. Those in charge pretend to care and consider
the suggestions of the people, but in reality, disregard their input and anxieties.
Before, this calculated deception may have been difficult to identify, but now we have seen it all too often. So much so that I would argue it matters very little whether they are genuine or not.
The perceived inauthenticity associated with their positions is enough to devalue the public gatherings they host.
understandable sentiment. If the leadership they are interacting with is only holding a town hall for the sake of holding it and the seemingly positive effect it will have on their image, then why waste time going?
I think the validity of
I believe the significance of these public discussions has been undermined by the growing distrust people have toward those in positions of power
People feel that if their presence and participation do not have any effect on their current situation, then attendance is pointless. It is an
town hall meetings is further destabilized by smaller deceptions and minor inconveniences. Some people have noted that in certain assemblies they have attended,
hosts have used manufactured questions in the Q&A portion. Questions that their teams or themselves have written and then presented as being asked by the public to boost their image or influence public opinions concerning them. While seemingly small, these actions increase the sense of dishonesty and insincerity and make it nearly impossible for people to believe that their input is valued. Additionally, the format of some town hall meetings can be inconvenient and dissuade participation. Some town
halls begin with a presentation from the host. Many have noted that these presentations tend to go overtime, leaving a very short interval for questions. I feel that this marginalizes one of the most important aspects of a town hall: interaction with the people. Although well-meaning town halls seem to be missing the point of their existence. I believe they exist to make people in positions of power more aware of the issues the public is facing. Carried out correctly, assemblies of this nature increase empathy between people and those in charge and ensure that leadership is mindful of how to effectively serve the public — which is the primary purpose of the position they hold.
graphic / Fumnaya Ifeadi / staff
The hidden cost of thrifting
Thrift store price gouging: Online reselling affecting thrifters
Quinn Mayhew, staff
Thrifting has always been a cheap, sustainable option for me. I can get nice-looking clothing for half price as compared to full price online or at the mall.
Looking through the racks of clothing with my friends has become a therapeutic activity we do almost every weekend. We grab our afternoon coffees and head over to the thrift store to score good finds or simply browse the racks.
Thrifting is a sustainable option. Rather than buying from fast fashion sites and contributing to the ever-growing problem of the exploitation of workers, overconsumption of clothing products and environmental degradation, buyers can limit waste by purchasing used clothes.
Shein, an online retailer, exploits its workers for profit, with labourers pulling a 17 hour workday for mere pennies. At this expense, Shein sells their clothes at dirt-cheap costs to make substantial profits. Despite their unethical practices, the affordability of their products is highly appealing. You can get a shirt or swimsuit delivered for half the price of a typical item.
Even for someone like me, who primarily thrifts, Shein’s prices are tempting, especially for university students on tight budgets. Their target demographic is largely aged 25 to 34, making up 30.29 per cent of buyers.
However, is supporting a brand that exploits its workers truly worth it? The Berkeley Economic Review notes that thrift stores were often frequented by low-income individuals looking for a deal on affordable clothing, but due to online promotion of fast fashion alternatives, the
interest in thrift stores has skyrocketed.
Thrifting has now become a source of problems for many.
The surge in clothing demand has led to price gouging at
sively, typically during times of high demand, shortages or crises. As demand for clothing rises, thrift stores are increasing prices to cover higher overhead costs. A shirt that once cost $1 may now be priced at $9.99. While these prices may seem reasonable compared to regular retail, they significantly impact individuals who cannot afford to spend extra on basic clothing items.
The large price dexterities between clothes in thrift stores can make a big difference to those searching for clothes on a cheaper budget.
I am forced to acknowledge that despite my attempts to be eco-friendly or to collect cool pieces, I am a part of the price gouging problem
thrift stores like Salvation Army and Value Village. Price gouging is simply the practice of increasing the prices of goods or services exces-
The notable markup of these clothes has caused problems for those seeking a cheaper alternative.
The internet has played a crucial role in driving up the prices of items at thrift stores. Reselling has become impact-
ful in how thrift stores price items in accordance with what is trendy.
Reselling is when an individual goes to a thrift store, buys items and sells them again for a higher price on websites such as Depop and Poshmark. These sites are notorious for marking up prices so buyers can compete in a price-is-right scenario, and the highest bidder gets to take home the prize. Reselling skews the market of used apparel to be valued higher and makes secondhand clothing more costly.
The Berkeley Economic Review establishes that oneof-a-kind pieces that were once at thrift stores targeted to underprivileged communities are now being sold to online consumers looking for a unique piece at a lower price.
My experience with thrifting is something I am passionate about. I enjoy shopping at a cheaper price with unique pieces to fit my wardrobe aesthetic. However, I am forced to
acknowledge that despite my attempts to be eco-friendly or to collect cool pieces, I am a part of the price gouging problem.
I repeatedly buy off Depop and although I do not actively sell on these online secondhand retail stores, I contribute to the bigger problem.
Despite my role, I actively and consciously think of how much I buy from thrift stores to curve how much I affect those who cannot afford prices to astronomically skyrocket and the privilege that enables me to shop recreationally at thrift stores. I encourage everyone to think of how they can affect second-hand stores to better serve those needing lower-priced clothing.
graphic / Fumnaya Ifeadi / staff
A downtown wish: True revitalization
Millions invested in Portage Place remodel to serve downtown community
India Schlegel, staff
I remember going to see a movie at Portage Place with my grandma. Before we left, she handed me a penny to toss into the mall’s iconic fountain. I don’t remember what I wished for, but I remember how magical it felt to throw that tiny coin and believe, even for a moment, that the future could hold something special. For many Winnipeggers, that was what Portage Place was meant to be — a spark of hope for downtown’s future.
Portage Place opened in 1987 as a downtown revitalization project, but it quickly let down the hopes we Winnipeggers had for it, and by 1994, the mall was already in financial trouble. Since then, a plan has been needed: what should we do with Portage Place? There have been near deals and hopeful concepts, but nothing has stuck -- until now.
On Sept. 27, it was announced that True North Sports + Entertainment would finalize the purchase of Portage Place mall by the end of the following week. This is the first time Portage Place has been owned by a single entity since the mall opened in the
80s. The company will have complete control. True North will commence a $650 million dollar revitalization project. The renovation will start in 2025 and will be completed by 2028.
The major project will include the involvement of all three levels of government and the collaboration of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO). The development plans include a healthcare tower, a residential housing tower, community centers and retail and food services. The plan paints a picture of a neverbefore-seen downtown Winnipeg hub for resources and community.
ing police presence has always been a never-ending wormhole that does not result in reduced crime rates. At this point, it has become a wellknown politician snake oil.
The project is a hopeful look at what might make a difference: serving the community. Serving the community with health and housing will reduce desperation in downtown residents and, over time, reduce crime.
Other projects are working towards the same goal of serving the downtown com-
supervised consumption site (SCS), which will be located downtown. In coordination with addiction counselling at the brand-new Portage Place, funding for a sobering center and essential non-profit resources like MOPS (Sunshine House’s mobile overdose prevention site), we may be seeing a proper address to the opioid crisis in Winnipeg — a harm reduction approach.
After over 50 years, we might see the revitalizing purpose of Portage Place mall finally come to fruition
For those who live downtown, the revitalization project sounds like a dream. It will be a part of the solution to what Winnipeggers have been lamenting for years: downtown’s reputation for being unsafe.
Despite previous attempts to use increased policing to reduce crime, we’ve seen violent crime rising in downtown. Funnelling funding into the police budget and increas-
munity. The Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) has been on the scene since 2020 after receiving $5 million in funding from the province. The DCSP provides a non-emergency response to folks downtown who need support, resources or medical assistance. As a downtown resident, I have called DCSP countless times to check on individuals experiencing distress.
In 2025, we will have our first
Finally, the renovation of the downtown Bay, now owned by the SCO, will include affordable housing, health centers, childcare centers and much more. A soft launch of the renovation is being projected for 2026.
With all these projects, we could see a completely new downtown landscape by the end of 2028. There’s a concern for the folks who frequented these spots, a local place to meet friends or escape our gruelling winters. Removing spaces, even temporarily, can be a significant concern for citizens who rely on them. It may also put more pressure on neighbouring businesses, who may
feel the impact of folks losing their hubs and needing a place to go. It would be nice to see this addressed while we look forward to the long-term benefits.
This remodelling project is more than just improving the shopping experiences of tourists and suburban visitors; this will be a monumental difference for the folks who live and breathe downtown and have for generations. Sure, it’ll make downtown Jets games feel safer, but it could also change lives and impact future generations.
As I try to control my pessimism from imagining failure, I can’t help but think, If I could go back now and toss a penny into the fountain again, I know exactly what I’d wish for. I’d wish for these plans to go off without a hitch and for the revitalization to serve the community as it promises. This time, it’s about more than just a mall — it’s about building something meaningful, not just for visitors, but for the people who live downtown and rely on it every day.
After over 50 years, we might see the revitalizing purpose of Portage Place mall finally come to fruition.
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
Diversions
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.
15 by 50 orthogonal maze
Straights Puzzle by Syndicated Puzzles
Puzzle by Syndicated Puzzles
Sudoku Sudoku Solution
Straights Solution
Provided by: Teegan Gillich
When Cree music meets orchestral jazz
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra joins forces with Cree playwright for upcoming concert
Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff
It is exciting to find crossovers between different musical genres. For instance, the fast electric guitar runs in heavy metal are like modern derivations of the virtuosic solo passages Vivaldi wrote for his concerti in the 17th century. The chart-topping K-pop group BLACKPINK have also famously incorporated Paganini’s “La Campanella,” a devilishly difficult classical violin piece, in one of their songs.
However, Cree jazz music is rarely discussed — until now. Neil Watson, the director of upcoming concert Tomson Highway Meets The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra is bringing this unique fusion to the forefront.
On Oct. 19, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra will join forces with Tomson Highway — an award-winning Cree playwright, who writes songs and plays piano among other talents — to perform orchestral jazz arrangements of some of Highway’s most iconic songs at the U of M. The concert will also feature the acclaimed Peruvian-Canadian singer Patricia Cano, who sings in English, French, Spanish and Cree.
Born in Brochet, Manitoba, Highway is considered one of Canada’s most influential playwrights. He has won prestigious awards such as the Governor General’s Performing Arts award in 2022 and was named an officer of the Order of Canada in 1994.
Reflecting his heritage
and previous experience in Indigenous social work across Canada, his work explores Indigenous culture and mythology. The lyrics in his songs are often in Cree, but his music also draws inspiration from diverse traditions — such as the Brazilian samba and American country — creating a unique, cross-genre sound.
Highway’s cross-genre sound has inspired Watson, a local jazz saxophonist with experience in blending jazz with hip-hop, to come up with the idea of arranging Highway’s songs to be played by the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.
“I heard this cabaret version of one of the pieces [by Highway]. It’s like a samba, fast samba with Cree lyrics. It’s called ‘Taansi Nimiss,’” Watson said as he enthusiastically explained what inspired him to collaborate with Highway years after meeting him.
“I’m hearing every song we do through the lens of a big band thinking, yes, this could be expanded to include horns, and it would be so great.”
After that, Watson and his team spent a few years choosing songs that they felt best represented Highway’s work and arranging them to be played with saxophones,
trumpets and trombones for that “big band” sound.
“This is brand new music in that this version of these songs has never been heard before,” he explained since Highway himself has not listened to the arrangements.
In addition to capturing the realities and dreams of Indigenous people, Watson praised Highway’s infectious passion for music. The two first met over a decade ago at a concert at the U of M.
“As soon as I walked into the rehearsal space with [Highway], I could feel that excitement […] it was almost like he was coming out of his skin,
he was so excited, and that stuck with me,” Watson said, recounting his first meeting with the Cree playwright.
“He’s always in awe of everything going on around him. There’s this youthful exuberance that is really remarkable, and I’m excited for a Winnipeg audience to get the opportunity to spend an evening with him.”
The concert will take place in the Desautels Concert Hall at the U of M on Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets, visit winnipegjazzorchestra.com.
photos courtesy of / Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra
Department of religion holds social events for students Department
Carrington Dong, staff
seeks to increase interest in program through food and socializing
Nearly 4,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate studies in the U of M’s faculty of arts, which is home to more than 40 departments, including the department of religion.
The department of religion offers three different types of courses: tradition-based, focusing on specific religions; thematic courses, which cover several religions around a common theme such as sexuality; and method and theory courses, which focus on theoretical thinking. Courses in religion and other humanities have seen high enrolment rates, but this has not necessarily translated into many students choosing religion as a major.
Dr. Kenneth MacKendrick became head of the religion department in 2019, with plans to revitalize a program struggling to grow and attract new students. According to MacKendrick, in the early 2000s, there were around 40 students majoring in religion. That number began to decline rapidly in the following years, exacerbated by events such as the global financial crisis in
2008 and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the 2008 global financial crisis, “a lot of people decided to sort of retool and think about their futures a little bit differently,” MacKendrick said.
He opined that the crisis led many students to be attracted to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) courses and business fields, thinking they offered more job security. This trend has only increased in recent years due to the pandemic.
“It’s a real struggle to show people that […] a degree in religion, which I think a lot of people would find really fascinating and interesting, is going to be a humanities degree that they can pivot to a number of different jobs,” he said. “A lot of people may not be aware of the advantages of taking a humanities degree and what you can do with it.”
He added that religion majors have gone on to pursue careers in law, publishing, education, social work, counselling and archival work.
MacKendrick says that things are looking up for the department of religion. This
year, there are around 17 or 18 students majoring in religion, which MacKendrick said is the highest number since he became department head. With COVID-19 restrictions lifted in 2023, the department is now working to revive interest in studying religion through social events.
“We started doing coffee and donuts in the [2023] fall term, and we packed the room.” MacKendrick said. “The student lounge was completely filled with people […] very often, in the course of two hours, we got upwards of 50 people that came through the room.”
In the winter term, the department shifted from morning coffee and donuts to serving pizza and beverages at lunch, booking a larger room to accommodate the crowd. Students and professors alike attended, which offered an opportunity to get to know people outside of their courses.
“We just ordered 10 pizzas […] and it would all go,” MacKendrick stated.
Other events hosted by the department included a movie night, a colloquium pres-
entation, and a Dungeons & Dragons charity event, with a newsletter being started as well. The student lounge was updated with a new couch, tables and artwork.
MacKendrick said that most of the events from the previous year will be continued for the 2024-25 school year. Upcoming events include a
movie night on Oct. 30 in the Tier building, and a coffee and snacks event on Nov. 9 in the religion student lounge.
For more information on the religion department and its upcoming events, contact Dr. Kenneth MacKendrick at Kenneth.Mackendrick@ umanitoba.ca.
Come From Away continues to instill hope despite dark times
A tale of the 7,000 rerouted passengers in Newfoundland on Sept. 11, 2001
Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff
9/11 is one of the most devastating terrorist attacks to have ever happened in human history, according to the Pew Research Center.
On Sept. 11, 2001, the world stood still in shock as two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. Two more planes followed, one hitting the Pentagon and the other crashing in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people were killed and thousands more were injured. The attack had major implications on world politics, triggering the formation of the Global War on Terror — an anti-terrorist campaign. The world would never be the same again.
Immediately after the attacks, the U.S. closed its airspace and forced 38 passenger planes to land in Gander, Newfoundland. This left 7,000 confused and frightened passengers stranded in the small Canadian town, unaware of the magnitude of the events unfolding because few had cell phones at the time.
The people of Gander quickly sprang into action, offering food, shelter and comfort in a heart-warming moment of East Coast hospi-
tality. Residents housed the “plane people” in churches, schools and even in their own homes. The message “lend a hand, do what you can” was broadcast on the local television channel to encourage residents to help those in need. The passengers were stunned by how welcoming these strangers were.
This story inspired Canadian playwrights Irene Sankoff and David Hein to create the award-winning musical Come From Away. Its title comes from a Newfoundland term for outsiders. The musical tells the true story of the 7,000 passengers from diverse backgrounds — ethnicities, sexualities and religions — finding refuge in rural Newfoundland after the deadliest terrorist attack in American history.
The production also incorporates elements of Newfoundland culture, from the local dialect to a ritual with codfish, all set to the sounds of traditional instruments like the accordion, whistle and fiddle. The production was thoroughly Canadian too, and I loved how the show started and ended in the most Canadian setting conceivable —
Timmies, formally known as Tim Hortons.
I did not know what to expect when I sat down in the concert hall on a Sunday evening, but I left feeling impressed and moved by how well the production conveyed the complexity of the situation. How do you process the fact that thousands of people in your country have been killed by terrorists while you are stranded thousands of kilometres away in Newfoundland?
The characters felt relatable, like people you would meet in everyday life, but they sang beautifully of grief, loss
and newfound love in Gander. Some musical numbers left the audience so captivated and silent, it felt as though the world itself had paused.
At the same time, the show was also punctuated by bits of witty, sitcom humour that made everyone clap and roar with laughter. One could say watching the musical was a roller coaster of emotions, and the cast received a standing ovation at the end.
Come From Away poignantly showcases heavy themes such as prejudice and discrimination, particularly against Muslims in the context of 9/11. At the same time,
it is a story of resilience and hope. It reminds us of the need to care for one another in times of crisis despite our differences — just as the passengers and Newfoundlanders did.
The story of the 7,000 passengers in Newfoundland is proof that one thing that makes us human, is compassion.
In a world filled with constant news of conflict, war and death, Come From Away offers a reminder that moments of humanity still shine through the darkness. Perhaps it is time we learn from the Newfoundlanders and seek out those moments more often.
photo courtesy of / Joseph O. University of Manitoba
Joel Hatch, Jim Walton, Tony LePage, De’Lon Grant, Emily Walton and Sharon Wheatley in Come from Away (2021).
photo courtesy of / Come from Away IMDB
Dr. Kenneth MacKendrick, professor in the department of religion at the U of M
The Play That Goes Wrong comes to Winnipeg
Hilarious farce production starring local artists seeks to entertain all audiences
Carrington Dong, staff
T
o open the 2024-25 season, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC) welcomes the award-winning comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong. The ongoing original production of the play is the longest-running comedy in London’s West End and in 2015 was awarded Best New Comedy at the prestigious Olivier Awards. MTC’s production is a co-production featuring artists from Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton.
The show focuses on a drama society’s opening night performance of a murder mystery play. The curtains go up and everything, as the title suggests, goes wrong. Nonetheless — as all thespians know — the show must go on, so the cast and crew must do all they can to salvage their show before curtain call.
Ray Strachan, a Winnipeg-born artist and U of M alumnus, is one of the actors in the production. He came to theatre through unconventional means, originally planning to pursue a career in sports management before a desire to improve his public speaking abilities led him to the stage.
“I thought, if I’m going to get into sports management, I’ve got to get rid of the stage fright, [because] I’m a horrible public speaker,” Strachan recalled. He decided to take theatre, joining the Black Hole Theatre Company where he fell in love with performing.
Strachan has been active in theatre for 14 years, performing in a variety of productions, including It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play, Romeo and Juliet, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The Mountaintop, portraying famed civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in the latter.
In The Play That Goes Wrong, Strachan plays Trevor, a “jack of all trades” in the company who handles lighting, sets, props and multiple other behind-the-scenes tasks for the play-within-a-play. Trevor has no interest in being seen or being in the show. His only goal is to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Strachan said he draws inspiration for his performance from many of the backstage crew he has worked with over the years, including those at MTC.
“I really love the fact that I get to represent the crew, who you usually don’t get to see,” Strachan said. “Folks don’t realize how important the crew is […] they’re an essential part of the process and they never get recognized, so it’s great that they get highlighted
in this show and they have an active role on stage as well in this production.”
Strachan said audiences will enjoy the play’s genuine humour and the laughs it supplies, noting that the jokes resonate with everyone in the community.
these human characters going through these troubles and you totally relate to these laughs.
“You see these human characters going through these troubles and you totally relate to these laughs. Everyone’s laughing”
—
“It’s the laughs that everyone gets,” he said. “You see
dents are howling, together […] seeing people enjoy it as a community, all together, laughing together, is the best thing.”
Ray Strachan, Winnipeg artist
Everyone’s laughing. You see families coming together, school groups [where] the teachers are howling, the stu-
To any aspiring actors, Strachan offers simple words of advice.
“You’ve gotta love it to do it […] this is a hard craft to do if you don’t love it […] You don’t know, sometimes, when your
next gig is. So, make sure you love it.”
The Play That Goes Wrong runs from Oct. 16 through Nov. 9 at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (John Hirsch Mainstage). Tickets are available at royalmtc. ca. Discounted subscription packages are available for post-secondary students until Oct. 31 at royalmtc.ca/University.
Andrew MacDonald-Smith, Joel Schaefer, Vanessa Leticia Jetté and Daniela Vlaskalic in The Play That Goes Wrong
photos courtesy of / Nanc Price
Andrew MacDonald-Smith, Daniela Vlaskalic and Joel Schaefer in The Play That Goes Wrong
Bisons women’s soccer settle for a draw
Bisons fight until the last whistle against the Winnipeg Wesmen
Faiyaz Chowdhury, staff
The Bisons women’s soccer team faced off against Winnipeg Wesmen, ending in a dramatic 2-2 draw. The match was filled with intensity, showcasing both teams’ determination and skill.
The Wesmen struck first in the eighth minute when Sydney Butler found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the Bisons.
Nyema Prentice-Whyte quickly emerged as a key figure for the Bisons, showcasing her exceptional dribbling skills and agility. She consistently pushed the ball forward, weaving through defenders and creating scoring opportunities. The Wesmen’s defenders, particularly number 21, Jaida Clancy, were determined to thwart her efforts.
As the match progressed, the physicality increased, particularly from the defenders of both teams. After conceding goals, defenders from each team became more conscious, leading to several fouls.
In the 39th minute, Nyema Prentice-Whyte equalized for the Bisons, bringing life back to the crowd and leveling the score at 1-1. Just when the momentum seemed to shift, the Wesmen got back just before halftime, with Jazmyn Castro scoring in the 44th minute to restore their lead at 2-1.
The second half saw the Bisons searching for another equalizer. Despite several near misses and moments of brilliance, including impressive dribbling from their wingers, they struggled to break through the Wesmen’s defense. The crowd was restless, chanting for the Bisons as they fought to regain control.
The Bisons’ defenders showcased solid distribution at the back, effectively getting the ball to the wingers and initiating plays. However, the midfielders struggled with passing, often losing control and possession at crucial moments. While there were several promising throughballs to the wingers, they frequently missed their mark by mere inches, allowing the Wesmen’s goalkeeper to snatch them up.
In a dramatic turn of events during extra time, Nyema Prentice-Whyte scored her second goal of the match, sealing the draw and sending the fans into a frenzy. The Bisons celebrated their hardfought point, demonstrating their fighting spirit and determination to compete against a fierce rival.
At the touchline, Bisons women’s soccer head coach Vanessa Martinez-Lagunas was highly engaging, issuing instructions to guide her players. Whenever a substitution was made, she took the opportunity to provide clear directions to the incoming players. In a post-match interview, coach Martinez-Lagunas said “it’s always a good fight against our cross rivals of Winnipeg. […] I am just very proud that the team kept fighting to the end and that we got that point at the end in the last breath of the match. I think it shows our spirit, […] I think also the team has shown great improvement and great growth from the beginning of the season to this moment. So we’ll keep pushing, we’ll keep learning, you
know, every game we learn and we get better.”
Martinez-Lagunas added, “I think it was not that we struggle in position in midfield, I think it was more that we were trying to force it too much. So I think the goal that we scored — and actually the two goals we scored — it was because we were able to play the wing and then switch the ball quickly and then get it into the box. So that’s something we need
around until we see a bigger opening so that we don’t force plays that don’t have to be played and force if the space is very tight.”
Nyema Prentice-White described herself as “on top of the world” during the postmatch interview after having scored both goals for the Bisons.
“I am just very proud that the team kept fighting to the end”
— Vanessa Martinez-Lagunas, Bisons women’s soccer head coach
to keep doing better. When we do it, we are very lethal.
“So, I think just keep working on that decision making when we need to split them and when we need to go
“I’ve never felt how I felt with the second goal in any soccer environment. It felt so exhilarating because that was such an influential goal. That needed to happen because if we lost, that’s points lost.
That’s our place in the stands.”
She continued, “I play it safe a lot. And in today’s game, I knew that I needed to do something to be impactful.”
“But dribbling past players, […] you get through one, you get through two, you get through three. But if you can capitalize off of that kind of scenario, then goalscoring opportunities are going to come.”
When asked what strategies were implemented to create strong scoring opportunities, Prentice-White described a change during the final six minutes of the game.
“I knew I needed to change in some type of way. My original position was striker, and honestly, what I kept doing was alternating between the striker and the winger position on both sides.”
The Bisons women’s soccer team will face the Saskatchewan Huskies on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. at the West Turf Fields.
photo / Nischal
Karki / staff
U of M tennis club recieves $4K from Tennis Canada
Funding to help develop a competitive women’s tennis program
Abdul-Jalilu Ahmed, staff
T
he University of Manitoba Tennis Club (UMTC) president, Craig Hillier, stated that UMTC has received $4,000 from Tennis Canada to assist in the development of a competitive women’s tennis team.
In an interview, Hillier pointed out that the tennis program is open to students.
The Manitoban: For the benefit of those who do not know UMTC, what is it?
Hillier: The University of Manitoba Tennis Club is a recreational club that is open to mainly students at the University of Manitoba and what we try to do is to provide a space for them to play and to learn and build relationships with other students. The club that we run not only includes students but also alumni and staff members as well. Although, the club is geared toward mainly providing for students. So currently, the last few years, we’ve opened the membership to anybody that is willing and able, and historically we’ve had mostly alumni as part of our membership but currently we have approximately 50 members and then we also have a waitlist as well. We’re trying to house as many people as possible in the club.
M: You said it is open for students. I am a student. Why must I devote a portion of my time into playing tennis?
H: Well, tennis is an amazing life sport and the one thing that we can all benefit from tennis is well-being and one of the things that has been established with tennis through tennis research is that tennis generally extends a person’s average life age for an extra nine or ten years. So, it’s something that we can have fun with, that it’s a very inclusive sport which I absolutely love. […] It’s a great way to maintain your health and well-being at the same time. So that’s one of the benefits of the club is that everybody can kind of come together and have some fun and we try to have some fun drills.
M: In the University of Manitoba sports program for example, the Bisons soccer are playing in a competition, Bisons football are also playing in a competition. At UMTC, are you engaged in any competitions?
H: Yes, so we have been for the past two years we have actively put together a male competitive team and we take a team of six members to a Prairie Invitational tournament in Alberta and one year it’s in Calgary and the
next year it’s in Edmonton. And we compete on a university level against University of Alberta and University of Calgary and we currently are not a U-Sports level team but that is something that I aspire to build here at the University of Manitoba.
I’m looking to establish more of a competitive team that trains year-round. That’s not something that we currently have but we’re working towards that. […] We haven’t historically had any female competitive teams as of yet and that is something that I’m actively working very hard to try and implement for this year. […] I have been very fortunate to receive some funding from Tennis Canada. They’ve given me $4,000 to help develop the women’s program here at the university. […] The Tennis Canada funds are going to be the initial start to sending the women’s team,
so my goal is to fully pay for the women’s component so that they don’t have to pay for traveling to Alberta, and it’ll be Edmonton this year, and competing in the Prairie Invitational for the first time in the history of the university.
M: In your previous interview with the Manitoban, you indicated that you want to get tennis to everyone, I want to find out if something has been done in that order.
H: When you say ‘get to everyone,’ yeah, we’re trying to get the word out to more people. What we have done this past summer was we held the first annual UMTC tennis tournament and we did a singles tournament on one weekend for both men and women and then we did a mixed doubles and a doubles tournament the following weekend. So, we were able to hold a tournament and not only give back to our members, our
club members, but also put it out there in the community and have some community players come and play. So, from a competitive standpoint we were able to kind of, and through that tournament we were able to advertise that there is a UMTC. Tennis is being played at the University of Manitoba on both a recreational and a competitive level.
M: When it comes to planning, I know there is a shortterm plan, a mid-term plan and a long-term plan. At UMTC, in the short, in the mid and in the long-term, what are the plans? Where do you want to get UMTC?
H: The short-term plan you know and one of our guiding principles is for everyone to have fun and increase their well-being and health as a part of the club. So, we’re trying to make it as fun as possible. […] Trying to reach as many people as possible
within the confines that we have here and the courts that we’re given. My short-term goal will be to maximize as many people as possible and enjoy health and well-being. I guess over the next few years let’s say I would like to be on the competitive side, I definitely want to make sure that there’s an established women’s program. I want to have tennis athletes that are playing competitively. […] My goal would be to continue to max out the recreational side, increase student membership […] and then on the competitive side try and strengthen our team so we can compete on the national level and build a deeper team.
For those interested in playing tennis with the UMTC, you can sign up on their website at umtennis. github.io or email them at umtennis@gmail.com.
photo / Ebunoluwa Akinbo / staff
Hardheaded Pandas hand the Bisons hockey a defeat
Bisons women’s hockey team loses to Alberta Pandas 1-0 in home opener
Israel Adeogo Abejoye, staff
The Bisons women’s hockey team gave the Alberta Pandas a run for their money in their regular season home opener on Oct. 12 at the Wayne Fleming Arena. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for the Pandas, though the victory did not come easy.
The scoreless tie between the two teams was soon broken at exactly 13 minutes and 55 seconds in the first period when Maia Ehmann flicked the puck past goaltender Emily Shippam’s shoulder to give the Alberta Pandas a lead and the lone goal of the game. For the remaining 6 minutes and 5 seconds of the first period, the Bisons struggled to equalize the goal and all their attempts were proven futile by goaltender Grace Glover of Alberta Pandas. However, the first period ended with the Bisons team having more shots on goal by six, compared to their opponent that had four.
The second period of the game started off heated as the Bisons tried to equalize the one goal conceded while the Alberta Pandas also tried to double their lead. Despite the second period starting off with great intensity from both teams, no goal was recorded and the scoreline remained 1-0. The second period had more shots on goal than the rest of the periods. The intensity of the Bisons drove the team to put more pressure on the Alberta Pandas by taking more shots which gave the team 14 shots on target in the second period. The Alberta Pandas showed that they were not comfortable with one goal and mounted more pressure on the Bisons which gave the team 15 shots on goal at the end of the second period.
The third period started equally as intense. The Bisons kept up with the hunger to equalize the late first period strike by the Alberta Pandas, but this was to no avail. Both teams ended the clash for the night with seven more shots on goal, which gave the Bisons a total of 21 shots on net and the Alberta Pandas a total of 22. The game ended with the Alberta Pandas claiming the victory on the home ice of the Bisons.
The Bisons women’s head coach, Jordy Zacharias, commented how she felt at the end of the game. “I honestly thought it was awesome. […] [The Bisons] have worked really hard the last six weeks and it showed up today. [The Pandas] capitalized on one error and for tomorrow we just
got a couple of small tweaks and try to be a little hungrier in front of the net.”
Asking Zacharias what she learned about her team, she said, “I learned that they listen well in practices and what we are doing, and they are
able to execute what we have been working on which is awesome.”
Finally, when asked what she would do in the next game, she replied, “not much different. Honestly, they played a really good game. Tomorrow
is just going to come down to who wants to compete harder when you turn games from Friday to Saturday, so the play just comes to who wants it more.”
The Bisons defeated the Pandas the following day
4-2 in another match in the Wayne Fleming Arena.
The Bisons women’s hockey team will face the Regina Cougars on Friday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. CT in Regina.
