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The Manitoban is the official student newspaper of the University of Manitoba. It is published monthly during the summer and each week of regular classes during the academic year by the Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation.
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Convicted sex offender arrested after assault on campus
Student assaulted in dorm at the Arthur V. Mauro Residence
Milan Lukes, staff
Aman has been arrested and faces several charges after assaulting a student in residence in the early morning of Oct. 25.
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) responded to a break and enter and assault at approximately 4:45 a.m. at the Arthur V. Mauro Residence on Dafoe Road. In a news release by the WPS, police indicated that an adult female managed to fight off the suspect after the intruder gained access to her room and physically assaulted her. University Security Services was alerted and the police were contacted.
“This was a very random occurrence. This individual I believe was sleeping in the protection of their own residence in that complex, so we are treating it with great concern,” said WPS Const. Dani McKinnon in a press conference in the afternoon of Oct. 25.
The WPS indicated that the female was treated for injuries and was in stable condition, adding that the WPS Sex Crimes Unit had taken over the investigation. A description and three initial images of the suspect who had fled the scene were released.
The perpetrator was described as an individual who did not live there. How he was able to gain entry into the building was not clarified during the WPS press conference, citing that the investigation was in its early stages. McKinnon mentioned that the breached unit was not on the main floor.
In a joint email statement that afternoon, Naomi Andrew, vice-president (administration), and Diane Hiebert-Murphy, provost and vice-president (academic), addressed the university community of the investigation.
“The safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff are of the utmost import-
ance,” read the joint statement. “Our Security Services team remains on-site and engaged with WPS to support their investigation. Please continue to take steps to ensure your personal safety, including locking doors and being mindful to access points.”
The university committed on Friday to increasing the presence of security on campus for the immediate future.
“Effective immediately, we will be adding an additional security presence in the lobby of each residence building on a 24-hour basis to complement the regular nightly security schedule,” said the university in a statement.
“The additional security will focus on lobby entrances and will be conducting regular checks of all residence entrance and exit locations. In addition, we are reviewing the penetrability of specific door locations and making modifications as needed.”
Arrest and charges
Around 11:00 p.m. on Oct. 25, police officers responded to a call from an individual that spotted a male along the south strip of Pembina Highway that matched the suspect’s description.
The suspect was arrested in the 1800 block of Pembina Highway and was determined to have entered the residency building, broke into the secured area and then into the female student’s room.
In the update released on Oct. 26 by the WPS, Garry Junior Edwards, a 46-year-old male, has been charged with one count of sexual assault, robbery, four counts of break and enter and an offense to overcome resistance by attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle another person.
Edwards is regarded as a convicted sex offender according to Manitoba’s justice
department with a high risk to re-offend in a sexual/violent manner toward females.
In May 2024, Edwards was released from Stony Mountain Institution after serving a sentence for one count of being unlawfully at large. Previously, he was released in November 2023 following several charges, including two counts of sexual assault with a weapon that transpired in April 2012.
A subsequent joint email statement was sent by Andrew
and Hiebert-Murphy on Oct. 26 updating the university community of the suspect’s apprehension. Available supports were shared such as the Student Counselling Centre (474 UMSU University Centre) and wellness and mental health resources. Details on the additional security measures that were implemented on Friday were made available, as well as safety resources available on campus.
“We extend our gratitude to both the WPS and our Univer-
sity Security Services for their swift and diligent response,” read the joint statement. “We also appreciate the vigilance and support of our university community and public during this time.”
For safety resources available on campus, visit umanitoba.ca/security. University Security Services can be reached on the Fort Garry campus at 204-474-9312 and the Bannatyne campus at 204-789-3330.
Teenager assaulted with bear spray on campus Suspects arrested following unprovoked assault near Chancellors
Milan Lukes, staff
An 18-year-old male was assaulted with bear spray and robbed of personal property on Oct. 22 at the Fort Garry campus.
In a media release by the Winnipeg Police Service, officers responded to the report of a robbery in the first 100
block of Chancellors Circle at approximately 8:45 p.m. that day. The victim was sitting on a park bench when two male suspects assaulted him with bear spray and stole personal property before fleeing the area. The victim was treated by police officers for
non-life-threatening injuries upon arrival.
Officers were able to locate the suspects at a residence in the 600 block of Pasadena Avenue where they were arrested without incident, according to the media release.
Circle
The suspects and victim were not previously known to each other and the assault was regarded as unprovoked.
A 19-year-old and 16-yearold male from Winnipeg have each been charged with one count of robbery and mischief under $5,000. In the media release dated Oct. 24, the 19-year-old was released on
an undertaking as mandated by the criminal code while the 16-year-old was detained in custody.
University Security Services can be reached on the Fort Garry campus at 204-4749312 and the Bannatyne campus at 204-789-3330.
photo courtesy of / Winnipeg Police Service
photo / Nischal Karki / staff
The suspect has since been apprehended and identified as Garry Junior Edwards.
A female student was attacked in her dorm at the Arthur V. Mauro Residence on Friday morning.
U of M receives $2.5M for the Global Centres program
Grant fuels
U of M’s role in the first international initiative of its kind
Sylvester Delali Agbado, staff
he U of M has secured a
T$2.5 million grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Alliance Grant program. This funding will enable Dr. Olivia Wilkins, an associate professor of biological sciences, to lead the Canadian team for the Global Centre for Plant Innovation and Resilience through International Teamwork (C-SPIRIT).
The Global Centres program marks the first international initiative of its kind, launched by the National Science Foundation (NSF) last year.
Wilkins stated that the NSF initiated this project as part of its international collaborations to tackle grand challenges. She explained that the centre, C-SPIRIT, aims to address the challenge of food security and supply amid climate change for a growing population.
She revealed that agencies from the U.S., Canada, the Republic of Korea, Japan and the U.K. are jointly funding this project, totaling a $16.3 million U.S. dollar grant. The Canadian portion from the NSERC and SSHRC will specifically support the work of Canadian participants in the program.
Wilkins expressed anticipation for the program’s support of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers through an exchange program. “We anticipate having graduate students from Japan coming to Canada, for example, and likewise having grad students from Canada going and
spending up to six months,” she said.
“I think another real benefit of the international collaboration is that […] we are able to play on each other’s strengths. And so, for example, there are real strengths in the chemical synthesis in the U.K. that we will be able to draw on,” she added.
She clarified that the centre is not a physical structure but operates as a diffuse centre, focused on the tasks currently underway and directed by Michigan State University. She also hopes the U of M will establish itself as a lasting pillar of the centre, aiming to attract graduate students and researchers at various levels to contribute to this and related projects over time.
Speaking about the expertise that Canada and the U of M brings to this project, Wilkins stated that they will contribute expertise in computational biology to the project. “Computational biology, you know, if I sort of describe it in the most general of terms, in the way that we do it, is that we do a lot of math about cells,” said Wilkins.
“We do this because we’re interested in understanding how cells use the information in their genomes to be able to respond to different stimuli and Canada has got tremendous strength in this area.”
In addition, Wilkins noted that Canada contributes expertise in using machine learning to predict the functions of various biomolecules, and Canadian researchers on the team also bring strengths in outreach to farmers, an essential aspect of the project. “I think those are three areas that we are bringing to
this challenge. I think Canada obviously has been an agricultural powerhouse for a very long time,” Wilkins added.
Dr. Seung Yon (Sue) Rhee serves as the director of the Plant Resilience Institute at Michigan State University and leads this project. The Canadian team includes Wilkins, Dr. Nicholas Provart from the University of Toronto, Dr. David Wishart from the University of Alberta, Dr. Robert Britton from Simon Fraser University and Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury from the University of Guelph. Outside of Canada, other collaborators include Dr. Nicola Patron from the University of Cambridge in the U.K. and Dr. Motoaki Seki in Japan at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science.
Wilkins outlined key out-
comes that she aims to achieve through this project. The first ongoing goal is to discover and characterize metabolites. She expects the team to uncover how plants regulate the production of these molecules and identify the limits of production, including why plants only produce them at certain times and in specific quantities. The team will focus on high-priority metabolites and apply them to agricultural field conditions to evaluate their impact on productivity.
“The ability to attract a great team, and I have wonderful grad students in the lab — and I’m always recruiting more — it really adds a lot of power,” she emphasized.
“Being part of the process of building this international team is something to which
I’m deeply committed [to], in addition to the work of the science itself. So, I think that’s one thing that perhaps I bring that is a bit unique,” Wilkins added.
Dr. Mario Pinto, U of M vice-president (research and international), expressed the U of M’s commitment to this research in UM Today, stating, “UM is excited to play a key role in this global initiative investing in the power of the bioeconomy to solve the biggest challenges in agriculture.”
“UM is a leader in research in water and food security and I am grateful for the NSERC’s support for Dr. Wilkins as she leads the Canadian team in their important research contributions to the Global Centres,” stated Pinto.
Upcoming office of equity transformation town hall
Town hall discussions about fostering a vibrant community at the U of M on Nov. 6
Ngozi Okose, staff
Community members of the U of M are welcome to join the town hall organized by the office of equity transformation (OET). This event is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Marshall McLuhan Hall, room 205. This program aims to foster discussions on creating a university environment that is diverse, inclusive and fair for everyone.
During the event, various individuals from the U of M community who are dedicated to promoting equity, anti-oppression, anti-racism, anti-ableism as well as promoting diversity and inclu-
sion will share their insights and experiences. The town hall meeting attendees will be asked to ponder over the question, “what makes U of M a vibrant community for you?”
The event will provide the chance for interaction and involvement based on diverse activities. There will be a vibrant community engagement booth experience where visitors can have their picture captured, which will add to the many diverse faces of the U of M community.
In addition, there will be interactive booths which will feature current programs targeted at advancing equity,
anti-oppression and transformation at the U of M.
Also, the first 150 guests will be gifted an OET tote bag. Guests can join the model equity, diversity, inclusion and and accessibility community of practice and engage in its activities in order to experience this community-building endeavor firsthand.
The event will take place in-person but will be livestreamed with closed captioning for those that cannot attend in-person. An ASL interpreter will also be available at the in-person event.
photo courtesy of / Dr. Wilkins
photo / Ebunoluwa Akinbo / staff
Dr. Olivia Wilkins, associate professor of biological sciences.
Entrepreneurship and innovative thinking month
Join events to network and build your entrepreneurial skills in November
Iyanda Ajuwon, staff
The U of M has dedicated the month of November to celebrating entrepreneurial thinking and innovation within the community.
Michael Benarroch, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, invited the campus community to participate in free events that will be hosted within the university. “We want to help you bring your big ideas to life,” said Benarroch.
Benarroch emphasized the inclusivity of the event for all attendees. “These events are for everyone, even if you don’t see yourself as a traditional
entrepreneur,” he stated.
“At UM, we nurture entrepreneurial thinking in every faculty as part of our pursuit of big ideas — big ideas that help mitigate climate change, bolster human health, advance reconciliation and so much more,” Benarroch added.
This November marks the university’s second annual entrepreneurship and innovative thinking month. The goal for this month is to celebrate entrepreneurs, help community members access the supports that are available to them on campus and provide the community with opportunities to build entrepre-
neurial skills.
Janine Carmichael, a specialist in entrepreneurship from the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning stated that “we tried it for the first time last year, and we are excited to do it again in 2024.”
“In entrepreneurship and innovative thinking month, folks have an opportunity to learn some important competencies that are important in entrepreneurship — like empathy, […] being able to understand the needs of others so that we can serve others well,” Carmichael said. She also noted that it is a great
opportunity for refining problem solving strategies and building innovation skills.
Some of the events happening include a pitch competition, with over 200 students from ENTR 2020 classes (starting a new business) and ENTR 2030 classes (introduction to entrepreneurship: business and social perspectives) pitching their innovative ideas. Additionally, there will be a webinar on legal essentials for startup and an Indigenous winter market where community members can come to support the businesses of Indigenous students.
There will also be an event entitled “Better Together,” focused on helping individuals develop entrepreneurial thinking skills. It’s worth noting that students who participate in this event will receive an honorarium to recognize their time and contribution, said Carmichael.
For more information about entrepreneurship and innovative thinking month, visit umanitoba.ca/entrepreneurial-thinking/month.
Bisons soccer captain shares career highlights
Jessica Tsai talks about student-athlete experience and career statistics
Abdul-Jalilu Ahmed, staff
he U of M Bisons
Twomen’s soccer team captain, Jessica Tsai, opened up about her final moments with the team. Oct. 18 marked the senior’s final game as a member of the herd.
Tsai talked about her experience as a student-athlete and being captain of the team.
The Manitoban: How would you describe your soccer career at the University of Manitoba?
Jessica: I think it’s been a ton of growth and a ton of development throughout the whole way. Not just necessarily on the field, but I feel like the person I came into the team as and the person I’m leaving the team as are just two very different people. I think I’ve grown a lot just as a person. And I’ve learned a lot about myself and kind of what I’m capable of in that time.
M: I’m looking at your career numbers. Seventy games played, 121 shots on goal, 27 assists. That is absolutely incredible. When you hear these numbers, how do you feel?
J: I mean, it definitely feels good. I’m a math major, so I love numbers. Having the statistics to kind of back up my career is always nice. Yeah, I think it’s a testament, kind of, to the work that I’ve put in, but also the work that my team’s put in throughout my entire time. I wouldn’t be able to get assists if people on my team weren’t scoring goals. I wouldn’t be able to score goals if people on my team weren’t passing me the ball. So, the numbers are nice to hear, and they’re definitely something I’ll remember for sure, but I don’t think they tell the whole story of my experience on the team.
ing myself to other players on other teams, that kind of thing as well. I came into the program, like I said before, just with a really open mind, and I think that kind of helped me to be able to process the whole experience instead of coming into it with specific expectations and maybe not necessarily reaching that. I think also from year to year, my goals individually and as a team have changed a lot, changed from year to year and what I was expecting of myself, and I think setting goals but also being able to change them as the years go on and adapt to what you want to set for your-
orable moments, also the Duckworth games. I mean, playing against Winnipeg, our hometown rivals every year, like that always drums up a little bit of drama and a little bit of anticipation. But off the field too, I think seeing how close I’ve been able to grow with a lot of my teammates, like they’re my family. I have people on this team that I’m going to be friends with forever. I think that is probably the most memorable experience of it all.
M: It’s amazing being a student-athlete. How were you able to combine the two?
“I’m a math major, so I love numbers. Having the statistics to kind of back up my career is always nice”
— Jessica Tsai, captain for the Bisons women’s soccer team
self as goals.
M: These numbers are commendable, what really helped you to be able to have achieved these numbers?
J: Well, I think when I came into my first year, I definitely didn’t know what to expect, and my first season was when I put up the most points in a season. So, kind of from there on out, I had that marker, and then every year after that, it was definitely something that I was trying to achieve again. So, kind of having that set as a marker, in a way, it allowed me to kind of compete with myself and focus on my personal development and worry less about compar-
M: You are the captain for the Bisons women’s soccer team. What will you say will be some of your memorable moments playing and leading the team as well?
J: One of my favourite moments from year to year is always that very first goal that we score as a team in the season. It’s always just the best energy, the best feeling, like everyone’s just screaming and coming together and hugging each other big. Those first goals scored in the season are always one of my favourite moments of the season for sure. It’s always nice to get big wins like this past season when we beat Alberta and we weren’t expected to do that, like that was a big win. Mem-
J: Definitely wasn’t easy. It takes a lot of practice, honestly. Like especially in your first year, it’s a little bit of a shock, especially because our season does fall at the very beginning of the school year. You kind of get thrown into everything all at once instead of being able to build into the school year, maybe have a pre-season. No, our season just starts as soon as school does, so it’s definitely a lot. Time management I think is a skill that any athlete will probably tell you is something that they’ve learned a ton throughout their career as a student-athlete. Being able to balance it, it takes a lot of practice. But I think also having a team full of people that are doing the exact same thing as you makes it a lot easier and you can definitely support each other in that way.
M: Looking at your career, what are the plans?
J: Well, after this, I mean
within this next year, my biggest plan is to get my degree and finish off school strong. School has always been just as important to me as soccer is when it comes to being a student-athlete. So, I definitely want to make sure I give it my last best effort as well. But after that, I honestly haven’t thought too far ahead when it comes to soccer. What was most important to me going into this last season, I wasn’t worrying about what I wanted to do afterwards. I wanted to make sure that I enjoyed my last season and did my best to just live in the moment and not worry too much about what comes after. So, I definitely have to think a little bit more about what comes after. But in the time being, I’m going to keep doing some training on my own. I’ll be playing in the women’s league as well.
M: I have watched your games and I can see you enjoy playing, what motivates you to keep playing?
J: My team is one of my biggest motivators. They just make everything so fun. And I think just my love for the sport really keeps me going all the time. […] We wouldn’t be able to do what we do if we didn’t love what we were doing. And that goes kind of both for school and sports. It takes so much time and a lot of sacrifice to do it. But, I think at the core of it all, my love for soccer, my love for being on the field, being active, being around my teammates, my family, that’s what’s kept me going the whole six years here.
M: As captain, what would you say about the Bisons women’s soccer program?
J: I think being a captain has
given me so many opportunities and it’s helped develop me personally. I’ve seen so much personal development in the past six years, like I mentioned. This program is so special and I think the people here are incredible. And so being able to lead the team for the past four years has honestly been my biggest honour, my biggest pride for sure. I think a lot of it you kind of just, when it comes to leadership especially, you kind of just get thrown into it and then kind of figure it out from there. But it also means so much to me that my team has supported me.
M: Any final words for the university community as well as Bisons fans, especially those who support the Bisons women’s soccer team?
J: I think for the people that support the team, you are supporting an amazing group of people, like not just players, but people as well. The people on this team, they’re going to go far in life, no matter what it is they decide to do. And the Bisons athletic community in general has been amazing for me the past six years. Besides the team, there are some really cool people, some really cool athletes on other teams. The staff that we have supporting us as well, in the gym and sports nutrition, they’re all here because they also love what they do. And I think when you’re in a community full of people that want to see each other succeed, that love what they’re doing and that puts the people at the core of it […] to see the people thrive, to see the people succeed — that has been instrumental in my growth and my success in my career.
photo courtesy of / Amber Vandenberg
photo courtesy of / Dave Mahussier, Bison Sports
photo courtesy of / Amber Vandenberg
photo courtesy of / Dave Mahussier, Bison Sports
Research & Technology
When babies cannot breathe
Research combats lethal lung disorder to save infant lives
Rhea Bhalla, staff
One in every 5,000 babies experience persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), a lethal condition that occurs when they are unable to get enough oxygen after being born. It is one of the leading causes of death among babies.
Shyamala Dakshinamurti, a professor in the U of M’s Max Rady college of medicine, began her career as a neonatologist, a doctor for newborn babies who need medical attention after birth.
“In the middle of the night, when I was working in the hospital, when I was a trainee, the thing that was the scariest for me were the babies that had pulmonary hypertension,” she said.
Dakshinamurti explained that humans have a large sized head for advanced cognition and a small pelvis to walk upright. Taken together, these two factors make for challenging and high-risk births.
While babies develop within their mothers’ wombs, their lungs receive a relatively low eight per cent of the blood pumped by the heart. As their mothers are breathing for them, their lungs only need enough blood to use for development and growth.
Once born, however, a baby’s lungs suddenly become much more important and must work independently to breathe. The lungs, preparing for a large supply of blood from the heart, must slowly dilate their blood vessels to reduce their resistance and allow more blood to enter. Usually, a baby will turn pink, cry and then receive oxygen, which is a trigger for the blood vessels to relax for blood to enter them. They can then begin breathing.
Sometimes, however, things can go wrong.
“A baby undergoes severe stress during the process of being born, even at the best of times,” Dakshinamurti said. “But if you’re stuck, which happens more often than you might imagine, then that baby becomes very sick, and if the blood vessels to their lungs don’t dilate, then that baby can breathe as much as he or she wants — they will not get oxygen, and this is lethal.”
This, she explained, is PPHN.
“Why did I go into research?” Dakshinamurti said. “Because you get very tired of answering these questions with ‘I don’t know.’ ‘I don’t know how to treat this baby.’ ‘I don’t know whether another drug will work.’ ‘I don’t know if there are any
other drugs out there.’ ‘I don’t know if this baby’s going to get through the night.’”
In 2003, Dakshinamurti opened her lab where she began studying PPHN in animal and cultured cell models. She then examined the molecules that relax the lungs’ blood vessels when a healthy baby takes their first breath, allowing for blood flow to the lungs. They found that the adenylyl cyclase molecule normally relaxes blood vessels, but one
of its forms that circulates the lungs shuts off in the absence of oxygen. Dakshinamurti’s
work may lead to a drug that treats babies with PPHN.
“In the middle of the night, when I was working in the hospital, when I was a trainee, the thing that was the scariest for me were the babies that had pulmonary hypertension”
Years after Dakshinamurti had begun studying PPHN, she returned to visit her aunt and uncle in India.
— Shyamala Dakshinamurti, professor in the U of M’s Max Rady college of medicine
team is working to learn what activates the molecule in the first place, as well as why a lack of oxygen shuts it off.
Recently, they began designing a drug that might be able to reactivate the crucial molecule. Eventually, this
“Here I am, talking about pulmonary hypertension and what we’re thinking we might be able to do to solve it, and then I look at my aunt’s face and her eyes are full of tears,” she said.
Dakshinamurti’s aunt explained that her own son died of PPHN at three days
old. While going into labour, her baby became stuck in the birth canal. Once born, no blood went to his lungs. His mother’s trauma left her unable to speak about the event, even to close family.
“It is so commonplace,” Dakshinamurti said. “It happens in every family. It’s a thing that you’re terrified about during birth, but it’s so traumatic that people don’t talk about it.
“What I realized then is that even though we don’t talk about some of these things, the need for research is huge because the disease is lethal and it leaves a mark in the family that can’t be erased.”
AI improves dynamic teamwork efficiency
Professor examines how AI systems boost team performance in complex tasks
Divyata Gosai, staff
Artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing team collaboration by optimizing workflows, automating task management and providing real-time insights to improve decision-making in dynamic environments.
John Anderson is a professor in the U of M’s department of computer science.
His journey in research started during his undergraduate studies in computer science.
“I simply found [AI] by far the most interesting area of the field that I’m trained in. It’s the coolest stuff.
Almost every aspect of it is interesting, and I couldn’t get enough of it,” he said. In the initial stage of his career,
Anderson’s research focused on AI planning systems.
“It involves figuring out how to achieve certain things and how to deal with obstacles as they come up in that way. That can be anything from planning how to build a house […] to how you drive your car from a given point to another,” he explained.
AI planning systems assist in making realtime decisions by adjusting strategies to handle unforeseen circumstances, such as avoiding obstacles while driving.
with real-world applications.
Anderson explained that the majority of his research, in both AI planning systems and robotics, focused on coordinating and organizing groups to solve problems.
His current research is on dynamic teamwork involving collaboration between
research focuses on enhancing AI’s role in improving dynamic teamwork, making collaboration more efficient and adaptable.
At his cottage in Gimli, he frequently encountered minor yet persistent issues while preparing tea.
“The big part is not to be afraid of AI these days. It can be a very helpful tool. The thing to worry about is what people are going to use this tool for”
— John Anderson, professor in the U of M’s department of computer science
As his career progressed, Anderson shifted his research focus to robotics after collaborating with a colleague at the U of M who had a strong interest in the field of robotics.
His research on humanoid robots examined the physical limitations these machines share with humans, including frailty, limited sensory abilities and energy constraints.
“They’ve got to find their way around,” he said. “They’ve got limited perspectives and limited sensing abilities […]
All the problems that you and I have are adaptable to humanoid robots.”
Anderson compared working with humanoid robots to solving human problems, highlighting the connection of AI research
humans and AI to solve complex problems.
“So you and I have a problem to solve, and we collaborate to get that done […] Sometimes those goals mesh perfectly, other times, they’re not quite so perfect, and we’re working together to make that work, rather than working against one another,” he explained.
This process reflects the teamwork required in complex environments, where individuals collaborate and share specialized knowledge to achieve a common goal.
Anderson emphasized that teamwork is crucial for solving significant problems.
“One person is not going to be able to solve all of the problems. We need specialized knowledge, or we need more than one pair of hands,” he said. Anderson’s
For example, he would accidentally turn on the wrong element because the stove controls at the cottage were different from those at home. This issue sparked a curiosity about how routines shape human behaviour.Anderson understood that people depend greatly on routines to save mental energy, a principle that informed his research on how individuals create and modify their behaviours based on familiar patterns.
“One of the ways that we do that is to develop routines and stick with them. We don’t think about things unless we have to,” he said.
This observation led to a deeper investigation of how routines can be adapted to different contexts, such as when driving a rental car with unfamiliar controls.
Anderson’s research on how people adapt their routines to
new situations formed the foundation of his PhD thesis.
As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, concerns about its potential misuse have grown.
“The big part is not to be afraid of AI these days. It can be a very helpful tool. The thing to worry about is what people are going to use this tool for,” he said.
Anderson believes that AI has the potential to elevate humans to extraordinary levels of achievement.
“It will be tremendously helpful in the future,” he said. “It can get us to the stars. It can get us further than that.”
“Ask cool questions and work to find answers no matter what field you’re in, because that is what advances human knowledge everywhere.”
A double-edged sword for international students
Balancing dreams and reality to navigate the Canadian immigration system
Devvrat Nathwani, staff
Lately, I have been feeling that the only thing certain about life is uncertainty. This thought is well-aligned with the current immigration system operating in Canada. As Canada appears to embrace its role as a global leader in immigration, the provincial and federal landscapes provide a unique spectrum to examine the nuances of the immigration system.
That said, no system is complete without its baggage of flaws and loopholes. When Canada opened its gates after the COVID-19 pandemic, students and aspirants rushed to secure admission at top academic institutions around the world.
I happen to be one of them. About seven months after graduating high school, I vividly remember receiving an envelope with my passport that had my Canadian travel authorization. I grew up watching Bollywood films, which portrayed the glamorous lives of students going to schools with large campuses and impressive infrastructure.
I had some preconceived notions about my life as an international student. Although it matched some of the expectations, it didn’t turn out to be a picture-perfect life.
I recall being a newcomer with no knowledge of how the world worked. Now, being a third-year U of M student, I am still on the learning curve.
I landed a part-time job in a restaurant close to my then residence to help pay for my expenses. I hopped from one job to another in the quest for personal growth. However, at the time, off-campus working hours for international students were limited to 20 hours per week. Major relief was felt in 2022 when the government announced a temporary policy of allowing selected students to work beyond 20 hours off-campus to address the countrywide labour shortage from Nov. 15 onwards. This move caused quite a lot of international students to better allocate funds to their expenses and even help pay their tuition.
The new policy was a double-edged sword because while a bunch of students were making the most of it, the new inflow of students had a hard time putting food on the table since there were no positions available.
Part-timers had the opportunity to sign up for full-time roles since the government had temporarily lifted the
weekly limit of off-campus working hours for selected batch of students. This puts things into perspective as to whether the new policy curbed the labour shortage or boosted it.
Nevertheless, just a few weeks ago, I remember being at St. Vital Centre and I saw several students with stacks of resumes walking into every single store and asking if they were hiring. It took me back to my hustling days when I walked from store to store asking, “Hi! Are you hiring?”
However, that policy ended Apr. 30, 2024, and we are back to the 20-hours-per-week cap on the off-campus working hours protocol.
I have seen both sides. I have been a struggling student who roamed from one shop to another, hoping for someone
to give me an opportunity. I have also been on the other side of the counter where people have approached me to inquire about any openings in the store. I empathize beyond words with the current struggles of my peers and fellow international students.
Now that I have my feet on comparatively solid ground, I try to reach out and do something for the international community because those actions culminate into moments that we cherish and form a legacy.
I remember when I had a new roommate who had just arrived in Winnipeg, and he made me speak to his parents to ensure he was not alone. As an employee of the university, I deal with a wide range of international students trying to come to terms with their
new life. I share with them my personal stories and experiences that help them understand that the end result is worth the hustle and struggle.
Recently, our immigration minister announced the immigration plans for the forthcoming 2025-27 timeline. There will be a reduction of 105,000 admissions in 2025. Nevertheless, more than 40 per cent of anticipated permanent resident admissions will be from those who are already in Canada as temporary residents, which includes study permit and work permit holders.
While Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve, international students and temporary residents play a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic and cultural fabric.
The ongoing challenges they face — from job insecurity to policy shifts — highlight the need for continuous support and adaptation to ensure their successful integration. As an international student myself, I have experienced both the struggles and the opportunities that come with navigating this system.
Now, as someone who has found relative stability, I feel it is not only a responsibility but a privilege to give back to the community that has been instrumental in my journey. By offering support, sharing experiences and advocating for improvements, we can collectively build a more inclusive and supportive environment for future newcomers, allowing Canada to maintain its status as a welcoming and ethnically diverse nation.
Arts, a significant part of us
Questioning why art is undervalued in the modern world
Vanshika Patel, volunteer
Leonardo da Vinci was known for his science and art. He was the kid who had it all. This is not an article like the millions of other articles about the greatness of da Vinci. He is just an example to present the common debate about the significance of the arts. Leonardo da Vinci created the laws of physics and the “Mona Lisa.” He is one of the most celebrated figures in history. So, why does society scoff at the arts these days?
It is a common notion that arts and humanities are viewed as lesser than other fields of study. If you go back to the Renaissance, an opposite notion would exist.
Some dismiss the arts as just a hobby, while others believe a university degree is worthless and artists should use inspiration to create.
Are art degrees just a piece of paper? Do the arts not matter?
The monologue from Dead Poets Society conveys the richness of artistic endeavours, “but poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
Although this quote is meant to be focused on lit-
erary pieces, the emotion remains the same for other arts.
What if the ancient Egyptians never painted? We would not have acquired their beautiful, artistic and sensual myths and stories. If Georges Bizet did not compose, we would not have acquired the opera of Carmen. Without arts, I would not get the literary pieces of Rabindranath Tagore, the fashion of Vivienne Westwood or my favourite, Bollywood songs. This would not please me at all!
Arts are important to represent history and culture, whether it be as part of history or a prediction of the future. The paintings related to Christianity, the rock-cut architecture of Indian temples, the Sufi poetry, and the Shakespearian plays, show the importance of history.
Artistry is a different form of intelligence. The arts are important for interpreting and expressing human emotions, to analyze and picture the past, the present and the
The notion is that arts do not degrade you as a person.
You get to live the fantasy through any medium. I like to say that emotional intelligence and social intelligence develop as one creates art. Why? Because
artists observe humans, their silent rage, their romance, their despair and their pride. These observations intertwine with your brush and pen to create the stories and representations. As Aristotle said,
“Art not only imitates nature but also completes its deficiencies.”
If you have an interest in art, you are put in boxes. You are either a legacy or an outcast of the family. But why the stereotype? Art should be accessible everywhere and to anyone.
The irony is that everyone wants art and its knowledge to appear high-class. It seems more like an obsession with the classics to appear “cool.” Art is to be displayed to signify wealth, but at the same time, young artists who pursue it face stereotypical condemnation.
My friends love to discuss music and how creative their interest is, but they would laugh at the one who pursues it professionally.
I wonder if art is just an ornament or a hobby. Why is the significance limited to the extracurricular? The anatomical drawings by Leonardo da Vinci have paved the way for medicine throughout time. So, why is pursuing arts not considered a good profession but rather a great hobby?
“I am an artist” and “I do some art in my free time” receive different reactions. Unless you create classics like the “Mona Lisa,” your art is undermined.
It is only if you are rich and amongst the elites that your art is accepted or at least acknowledged, irrespective of its beauty. But not everyone is rich and can climb up the ladder. Some artists never become professional artists, and their artwork exists in their own space only. If art vanishes, we all would be reduced to creatures of existence, and we would fail to live, build, create and cherish anything and everything.
Horror films thrive in the age of anxiety
As the world grows more uncertain, horror’s popularity surges
India Schlegel, staff
While you snuggle up on the couch with some popcorn to watch a scary movie this Halloween season, you might find it hard to pick just one horror flick. Whatever your poison of horror sub-genre, whether that be slasher, apocalyptic or paranormal, horror films are on the rise. And there is just too much to choose from.
We are seeing more horror film titles than ever. IMDb catalogued over 1,500 new titles in 2023, which is 39 per cent more than in 2013.
But horror is not just seeing more titles, it is also high-production horror. The genre doubled its market share in the same 10-year window, from 4.87 per cent to 10.08 per cent, bringing in $1.9 billion worldwide in 2023.
We are seeing a growth in horror across the board. However, one sub-genre stands out among the rest, with its rise coinciding with horror’s high-reaching popularity — psychological horror. Over the past 10 years, psycho-
logical horror films have taken the genre by storm and influenced the heightened interest in horror overall. Two major genre-shifting titles are The Babadook (2014) and Get Out (2017). Since the release of these films, psychological horror, A24 and Jordan Peele have become part of the common lexicon.
So, aside from great cinema, why are audiences drawn to horror like moths to a flame — especially psychological horror?
Horror does not just aim to scare us — it speaks to us, reflecting the anxieties of the world around us. Horror taps into our collective fears.
Beyond jump scares, these films often carry an ideological message, mirroring societal issues and concerns. This makes horror a compelling genre as it can tackle everything from political divides to environmental collapse. It serves as a visceral response to the moment’s anxieties and a reflection of the cultural pulse, one unsettling scene at a time.
Psychological horror comes at horror’s reflective nature head-on. Psychological horror is meant to twist reality, create unease and often tackle social problems.
You may have already begun to connect the dots. We are in a time of societal unease and global disaster. We currently have 56 global conflicts, the most since the Second World War. Global conflict drives stress, fear and anxiety worldwide.
Additionally, climate change is continuously worsening without any signs of slowing down. We are feeling the impacts now materially, with the intensifications of disasters such as Hurricane Francine being attributed to global warming and this is just one example. In today’s hyper-connected world, most people believe the internet keeps them more informed about international events. Yet, this endless stream of information brings a cost — rising anxiety.
Younger people, especially, feel plugged into every crisis,
political shift and global issue, creating a cycle of “informed anxiety.” With concerns of war anxiety, climate anxiety and political stress, we are feeling a trifecta of rising pressure. Instead of catching up on the news once a day, we are immersed in real-time updates. Our awareness of the world’s instability often fuels daily stress — a difficult loop of awareness and anxiety to escape. It is no wonder we want to channel these anxieties into the big screen and why audiences eat it up like buttered popcorn. Horror serves as a mir-
ror but also a release. Psychological horror, especially, channels the dread and tension we experience in daily life — transforming these disruptions into stories that both haunt and captivate. Through horror, we can confront our deepest anxieties in a controlled space, finding an odd comfort in facing fears that, while terrifying, are not our own. As the world’s troubles multiply, so does our appetite for horror. A genre that reflects the darkness of our reality and allows us, if only for a moment, to feel a bit lighter.
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
graphic / Fumnaya
Ifeadi / staff
Girlhood is a universal experience
Sisterhood is a form of sanctuary
Quinn Mayhew, staff
G
irlhood is a universal experience unique and personal to each young woman or girl who identifies with the meaning behind womanhood. If you have ever experienced what it’s like to be a woman, the path is not a smooth, paved, yellow brick road. In fact, it’s filled with witches, flying monkeys and a little dog, too.
Womanhood is filled with the constant fear that everyone is watching you and that all eyes are on you even though they are not. It is dealing with the under-appreciation of your work and the microaggressions from men that you convince yourself aren’t real but are. It is moving out of the way for men when you cross paths figuratively and literally.
All young girls and women have experienced these forms of aggression whether in large capacities or not. Women are told to be polite, look nice and
not speak too loudly because that would be “too much.”
But “don’t forget to speak up” because you are too quiet. Either way, you simply cannot live up to the multiple standards that women must uphold.
if you cannot fit society’s ideal woman, simply be whoever you want. In my experience of womanhood, I am a collection of every woman I have ever admired and known. I am shaping my own standards.
I have fashioned myself from pieces of my grandmother, sister and friends — every woman I have admired or grown up with. I catch myself using phrases my friends use, and find my actions mirroring my grandmother’s, whether good or bad.
For me, womanhood is paved by the women before us. We are shown to navigate the experience better than they did. Girlhood feels like a
complicated mess that each young woman or girl tries to navigate through at a young age. It is a complete mess of emotions and always feeling like you’re not enough.
Womanhood is the ongoing cycle of having to sacrifice yourself to make others feel comfortable. Whether it is your mother, sister or friend, women are often seen trying to sacrifice for others.
By sacrificing so much of ourselves in our youth, we buy hair bows and stuffed animals to try to relive our childhoods in a meaningful way. By losing that childhood innocence so early, we search for nostalgia in the items we once owned.
Even though girls’ childhoods are taken earlier, there are more sinister problems bubbling underneath the surface of just sacrificing our youth. Most women fear sexual assault, myself included. On campus, walking late at night, or jogging in broad daylight, there is the constant
fear of being assaulted around every corner.
According to an article by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for UN Women, 97 per cent of women between 18 and 24 years old have been sexually harassed in the U.K. While the U.K. statistics may differ from the Canadian ones, the same sentiment remains that women are routinely sexually harassed and are expected to try to keep themselves safe instead of telling men not to sexually harass women.
These statistics are the reallife reality for women. Women should uplift each other instead of tearing each other down in a world that already does everything to squash us down.
The Everygirl, a journal that published an article on being a “girl’s girl,” explains the meaning behind this tokened term. This describes when a woman enjoys being around other women, uplifting them, learn-
ing from their own experiences and feels joy being around other women who want each other to succeed.
In a world that is designed so women fail, my experience within the hierarchical system of society is that my friendships with women have been some of the most nourishing and rewarding in my life.
Nobody understands me quite like my female friends who have also experienced the same oppression from a society that wants us to be quiet.
To all the individuals reading this article who identify with womanhood, I hope you have a happy Halloween and are safe in whatever plans you are making. Take the time to give out compliments to fellow women, tell them their costumes look good and if you find yourself in a public bathroom, you will never be sparse for compliments.
graphic / Fumnaya Ifeadi / staff
–Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be
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.
Teegan Gillich
Arts & Culture
Jenna Rae Cakes celebrates 10th anniversary
Winnipeg bakery’s second cookbook puts a spin on favourite family recipes
Carrington Dong, staff
Jenna Hutchinson had been a goaltender for the U of M Bisons women’s hockey team and was planning to apply to dental school when a chance viewing of the television show Cake Boss changed her life.
“[I] thought that it looked like a lot of fun, and I wanted to try making a cake, so I went out to buy everything I needed to make a fondant cake, and just instantly got hooked and fell in love with it,” she recalled.
Hutchinson began to hone her craft, making cakes to order through Facebook. She started by selling her cakes to friends, but as word spread, she realized she could turn this hobby into something much bigger.
“And Jenna Rae Cakes was born!” she exclaimed.
Hutchinson opened Jenna Rae Cakes in March of 2014. Word spread quickly, and a few weeks in, she found she could not manage the business alone. Her twin sister, Ashley Kosowan, then a freelance graphic designer, was already helping with tasks such as the logo, website and interior design.
“I had helped out on the weekends,” said Kosowan. “And then [Hutchinson] was like, ‘Why don’t you just come work here? […] You can work on your freelance in between customers.’ And then I just never got to […] because there were too many customers.”
It wasn’t long before Kosowan joined Jenna Rae Cakes full-time as co-owner alongside Hutchinson, and since then the sisters have tasted sweet success.
from one location to four, with their newest bakery opening this past summer at YWG Airport. They have now employed about 40 people, some of whom have been part of the team for seven or more years.
Reflecting on their 10th anniversary, Kosowan and Hutchinson described the feeling as “surreal.”
“Normally when you hit a milestone like five years, six years, seven years […] you still feel like you’re still building,
you’re still growing which we still are, but when you hit 10 years […] you just feel more established and like you’re
becoming a real part of the community, you have staying power,” Kosowan said.
As a female-owned business, Kosowan and Hutchinson have been underestimated.
Hutchinson recalled when the bakery first opened and people would shake her father’s hand assuming that he was the owner.
Even today, some people assume there is a man or wealthy financial backer behind Jenna Rae Cakes.
“No, this is just us […] building it from the ground up,” Kosowan said.
The sisters have learned many lessons during the bakery’s first decade, highlighting the importance of having a clear vision of what they wanted for their company and sticking to it, while remaining open to feedback and change. They expressed pride in their positive company culture, crediting their managerial staff with establishing and maintaining it.
In 2020, Hutchinson and Kosowan released their first cookbook, Jenna Rae Cakes and Sweet Treats, which became a national bestseller and received praise from outlets such as Travel Manitoba and the Globe and Mail. Their second cookbook later garnered praise from Canadian baker Anna Olson.
This October, Kosowan and
Hutchinson’s second cookbook, Jenna Rae Cakes at Home, was released, with book signings in both Toronto and Winnipeg. The cookbook puts a signature “Jenna Rae Cakes” spin on classic home recipes, such as waffles, French toast, pies and more.
“Instead of just a normal loaf of bread, it’s a Cotton candy twist loaf,” said Hutchinson, citing it as a favourite recipe in the book. “It just brings that magic of [Jenna Rae Cakes] home.”
The recipes are intended to be approachable and easy-tofollow for home bakers, with a range of difficulty from simple to more complex.
Something that shines through in Jenna Rae Cakes at Home is the authors’ love for family. Many of the recipes in the book are based on family favourites, including their granny’s walnut buns and their dad’s pavlova.
As the eldest of four children, the authors see family as “everything.” Two of their family members work alongside them at Jenna Rae Cakes. Kosowan’s husband, Trevor, runs the business with them, while their father manages their office and warehouse, and occasionally does deliveries.
“We’re really close with our parents, and we grew up watching them work really hard, they have great work
ethic, and that was instilled in all of us kids,” said Kosowan.
So, after such a successful first decade, what plans do they have for the next one?
“We always kind of talk about this, and we always don’t fully know,” said Hutchinson. “I always would love to expand across Canada, but I know that entails a lot of logistical things […] It would be so cool to see Jenna Rae Cakes across Canada. I would love to see that one day.”
For now, they are focusing on their four Winnipeg locations, planning to review and refine their current processes to best prepare for the future of their business. They already have another cookbook in the works and hope to continue writing cookbooks as long as they can.
Hutchinson and Kosowan finished by expressing their gratitude to Winnipeggers for their endless support over the last 10 years.
“It’s been such a supportive community and the reason we’re able to be here for so long is because of Winnipeggers and Manitobans […] it’s really a huge part of our success,” said Hutchinson.
“We owe it all to the community that we’re in,” Kosowan said.
Jenna Rae Cakes at Home is now available through Penguin Random House Canada.
Ashley Kosowan and Jenna Hutchinson
photos courtesy of / Charles R Venzon
The year 2024 marked a decade in business for Jenna Rae Cakes. Since its opening, the business has expanded
From terrifying turnips to Picasso on pumpkins
How jack-o’-lanterns travelled across the Atlantic and evolved in North America
Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff
I n North America, it is not unusual to see porches and doorsteps decorated with carved pumpkins, also known as jack-o’-lanterns, as Halloween approaches. However, with a background in anthropology, I am trained to see the strangeness in familiar cultural practices. It made me wonder, why do we carve faces into pumpkins? And why were pumpkins chosen in the first place?
Halloween is believed to have roots in the Celtic pagan festival of Samhain, which marks the beginning of winter. Believed to be a day where the veil between the real world and the supernatural was at its thinnest, Irish, Scottish and English communities practiced rituals to ward off evil spirits. One such tradition was carving faces into hollowed-out root vegetables, such as turnips and potatoes. Candles were often placed inside to light the vegetable from within.
One famous example of
such works of art is the “ghost turnip,” a carved turnip about the size of a hand. Two slits were hollowed out for its soulless eyes, and each tooth was carefully carved inside its red, grimacing mouth. Two vertical lines ran from between its eyes to its mouth, suggesting a long, wonky nose.
The turnip almost resembles a human face, but it certainly is not one, giving it an unsettling appearance. It is said that “Ghost turnip” was carved near Fintown, CountyDonegal in around 1900, and its replica is currently housed in the National Museum of Ireland, which can be found in Country Life in County Mayo, Ireland.
It is unclear when carved turnips first became known as jack-o’-lanterns, but folklore abounds. According to Irish legend, Stingy Jack once captured Satan using a cross and then released him.
Jack was barred from going to heaven and was spared of eternal damnation for helping the devil, so he remained in
purgatory with only a piece of burning coal to light his way, which he put into a carved turnip as a makeshift lantern.
Over the centuries, Halloween followed the waves of European migrations to North America, bringing jacko’-lanterns along with them. But why do North Americans carve pumpkins and not turnips?
The answer is simple — pumpkins, or gourds belonging to the genus Cucurbita, are native to the Americas and have been cultivated by Indigenous people for thousands of years. On the contrary, pumpkins did not reach Europe until 1492, when European explorers brought them back from the New World.
This shift reflects the localization of Halloween culture to fit North American flora. In fact, some families in the British Isles still carve turnips, and pumpkin jack-o’-lanterns only appeared in the region in the past few decades.
The tradition of pumpkin carving has also evolved
as professional artists use the gourd as a canvas. The Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, for example, is an American company that sells high quality pumpkins carved with intricate patterns, realistic portraits of celebrities and even famous works of art such as Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.”
It is fascinating to see old Celtic traditions carried into
modern times and evolving in the most unexpected ways as they travel worldwide. Jacko’-lanterns are not only fun to make, but they also remind us that culture is shared and adapted to regional circumstances. This Halloween, perhaps try your hand at carving uncanny faces onto turnips or create a pumpkin masterpiece for your doorstep.
Fire Weather sparks discussion on wildfires and climate
John Vaillant’s non-fiction book tells the story of the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire
Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff
In May 2016, a system of wildfires broke out in Northern Alberta and ravaged the city of Fort McMurray, and in just one afternoon, around 88,000 people were evacuated. Footage of the evacuations quickly surfaced online, showing smoke-filled air, burning debris raining on cars and walls of flaming trees surrounding terrified evacuees. The scene was nothing short of an apocalyptic movie.
In total, 579,767 hectares of land burned and around 2,400 homes and businesses were destroyed. Two residents passed away because of a car crash during evacuation. Located in the Athabasca oil sands and serving as a hub for the petroleum industry, Fort McMurray’s fire is also considered Canada’s most expensive disaster.
Shocked but intrigued by the devastating fire, American Canadian journalist and author John Vaillant began interviewing locals who had experienced the wildfire, eventually writing Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast. His book has gone on to win numerous awards, including the 2024 J. W. Dafoe Book Prize, a prestigious award given to a book that focuses on topics relevant to Canada and Canadians.
In an interview, Vaillant
mentioned that the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire is of great historical significance because of its extent and scale.
“Fort McMurray is a powerhouse. It’s one of the wealthiest municipalities in the country, very well equipped [with] great infrastructure,” said Vaillant. He explained that the wildfire triggered the largest and most rapid evacuation due to fire in modern times anywhere on earth. “It’s a historic event,” said Vaillant.
“It wasn’t just a quick flurry. It burned for almost a week. Inside the city, firefighters were fighting neighbourhood to neighbourhood, often losing neighbourhoods. So it was really a true disaster,” he added.
While wildfires naturally occur in boreal forests and are sometimes necessary for species like the lodgepole pine to regenerate, the combination of unusually high temperatures and low levels of humidity in Alberta in 2016 created the perfect opportunity for exceptionally devastating fires.
“[I] also understood how strange the climatic conditions were that day. It was 33 C, which broke the record by six degrees for that region. And the relative humidity was 12 per cent. […] I looked around North America to see where 12 per cent was a normal rela-
tive humidity, and you have to go to Death Valley in Southern California in the month of July,” he said.
“So if you take desert dryness and record temperatures and put them into the boreal forest […] you are not just going to get a fire. You’re going to get a firestorm.”
With global warming and the extensive use of fossil fuels, Vaillant coined the term “21st century fire” in his book to describe increasingly ravenous modern fires.
According to Natural Resources Canada, 15 million hectares of Canadian forests were burnt in 2023, but, only 2.1 million hectares were burned on average. It seems like wildfires will be here to stay.
Though this may paint a bleak picture, a culture of sustainability is emerging. More countries, even those with conservative governments, are adopting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Despite this progress, many young people and university students feel nihilistic and powerless about major world issues. Vaillant points out that it is unfair to place this burden on the younger generation. He reflected on climate change and his own children, who are in their early 20s.
“The job of a young per-
son [or] student is not to fix [climate change]. The job of a young person or a student is to become as strong and healthy as they can be, to educate themselves, to build a community that they trust, to find work that is meaningful and rewarding,” he added.
“This is a very special time in your life to be in university, and it’s not a time to be fatalistic or feeling like you carry the
weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s a beautiful, hopeful time, and the world is going to be here for you.”
Vaillant held a lecture based on his book at U of M on Oct 29. Connect with Vaillant on X at @JohnVaillant to learn more about the author behind the award-winning Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast.
graphic / Teegan Gillich / staff
photo courtesy of / J.W. Dafoe Foundation
Bisons football win their last regular season game
Bisons top the conference table with their latest victory over Thunderbirds
Israel Adeogo Abejoye, staff
The Bisons men’s football extended their winning streak on Sunday, Oct. 26, finishing 51-38 against the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds. The herd concluded their regular season with an impressive 7-1 record, having only lost to the Saskatchewan Huskies on Oct. 4.
In the previous game against the Thunderbirds, the Bisons beat the team on home soil on Sept. 6 by 33-10. The recent game started with the Bisons kicking off the ball which gave the Thunderbirds the ball advantage. At exactly 13:21 minutes of the first quarter, the Thunderbirds received their first three points from a field goal when Kieran Flannery-Fleck took a 44-yard kick.
The Bisons did not delay too long before they responded with a touchdown by Breydon Stubbs that earned them six points. Soon after, a onepoint safety by Maya Turner put them four points ahead of the Thunderbirds.
Following that, the Bisons made it to 10 points after earning three points from an 18-yard field goal by Turner. In less than one minute before the end of the first quarter, Aidan Wiberg of the Bisons won another six points with a touchdown. Turner added an extra point to make the score 17-3.
After a kickoff by the Bisons, the attempt by the Thunderbirds to attack was shattered. Daniel Conway of the Bisons made a fumble recovery which further led to Stubbs completing a good run to touch the ball down behind Thunderbirds’ goal line. This play gave the Bisons six points at the final second of the first quarter, to which Turner added a one point safety to make the first quarter score 24-3.
Within nine minutes of the second quarter, Stubbs extended the lead again for the Bisons by completing a good run — leading to a touchdown with six points. Subsequently, Turner made the score 31-3 from a one-point safety.
In less than two minutes after that showdown, the Thunderbirds woke up from their deep sleep when Dane Kapler completed a run to touch the ball down behind the Bisons’ goal line to win six points for his team. A onepoint safety followed from Flannery-Fleck, bringing the score to 31-10.
Following an interception, the Thunderbirds earned another six points from a touchdown by Isaiah Knight.
Their hope was further raised by the additional point from Flannery-Fleck, raising the score to 31-17. The Thunderbirds pushed harder before the end of the second quarter and in the final minute, Garrett Rooker completed a run for a touchdown to earn his team six points. An additional point followed by Flannery-Fleck.
The half-time score was 31-24, with the Bisons leading by seven points.
A few minutes into the start of the third quarter, the Bisons came back stronger and hit the Thunderbirds hard. It started with an unobstructed run for a touchdown by Braeden Smith that earned the Bisons six points followed by the one-point safety by Turner. However, it was not long before the Thunderbirds retaliated by adding seven points by Dave Engel and Flannery-Fleck to make the
score 38-31.
In response, the Bisons added another seven points in the final three minutes of the third quarter. The quarter ended with the Bisons winning a penalty.
In the fourth quarter, the score did not change until the final five minutes of the game when Turner earned her team three points from a 32-yard field goal to make it 48-31. The Thunderbirds reacted with a seven point gain by Owen
regular season game to 51-38.
The Bisons will play their next game — their first playoff game of the season — on Nov. 2.
“[This team] represent[s] everybody. All the players I coached for 50 years, they just represent them,” said Brian Dobie, head coach for the Bisons football team.
“The team represents everybody, all the players I coached for 50 years”
— Brian Dobie, head coach for Bisons football
Herle and Flannery-Fleck in the last three minutes, bringing the team only ten points away from the Bisons.
The tension of the game calmed when Turner got another three points from a 34-yard field goal in the final two minutes, bringing the last
“I will tell you this, this is my last ride, it could not be better, it has been unbelievable to come here every day and be able to work with these kids […] Their work ethic, enthusiasm and commitment is infectious.”
He continued, “ending a season with a win, especially when it’s a win to secure first place, is huge, it just boosts confidence. But I also think you know, it was the two best teams in the conference playing today, […] UBC is going to go back home and they are
going to do their work and they’ve got a playoff game next week in Vancouver and they are not going to blank.”
Despite the many victories during the regular season, Dobie made it clear that there is still work to do.
“[The Thunderbirds] are probably going to be angry about this and come out harder, but we need to react the same way on a different level. We need to not be, you know, flexing our muscles and strutting. We need to go ‘look, we just created an opportunity for ourselves, an opportunity to host all the way through the playoffs.’ It’s an advantage and we need to take advantage of that opportunity to continue the advantage we have with home field playoffs.”
The Bisons football team will face the Regina Rams in a semifinal game at the Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2.
photo / Nischal Karki / staff
Bisons men’s volleyball defeat WolfPack at home
An exhilarating match against Thompson Rivers Wolfpack left the crowd in awe
Faiyaz Chowdhury, staff
The Bisons men’s volleyball team defeated the Thompson Rivers WolfPack 3-0, with set scores of 25-19, 25-23 and 25-19, on Oct. 25.
The Bisons showcased their volleyball prowess with a commanding straight set victory over the Thompson Rivers WolfPack at the Investors Group Athletic Centre. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides filling the stands, eager to support their teams.
This matchup was particularly crucial for the WolfPack, seeking to gain momentum after a rocky start to the season. Meanwhile, the Bisons aimed to solidify their standing following recent success on Oct. 19 against the Calgary Dinos.
The first set highlighted the Bisons offensive strength, as they established an early lead with powerful serves and effective attacks. Outside hitters Kai Boyko and Karil Dadash Adeh found gaps in the WolfPack’s defense, contributing significantly to the scoring. Boyko recorded nine kills in total while Dadash Adeh added six. The WolfPack had moments of brilliance, particularly from Sam Flowerday, who led the team with 10 kills in total, but their overall attack was inconsistent, resulting in a hitting percentage of just .143 in the first set. The Bisons capitalized on this, closing the set 25-19.
The second set proved more competitive, as the WolfPack adjusted their strategy. With Flowerday and Rylan Ibbetson stepping up, the team’s hitting percentage improved to .233, narrowing the gap against the Bisons. However, the Bisons’ relentless defense kept them at bay. Despite the WolfPack pushing the score to a tense 23-24, the Bisons held firm and secured the set 25-23, showcasing their tenacity and ability to perform under pressure.
In the final set, the Bisons regained control, capitalizing on early mistakes from the WolfPack.
ing. Both teams demonstrated sharp awareness of their opponent’s errors. Whenever one side faltered, be it a service error or a defensive lapse, the other was quick to capitalize. This ruthlessness highlighted the stakes of the match and underscored the necessity of mental sharpness in high level competition.
catch their breath. The relentless pace required players to be fully engaged, responding to attacks with quick recoveries and counterplays. Stamina and resilience were on full display, as neither side backed down.
“I think the best group of guys I’ve [played] with has been the Bisons team. Everyone is amazing. I’m very blessed to be here”
— Karil Dadash Adeh, left side hitter for the Bisons men’s volleyball team
The Bisons tightened their defense, allowing for effective counterattacks. They closed the match with a score of 25-19, sealing the victory.
The match unfolded as a thrilling display of skills, resilience and strategic gameplay. Here are some key insights that captured the competitive spirit of the even-
In the second set, both teams traded points, with the score tightly contested. The tension in the air kept fans on the edge of their seats, emphasizing the fierce determination of each squad to seize control.
Throughout the match, neither team allowed the other to
The match featured remarkable defensive plays, including spectacular digs and welltimed blocks. Both teams demonstrated agility and commitment to defense, with athletic saves that left the crowd in awe. Such talent is best appreciated live, where the intensity of each rally is palpable.
The Bisons’ victory was built on a solid tactical foundation. Their game plan was well-rounded, blending powerful attacks with finesse. The Bisons scored nine aces compared to the WolfPack’s
three, demonstrating their ability to apply pressure from the service line and dictate the match’s pace.
In contrast, the WolfPack struggled with consistency. Their attacking patterns became predictable, allowing the Bisons to exploit weaknesses effectively. Improving communication and adaptability will be crucial for the WolfPack as they move forward in the season.
For the Bisons, their overall hitting percentage was .222, with 14 kills out of 72 total attempts. They maintained solid defensive play throughout the match, with strong contributions from players like left side hitters Eric Ogaranko and Boyko.
In a post-match interview, Karil Dadash Adeh said, “we had a good game. Serving, for me is mostly mental. It’s about how you see the game. […] If you can just handle and tolerate [mental pressure], you can be a better server.”
Dadash Adeh went on to praise his teammates, “I think the best group of guys I’ve [played] with has been the Bisons team. Everyone is amazing. I’m very blessed to be here.”
The Bisons look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next match, aiming to maintain their strong performance. Conversely, the WolfPack will focus on refining their communication and adaptability, which is essential for overcoming their early season struggles.
The Bisons faced the Thompson Rivers WolfPack the following day on Saturday, Oct. 26, but they were not able to repeat the win, losing the match 1-3.
The Bisons men’s volleyball will be facing the Alberta Golden Bears next in Edmonton on Friday, Nov. 1 at 8:30 p.m. CT. Their next home game will be on Friday, Nov. 15.
