11 November 2015

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

NEWS

Music students sound off Student association says administration out of tune with student needs Page 5

FEATURES

Dishing it out The Manitoban bites into all things food Page 11-15

SPORTS

Kill streak Men's volleyball team remains undefeated Page 27

VO L 1 0 2 · N O 1 3 · N OV E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

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Index

VOL. 102 NO. 13 November 11, 2015

EDITORIAL

All in the family

The importance of family when dealing with mental illness

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Craig Adolphe

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

BUSINESS MANAGER Adam Owczar

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Michelle Arentsen

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

EDITORIAL

NEWS EDITOR Garett Williams

page 8

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

FEATURES EDITOR Dana Hatherly

features@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

COMMENT

A walkway to remember Gravy and cheese curds do not belong in a war memorial page 10

COMMENT EDITOR Evan Tremblay

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Chantelle Dubois

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

SPORTS EDITOR Mike Still

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

COPY EDITOR Tom Ingram

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Bradly Wohlgemuth

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

GRAPHICS EDITOR Bram Keast

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

PHOTO EDITOR Carolyne Kroeker

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Kelly Campbell GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Jondell Coombs PHOTO ASSOCIATE Chantal Zdan

REPORTERS

NEWS Ethan Cabel NEWS Samuel Osho NEWS vacant SCIENCE Malak Abas ARTS & CULTURE Olivia Michalczuk ARTS & CULTURE vacant SPORTS Andy Che ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR Sarah Doran

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

SCIENCE

World-wide Wi-Fi

Plans proposed for global Internet coverage page 16

SPORTS

Jordyn Lerner Jeremiah Yarmie Ryan Capar Emelia Fournier Ryan Stelter

Chantelle Sanity Justin Ladia Caroline Norman Anthony Labonte Sari Habiluk

Will Gibson Tara Miller Will McDonald

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On the ball

The top 10 moments from the soccer season

page 25

Design Design Editor: Bradly Wohlgemuth Contact: design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775 Graphics Editor: Bram Keast Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775 Photo Editor: Carolyne Kroeker Contact: photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

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News

News Editor: Garett Williams Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation holds grand opening at U of M History of residential schools now available to the public CRAIG ADOLPHE, STAFF

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he National Centre for Truth and Nations advocate Wab Kinew, and incredibly exciting.”

Reconciliation (NCTR) held its Derek Nepinak, Grand Chief of the The centre has reading rooms grand opening on the University of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. and quiet spaces, which Moran said Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus last On Wednesday, the NCTR people can use to study or work. He week.

Archive was officially launched, giv- encouraged students, faculty, and the The NCTR was envisioned and ing the public access to thousands of broader community – specifically developed as a permanent home documents online. Roughly 2,000 survivors and their families – to come for the materials gathered as part students and teachers from across the visit the centre. of the Truth and Reconciliation province participated in a variety of “This is a new public institution Commission of Canada’s (TRC) workshops at the Convention Centre that has been created in the launch mandate to chronicle the stories of that same day. of this centre,” said Moran. “And that residential school survivors. Now NCTR director Ry Moran spoke means that we’re here to serve the that the NCTR is open, its contents to the Manitoban about the historic public. I mean, it’s our job to make – thousands of statements, documents, opening of the centre. this collection as accessible as possible, “The opening marks yet another to get it into the hands of Canadians.” and physical artifacts chronicling the history of Canada’s residential step in a very long series of steps that “I encourage every single person schools and the experiences of its sur- we’ve been taking as a country to try out there to look at that information, vivors – will be available to the public. to come to terms with this history,” learn from it, listen to the survivors.

The University of Manitoba was said Moran. “The opening of the Those survivors that got up in front selected by the TRC to house the centre marks the establishment of of rooms of people and poured their centre and signed an agreement on the first permanent body that will soul out were doing that for the benJune 21, 2013, which was National be continuing work on this legacy of efit of all of us. They were putting residential schools. All of the other themselves on the line so that we Aboriginal Day. The grand opening included a processes [...] were time-limited and could listen to them and so that we of short duration. And now this pro- could hear them, and so that we could number of events over two days.

The launch began Tuesday with cess is going to be around forever, and better understand what they went the lighting of a sacred fire, followed it is meant to be a permanent and through, and that is so fundamentally by opening remarks. It featured lasting repository for all this informa- important. And we need to listen to numerous speakers and dignitaries tion. That means we will never be able their stories – we need to hear those including chair of the TRC, Hon. to forget what it went through and stories in order to understand who Justice Murray Sinclair, TRC com- what it did.” we are as a country and who we have missioner Marie Wilson, former “The opening of the centre been as people in this country.”

Assembly of First Nations national also marks the first time that the chief Phil Fontaine, University of Canadian public has access to as To see the NCTR’s online databases Manitoba president David Barnard, much information on the residential check nctr.ca. Additional information Winnipeg author, journalist and First school history as it does, which is can be found at umanitoba.ca/nctr

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

Fall break coming to U of M Senate votes in favour of extra-long Thanksgiving weekend GARETT WILLIAMS, STAFF

Come the fall 2016 term, University of Manitoba students will enjoy an extra pair of days off over the Thanksgiving long weekend.

The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) announced what it is calling a fall reading week following near unanimous approval from the school’s senate at its regular meeting Nov. 4. Under the approved structure, students will receive the Thursday and Friday prior to the holiday weekend off, giving them a total five-day recess from classes.

“It’s only a marginal addition, in terms of days off, but we believe that any additional time around the really stressful mid-term season will [...] really help [students’] mental health and wellness,” said UMSU president Jeremiah Kopp.

A 2013 National College Health Assessment surveyed 561 U of M students and found more than 31 per cent of respondents experienced a level of stress they worried would negatively affect their academic performance, while 23 per cent experienced anxiety, 21 per cent had difficulty sleeping, and

12 per cent suffered from depression.

While Kopp admitted an extralong weekend likely wouldn’t alleviate every student’s symptoms, he said it’s a step toward a greater understanding of, and sensitivity toward, mental health and wellness issues from the university’s leadership.

“That’s what we’re really celebrating here,” he said. “It’s not just an additional couple of days, for a total of five – what we’re celebrating is a signal to academia that there needs to be structural changes.”

Currently, 12 days are set aside for exams in the fall period, with tests scheduled on only 10. Beginning next school year, the two unused days will be used to make way for the additional time off, noted Kopp. Classes won’t begin any earlier in the fall or run any later at the end of the year, he said.

While nearly all faculties of the Fort Garry campus opted into the schedule, the majority operating on the Bannatyne campus opted out.

David Ness, director of the U of M student counselling centre, said

the additional time off will be a good use that time differently,” he said. became the first school in the provopportunity for students, especially “Maybe to get more rest, to study ince to adopt a fall reading week when those in the early years of their aca- more, to take care of self, to travel its senate supported the motion in the demic careers, to recharge and recon- to visit someone. I think that almost spring, and a number of universities always benefits people to be able to nation-wide that are also opting for nect with their support network. have that freedom to do what they a fall recess. need at that time.”

University of Winnipeg classes He acknowledged some students will start one day earlier following “It’s not just an actually use their studies as a distrac- Labour Day and Saturdays have been additional couple tion to cope with their difficulties added to the fall exam calendar in and the additional time off could exchange for the full week off after of days, for a total increase their stress load, but noted Thanksgiving. of five –what we’re that they’re the exception to the rule.

Peyton Veitch, president of the He urged all students to make the University of Winnipeg Students’ celebrating is a signal most of the opportunity in whatever Association, said he received overway suits them. whelming support for a fall break to academia that “I would encourage students to in a student survey circulated in there needs to be use that break wisely to take care the spring and noted the school’s of themselves in whatever way they acceptance points to the increasing structural changes” need to decrease their stress,” he said. weight given to mental health issues – Jeremiah Kopp, “Whether that is not even looking at on campus. a book, or looking at the book more, “Hopefully,” he said, “this is part president, UMSU travelling – what do they need to take of a continuing trend where not only care of self, to recharge some energy, are universities going in the direction so that when they return they can of a fall reading week to complement “With that reduction in commit- finish the last half of the term before a winter-term reading week, but also ment of scheduled time – you don’t December exams.” signals a greater emphasis on mental have the same schedule, you don’t The U of M follows the lead of health at universities across the counhave to be somewhere – you can the University of Winnipeg, which try – because it’s critically important.”

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News

News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

A call for collaboration President of Universities Canada challenges universities, business leaders, communities to strengthen relationships SAMUEL OSHO, STAFF

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he potential for collaboration among universities, businesses and communities toward building a stronger Canada was revealed at a luncheon hosted by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s Human Resource Leadership Council last week.

The event was held at the Fort Garry Hotel Nov. 3, with the keynote speech delivered by Universities Canada president and CEO Paul Davidson. He spoke passionately about the increasing demand for sophisticated skills, new knowledge in the global marketplace, and harnessing the resources in universities for better business results.

Over the past 25 years, Davidson played active leadership roles in government and both the the private and voluntary sectors before assuming leadership of Universities Canada, formerly the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, in May 2009.

Since then, Canada’s university sector has experienced significant investments in university research funding, increased resources for campus internationalization, and increased awareness of the need to improve Aboriginal Canadians’ access to post-secondary education, according to an online profile.

In his address, Davidson spoke of the ongoing measures taken by Canadian universities aimed at breaking the barriers between postsecondary education and Aboriginal communities, citing a success story recorded at the University of Winnipeg.

“Canada’s universities have over 350 collaborations with indigenous communities across the country and these partnerships are working,” he said. “For example, starting from next fall, all students in the University of Winnipeg will be required to take a course focused on the rights, traditions and history, and governance of indigenous culture in undergraduate [studies].”

He noted the University of Winnipeg’s Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre – hailed as a bridge between the university and the Aboriginal and inner-city communities – is used by more than 1,700 members each month. The centre offers free educational and cultural after-school and summer programs and open access to computers.

“We can do more,” said Davidson, “because today fewer than 10 per cent of indigenous people between the ages of 24 and 64 have a university degree.”

He also made a call to employ-

ers to increase their capacities and heighten their intake of students for internship and co-op placements.

“Our business survey shows that two out of three employers in Canada believe that the country is in danger of being left behind, left behind by fast-growing economies like China, India, and Brazil” – Paul Davidson, president and CEO, Universities Canada “Every year we have students looking for opportunities for co-ops, interns, or to do some form of community service plan, the bottom line is that we need employers to step up,” he said, adding that in a bid to save the future of Canada’s economy there is a need for students to gain inter-

national experience, especially from “Canadian universities are working fast-growing economies. together to make it easier for students “Our business survey shows that to know Canada and to know the two out of three employers in Canada world,” he said. “Canadian univerbelieve that the country is in danger sities are looking at making credit of being left behind, left behind by transfers smoother, they are working fast-growing economies like China, on faculties to encourage students to India, and Brazil and less Canadians boost their international experience [are learning] to think and act more and to provide financial assistance globally,” he said. “How can they do to students.” that? For starters, by getting on an Critical of the state of research airplane.” funding available to universities, Davidson noted that while Davidson told the Manitoban about Canadian universities offer exchange the new generation of excellent programs, global internships, and researchers in universities and the other opportunities for international contrasting decline in the governexperience, only a little more than ment’s commitment to research three per cent of undergraduate stu- funding. dents study abroad.

“The previous government did “Those that do go tend to go to a couple of things that helped the the United States, United Kingdom, research environment but, overall, France, Germany, Australia – the safe funding levels as a percentage of countries,” he said. “They don’t have our GDP have declined,” he said. to leave their comfort zone or even “Overall funding, vis-a-vis the rate learn a different language, very few of inflation, has declined [...] We have go to high-growth emerging coun- got a generation of researchers that tries such as China, India and Brazil.” are in full flight with great facilities He highlighted the strides taken and we have an opportunity to do so

by Canadian universities to stimu- much more.” late the mobility of students across provinces and international borders and noted a 2012 strategy developed between university and business leaders aimed at sending 50,000 students abroad.

Exigence Technologies makes pitch to global investors Winnipeg company started by University of Manitoba MBA students ETHAN CABEL, STAFF, WITH FILES FROM ALEAH ISAAK

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wo students from the University these companies and begun to discuss of Manitoba’s Asper school of our technology.” business are now making pitches The technology was originally to large multi-national companies invented by Song Liu, associate proas part of their effort to market an fessor in the department of mediinnovative technology first patented cal microbiology at the U of M. The at the U of M. technology is a compound that allows Zach Wolff, who is a few courses chlorine to act as a magnet, killing away from graduating with a Master bacteria more effectively than other of Business Administration (MBA) disinfectants with less toxicity. It also at the U of M, is the executive direc- ensures that bacteria killing agents tor of Exigence Technologies, a com- recharge more rapidly than in other pany that seeks to develop and market disinfectant compounds. a unique anti-microbial technology.

Wolff and Governo were first Sheri Governo, vice-president of exposed to Liu’s research in a course business development and adminis- taught by Stuart Henrickson, the tration for the company, is an MBA executive director of the Stu Clark graduate who gave up her day job as Centre for Entrepreneurship. a respiratory therapist at the Health In the course, titled Business Sciences Centre in order to start the Venture Analysis, students were company with Wolff. presented with “promising U of M Governo told the Manitoban that developed technologies that had been development of their product is pro- patented and had potential for comceeding rapidly, with the co-founders mercialization,” Governo said. The making pitches to multi-national presentations were made by Darren companies to market the product on Fast, director of the Technology a broad scale.

Transfer Office, which oversees intel“Our goal is to get this technology lectual property of over 400 patents out to big multi-national companies,” at the U of M. Governo said.

As a result of this presentation, “Zach and I have met with many of Wolff and Governo created a business

plan for the class based on Liu’s technology. They eventually presented the plan at national business competitions with the help of the Centre for Entrepreneurship.

“Our goal is to get this technology out to big multi-national companies” – Sheri Governo, vicepresident of business development and administration, Exigence Technologies “Stu [Henrickson]’s help was instrumental in helping us identify a viable business model and learning how to present our plan to investors,” Governo said. “The Asper school and Stu Clark Centre fund selected student teams to attend business

planning competitions each year, to represent the school and compete.

“The judges’ comments at these competitions helped us refine the business plan substantially and begin the transformation into what the business plan is today,” Governo said.

Wolff and Governo originally conceived of Exigence Technologies as a means of applying the technology to a medical setting. They believed the company would eventually evolve into a processing facility where they would treat medical textiles with their unique disinfectant compounds.

But while the medical applications of the technology remain integral to their business model, Exigence Technologies has since realized their compound has a wide variety of applications, including water remediation and food processing.

“There are so many potential applications of this technology,” Governo said, adding that they are currently working on adapting the technology to metallic surfaces in order to prevent the spread of bacteria.

“We are now looking at using it in food processing to prevent crosscontamination in their processing

equipment [...] There are a lot of conveyor belts that are used in food processing, and the food travels down the conveyor belt and if one of the pieces is contaminated then it can spread to other pieces and you tend to have product recall.”

In addition to expanding the application of their technology, Governo said that Exigence now seeks to partially sidestep the regulatory hurdles of processing the technology themselves by going directly to companies with expertise in moving through the regulatory process and eventually marketing products with strong brand recognition.

“We meet with them, do presentations, and otherwise have conversations with them about this technology about how it works, what it can do, what its potential applications are, and try and work out what the priorities of that specific company are,” Governo said, adding that she is very hopeful about the future of the company after just over a year in operation.

VOL. 102 NO. 13 November 11, 2015

News

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Music students make some noise Student association votes to oppose cuts at general assembly CRAIG ADOLPHE, STAFF

FMSA senior stick Kieran Labossière

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tudents from the Desautels faculty of music have approved a motion condemning recent budget cuts and calling on university administration to cancel currently planned reductions and restore funding to the faculty.

The motion was approved by an overwhelming majority of attendees at a general assembly two weeks ago organized by the Faculty of Music Students’ Association (FMSA).

Roughly half of the faculty’s 241 students were in attendance, with all but a handful voting in favour of the motion.

The Desautels faculty of music saw a three per cent contraction this year as part of departmental cuts in the 2015-16 budget. Another round of departmental cuts are expected for the 2016-17 budget, which will be voted on by the university’s board of governors in the summer.

Dean Dawe talks cuts

Faculty of music dean Edmund Dawe served as the opening speaker at the general assembly after receiving a request from FMSA senior stick Kieran Labossière to explain the impact of the cutbacks to the faculty of music.

According to Dawe, cuts to the faculty budget have been met this year largely by cutting budgetary lines for things like travel and advertising, as well as through a reduction in teaching hours for sessional instructors – which represents the largest variable cost in the faculty’s budget.

With further cuts expected for next year, Dawe said he expects the money will have to come from sessional instructors. However, a further reduction in sessional workers would

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

also require a reduction in student enrolment, as sessionals are largely employed for one-on-one lessons with students.

those sessional instructors to teach, if you’re a piano major why are you which means you decrease the overall worried about if you’re not going to enrolment,” Dawe said. take as many violins next year.’ Well, “This year, we were able to spread that will actually affect the amount it around in different ways. Some of of chamber music we can do in the our full-time faculty took on heavier faculty if we don’t have enough vioworkloads and then we didn’t have lins or other instruments,” he said.

“Of course, I to hire sessional instructors to teach “With us, with enrolment, you’re understand some things. We were able to cut impacting every single area of the back on travel, advertising, just differ- faculty the minute you decide to take completely and I ent areas of the faculty that we were fewer singers, or fewer piano majors, sympathize with able to cut back on. Basically, taking or whatever. Then you’re actually small amounts from different areas affecting everybody, so that’s when the administration of the budget, but we’ve pretty much it gets very, very difficult.” pared those down to pretty much as completely with low as they can go. You know, we still having to deal with need an advertising budget, we still “When we bring it need for faculty to be able to travel to this, but as it filters up with students, do their research.” down into the Although Dawe remains con- we get a certain cerned about the impact of cuts to faculties it means reaction. ‘Why is this his faculty, he also acknowledged something different the difficult financial position the happening? What university finds itself in. He cited for every faculty as to maintenance costs for the recently can we do about constructed Tache Hall – a space he how they absorb the it? What does that said he believes is sorely needed and cuts. For us it means mean for me and my long overdue for the faculty of music – as an example of rising expenses, future students” – education?’” – Kieran while also noting limited options for Edmund Dawe, Labossière, senior increasing revenues.

“I fully understand the university dean, Desautels stick, Faculty of Music has some serious financial challenges,” Dawe told the Manitoban. faculty of music Students’ Association “Of course, I understand completely and I sympathize with the Already student enrolment in administration completely with the faculty has experienced a small having to deal with this, but as it fil- Engaging students decline. Since fall 2013 the faculty has ters down into the faculties it means Labossière helped organize seen a small drop in undergraduate something different for every faculty the general assembly and told the enrolment, from 251 to 241 in fall 2015. as to how they absorb the cuts. For us Manitoban the budget cuts within the Dawe said he expects these numbers it means future students.” faculty had become a serious concern to drop more drastically next year to According to Dawe, cuts to enrol- for music students. match a more drastic cut to sessional ment are particularly damaging to the “There’s already the dry joke about instructors. faculty of music because of the special how we never have any money,” said “The only way to cut back on that nature of the program.

Labossière. “It’s something students budget is to have fewer students for “Some people might wonder ‘Well, are aware of. And then the fact that

our budget is being reduced [...] Our equipment is very outdated. There is concern.”

“When we bring it up with students, we get a certain reaction. ‘Why is this happening? What can we do about it? What does that mean for me and my education?’”

Labossière said the reactions from students at the assembly were positive.

“I think they really appreciated being consulted, kind of brought into the loop,” Labossière said.

“It’s very easy to, just as a council, do your own thing and not necessarily listen to students. Or not even to not listen, but to not consult them really. But this sort of thing opens up a dialogue between council members and the students in a more formal capacity so that students feel free to voice their opinions.”

Labossière said music students are now looking at other actions to take since approving the motion, including writing a letter to administration, asking the music faculty council to pass a similar motion, and participating in an upcoming rally against the cuts organized by the Stop the Cuts coalition.

“I hope this will galvanize further student action, because I think there’s a bit of a culture of inaction on our campus and I’d really like to see that change,” Labossière said.

“I think the really big overarching goal of holding this assembly was so that we could make our students feel empowered to create change, to make their voices heard, to engage in campaigns like this. To just give students a voice, which I think is something that is a little bit lacking in the general student population.”

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News

News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Breaking down barriers in business

Association of Aboriginal Commerce Students bolsters Aboriginal business education with speaker series ETHAN CABEL, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LAURA KIEFER

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group of students at the University students and entrepreneurs. of Manitoba’s Asper school of “Asper, when you walk in, you don’t business is working to make it easier get this big indigenous welcome,” for Aboriginal graduates to step into Richard said. the world of business.

“So [we’re] trying to just break The Association of Aboriginal through any intimidation that Commerce Students (AACS) has Aboriginal students might have.”

There are many barriers for been active on campus for several years and seeks to promote Aboriginal Aboriginal people looking to get participation in business education involved in business or to improve through events intended to spread their communities through business awareness about Aboriginal issues development, according to Richard, and causes. and she said she hopes the AACS can The AACS is unique in that it rep- help break down those barriers.

“Aboriginal business background is resents a specific ethnic group within the broader community of U of M just really lacking,” she said. “There are a lot of social movements that fail, I commerce students.

According to Ashley Richard, think, because they don’t have a proper AACS president and fourth-year com- model behind it.”

“If you are lacking in a business merce student majoring in Aboriginal business studies, the group is necessary background, and you don’t really know in order to both encourage Aboriginal the structure of how to run a successful participation in business and to facili- business, or organizational theory, it’s tate networking among Aboriginal really easy to fall apart.”

The latest initiative for the AACS is a year-long speaker series featuring various Aboriginal leaders in business and politics, which has spurred interest across the U of M campus, including the support of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU).

The stated goal of the speaker series is to maintain and strengthen “indigenous/non-indigenous relations in the world of commerce.”

It started with a meeting between the dean of the Asper school of business Michael Benarroch, James Wilson, the treaty commissioner for the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, Peter Pomart, director of the U of M’s Aboriginal Business Education Partners, and two students, including Laura Kiefer, the secretary for AACS and a fourth-year commerce student majoring in marketing and entrepreneurship.

“We all got together and spoke

about some key initiatives that of M campus, likely in March. we think the Asper school should “UMSU signalled a willingness really look into relating to indig- to fund future speakers’ events,” said enous achievement and really foster Jeremiah Kopp, UMSU president. a stronger indigenous community at “We haven’t at this point, but as the the Asper school,” Kiefer said. program expands we want to take “What you would boil the three an active interest in it and support it [key points] down to was job opportu- in any way possible, whether that is nities, a stronger sense of community, through time, financial resources, any and a stronger curriculum.” way possible to ensure it’s a success.”

Kiefer told the Manitoban that the Kopp would not confirm Phil speaker series was meant to address Fontaine would be coming to campus two of these three pillars — namely, in March, but said he believes U of M building a stronger community and students would be very interested in facilitating job opportunities by giving such an event. students the opportunity to network He also told the Manitoban the with business leaders. panel discussion on a potential manThe AACS has held two speaker datory indigenous studies course at series events already this year. the U of M will likely constitute the The first event, featuring key- beginning of a long-term discussion note speaker James Wilson, was on within the university community the topic of connecting cultures in about the idea. business. The second event, featur“UMSU hasn’t taken a strong posiing Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, tion on an indigenous course requirethe acting head of the department of ment and I think that’s because there native studies at the U of M, explored first needs to be that dialogue on camthe top five issues facing indigenous pus,” Kopp said. communities in the aftermath of the “We need to start grassroots converOctober federal election. Each event sations about that with the indigenous includes opening remarks from an community, it has to be something Aboriginal elder and youth leader. that comes from the community The AACS is planning at least in partnership with many different two other speaker series events in the stakeholders.” new year, including a panel discusIn March of this year, the sion on the possibility of a mandatory University of Winnipeg’s senate indigenous studies course at the U of approved, in principle, a mandatory M, likely in January, and a keynote indigenous studies course for all address by Winnipeg Mayor Brian undergraduate students at the univerBowman in February. sity after lengthy campaigns launched There is also the possibility that the by the University of Winnipeg AACS will partner with UMSU to Students’ Association and the bring Phil Fontaine, the former chief University of Winnipeg Aboriginal of the Assembly of First Nations and a Students’ Council. long-time Aboriginal activist, to the U

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Craig Adolphe Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

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‘We didn't know how to help’ Increased awareness critical when supporting a loved one with mental illness MIKE STILL, STAFF

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ental illness has historically been a difficult topic for discussion, for such reasons as a lack of knowledge of its effects or the naive belief that it’s a rarity even in today’s society.

Unfortunately, due to this rationale, public awareness isn’t as high as it could be. This is especially problematic for families who have a loved one struggling with their mental health.

As an example, in September 2014 I had a panic attack for the first time.

It was one of the scariest experiences of my life, as I had no control over my body and no idea what to do next.

Thankfully, my roommate at the time was there to help me through.

Not even two weeks later I had another panic attack, but this time I was alone. Scared and concerned for my safety, I turned to the only people I could think of that could help – my family.

Struggling for breath, I trekked down to my old home and crashed through the front door. By that time I could barely see, and proceeded to faint in the hallway.

When I woke up, I expected to be on a bed with my mother and father consoling me. That wasn’t the case.

Instead, dazed and confused, the first thing I heard was their laughter.

It was during that evening that I realized something was wrong, and that mental health awareness needed to be a more prominent topic of discussion within families going forward.

The main thing that resonated with me was that my roommate knew exactly what to do when I was struggling, yet my family did not.

I credit the difference to this individual’s own struggles with mental illness, and knowing exactly how to act and what to say in my time of fear from personal experience. My family members, on the other hand, had no knowledge of how to proceed during that time.

Other examples

On Saturday, Oct. 24, 33-yearold Winnipeg resident Reid Bricker, who suffers from mental illness, went missing. He was released at 3:20 that morning from the Health Sciences Centre’s emergency ward shortly following his third suicide attempt and third trip to a hospital within 10 days.

He has yet to be found.

In an article written in the Winnipeg Free Press on Nov. 2, Bricker’s mother Bonnie stated that her son’s mental health struggles began many years prior, but that “we didn’t know how to help him.”

Similarly, in March of 2009, 22-year-old Toronto native Kulmiye Aganeh, who had schizophrenia, died while incarcerated at the Oakridge (now called Waypoint) Centre for Mental Healthcare in Penetenguishine, Ont. His passing was the result of sudden cardiac arrest due to the toxicity of Olanzapine – an antipsychotic drug that he was administered while in a chin hold.

In December 2014, Aganeh’s sister

Ubah testified at a coroner’s inquest into his death. Along with the rest of her family, she was frustrated with the way the mental health system controlled him and treated his illness after he was dispatched to Oakridge in December 2007, to receive proper care.

“We were overwhelmed. We didn’t know how to help him,” Ubah told the inquest.

We didn’t know how to help.

Those six words resonate strongly and seem to be commonplace when discussing mental health, especially in family circles We didn’t know how to help. Those six words resonate strongly and seem to be commonplace when discussing mental health, especially in family circles. From personal experience, it’s an emotionally draining and frustrating occurrence.

I’m by no means saying that these families are to blame for what happened to their children. I feel for them and their grief. I simply wish it didn’t get to the point where these mothers and fathers felt helpless in the matter and needed to leave the safety of their son or daughter in the hands of an institution. Because as the two above examples demonstrate, sometimes these end up being less advantageous options.

Battling with mental illness isn’t easy and it’s made tougher when your family feels they cannot help you Not having family present can be costly

Workers at hospitals or mental health facilities don’t know the individual patient like the patient’s family that he had been released due to volumes and cannot be expressed does. They don’t know what makes the Personal Health Information enough. the patient tick or what being “OK” Act, and had they been, maybe he wouldn’t still be missing. While they What needs to be done? may look like.

Battling with mental illness isn’t A stranger – even one with the would likely still be struggling to figright qualifications – is still guessing ure out how to help him most effec- easy and it’s made tougher when your tively, their presence even for a short family feels they cannot help you. The in a way. first and most important step towards Using Bricker as an example, time could have made a difference. being suicidal as he was and having Speaking from experience, when changing this is education.

The best way to provide proper been in and out of different hospitals you’re on the verge of ending your life, in less than two weeks, one might sometimes all you need is someone to information is through organizations think that the medical staff would’ve tell you that they care. They probably like the Canadian Mental Health been more cautious before letting him won’t be able to help you cope with Association (CMHA). I don’t think go. your personal struggles, but simply it would be a stretch to have the His family wasn’t made aware knowing someone is there speaks CMHA provide monthly workshops

GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

to families who want to learn more.

Distributing informational pamphlets door to door and having citizens answer questionnaires about their knowledge of mental illness could also be a strong way of gauging the population’s understanding, and would also give the government a reference point for what direction to take going forward.

Regardless of what the approach is, action needs to be taken so that no more families are torn apart by the stigma of mental illness.

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Comment Comment Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Vacation is not a treatment Despite claims, a fall reading week has little to do with mental health JORDYN LERNER, VOLUNTEER STAFF

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fully support an UMSU campaign on mental health. Public health insurance does not fund most mental health services, particularly preventive ones. The university offers limited student counselling, but it’s not the university’s role to operate as a pseudo-healthcare system. As such, students may be unable to access the care they need when they need it.

But what is mental health?

Unfortunately, the UMSU campaign does not offer a definition.

While the sexual assault and accessibility campaigns both define their principal subject matter, the mental health campaign does not. By not starting with a coherent definition of mental health, the campaign strays from its original focus.

Definitions of mental health can go two ways. A progressive definition likens mental health to a state of well-being. Mental health is an ability of people to enjoy life and overcome challenges. A more practical definition of mental health is the absence of mental illness.

If you’re not sick, you’re healthy.

Depending on the definition used, a mental health campaign can be very broad, or very focused.

“Success Through Wellness”,

campaign has to be more focused than the university’s.

UMSU doesn’t have the capacity to implement peripherally related projects like campus beautification.

To its credit, the UMSU campaign is largely focused on the prevention and treatment of mental illness. For prevention, the campaign promotes the activities of the student g roup Ac t ive Minds. These activities include publ ic aw a reness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote selfcare behaviours like mindfulness.

For treatment, the campaign promotes university counselling services, and expands the peer support program.

But then the campaign includes the fall mental GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS health reading week. This was the University of Manitoba’s 2014 originally an election promise of campus mental health strategy, is Your UMSU, sold as a chance for an example of how over-inclusive students to “relax and rejuvenate a campaign can be when mental their minds” before final exams. health is equated to well-being. The In reality, a fall reading week university’s campaign favours the and its mind rejuvenation ability progressive definition of mental is not a core mental health interhealth as well-being. In fact, it goes vention so much as it is an excuse so far as to use the terms mental for a vacation. Just because you call health, well-being, and wellness something a “fall mental health interchangeably. reading week,” doesn’t mean it’s actually relevant to mental health.

A fall reading week is an examA mental health ple what can creep into a mental campaign is a must. health campaign that does not start with a concrete definition. Its incluBut a campaign sion hurts the entire campaign by distracting from the real mental on mental health health initiatives.

A mental health campaign is a actually needs must. But a campaign on mental to be about health actually needs to be about mental health. A campaign needs mental health to start with a coherent definition so that it maintains focus and Most of the university cam- avoids peripheral projects like a fall paign’s recommendations to reading week. improve mental health are reasonable, but some suggestions like increased campus beautification and increased student involvement in curricular content are a stretch.

Given that UMSU has fewer resources than the university, its

10 Comment

Comment Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Putting poutine in its place A bad spot for a good thing EVAN TREMBLAY, STAFF

as one coherent and understandable feature, is broken by it.

Visually and spiritually, it cheapens and distracts from what is, after all, a monument to those who died a terrible death. It is hard to hold faith in the respect of the living for the dead when, of all the parking lots and access roads on campus, this is the spot assigned to a bright red truck selling cheese curds and gravy.

It would be a different thing entirely if the arrangement was temporary, say a few days for Frosh Fest. But on and off, the truck has been there since March.

If the truck is on the campus that long, then a more suitable (or at least, less inappropriate) location can be found. Perhaps it is at its current location because of high pedestrian traffic; that’s perfectly understandable, from a business point of view.

But a university, being a very special kind of institution, should balance other priorities, and remember the intentions of its past.

Remember, as you walk past that truck, that before it got parked there, breaking the flow of your eyes over the landscape, that the only words (there were no advertisements, no exclamation marks) you’d see were things like Education, Nursing, Architecture.

The ugly

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ou may have noticed that, for Agricultural College (as the U of M some time, there’s been a food was then known) who had lost their truck parked on campus. A welcome lives fighting in the war. relief from the unrelenting mediocThis memorial avenue – the spine rity of campus food services (though of the great axis, which dates to 1914 – I’ve yet to actually see anyone buying is much more than the standard street poutine there), the Poutine King is trees so prevalent in our city. It was inarguably an asset to life on campus. intended as, and remains, a living The whole point of a food truck, monument to the dead, and (as all however, is that you can park it any- old trees are) a source of joy for the where; the specific spot the truck living. That’s the great thing about a currently occupies is not only inap- university: it is, almost by definition, propriate, it is offensive. The truck a venerable institution with a concrete should be moved – perhaps more and noble history. importantly, whoever told it to park there should have known better in Visually and the first place.

The good

The truck is parked in one of the most significant spots on campus. It is smack dab in the middle of the great axis that runs from Pembina Highway to the foot of the Administration Building. Along most of its length, this axis is planted with elms; where the continuity of the double-row of elms is broken, landscaping elements (such as decorative paving, plantings, and rows of non-elms) ensure that the linearity is unbroken.

The elms were planted at the end of the First World War in memory of those members of the Manitoba

spiritually, it cheapens and distracts from what is, after all, a monument to those who died a terrible death

The elms run the length of Chancellor Matheson Road, ending at University Crescent. They originally went farther, but the inter-

vening years saw the construction of Frank Kennedy and University Centre. The very end of their original run is marked by one lone survivor, just outside the entrance to University Centre, where a plaque explains the planting of the memorial avenue.

If they were not a living monument – or if they were a living monument in some other part of the city – the axis might have remained broken. But a university is a special kind of place. Its coherence, sense of self, and memory spans decades. The path over Frank Kennedy is unassuming, but from there to the steps of the administration building is one of the most intensely well-done pieces of landscaping in the city.

A broad, paved path, framed by generous and beautiful plantings. A raised circle of grass, acting as a second quad (how peaceful, in summer, the people sprawled on the grass); groves of newer, younger trees (how lovely, the little hills they sit on top of).

The plaza on top of University Centre, with smaller trees in planters (Acer ginnala; how delicate the graceful stems beside the concrete mass of the building), and lushly planted in the summer, and finally, closing the axis: the façade of the administra-

The placement of that truck says something about our campus and therefore us. It says we do not remember (or if we do, do not care about) our past. It says we value the chance to buy something over the chance to reflect on something.

GRAPHIC BY EVAN TREMBLAY What does it say to walk out of a building (like architecture’s John tion building, its columns speaking A. Russell Building) that is a gem of to dignity and tradition. One straight Canadian architecture, and see a food line, approximately two kilometres in truck given equal prominence? What total – well and purposefully land- does it say to walk out of a nursing scaped, maintained for over a century. lecture on how to heal people and treat disease, to find gravy being sold?

Nothing in this province compares.

I studied landscape architecture, It says something dark: “pay us to and that’s the dream; the long axis, learn high ideals – but we ourselves well-done, full of meaning, with a don’t have time for such things.” distinctive classical building at the For that matter, what does it say to end. In fact, the faculty of archi- any student, on a campus where the tecture faces the circle on that axis. parking agents are known for a cerEvery time I’d take a smoke break, in tain deadly ferocity and fell purpose, the long grueling years of my degree, to see a car parked beside that food I’d look out onto that circle and see truck? You had to park in the toonie the physical realization of the thing lot in bad weather, and pay for that privilege. But the Poutine King parks I was studying.

It made me proud, and cemented where it is most convenient for him. my love for both my craft and my I like poutine, and I like food school: it validated all the high things trucks. But I also like to think that my professors taught about design the university is the kind of place and memory and the joy of those that puts higher ideals – rememberthings given beautiful form. ing its dead, and providing a beautiful setting for its living – before those The bad things.

If I go to smoke at that same place The truck can be moved, but it’ll now, or go to stroll along that axis, be hard to forget that it got put there the view is interrupted by a food in the first place. truck. Nothing against the truck – it is in the nature of food trucks to grab “If ye break faith with us who die your attention, and the food this one We shall not sleep, though sells is a Canadian specialty. But it is poppies grow in the direct centre of the line of the In Flanders fields.” great axis, and the axis as a whole –

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Features Features Editor: Dana Hatherly Contact: features@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Grub’s up Introduction to the food feature DANA HATHERLY, STAFF

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o live is to eat. In this feature the Manitoban explores the conventional food system and looks at some alternatives to it.

Some experts have argued that human population grows to the limits set by the food supply. When population growth exceeds the amount of food available for consumption, further population increases result in higher mortality rates and lower fertility rates. In some cases, the lack of sustenance (among other things) leads to violent conflicts.

Other experts reasoned that

humans have manipulated the food chain to address this offset. While some still rely on hunting and gathering for food acquisition, others have tried to exert more control over food sources through agricultural practices so that people could produce and consume their own food. Animal and plant domestication have become widespread, with centralization of the food system as the logical outcome.

In their attempts to control the food system at more intensified, large-scale levels, societies across the world have caused major impacts on

the economy, the environment, and service providers and consumers each other which continue to be dis- with her article on learning from puted by researchers, politicians, and the quirks of the hospitality industry. communities.

Finally, with the University As part of this feature on food, of Manitoba under the lens, the Evan Tremblay and Malak Abas Manitoban shows how the complexeach writes about the importance of ities of food provision have led to connecting with the surrounding eco- some perplexing practices at differsystem in the search for food, whether ent levels of the campus food system.

Read on to learn from some of it’s by looking for food that is native to the area, or resorting to eating these perspectives on the food system, our own waste and other innovative and how it relates to you. sources of existing edibles.

Chantelle Dubois looks at the PHOTO BY DANA HATHERLY point of interaction between food

Life lessons in the dining room What anyone can learn from working in hospitality CHANTELLE DUBOIS, STAFF

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ome people look down on food service jobs. “I would never work in a restaurant” – a phrase I have heard many times in my life. As someone who has worked in restaurants since the age of 15, I feel it has been one of the most beneficial sources of learning I’ve had.

My journey into food service began in a family restaurant when I was in high school and simply wanted a way to make extra money. However early in my twenties when I made the transition into fine dining, it became more of what I consider to be my first career.

In my opinion, working in food service and hospitality has made me a more balanced person. It has taught me so many skills I never would have learned elsewhere. Here are some of the most important things I have learned in restaurant settings.

gins of this phrase, but every person who has worked in a restaurant has experienced it at least once.

We even have nightmares about it.

The host seats several new tables in your section, you have multiple drink orders to pick up, you haven’t put in orders for tables, and table 55 asked for ketchup 10 minutes ago. It is easy to become overwhelmed and disoriented with every request and task that comes up. Failure to keep up means unhappy guests, unhappy kitchen staff, and an unhappy manager.

No matter what industry you work in, you’re going to be under pressure at some point or another. You get a lot of practice trying to remain calm, professional, and organized while under pressure in a restaurant.

How to let it go

How to work on a diverse team

People work in restaurants for various reasons. Sometimes it is their career. Quite often, it is a job for while one is studying. For others, it is a second source of income.

The food service industry attracts a wide variety of people. I have worked on teams where the youngest employee was 15, and the oldest over 60. Some of them might not have finished high school, while others are completing their master’s.

Yet, despite where you come from or what your day job is, you all learn to work together as a team. You learn to communicate. And most likely, you all become friends in the process. Some of my closest friendships formed while working in restaurants.

This has translated into other areas of my life by making it easier for me to transition onto new teams.

I’m used to a range of personalities. I can hold conversations on a variety of topics. And I understand many types of humour.

GRAPHIC BY CHANTELLE SANITY

How to read people

Social intelligence is incredibly important in hospitality. In the age of Trip Advisor, OpenTable, and Yelp, any faux pas you commit could result in your name being smeared all over the Internet. And it can ruin special occasions for the guest.

Most importantly, your primary job working in a restaurant is to ensure that the guest has a positive experience. This can be completely different for every person who comes in. Some people want you to be very

involved in their restaurant experi- Head down, avoiding eye contact, ence, recommending beverages or arms crossed, and lots of silence? menu items, and being involved in They could be displeased, but don’t their conversations. Some people want to make a fuss. want to barely notice you even exist.

This helps in other areas in my life Sometimes people will not tell you because it is much easier for me to that they are unhappy, and other read someone’s body language and times people will yell it in your face. emotions.

Most of the time you want to prevent the latter from happening, so you How to handle pressure need to recognize signs that indicate In hospitality we have a phrase for whether a person is happy or unhappy. when we’re really overwhelmingly In doing so, you truly become a busy. We like to say that we’re “in the reader of faces and body language. weeds.” I have no idea about the ori-

Not everyone learns this. But, to maintain your sanity in the restaurant industry, you don’t worry about the small things.

You don’t take insults or snide remarks from guests or colleagues personally. If your manager snaps at you, if the chef gets frustrated, if someone for a moment loses their cool, you let it go.

Restaurants can be some of the most stressful environments to work in. While the vast majority of guests I’ve served have been extremely pleasant, there are some that will take all their frustration out on you. While most of my colleagues have been great, I have seen some of them lose their cool, and then later begin the apology ceremony.

The only way to survive is to let it go and move on.

I feel like anyone who has never worked in hospitality is missing out on a lot of great experiences and lessons. This is why I would work in – and wish everyone would get a taste of working in – the food service industry.

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Features

Features Editor: Dana Hatherly Contact: features@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Breaking down the campus food revolution A comprehensive look at the University of Manitoba’s food system DANA HATHERLY, STAFF

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any competing interests drive the food system at the University of Manitoba. Here the Manitoban attempts to break down some of the complexities of competing interests and concerns, barriers, and drivers of what has been called the “campus food revolution.”

The student strategy

Food court at University Centre

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

Degrees restaraunt

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

Degrees restaraunt

For the Campus Food Strategy Group (CFSG) at the University of Manitoba, the food system on campus reflects the university’s culture, and the student experience is impacted by that food culture.

CFSG is a student-led initiative fostered by its co-coordinators, Michaela Bohunicky and Abigail Maniego.

“University students should be able to participate, voice their opinions, and have an active role in how their university food system operates and how it evolves and changes to suit everyone’s need, including theirs,” Bohunicky told the Manitoban.

“We strongly believe that the University of Manitoba has an immense capacity to house a safe, healthy, just, and sustainable food system.”

“Our second objective would be to involve students to have a meaningful role in that system,” Bohunicky added.

Bohunicky said that the main challenges facing her food strategy group were a lack of student awareness about food issues on campus, lack of connectivity across campus, the pull of food service providers, the physical isolation of the Fort Garry campus, and the need for the university administration’s support for initiatives.

“Universities tend to work in an informal campus survey, funded silos,” she said about the need for by anti-hunger nonprofit Meal more inter-faculty studies and cross- Exchange, which showed students campus partnerships, as well as more were unhappy with the food sysopportunities for students to work on tem. They wanted cheaper, healthier U of M food projects. “The different options. efforts around food could always use After what the university called more connection and collaboration.” “an extensive best value [request Various stakeholders in the uni- for proposal] process,” the U of M versity food system include students, signed a new 10-year contract with the University of Manitoba Students Aramark in 2014. As part of the Union, the U of M office of sustain- contract, Aramark agreed to invest ability, university administration, in renovations and new food outlets food service providers, and faculty. and to improve the nutritional value of their food.

When the university’s main food “We strongly believe court in University Centre completed renovations in early 2015, there were that the University no fast food options. There were, of Manitoba has an however, more diverse, healthier food choices set at prices comparable to immense capacity to what was previously offered. house a safe, healthy, However, Bohunicky remains critical of the new Aramark contract. just, and sustainable “The potential for change is limited in that 10 years, but that being food system” – said, I have a lot more to do to see Michaela Bohunicky, how I can work with the current food service provider. Even beyond that, co-coordinator, there’s a lot we can do in preparation Campus Food for that contract expiry,” which, she said, might be their next big chance Strategy Group to move towards a more localized university food system.

“Food service providers hold a For inspiration, Bohunicky huge stake, [...] particularly the one pointed to the food revolution taking that holds the monopoly, Aramark,” hold on other post-secondary camBohunicky said. She expressed dis- puses across the country – includsatisfaction with the decision-making ing at the neighbouring University process that led to the renewal of the of Winnipeg, where Diversity Food contract between the U of M and Services has transformed the camAramark, a large American corpora- pus by developing partnerships with tion that provides food, custodial, and the community, public, and privateuniform services to schools, prisons, sector organizations.

In what she described as her ideal hospitals, and other institutions.

Back in 2012, CFSG conducted campus food system, Bohunicky

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

VOL. 102 NO. 13 November 11, 2015

envisions “connections between foods grown on campus, processed on campus, sold on campus – connecting those different links in the food chain within the boundaries of the campus.”

Food fight

CFSG hosted the Food Challenge on Oct. 16-17, which was part of a pan-Canadian initiative that invited students to design innovative solutions for food security issues on university campuses.

Participants pitched their design proposals to win money and opportunities to carry out their project in the winter term. Experts were also in attendance to provide feedback and insight.

Five groups with five ideas were registered in the competition. One of the winning designs, a hydroponic initiative, has already been started on the U of M campus. This pioneering study uses water to grow greens without the use of soil.

Growing sustainably

Ian Hall, director of the U of M’s office of sustainability, said his office has looked at supporting food production on campus through gardening activities and matching campus food producers with buyers and consumers.

In Hall’s opinion, the University of Manitoba Students’ Union, with initiatives like their UMSU-run Degrees restaurant, leads the way in the sustainable food drive on campus by “supporting our food service partners to use food from Manitoba producers or that is sustainably certified, like organic or Fair Trade certified, and reducing food waste and its impacts.”

Partnered with CFSG and other university community foodies, the office of sustainability works to draw awareness to food system issues facing the university.

“Other sustainability-related objectives at the University of Manitoba include food safety, providing food

Daily Bread Café at St. John's College

Features

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choices including vegan, vegetarian, Food for thought U of M and U of W source local and Dunne found that about 18 per and culturally appropriate options,” Annette Desmarais is an associ- sustainable food and the decision- cent of the university’s food came said Hall. ate professor of sociology at the U of making processes behind food issues from local sources.

Their office also runs into prob- M, studying food sovereignty and by looking to what is happening at “It isn’t terrible, but there’s cerlems in the process of cultivating a agrarian change. other Canadian intuitions. tainly a lot of room to grow,” Dunne more sustainable food system.

The U of M has also joined various said, especially when compared to “Since ‘healthy, just, and sus“One of the biggest challenges tainable food systems’ is one of other universities across Canada who other Manitoba institutions. Local that I have observed is that the food the key themes of the University are looking at food security among food purchases ranged from two to system is very large, complex, and at of Manitoba’s research plan (2015- students on each of their campuses. 60 per cent at other institutions under times seems invisible or disconnected 2020), I thought that it was important Desmarais said the University of study, including Maples Personal from our day-to-day experience, in to conduct some research on what Saskatchewan, Acadia University, Care Home, St. John’s-Ravenscourt spite of the fact that we all eat,” Hall is actually happening here at the and schools in Ontario are among School, a home economics class said about the main issues met by the University of Manitoba itself. That those who intend on putting out a at Sisler High School, and the sustainability office. is, to take a look at what is happening survey for students in order to look University of Winnipeg.

“The U of M is unique in that it’s To address this challenge, they in our own back yard,” Desmarais at the degree to which they have safe produced a report on what is pro- told the Manitoban in an email. and secure sources of food. the only institution that I worked duced, processed, served, consumed, Desmarais said she hopes that with that had such an array of differand wasted on campus. her research takes a critical look at ent types of vendors selling food. You “The results have been used as the “I thought that it was the extent of food security on cam- know, you have the Daily Bread all basis of community conversations pus and, by echoing the Province of the way up to Aramark. It was interimportant to conduct Manitoba’s about the current state and opportupush for small-scale food esting to see how a post-secondary production and processing, drives the institution can have different purnities for change,” Hall said. some research on Out of these conversations have local food economy. chasing models on one campus.” what is actually come the Food Challenge event and Dunne’s work outlines certain the creation of a new campus-wide More research on the menu obstacles facing post-secondary instihappening here at food service committee that has susOne University of Manitoba grad- tutions in their quests for alternative tainability as a central part of its man- the University of uate has been looking at how much food systems. Some barriers included date. Hall said his office arranged a local and sustainable food is being the price of local or organic food, the Manitoba itself. That partnership between the Daily Bread purchased at Manitoba institutions timeframe involved with obtaining Cafe at St. John’s College and the such as hospitals, schools, and gov- food from suppliers or producing is, to take a look at Asper school of business marketing ernment institutions. from scratch, and restrictive food what is happening in program, who brought forward their Leanne Dunne is the project coor- service contracts which limit where plan to implement the restaurant’s dinator for Manitoba on the Menu. products can be bought from and the our own back yard,” reusable take-out container program.

It’s an initiative of Food Matters types of foods that are purchased.

With the use of stainless steel take- Annette Desmarais, Manitoba, which is a registered charSome of the recommendations out containers, called tiffins, these ity “working toward food for everyone coming out of the study push for food associate professor food providers encourage students in the province, from teaching cooking service contracts that include definiof sociology to return to their restaurant with the skills, to helping communities grow tions of what local and sustainable containers – clean or dirty – and get their own food,” according to Dunne. means, having institutions setting their meal served in clean ones.

The University of Manitoba was goals and targets for increasing those The office of sustainability also This led Desmarais to start up two one partaker in her study, which has purchases, and building relationships facilitated collaboration between research projects. Her work derives two phases in total. The U of M was with small businesses to work toward the City of Winnipeg’s Brady Road from a food sovereignty perspective part of the first phase, which was more local purchasing opportunities.

Landfill and researchers studying coined by La Via Campesina – a line to track local and sustainable food Dunne said that universities compost at the National Centre for of theory that places the producers, purchases. should be leading the way, and stuLivestock and the Environment distributors, and consumers of food “I tried to identify ways to under- dents can be the drivers of change. located at the U of M’s Fort Garry at the helm of the food system and stand how much food was being pur“Being a post-secondary comcampus. views food as more than just a com- chased by institutions, by the U of M,” munity, you do have a community “Looking forward, my office is modity – who advocate for people’s Dunne said. of people that can enforce or ask for hoping to partner with the Province needs to be the main proponents She categorized food purchases in change that might be less common of Manitoba’s waste reduction and of food governance as part of more terms of whether they were sourced elsewhere. Students have a lot of pollution prevention program to con- environmentally conscious, localized in the province or not, although she clout, a lot of power, because they’re duct a waste audit that can be used food systems. said that this information – where the consumer at the end of the day.” to evaluate options for organic waste Desmarais and her research team product was produced and processed, diversion at the Fort Garry campus.” are analyzing the extent to which the and who owns it – is difficult to track.

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

Hydroponic system at the U of M agriculture building

PHOTO BY DANA HATHERLY

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Features

Features Editor: Dana Hatherly Contact: features@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Foraging for food An urban guide to edible weeds and sprouting seeds EVAN TREMBLAY, STAFF

W

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Caragana (Caragana spp.)

e all have to eat; we might as be boiled like spinach. They’re high flowers look exactly like pea-flowers, in iron and vitamin A. The roots can which isn’t surprising, as they come well eat well.

Eating well can be more than a also be used to make a cocoa substi- from the same family. The pods that strict fixation on carbs, sugars, gluten, tute. For this, medium-sized roots the flowers turn into are not edible. or whatever else it is we’re supposed work best. The flowers make a good Caragana was the first plant I to be extra-worried about this year. It base for fritters, or can be eaten plain. learned to eat from. As a child walkDandelions are very hardy plants, ing home from school I would pick can be a way to get to know the physical place you live in, to connect with and if you start harvesting leaves or the flowers off a local hedge, bite the landscape around you. Being able flowers early in the season, you could off the tips, and suck the nectar out. to get even a small amount of food come back to the same plant several There isn’t much of this sweet nectar from the plants growing wild around times. (which is why the flowers are best you is a wonderful expression of the accompanied by dressing in salads), difference between living in a place but it’s a lovely treat on a hot day. and dwelling in that place.

Harvesting wild Harvesting wild plants is a Wild Rose (Rosa spp.) rewarding experience. Not only Wild rose petals are edible all plants is a rewarding does it result in unusual edibles on their own, having a soft, deliexperience. Not (often much higher in nutrients than cate perfume unlike anything we’re domesticated plants), but it forges a accustomed to in a modern diet. They only does it result real connection with the ecosystem also make a good addition to salads, in unusual edibles, around you. or as garnish for deserts. Rose hips To know the use of something is are a distinctively shaped fruit best but it forges a real to know its possibilities, to assign harvested in fall, which can be colconnection with it a possible future. Knowing that lected and dried. Just add five to 10 the plants around you, in addition to boiling water for a refreshing tea. the ecosystem to being beautiful and a habitat for This tea tastes very distinctly of apple, animals, are a source for food makes and is a source of vitamin C. around you you more connected to them. It’s a The plants can grow into a respectconnection we could all do with a able hedge, and are a favourite nesting little more of.

Stinging nettle place for songbirds.

What follows are some of my (Urtica dioica) If you’ve ever passed a stand of favourite edible plants native to If you have to plant, Manitoba. They can all be found tall green plants growing in a ditch growing wild within the city (there’s or other wet place and thought to you may as well more wilderness in the bigger parks yourself “that looks like a bunch of plant things that are than most people realize), are safe weed,” chances are it wasn’t weed, but (have few lookalikes), and are also stinging nettle. Probably our most a source of food all eminently suitable for planting in abundant local plant for herbal teas, your (or your parents’) home garden. stinging nettle is rich in vitamins A If you’re going to plant, you may as and C, as well as iron and protein. well plant things that are a source The leaves from the plants are best Milkweeds (Asclepias syriaca, harvested when the plants are young A. speciosa, A. ovalifolia) of food.

When harvesting wild plants, (or if the plants are older, pick only Apart from being an excellent always be careful to select from plants the youngest, most tender leaves). plant to attract butterflies (swamp that haven’t been covered in herbi- Wear gloves to avoid getting “stung” milkweed is the only food source for cides or pesticides and to avoid plants by the barbs covering the stalk of monarch butterflies), milkweed is a that are growing in old industrial sites the plant. The leaves can be used for very hardy native perennial. If you or along rail lines. Be respectful of tea, or chopped up to make a good plant it in your garden, you can expect others who might be looking to use addition to soups. They make a good it to form almost pure stands. them after you (including wildlife), addition to pretty much anything, The buds, flowers, seed pods, and and avoid harvesting all of the plants actually – healthy, abundant, and eas- new shoots are all edible. The flowers ily recognizable, stinging nettle is the can be used to make fritters, and the at a given location. poster-child for local plants. rest of the plant can be cooked in Dandelion (Taraxacum water and then added to stir-fries. officinale) Caragana (Caragana spp.)

The milky white sap can also be You’ve probably heard it before, Not native, but naturalized, applied as a treatment for warts. but I’ll repeat it here – dandelions Caragana was once very popular are totally edible. Every single part as a hedge plant. You can find lots If you’re interested in learning more of the plant is edible, and they grow of it in older residential neighbour- about native plants, local author and everywhere. Apart from the omni- hoods. In the form of a large shrub, first-rate plant lover Laura Reeves has present threat of them being covered Caragana will be found covered in written a book called Laura Reeves’ in herbicides, you could spend days yellow flowers in early summer. These Guide to Useful Plants – From harvesting them from around the city. flowers are edible, and make a colour- Acorns to Zoom Sticks.

The leaves (youngest are best) ful addition to salads. If unsure of the make a great salad green, or they can identification, keep in mind that the

Milkweeds (Asclepias syriaca, A. speciosa, A. ovalifolia)

Wild Rose (Rosa spp.)

VOL. 102 NO. 13 November 11, 2015

Features

15

Futuristic food How and what we eat could be the key to reducing our carbon footprint MALAK ABAS, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JUSTIN LADIA

GRAPHIC BY CAROLINE NORMAN

It’s common knowledge that soft consistency of the skin of a grape. the way people package their food Insects require substantially less age and normalize entomophagy. human beings, especially those liv- The skin can be flavorless, or flavored may seem daunting, it isn’t stopping land space to rear and feed. Rearing Some restaurants are even answering in the industrialized world, have to complement the food it contains. Edwards. WikiPearls were named crickets, for example, would require ing, including the Danish restaurant seriously impacted the Earth’s envione of Time’s “Best Inventions of 12 times less feed than cattle to pro- Noma, led by chef René Redzepi, a ronment. We know that the cars we 2014,” and Edwards is currently duce the same amount of protein. recipient of two Michelin stars.

Whether it’s eating drive and the factories we build have working with the WikiFoods team Insects are already regularly con- Noma has served insects in the past, harmful effects on the environment, to apply this packaging technique to sumed all over the world by approxi- and has introduced a new insect dish wrappers or wasp but what about what we eat? other foods. mately 2 billion people in countries to the menu this year: a live shrimp larvae, it’s time for Some of the world’s greatest such as China and Brazil, where ants covered in ants served over ice. minds have worked to invent more Insects as food are considered healthy and delicious. us to rethink what sustainable options for the public to While the average Canadian They’re even nutritious – studies show Discussing the disgust factor we will or won’t use, while other solutions have always might shudder at the idea of eating that, gram for gram, grasshoppers are The common barrier between been here, just waiting for the wider beetles or ants (also called entomuch less fatty and nearly as proteinthese two innovative practices is put on our plate population to catch on. Whether it’s mophagy), the truth is that insects packed as beef sirloin. public disapproval. eating wrappers or wasp larvae, it’s are a smart, sustainable alternative Unfortunately, the “disgust factime for us to rethink what we will The commercially available ver- to mammal meat. tor” has a history of endangering the The “disgust factor” and won’t put on our plate. sion of the WikiPearl looks like a Livestock production accounts environment and causing waste. doughnut-hole and can be filled with for about 18 per cent of the world’s North Americans have proven has a history of themselves to be so wasteful that Edible packaging ice cream or frozen coconut milk. A greenhouse gas emissions. Beef is endangering the Edible packaging is one possible slightly more crude solution is being notoriously terrible for the environour cosmetic standards for food answer to reducing landfill waste. forces retailers to throw out fruits tested by KFC, of all places, in the ment, with some experts saying that environment and Landfill sites currently account form of an edible chocolate coffee cup. reducing our consumption of red and vegetables because they are causing waste for 38 per cent of Canada’s methane While the concept of edible pack- meat could be more beneficial to the “ugly” – while this is happening, 4 emissions. In the U.S. alone, over aging seems like an obvious solution environment than giving up cars. million Canadians and 48.1 mil75 million tons of packaging waste to landfill waste, there are issues Meanwhile, only some types of lion Americans are considered food found its way into landfills in 2010. holding back mainstream produc- insects emit methane, and in much So why has snacking on bugs in insecure.

Biodegradable packaging already tion. While the WikiPearls packag- smaller amounts than livestock.

North America never caught on?

We seem to be willing to let the exists in several forms. WikiPearls, ing itself can be eaten or thrown away, Another aspect of livestock proPeople are influenced by the food negative consequences happen rather also called WikiCells, are a shell-like human squeamishness towards eat- duction is land clearing, which is culture of their environment and are than change our minds. However, packaging for food products. ing food that strangers have touched the practice of removing the natural unlikely to try new foods if they aren’t through slow public introduction, or The packaging, produced by would most likely result in the plant life from an area and break- already commonplace. perhaps eventual necessity, we might WikiFoods and created by bioengi- WikiPearls being sold in containers. ing up the soil, usually for the sake It isn’t easy to promote insects as be looking at food in a whole new way neer David Edwards, is built with a This being said, WikiPearls can be of agricultural production. Land food in countries that haven’t already sooner than you think. biodegradable membrane made with washed in the same way you would clearing has already been directly incorporated them into their diets particles from natural foods like fruit wash fruit after buying it. It seems linked to greenhouse gas emissions due to something a United Nations and chocolate, and bound by calcium like the next barrier for innovators in Australia, where 6,878 square kilo- report calls the “disgust factor.” and sugar. The membrane can coat will be getting the public’s approval. metres of native vegetation is cleared The report also calls on cooking liquids, foams, and solids, and has the While the complete upheaval of every year. workshops and restaurants to encour-

Science & technology 16 Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Bird watching A Q&A with a migratory songbird researcher Kevin Fraser CHANTELLE DUBOIS, STAFF

University of New Brunswick, and two postdoctoral fellowships at York University.

M: What is your research focus?

GRAPHIC BY CAROLINE NORMAN

K

evin Fraser is an assistant professor in the University of Manitoba’s department of biological sciences, with research interests in ecological studies. On Nov. 16, Fraser will be giving a lecture as part of the U of M’s Science Research Talks series. This series invites local scientists to talk about their research and ways that students can be involved through the undergraduate research awards.

In preparation for the lecture, titled “Can migratory songbirds keep up with the pace of global change?

KF: My work intersects the broad research areas of behavioural ecology, conservation biology, global change biology, and ornithology. Most of my current research is on the longdistance migration of songbirds, where my students and I are exploring what environmental, genetic, and morphological factors influence migration behaviour, and how species are responding to global change.

Many migratory species are experiencing steep population declines so we also aim to determine the specific factors causing declines and point to solutions.

New insights from migration track- M: How did you get into this field? ing research,” the Manitoban spoke What inspired you to pursue this to Fraser about his research and what research? advice he has for students who might KF: I have long been fascinated by be interested in his field. bird migration and early on in my THE MANITOBAN: What is your career discovered that there were huge gaps in our knowledge about academic background? this amazing natural phenomenon.

KEVIN FRASER: I have an interdis- With new technologies we can now ciplinary academic background and study in great detail the patterns of have studied at several Canadian migration, what influences when and institutions including a BA at where birds migrate, how fast they McMaster University, an MSc at travel, how they respond to climate Queen’s University, a PhD at the change, and more. I would say that

Heavy metals suck

my inspiration comes from dual interests in migration research and the challenge of better conserving our declining migratory species.

One of my first opportunities to conduct my own research came after summer employment as a field research assistant. This not only opened my eyes to the possibilities in this field but also allowed me to meet and work with people who provided the opportunities and training for me to take my interests further.

M: To date, what has been your favourite or most interesting work in your field?

very exciting.

M: How can undergraduate students become involved in this kind of research? Any advice on how to pursue careers relating to ecological sciences?

KF: There are lots of great opportunities for students to get involved in research on campus, which can lead to future careers in many scientific fields. One way is to get some experience as an assistant on a lab- or fieldbased research project, either as a volunteer or as through a universityfunded program such as the undergraduate student research awards.

This can be a great way to jump into a particular field of research to see what it is all about and if it is something you would like to pursue further. It is also a great way to acquire new skills that can lead to further academic work or employment in the field. Students who are keen to get involved in research should look into the student support programs that are available, and talk to their profs and fellow students about opportunities in the many great research labs we have right on campus.

KF: The next thing we are about to figure out through our research is often the most interesting thing. This sense of discovery makes the work continually engaging. Most recently, we used new lightweight GPS devices to track migratory swallows from their breeding sites across North America to their overwintering sites thousands of kilometres away in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.

To our great surprise, we discovered that birds from breeding sites more than 2,000 kilometres apart often roosted together at night on small islands in the Amazon river and its Kevin Fraser’s talk will be held on tributaries. Drawing these precise Nov. 16 at 12:30 p.m. in Migizii connections allows us to study inter- Agamik. For more information, conactions of environment and behaviour tact justin.rasmussen@umanitoba.ca. across vast spatial scales, which is

Cleaning up mercury contamination with commercial byproducts JEREMIAH YARMIE, VOLUNTEER STAFF

R

esearchers from the Flinders University of South Australia have developed a simple and cheap substance that may make cleaning up mercury pollution a whole lot easier.

The compound, sulphur-limonene polysulphide, is created by reacting sulphur with limonene, a fatty molecule found in the oils of citrus fruit peels.

Millions of tons of sulphur are produced annually as byproducts of the petroleum industry. Limonene is

GRAPHIC BY ALDO RIOS

isolated from discarded citrus rinds.

Because the starting compounds used to produce the polysulphide are mass-produced byproducts, it is inexpensive to synthesize.

The polysulphide is produced by adding limonene in a one-to-one ratio to molten sulphur, which is heated to 170 degrees Celsius. After cooling, the mixture takes on the form of a red, waxy substance. The final product can be manipulated into a variety of shapes, and can even be used to coat other materials.

Sulphur-limonene polysulphide does not dissolve in water, meaning it is an attractive compound for use in cleaning environmental water samples.

The research project started out with the simple goal of developing a new plastic out of readily available industrial by-products. The researchers ultimately thought to test the polysulphide’s ability to sequester mercury since elemental sulphur has been used successfully in mercury disposal.

Sulphur-limonene polysulphide was shown to bind mercury rather

effectively. In experiments, the polysulphide successfully absorbed mercury from spiked river water and pond soil samples.

Sulphur-limonene polysulphide would be an excellent resource for the approximately 1,500 people living in Grassy Narrows First Nation

easy to produce, and has a way to alert users when it has undergone mercury binding via colour change.

To ensure that the polysulfide is safe to use in waterways and ecosystems, the researchers conducted toxicological studies on liver cell lines.

They showed that water exposed to sulphur-limonene polysulphide did not pose a negative health effect to the lab-grown cells.

The researchers hope that sulphurlimonene polysulphide will be used to coat the inside of domestic and waste water pipes, as well as in large-scale mercury remediation projects.

Mercury in Grassy Narrows

Sulphur-limonene polysulphide would be an excellent resource for Unexpectedly, the polysulphide the approximately 1,500 people living changed to a bright yellow colour in Grassy Narrows First Nation, a when it bonded to mercury. This small Anishinaabe community about colour change was not observed with 200 kilometres east of Winnipeg in any other tested metal. northwestern Ontario.

While other highly effective Between 1962 and 1970, the substances exist for use in remov- Dryden Chemicals pulp mill dumped ing mercury from the environment, 9,000 kilograms of mercury into the sulphur-limonene polysulphide has English-Wabigoon River system. the added benefits of being cheap, The Grassy Narrows community

relied heavily on fishing as their main source of food, but high levels of mercury in fish discouraged this practice in the 1970s.

The individuals living in Grassy Narrows are still experiencing the effects of mercury poisoning today.

Sediment mercury levels in parts of the Wabigoon River are currently twice the threshold for remediation.

Recommendations for remediation were proposed and subsequently ignored 30 years ago.

A recent study showed that mercury levels are still rising in the waterways around the community.

Concentrations of mercury in the top sediment layers of the river system indicate that mercury contamination is ongoing – over time contaminants are buried away in the bottom of river systems.

A report conducted by fresh water scientists for the province recommends investigating if commercial logging endeavours in the community are the source of this pollution.

VOL. 102 NO. 13 November 11, 2015

Science & Technology 17

Internet everywhere Sending your selfie from anywhere in the world is more complicated than you’d think CHANTELLE DUBOIS, STAFF

I

t is estimated that in 2015, only 45 per cent of the world’s population is connected to the Internet. For those of us in more privileged areas of the world, being without Wi-Fi or LTE access is an inconvenience that deprives us of access to Instagram or Snapchat.

The remaining 55 per cent of the world remains without the benefits of instant communication, instant information access, or the ability to share and spread ideas or information.

However, there are many plans being proposed by big companies to change this in various ways, including Facebook, Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, and Google.

What would a world with global Internet coverage look like? It would mean that remote parts of the world would finally gain the benefits of Internet. It would open up channels for ideas and perspectives from these regions. It would connect remote talent in Africa, Asia, and South America to the rest of the world. It would help foster global communication and collaboration. It would create new economic opportunities. It would mean selfies from exotic parts of the world not yet hashtagged on Twitter.

So what are some of the plans and challenges lying ahead?

Facebook

Facebook’s Internet.org initiative targets the obstacles to Internet access in developing nations relating to cost, perceived value, and infrastructure. Not all people understand the benefits of the Internet, and creating the infrastructure to deliver Internet access can be a costly and lengthy process.

The initiative considers Internet access to be on par with necessities such as food and water. The focus is on developing innovative data transfer methods to allow more data to be sent more efficiently, and business models that will help connect more people.

Internet.org does not attempt to tackle this objective alone. Several high profile tech companies, including Ericsson, Mediatek, Opera, Samsung, Nokia, and Qualcomm are also part of the effort.

Their current efforts include the Free Basics service, which is a service that allows users to access local websites with employment or health information for free from any device used in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Internet.org also provides an Innovation Lab service, which allows app developers to test if their apps will work in remote regions of the world, where the infrastructure might be different.

Additionally, Internet.org is also researching alternative ways to deliver Internet access, including lasers, high-altitude planes, and satellites.

The Challenge: Some critics say that, despite Facebook’s seemingly good intentions, it takes advantage

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

of poverty as an excuse to violate the principle of net neutrality – that all Internet traffic should be treated equally. This is because Internet.org select which services and websites are accessed for free, and could confuse incoming users into believing Facebook and the Internet are one and the same.

OneWeb relies on the development of Virgin’s LauncherOne, a small satellite-launching rocket, which will bring down the cost of launch and become a dedicated launch vehicle for small satellites.

In June 2015, Virgin Galactic signed a contract with OneWeb to launch 39 satellites to provide Internet access, which is one of the largest commercial launching agreements The initiative to date.

Similarly, SpaceX has also considers Internet announced its own plans to launch access to be on par a constellation of 4,000 satellites with necessities such to provide global Internet access.

Additionally, Elon Musk, CEO of as food and water SpaceX, has made statements that suggest Internet coverage would eventually be extended to Mars.

The Challenge: Currently, Facebook’s privacy policy and launching enough satellites into orbit Internet.org’s banning of secure con- to ensure continuous, global coverage nections have also come under fire. is an expensive task. While Virgin New Internet users may not be aware Galactic and SpaceX are actively of the implications of these policies. working to bring this cost down, their plans would still launch more satellites into orbit than are currently there Virgin Galactic and SpaceX OneWeb is a company that today. There are just over 1,300 active intends to launch the world’s larg- satellites in orbit, with about 700 of est constellation of satellites into those in low Earth orbit. Together, low Earth orbit to provide non- Virgin Galactic and SpaceX want stop, global, Internet access. Virgin to launch nearly 5,000 additional Galactic and Qualcomm are major satellites.

There is also the problem of eveninvestors in OneWeb’s project.

tual overcrowding of orbits. Space traffic management of orbits is an upcoming issue the space industry faces as more companies, research institutions, and private citizens gain access to space.

While Virgin Galactic and SpaceX are actively working to bring this cost down, their plans would still launch more satellites into orbit than are currently there today As for Mars Internet, that is still a long way away. Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating office at SpaceX, stated that the company’s satellite Internet plans are currently not a main focus for the company, and that the details reported on to date are speculative.

Google

Google’s Project Loon intends on using high altitude balloons pow-

ered by solar energy to provide global Internet access. The idea is that these balloons, which float at the edge of space, use algorithms to determine where they need to be and then use varying wind layers to travel in the desired direction, while emitting a signal to LTE devices. The altitude of the balloons means that airplanes, wildlife, and human populations would remain undisturbed.

The project has already gone through a pilot test in New Zealand.

The Challenge: In an article for the Atlantic, Will Butler points out that the Loon balloons could technically be considered unmanned aerial vehicles, not balloons, and that the regulatory framework in place in the U.S. is not ready for the changes that this technology would bring about.

Additionally, it is still not clear which jurisdiction, if any, the balloons will exist in if they are floating in the stratosphere. Some aviation attorneys say that the balloons will still have to ask permission to enter a country’s airspace.

Diversions Graphics Editor: Bram Keast Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

ILLUSTRATION BY BRAM KEAST

ILLUSTRATION BY BRAM KEAST

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VOL. 102 NO. 13 November 11, 2015

Diversions

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ILLUSTRATION BY JONDELL COOMBS

ILLUSTRATION BY BRAM KEAST

IVORY BUFFALO Black Hole Theatre announces plans for ‘Stop the Cuts’ the musicaladministrative costs MURV BERKLEY, STAFF

A

group of students has announced plans to stage a musical focused on ongoing U of M budget cuts in the university’s Black Hole Theatre.

‘Stop the Cuts: The Musical,’ which was written by U of M English student Amelie Pendict with songs from music student Neil Herb, focuses on the impact of budget cuts on a group of students, teaching assistants, and faculty members and is scheduled to run from Dec. 7-11.

Pendict told the Ivory Buffalo that her own experiences as a student and teaching assistant were what inspired her to write the musical.

“In Stop the Cuts one of the characters finds that there’s limited seating in her creative writing course after one of the other sections is closed and the registration caps on the other sections are raised. That actually happened to me. At the time, I remember thinking ‘people need to hear about this through a musical num-

ber,’” said Pendict.

The musical will feature both

“As part of preparing for the role, I spent days roaming the campus eliminating redundancies and terminating sessional instructors” – Karl Blygard, actor playing the university president upbeat songs like “I Graded a Paper” and “Students Know Best” and more solemn numbers such as “Four Per cent of My Soul” and “Goodbye Public Education.”

Karl Blygard will play a nefarious moustachioed university president intent on ruining the educational experience of local students. ‘Stop the Cuts: The Musical’ marks Blygard’s first entry into musical theatre after taking on a number of dramatic roles.

Most recently, Blygard played the role of Dr. Derekson, an orthodox economist in love with a heterodox economist, in ‘Split,’ a romantic tragedy about tensions in the economics department.

“My background is mostly in drama,” said Blygard.

“But I think that background helped me quite a bit. As part of preparing for the role I spent days roaming the campus eliminating redundancies and terminating sessional instructors.”

Tickets for ‘Stop the Cuts: The Musical’ are $10 for students, $20 for community members and can be purchased in the administrative building of the Fort Garry campus.

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

20

Turn up at the Hub Campus bar predicts profit, upgrades sound system SEAMUS HAMILTON-PATTISON, STAFF

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

A

fter unsatisfactory financial results prompted the summer closure of the University of Manitoba’s campus bar, the Hub is performing well in the new school year and is continuing to make improvements, including the installation of a new sound system.

While giving a financial update at the University of Manitoba Students’ Union’s (UMSU) Oct. 22 council meeting, UMSU president Jeremiah Kopp stated that he believes the Hub is “on pace to break even” this year, reporting a profit of $23,000 for the

month.

“The goal with the [UMSU] businesses and especially the Hub is that they eventually start producing in a way that they can help feed the endowment fund, and feed a contingency fund for the businesses, so if they ever want to make renovations they can dip into that,” UMSU vicepresident internal Zach Leclerc told the Manitoban.

Leclerc also stated that the addition of a new sound system works in tandem with an increased emphasis on live music at the Hub, citing

ate in the city’s centre.

Hub manager Brandon Whyte’s as the Hub’s head audio technician.

“Well, me and [UMSU general “With everything that is in place “Canarchy” music series, which launched during the previous school manager] Thomas were talking, and now, with Brandon, myself, and the year and is continuing through this I just kind of felt that – when I came system, there is nowhere else that’s year. and saw the original sound system – gonna be like this in the city,” said ”Last year, Brandon’s big idea was it was adequate up to a certain point, Norris.

Canarchy – every Thursday there but we have a really great sound sys“The other fantastic PAs that we were live rock bands [...] It had a tem downstairs that sits down there have in this city are all in dance clubs pretty reasonable following, depend- for the majority of the year not being [...] I’ve taken a lot of care and a lot of time with this system to make it ing on the groups that were in and used,” said Norris. the interest level of that group and sound this good. It’s not just a case of it did well [...] This year, Brandon’s the systems around the city, it’s a case The addition of a focused more on just bands in general, of how much time people have put recognizing that students nowadays into the system to make it do what new sound system are more into indie or funk than it needs to do.” works in tandem heavy rock.”

“We also have some of the cheapWhyte informed the Manitoban est pricing in the city,” noted Whyte. with an increased that the Hub’s summer closure gave “I know when I was a poor musiemphasis on live him time to plan for the upcoming cian, it was awesome to go to bars that school year, stating that he focused understood that they couldn’t get $6 a music at the Hub on cutting costs, adding menu items, pint from people or things like that.” and thinking of creative marketing.

When asked for his thoughts on Whyte also confirmed Leclerc’s comThe large sound system will still the future of the Hub, Whyte promments on his emphasis on live music. be used for the big UMSU events on ised continuous improvement with “I think live music in a campus bar campus for which it was originally three words. is the perfect vibe, the perfect atmo- intended. Both Norris and Whyte “Bigger, better, more.” noted that the sporadic occurrence sphere,” said Whyte.

“I’ve seen some amazing bands all of these events means the sound For more information on events at over this country at campus bars, so system’s occasional removal from the Hub Social Club, go to www.

I really love the idea of bringing that the Hub can be scheduled around facebook.com/the-hub-social-club back into a big part of the Hub [...] and should not disrupt the bar’s own Not only getting a great sound system, events. but getting one of the city’s best audio Whyte and Norris confidently techs as well, it steps us up.” informed the Manitoban that their The expert in question is Marc partnership and the recent changes Norris, who has worked with UMSU to the Hub will set the bar apart for 12 years. Norris installed the new from the other live music venues in sound system himself and now works Winnipeg that primarily conglomer-

A mother’s (artistic) intuition Local organization prompts artistic moms to meet and create OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

A

committee of female artists in Winnipeg found that post-graduation, women artists were falling off the grid.

Even though the majority of graduates from fine arts programs were female, there was a lack of opportunities in terms of accessibility to programs and tenured teaching programs.

passing on invaluable knowledge, experience, confidence, and networking opportunities. Though their focus is on female artists, male artists are also welcome as members and are encouraged to attend talks, lectures, workshops, and studio visits.

MAWA offers a variety of programs and opportunities, including mentorship programs, workshops, lectures, and specific clubs that are applicable to different demographics of female artists.

The Artist Mothers group holds meetings on the first Wednesday of each month with the goal of not only sharing and creating art but also fostering a community of like-minded PHOTO BY OLIVIA MICHALCZUK and supportive individuals.

In 1984, Plug-In Art (now known “We usually have a theme and it’s as Plug-In ICA) took all of these con- usually tied into mothering because cerns into consideration, and from that’s something we all have in the struggle of female artists blos- common as mothers and artists,” somed MAWA, Mentoring Artists group member Briony Haig told the for Women’s Art. Manitoban.

In 1990, MAWA became an The club meeting that I attended independent organization and flour- was the Artist Mothers’ One-A-Day ished as a female artist group that Bash. The goal set by the group memprided itself on mentoring artists by bers for their November meeting was

to create one piece of art per day for “There are constraints on moththe month of October present them ers, but we still created a group,” said to the rest of the group at the bash.

Brown.

The pieces varied from small-scale Haig says the group has been an line drawings to collages to wishbone important part of her life as an artist art. mother.

“Everybody is making art and “This group has been actually promaking such a diverse kind of art foundly meaningful for me as an artand pushing the edges,” said Haig. ist. I work full time as an art teacher “I feel like everybody inspires me at so I am tantalizingly close to art. I some time or another. It’s a powerful think about and talk about art all day sisterhood.” long, but I’ve been way too good at As the women presented their art, putting off making my own art. Then the encouraging atmosphere was I joined this group, and it’s just what extremely evident. Group members we all do, we all make art and we were supportive and attentive, while have shows. You have to produce for still discussing the pieces being pre- a show so that’s been gold for me.” sented with constructive criticism.

“We do generally bring work to For more information on memevery meeting, [...] talk about it and bership, workshops, lectures, and get a little bit of feedback, sugges- events, visit www.mawa.ca tions, and support,” added Haig.

The group’s co-founder, Sandra Brown, said only two women showed up at their first meeting. From there, the artist mothers have grown into a group of 15-20 women attending meetings where they can relax and create in a safe space.

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Exchange creative energies Local photography studio promises cheap rates and good vibes OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

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xchange Studios is a photography studio based in the Exchange District of downtown Winnipeg. The studio is meant to be an affordable space for photographers to create and shoot.

Owner and local photographer Kevin Lawrence created Exchange Studios out of necessity. By creating a space that other photographers could rent out, he was able to afford to have his own studio outside of his home – while still supporting amateur-to-professional artists and photographers by offering a very low rate of $25-50 per hour.

“I had decided to open to other photographers right from the beginning,” said Lawrence.

“I want a space for artists who are beginning to have a place they can be creative in.”

Included with the rent, the studio has a variety of resources available upon request. This includes backdrops, lighting, and furniture that is already in the studio with little to

no renting cost.

Beginning any hobby or profession has its ups and downs, but Exchange Studios makes the experience quite easy and inexpensive for anyone that wants to try it out or pursue a career in photography.

In addition to the cheap rental rates, Exchange Studios offers a discount to students with proof of enrolment.

“I am not out to make a living off the rental of my space. I do not advertise,” said Lawrence.

“All my business is word-of-mouth and repeat business, so I feel I am doing something right. People thank me that my prices are below the big studios in the city, and I have always maintained it’s about creative exchange, not a way to bleed my fellow artists.”

The studio does not only benefit beginners and one-time studio users, but also regular customers that are unable to rent their own studio space.

“They speak to me about how ner-

vous they are about sourcing enough business to afford a place on their own. So in that vein, I think there is a role in the community,” Lawrence explained.

“I have always maintained it’s about creative exchange, not a way to bleed my fellow artists” – Kevin Lawrence, owner Exchange Studios is designed to be a versatile space that can cater to the needs of many types of photoshoots.

“There is a very broad range of photography in the studio. I personally shoot creative and fashion photography, but I know that family photos,

newborns, maternity, and boudoir are the most common uses when rented,” Lawrence told the Manitoban.

“They love that I am willing to open up the space so that they have a place to go when the weather is awful, or for that newborn shoot.”

Among the many shoots at the Exchange Studio, one in particular stood out for Lawrence.

“I think the most memorable shoot in the space was last year – it was a collaboration of a few local artists,” said Lawrence.

“One was a local body painter by the name of Kim Brennan, another was an amazing hair stylist by the name of Amber Hobbs, and me shooting. The concept was to paint the model like the Joker from the Batman comics, though we genderPHOTO BY KEVIN LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHY bent the character using a female model. To me, that coming together of creative minds is the most memo- For more information, visit rable. It speaks to how great the artis- www.exchangestudios.ca tic community is in the city.”

Unsettling the settlers Emma Battell Lowman and Adam J. Barker redefine Canada’s oldest relationship in new book TOBI NIFESI, STAFF

After reading Settler: Identity and Colonialism in 21st Century Canada, a settler Canadian would know more about themselves than they would like to.

Two Canadian academics – Emma Battell Lowman and Adam J. Barker – joined forces to write a book about the relationship between indigenous peoples and other Canadians, the settlers.

This issue has been debated for years and at times it seems a consensus may never be reached. That being said, this book sheds some light on the issue by redefining the roles played by the parties involved. In doing so, it aims to bring both parties closer to reconciliation of a seemingly never-ending conflict.

Canadian culture, as we know it, is cordial and hospitable; the country’s history is based off this notion.

However, Lowman and Barker believe there is more to Canada than meets the eye.

“In Canada, we like to think of ourselves as having a fairly inclusive society; we pride ourselves on being open and accepting of difference [...]

and we lie by omission, because we do not talk about the country being built on attempted destruction of other nations, [...] our history of profiting from invasion and dispossession,” Lowman and Barker write at the beginning of the book.

As Settler’s authors point out, Canada has always been hostile to one cultural group: the indigenous community. This kind of hostility is one that can only be shown by the settlers.

“The drive to ameliorate the rift between Anglo and FrenchCanadian [...] dominated the political stage [...] Indigenous people had to fight to make their voices heard.”

The book’s opening pages touch briefly on the identity of the settler.

It references past political events that have resulted in the coining of the terms “settler,” “settler colonialism,” and “colonial invasion.”

The next couple chapters expand on the roles and responsibility of the settler. The authors describe what they call the “settler colonial systems and structures.”

The settler’s capacity as an invader

on a foreign land is emphasized. It is a role they continuously play by living in a country where the indigenous community is slowly being eliminated.

“The unsettling reactions this book may provoke [...] are important elements of the effort to create just and respectful futures on these lands” – Settler: Identity and Colonialism in 21st Century Canada The closing chapters of the book attempt to settle the differences between the settler and the nonsettlers. Each party has a role to play

and responsibility to assume before positive change can be seen. However, the awareness and acceptance of one’s identity is the most crucial step.

“If we learn to see ourselves and our roles in the systems and structures of settler colonialism – to ‘identify’ with the kinds of settler colonial thought and action we describe – then we create an incredible opportunity.”

Throughout the book, the authors make clear their intention, which is to open the eyes of the settler Canadian.

Regardless of how they react to the book’s revelations, they must react.

“The unsettling reactions this book may provoke, including feelings of guilt and shame, anger and outrage, or fear and despair, are important elements of the effort to create just and respectful futures on these lands.”

The arguments and tenets presented in the book are repeated more times than they probably should be.

Some of the ideas and principles are over-emphasized, while the authors struggle to provide a concrete resolution for the issues they have raised.

Rather, they simply lay down the framework for further research.

That being said, the historical and political references made throughout the book help the authors to buttress their argument.

The definitions and descriptions made are simple and perspicuous.

The writing is fluent and the arguments are clearly presented and well-articulated.

Settler: Identity and Colonialism in 21st Century Canada denounces the idea of an “Indian problem” and presents the “settler problem.”

If the settler realizes that he is indeed a settler, and that he is a part of the problem, then the first step towards decolonization has been made.

Settler: Identity and Colonialism in 21st Century Canada, written by Emma Battell Lowman and Adam J. Barker, was published by Fernwood Publishing in October 2015. Visit www. fernwoodpublishing.ca for more details.

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

From wastes to wonders Winnipeg-based wood shop aims to transform reclaimed wood into art TOBI NIFESI, STAFF

wood pieces created can be used for Neufeld reached an agreement come here for tours,” said Neufeld. both interior and outdoor purposes. with the city of Winnipeg to collect “The benefit of having students This studio is unique for one rea- affected urban elms and make the here is that we can educate them son in particular: the kind of recycled most of them. This way, instead of about wood and how we build and [...] wood used. being chopped down, the affected look at each piece of wood differently.”

“In our region, we are the only trees can be used to design original Other than the kind of recycled ones using urban elm [...] we have works of art. wood used, Neufeld believes the pushed the design of how we use it,” The handcrafted works of Wood Wood Anchor brand has benefited said Neufeld.

Anchor can be seen at a number of from their contemporary style of Urban elm is a tree species that popular sites in the city. These include design. used to be common in several devel- the Winnipeg Airport ARA, the fire His Wood Anchor team of six oping urban communities. In the past patio at the Qualico Family Centre, consists of woodcraft and design few decades, a fungal affliction called the signage at St. Amant Spirit experts that ensure their products Dutch elm disease has been found to Cottage, and the Living Prairie are well-detailed and well-suited for affect the barks of these trees.

Museum & Park renovations, among their purposes.

“Our role is to challenge what the Many North American munici- others. palities have developed Dutch elm Recently, the company has been norm is,” said Neufeld. disease programs tasked with remov- contracted to work on the Forks main “The benefit for us is we are heaving affected urban elms and landfill- building renovations. ily involved in the design commuing or burning the trees. As a result, “We are doing all the furniture for nity, but also we are not part of any millions of trees have been burnt.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY WOOD ANCHOR the Forks,” Neufeld said. [architectural] memberships or orgaWinnipeg is home to the largest “Their architect approached us nizations [...] so we can kind of push he brainchild of Jason Neufeld, “The goal was just to use recycled remaining urban elm forest in North and [...] we co-designed these pieces things from the outside.”

Wood Anchor is a wood recla- wood [...] in a more production mind- America. Each year, thousands of together. The Forks approved everyThe recycling of Winnipeg’s wood mation company established in 2005. set such as flooring,” Neufeld told the Winnipeg urban elms are removed thing and now we are in the process is important to the minds of Wood Neufeld, referred to as “el capitano” Manitoban. and landfilled to control the spread of finishing.”

Anchor. Neufeld hopes the city can “As time went on, Wood Anchor of Dutch elm disease.

In the past few years, Wood benefit from the company on a larger of Team Wood Anchor, started the “I was dropping something off at Anchor has collaborated with the scale in the long run. company with the goal of putting focused more on custom pieces and recycled wood to good use. the landfill [...] and I saw this mon- University of Manitoba’s faculty of public art pieces.”

Located in south Winnipeg, the strous pile of elms that wasn’t being architecture by facilitating tours and Visit www.woodanchor.com to Over time, the company began designing and producing custom art Wood Anchor woodshop is an atelier used, and I thought it would be nice lectures for students. see Wood Anchor’s portfolio and “We have a number of classes every read more about their services. pieces that are well-suited for both for the handcrafting of original furni- to be able to [...] use some of it,” said ture, furnishings, and wood art. The Neufeld. year in the faculty of architecture that private and public settings.

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’Toban turntable Want us to review your band? Email arts@themanitoban.com today!

RYAN CAPAR, VOLUNTEER STAFF

Rayannah Boxcar Lullabies 3/5 Winnipeg’s Rayannah is very much a one-woman band. Using a variety of pedals, she is able to loop vocal patterns, layering each individual piece into a collective whole, resulting in a unique musical soundscape.

On her first release, Boxcar Lullabies, Rayannah showcases her talent for texturing sound. With the help of co-producer Carlin Lemon, that sound reaches fruition with the use of synth, bass, and various stringed instruments such as cello, violin, and viola.

Rayannah’s voice on Boxcar Lullabies is crystallized and pure, fitting well with the music. She’s able to cut through and float over the top of the layers of sound. On the Purity Ring-esque title track, her voice cuts through the pulsing rhythm, growing triumphant towards the end.

Rayannah switches things up on “Growing Song,” singing to a more R&B-style rhythm propelled by a slow jazz bass line. Here her vocals become more soulful and seductive.

The track feels more like a Sade

EMELIA FOURNIER

slow jam, which is a good thing. I found myself coming back to this track the most due to its infectious soulful tone.

However, Boxcar Lullabies is not without its faults. I thought the second track “Tivoli” was weak and forgettable, sounding like something out of Disney or what would have playing during a montage in a Mandy Moore movie.

Also, the emphasis on layerPHOTO PROVIDED BY RAYANNAH ing sounds leaves something to be desired. When the songs are all textured and accented by strings and synths, there’s nothing for the Listeners should be interested in listener to grab onto. Layers of hearing where she takes her sound sound can be interesting, but with- and how she will evolve in the out some sort of groove or riff to future. propel the song, you run the risk of everything becoming a sonic wash. www.rayannah.ca The brightest spots on this EP are when Rayannah was able to move the song forward. The title track has a percussive pulse the whole way through, “Growing Song” has a relatively simple beat and sexy bass line, and the rhythmic drum pattern that comes in towards the end of “The Water” keeps it from becoming forgettable.

Boxcar Lullabies is a strong first release from Rayannah. She’s explorative and has imagination.

Murray Pulver & Friends The Guest List 5/5 Former Crash Test Dummies and Doc Walker guitarist Murray Pulver has been a prominent figure in the Winnipeg music scene for decades.

The Guest List provides Pulver an opportunity to highlight the diverse work he has done over the years by collaborating with a different musician on each tune.

Pulver’s impressive range is not just vocal, but also in genres. From the funk, horn-filled “Ego Spank” to the haunting collaboration with local alt-country outfit The Bros.

Landreth – for whom he produced a Juno-winning album – The Guest List highlights both Pulver’s talent and the talent of the musicians he has worked with.

It is an energetic album that will leave any music lover smiling. The collaboration with Brad Roberts of the Crash Test Dummies sticks out on the album with Roberts’ deep, signature voice, and angry energy.

The prairie tone of J.D. Edwards is another highlight on the album.

“Back to You” features his strong, raspy vocals alongside twanging

instrumentals that flow together.

Other artists featured on the album are J.P. Hoe, Steve Bell, Chris Thorsteinson of Doc Walker, and even Kids of the Hall alumnus Kevin McDonald.

The strong musicianship is apparent on each track, from the haunting harmonies and mournful guitar on “Rust,” to the blasting horns and funk bass of “In a Lonely Place.”

Despite the eclectic mix of artists, the album has a weird coherence. Murray Pulver and his friends hold The Guest List together in a dynamic way.

It’s like you invited just the right combination of people to a party, and it’s a swinging success. www.murraypulver.com

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SIGN POST MUSIC

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Sports Sports Editor: Mike Still Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

The best of Bisons soccer

Counting down the top 10 moments & stories of Manitoba’s 2015-16 soccer season ANDY CHE, STAFF

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he 2015 women’s soccer season was quite memorable. Below are the Manitoban’s top 10 stories and moments from the pitch.

10. Lord of the wings

Eighteen minutes into the regular season, winger Selina Speranza opened the Bisons’ account for 201516. Striker Bruna Mavignier played in the winger, who rounded the keeper and broke through for goal number one on the year.

During the final weekend ahead of the post-season, Speranza struck twice in two matches to close out the season in style. Her lone goal in the 2-1 loss at home to Saskatchewan marked her fifth goal of the CIS season.

9. Mavignier magic

Even though Bruna Mavignier’s season was cut short due to injury, she still did nothing less than replicate her lethality in front of the goalmouth. The Brazilian scored six goals in six games, including a brace in the season opener against Thompson Rivers.

Her final appearance of 2015-16 was perhaps her best performance, netting another brace in a comeback effort at Mount Royal.

Mavignier’s limited appearances had a tremendous effect on the Bisons, who won three matches, drew twice and lost once when she was selected to start. Last season, she impressed with eight goals in twelve appearances and now has fourteen goals to her credit in just 18 CIS career matches.

8. Comeback keeper

Chloe Werle overcame one of the biggest battles of her career when she started the first match of the 2015 CIS season against Thompson Rivers.

With a back fracture that jeopardized her future in soccer, the goalkeeper and captain put her entire 2014-15 season into recovery mode and ultimately succeeded.

She made a total of six appearances this year and although Werle was later dislodged by Madison Wilford as the number-one goalkeeper, it is miraculous that she was able to reinvigorate her CIS career when it appeared to be over.

7. Into the playoffs

For the first time since 2012-13 season, Manitoba qualified for the Canada West playoffs. Last season, the Bisons’ 4-4-4 record kept them

alive in the playoff race ahead of the final weekend, but two straight draws against Lethbridge to close out their season saw them crash out of the playoff picture.

While it contributed to a spectacular goal for Notts County in the Ladies’ Premier League, the planning and practice have not paid off for the Bisons yet

started. Every game played has been such an amazing experience,” said Graca when reflecting on her CIS career.

Molyneaux bowed out of the CIS with one last hurrah when she was named player of the match in the 2-0 defeat to MacEwan. The left-back for the Bisons scored one goal in the season, during Manitoba’s 3-0 win against Lethbridge.

5. Rookie of the Year?

It is rather impressive when a goalkeeper concedes only two goals in her first six performances of the season.

It is even more impressive when she can go almost 300 minutes unbeaten for part of the season. Yet, when that goalkeeper is only a CIS rookie, it’s time to take notice.

Much of their qualification this Bisons keeper Madison Wilford season can be attributed to perfor- won starting duties over captain mances in which the Bisons scraped Chloe Werle this season and has not out a point in matches which they relinquished the position ever since. have trailed. The post-season came In a four-match span beginning Sept. a bit earlier for 2015-16, as Manitoba 27, she failed to concede a goal in over attained a twelve-point league cush- 280 minutes of play.

By the end of the season, Wilford ion for the final playoff position.

Unfortunately, the herd’s 2-0 had firmly secured her spot in the loss to MacEwan last week ended pecking order and started Manitoba’s the Bisons’ run in the playoffs at the first post-season match since 2013. quarterfinal stage.

“It’s been so much fun playing alongside these talented girls and I’m 6. The swan song very grateful for the opportunity to PHOTOS BY TARA MILLER For four Bisons, the 2015-16 season support them in goal,” said Wilford The plan features a fake argument marked the final season of their CIS on her freshman experience. before crossing the line. The leftsided midfielder managed two goals between three players as the run-up careers. The graduating class includes goalkeeper Chloe Werle, midfielders during the competitive season, yet is taken and a sneaky layoff to catch By the end of the her pre-season stunner easily tops the opposition off guard.

Alyssa Robinson and Megan Graca, the bunch.

While it contributed to a spectacuand defender Elyce Molyneaux. season, Wilford lar goal for Notts County in the FA Aside from finishing off her last 3. The derby Women’s Super League, the planning CIS season with a comeback from had firmly secured Manitoba’s derby match against and practice have not paid off for the injury, Werle nearly clinched the her spot in the Winnipeg at Investors Group Field Bisons yet. icing on the cake when she just marked the first CIS match that was about scored a goal against Calgary. pecking order and held in an ex-World Cup venue. The 1. Comebacks galore!

The product of Winnipeg Soccer started Manitoba’s Bisons rose to the grand occasion, A three-month CIS soccer season Academy launched a long ball that caught her opposite number off her producing a 2-0 victory over their makes for the realization that there first post-season cross-town rivals. are not that many points to lose. line and was inches from going in. match since 2013 Midfielders Chelsea Dubiel and Despite conceding the first goal in Robinson served as a vice-captain Sara Schur potted goals on either side six matches this season, the Bisons in her final year, in place of Werle and of halftime to send Manitoba home produced spectacular comebacks on the injured Amanda Wong. Her two goals during the season were scored happy. The match was played in front three occasions. The result was a win 778 people. and two draws, adding five points to in the same weekend, a 3-2 loss to 4. That goal their season total when trailing.

Saskatchewan and 2-1 win at Regina, It could have been the Bisons’ goal The cornerstone for their comerespectively. of the season, but it wasn’t even the 2. Psych-out free kicks Coach Vanessa Martinez- back spirit was striker Alanna Shaw.

A playmaker in centre midfield, season yet.

Graca scored two goals while leading Alyssa Robinson’s wonder-strike Lagunas was surely captivated by The spirited freshman equalized in the Bisons with six assists in her final against Minnesota-Crookston Ellen White’s free kick goal for Notts a 1-1 draw against UBC-Okanagan, season. She scored the lone goal dur- clinched a 1-0 pre-season victory back County – the club which is also repre- then scored and assisted in a specing the Duckworth Challenge which on Aug. 28. Even the likes of Gareth sented by former Bison Desiree Scott. tacular 2-2 draw against MacEwan “I do follow Desiree’s team a after trailing 2-0. Bruna Mavignier Manitoba won 1-0, and scored again Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo would during a comeback effort against have been proud of that one. little bit and I saw that free kick, contributed to the other performance, From outside the area, Robinson so I brought it to the team,” said a brace which saw the Bisons dish out MacEwan in the regular season.

“I wish I would have known how hammered a belter with her left foot, Martinez-Lagunas. “It’s going to a 2-1 victory over Mount Royal. quickly the five years goes before I clattering the crossbar and post work one day.”

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Sports

Sports Editor: Mike Still Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Beatdown in B.C. Bison football season ends with 52-10 semifinal loss against Thunderbirds MIKE STILL, STAFF

PHOTO BY WILL MCDONALD

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or the second week in a row, that the Hardy Cup didn’t remain in the University of Manitoba the ’Peg for a second consecutive year.

Bisons football team travelled to The Thunderbirds rushed out to a UBC looking not only to defeat the 16-0 lead after one quarter and didn’t Thunderbirds for the first time in 2015 look back. Their success early on but also defend their conference title. and as the game progressed was due The result couldn’t have been any mainly to favourable field position. worse for the visitors as their opposiThe herd was pinned behind their tion blew them out 52-10, ensuring 30-yard line virtually all game and

were unable to move the ball offensively for the majority of the contest.

Due to this, Manitoba was frequently forced to punt from the shadow of their own goalposts and the home side were often able to start their drives past midfield, needing to travel just 40-45 yards for a major.

The play that sealed the Bisons’ fate occurred with just under five minutes left in the first half.

Trailing 19-0, Manitoba’s defence had begun to find a rhythm – recovering a Thunderbirds fumble when it appeared the home side was about to score again, as well as stuffing UBC’s run game. Just two drives after forcing the turnover, the herd was able to move past their own 50-yard line for the first time on offence after Bryden Bone hauled in a 29-yard reception.

The following play, though, Bisons pivot Theo Deezar tossed his third interception of the half. Thunderbirds safety Taylor Loffler was able to rip the ball out of Manitoba slotback Alex Vitt’s hands near the goal line, and into the waiting arms of fellow

defensive back Stavros Katsantonis.

The pick appeared to take the wind out of the Bisons’ sails, as UBC would go on to score 10 more points to end the half, effectively erasing any chance of a potential Manitoba comeback.

throwing across the middle – while his counterpart Michael O’Connor amassed 231 yards to go with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Manitoba’s three-headed monster in the run game – which helped the squad gain confidence throughout the season when the aerial attack wasn’t operating on all cylinders, was With the win, UBC shut down for a second consecutive week as well. head coach Blake Canada West All-Star Jamel Nill advanced his Lyles finished with just 28 yards on the ground, while Alex Christie and career playoff Cameron Fox combined for just 45. record against On the other side, Thunderbirds tailback Brandon Deschamps was Brian Dobie to 4-1 effective with 124 yards rushing and a touchdown, along with an average Rainy conditions were a factor of 8.9 yards per carry. during the game on Saturday afterWith the win, UBC head coach noon and they took their toll on Blake Nill advanced his career playDeezar – returning to the lineup after off record against Brian Dobie to missing the past two regular season 4-1 and his squad will now head to games with a concussion.

Calgary next weekend to take on the He finished with just 158 yards top-ranked team in the nation in the passing and four interceptions – Hardy Cup. unable to get much gusto when

Bisons get a split in Saskatchewan Men’s basketball takes one out of two games against number seven-ranked Huskies MIKE STILL, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba Bisons as Basi took an inbound pass from men’s basketball team kicked off point guard Ilarion Bonhomme II their regular season on the road this and executed a perfect fadeaway shot. past weekend, looking to accomplish The co-captain for Manitoba finished two things. The first was to knock the game with 22 points. off a top-10 nationally ranked team, in Saskatchewan. The second and more substantial goal was to defeat The fourth quarter the Huskies for the first time since turned into the the 2012-13 season.

Both feats were fulfilled as Bonhomme II show, Manitoba won a 91-88 last-second thriller on Friday night, before fall- as he contributed ing 77-70 in the rematch on Saturday.

Friday

The opening game of the weekend was a wildly entertaining contest that saw 14 different lead changes.

The Huskies looked to have the game wrapped up after a three-ball from forward Trevor Severinski gave the home side an 88-85 lead with just 55 seconds left, however Bisons guard AJ Basi wouldn’t be denied, swishing two shots from beyond arc in the final 43 seconds to steal the win for Manitoba.

The game winner occurred with only one second left on the clock,

11 of his 15 points in the last 10 minutes

The Huskies led 24-18 after the first 10 minutes, thanks largely in part to lights-out three-point shooting – going 4 of 8 from the perimeter.

The herd would respond in the second quarter, taking a 47-44 lead into the break on the strength of a well-rounded team performance highlighted by 13 points from Basi, as well as four assists and rebounds from swingman Keith Omoerah.

Manitoba opened up a 14-point

lead immediately following half- in large part to their job on the glass, points off the board due to their time only to have the Huskies go on where they had 18 defensive rebounds inability to capitalize from the chara 15-1 run to tie the game. Jauquin compared to Saskatchewan’s 12 over ity stripe. Overall, the herd shot just Bennett-Boire was the catalyst for the first 20 minutes.

52 per cent at the line and couldn’t Saskatchewan, scoring eight points Forward Wyatt Anders was spec- close out the victory. in the third and giving his team back tacular during that time – frequently Saskatchewan would take their the lead with 1:21 left in the quarter. posting up, while recording 10 boards first lead of the game (71-70) with 2:11 Heading into the final frame, the and limiting the Huskies’ abilities for left and wouldn’t relinquish it – outhome side were on top 69-65. second-chance points in the paint. scoring the visitors 21-10 in the final The fourth quarter turned into the Offensively, Basi and Omoerah frame en route to the win.

Bonhomme II show, as he contrib- combined for 26 of Manitoba’s uted 11 of his 15 points in the last 10 45 first-half points, with 15 and 11 Weekend at a glance minutes, making the score 81-72 for respectively. Their combined shootManitoba’s co-captains were nothManitoba with just over five minutes ing percentage was also impressive, ing short of spectacular to start the season. left. at 69 per cent.

The Huskies kept pace, though, The second half was an entirely Anders had a double-double on going on a 13-4 run over four min- different story, as Saskatchewan both Friday and Saturday, picking utes to tie things up with a minute guard Shawn Lathan kept Anders up 15 points and 10 rebounds in the left. That’s when Basi and Severinski at bay and the entire Huskies defence opener and 10 points to go with 15 started raining treys, with Basi get- stiffened up – specifically reducing rebounds in the rematch, while ting the last laugh and the victory the impact of Basi and Omoerah.

Basi was a sparkplug offensively all for his squad.

Just eight combined points (five by weekend with 42 points over the two Manitoba, three by Saskatchewan) games. Both players also logged over Saturday were scored in the first five minutes 30 minutes both nights.

The rematch was a tale of two of the third, but by the end of the Next up for the herd is their home halves, with both units stepping up quarter the Bisons’ lead had been opener this weekend, as they take defensively after Friday’s offensive trimmed to four. on Calgary – looking to gain some outburst.

Free throw shooting was revenge on the team that knocked The Bisons would lead 27-17 after Manitoba’s Achilles heel in the them out of the post-season in 2014-15. one and 45-37 at the break, thanks fourth, as the team left numerous

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Serving up opposite seasons Bison men’s volleyball continue their dominance, women stumble RYAN STELTER, VOLUNTEER STAFF

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his weekend, both the Bisons men’s and women’s volleyball teams went head to head against the Mount Royal Cougars. The men swept their two matchups against the visitors, maintaining their perfect record. The women didn’t fare so well, as they dropped both of their games.

Men continue to win

The Bison men’s volleyball team has not lost a single game this season, and has only dropped six sets all year.

They kept their winning ways alive against the Cougars.

Friday’s game was tighter than the 3-0 score line suggested, as the Bisons had to fight back in both the second and third sets.

Head coach Garth Pischke talked post-game about the third set on Friday, where they battled back from a five-point deficit.

“We kept our composure on servicing and we came up with a couple really good blocks,” Pischke said.

“We slowed them down and that gave us momentum and kept us in it.”

Right side hitter Devren Dear dominated the early proceedings for the herd, collecting five kills in the first set, and then collecting another six in the second. He finished with 15 on the night.

On Saturday it was more of the same for Manitoba, with another 3-0 victory (25-21, 25-19, 25-20).

Adam DeJonckheere led the line in the rematch, earning 15 kills. Luke Herr came up with seven digs, while Dear had another stellar day, recording nine kills and six digs.

The two wins help the men improve to 8-0 and first place in the Canada West conference. They are currently the hottest team in the West, as they are one of only two

undefeated teams in the conference.

The men are on the road next weekend against the University of Alberta Golden Bears. The Bears are the only other undefeated team in the conference, so it’s sure to be an entertaining matchup.

Women get clawed by the Cougars

It hasn’t been the greatest of starts for the Bisons women’s volleyball team, as they sit with a 1-7 record and second-last place in the Canada West.

Friday night was a frustrating night for the women, as they lost 3-1 (26-28, 23-25, 25-21, 18-25). In the first two sets they blew a considerable lead and couldn’t close things out.

Mount Royal recorded seven more blocks than Manitoba, which really helped their efforts in bouncing back. Despite the loss, middle hitter Jordana Milne had herself a strong evening, as she led the herd in kills, aces, and blocks.

Saturday saw the Bisons drop another game in similar fashion, losing 3-1 (14-24, 12-25, 25-20, 14-25). The home side was simply out-played in this one, as they were soundly beaten in all but one set.

Manitoba only managed three blocks all game, compared to Mount Royal’s twelve. They were outscored 72-46 and were never really in contention.

Sophomore Tori Studler had 11 kills on the day – two shy of her season best, while Caleigh Dobie was clutch once again, recording 14 digs.

The women hit the road as well next weekend to face off against the University of Alberta Pandas. Alberta sits tied for first in the Canada West with a 6-0 record.

PHOTOS BY CHANTAL ZDAN

Bears and Bisons do battle in Alberta Men’s hockey team split games against reigning champs RYAN STELTER, VOLUNTEER STAFF

T

he University of Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey team was back on the road in Alberta this weekend to face off against the defending CIS champion Alberta Golden Bears.

The visitors lost a heartbreaker on Friday night in overtime by a score of 3-2. They then bounced back and won 3-2 in the rematch.

Friday

In a wild game, the Bisons and the Bears put on quite a show for the fans. Alberta found themselves with a two-goal lead midway through the third and thought it was all done and dusted.

Then Shaq Merasty happened.

The Bears were not prepared for the show the six-foot-five power forward was about to put on.

With seven minutes remaining in the third period, Merasty cut the Golden Bears’ lead in half through a power play goal. Five minutes later, Merasty would get his second on the night to tie the game up for the Bisons.

Momentum was on Manitoba’s side heading into overtime.

It was not to be, however, as Jamie Crooks scored two minutes into the second frame of overtime to save the game for the Bears and secure two points.

Justin Paulic once again put on a fantastic performance in the crease, recording an astonishing 42 saves, and was a big reason the Bisons were able to stay in the game.

The first-year player out of Thompson is putting up impressive numbers this year, with a 0.914 save

percentage and a 2.86 goals against average.

decided he wanted some time in the against Calgary the week prior – limelight. He scored his first on the where he was named Canada West night three minutes after the Bears male third star of the week. opened things up, and then added After this weekend’s action, the his second goal with four minutes Bisons sit at an even 5-5 record and DePape now leads remaining in the first period to give are fourth place in the conference. the herd the lead.

They are one point behind the Golden the league in points The two goals broke a seven- Bears in the standings and will hope with 14, and has game point drought the rookie was to leapfrog them next weekend enduring. at home against the Lethbridge not missed a beat The Golden Bears made a late Pronghorns. comeback, equalizing with three Lethbridge is second-last in Saturday minutes to go in the final frame. the conference, but they have won After a crushing loss the night Manitoba answered back quickly, their last two games, so nothing is prior, Manitoba was out for revenge though, as captain Jordan DePape guaranteed. in the second game. It looked like fired home yet another game winner another rough start for the herd, as – his team-leading fifth goal, with just Alberta managed to get on the board 12 seconds remaining in the game. first, five minutes into the first period.

DePape now leads the league in Brett Brooks must have eaten what points with 14, and has not missed Merasty had on Friday because he a beat after his stellar performance