16 January 2019

NEWS

To protect and defend

Winnipeggers stand in solidarity with Wet'suwet'en First Nation PAGE 5

NEWS

Science superstar

ARTS AND CULTURE

On the road

Undergrad snags PMUSER award for 2018's best paper

Ariel Posen embarks on headlining tour

PAGE 3

PAGE 16

COMMENT

Hushing the Yellow Vests Dim the online rhetoric PAGE 10

VO L 1 0 5 · N O 2 0 · J A N UA RY 1 6 , 2 0 1 9 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

Index

2

VOL. 105 NO. 20 January 16, 2019

SPORTS

A captain’s salute

Stovin ready to step into the pro ranks PAGE 19

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Garett Williams

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

BUSINESS MANAGER Sohni Tappia

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Sydney Last

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Malak Abas

me@themanitoban.com

NEWS EDITOR Malak Abas

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

COMMENT EDITOR Jacob Singleton

comment@themanitoban.com

ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR Emilia Fournier

comment@themanitoban.com

SPORTS EDITOR Jason Pchajek

sports@themanitoban.com

COPY EDITOR Matthew Doering

copy@themanitoban.com

ASSOCIATE COPY EDITOR Sarah Doran

sarah@themanitoban.com

ARTS AND CULTURE

Circle of life Nature-inspired art

at U of W

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Kellie Huynh

design@themanitoban.com

GRAPHICS EDITOR Evan Tremblay

graphics@themanitoban.com

PHOTO EDITOR Asha Nelson

photo@themanitoban.com

PHOTO EDITOR Quincy Houdayer

PAGE 15

quincy@themanitoban.com

PHOTO ASSOCIATE Alex Decebal-Cuza DESIGN ASSOCIATE Ernest Zarzuela GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Scott A. Ford

REPORTERS NEWS Tyler Brasss

SCIENCE David Zirangey COLUMNIST Kenny Ingram COLUMNIST Rebecca Balakrishnan ARTS Amin Montazeri ARTS Zachary F. Sigurdson SPORTS Kellen Taniguchi

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

MANITOBAN 109 HELEN GLASS U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N I TO B A WINNIPEG, MB R3T 2N2

NEWS

“Frustrated and dissapointed” Students call out UMSU's affordable education vision PAGE 6

Design Design Editor: Kellie Huynh Contact: design@themanitoban.com Graphics Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com Photo Editor: Asha Nelson Contact: photo@themanitoban.com

GENERAL INQUIRIES & ADVERTISING Phone: (204) 474.6535 Fax: (204) 474.7651 Email: manitoban@themanitoban.com FREE MEDIA Campus Plus Media Services Phone: 1.780.421.1000 Email: advertise@free-media.ca

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #589160 A “volunteer staff” member is defined as a person who has had three volunteer articles, photographs, or pieces of art of reasonable length and/or substance published in three different issues of the current publishing year of the Manitoban. Any individual who qualifies must be voted in by a majority vote at a Manitoban staff meeting. Elected representatives and non-students may be excluded from holding votes as volunteer staff members in accordance with the Manitoban Constitution.

The Manitoban is the official student newspaper of the University of Manitoba. It is published monthly during the summer and each week of regular classes during the academic year by the Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation.

The Manitoban is an independent and democratic student organization, open to participation from all students. It exists to serve its readers as students and citizens.

The newspaper’s primary mandate is to report fairly and objectively on issues and events of importance and interest to the students of the University of Manitoba, to provide an open forum for the free expression and exchange of opinions and ideas, and to stimulate meaningful debate on issues that affect or would otherwise be of interest to the student body and/or society in general. The Manitoban serves as a training ground for students interested in any aspect of journalism.

Students and other interested parties are invited to contribute to any section of the newspaper. Please contact the appropriate editor for submission guidelines. The Manitoban reserves the right to edit all submissions and will not publish any material deemed by its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic, ableist or libellous. Opinions expressed in letters and articles are solely those of the authors. Editorials in the Manitoban are signed and represent the opinions of the writer(s), not necessarily those of the Manitoban staff, Editorial Board, or the publisher.

All contents are ©2018 and may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

Yearly subscriptions to the Manitoban are available for $40.

News

3

News Editor: Malak Abas Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Can you explain your research in three minutes?

Applications are open for 3MT competition DAVID ZIRANGEY, STAFF

W

riting a graduate research The challengers for the U of M winner will receive the UM Retirees competition which will take place thesis sharpens time manage- 3MT competition will be announced Association prize of $1,250, and the on June 3. ment and communication skills, but Feb. 2, after which the competitors third-place winner will receive a $750 The U of M has not placed top so does explaining your research in will have the following three weeks prize. The people’s choice winner will three in any of the regionals. to prepare. receive a $200 U of M bookstore gift Rachel Nickel was the first place 180 seconds.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and people’s choice winner at the A three-day heats event will follow, certificate.

The first-place winner among the 2017 U of M 3MT competition. At competition is a contest open to grad- taking place Feb. 26 and 28 at the Fort uate students across all disciplines. Garry campus the time, she was a It is held in 65 countries around the and Feb. 27 at master’s student in “Just writing the three-minute speech world, including Canada. the department of the Bannatyne Graduate students present their campus. physics and astronwas an educational experience” — Rachel research to a live or virtual non-speFinalists from omy. Her thesis cialist audience in three minutes. The the heats will presentation was Nickel, 2017 3MT first place winner presentations are judged based on compete in the titled Biocide-coated communication style, engagement final competition magnetic nanopartiand comprehension. on March 18, and the top three win- finalists will represent the U of M at cles: a new way to treat infections.

In Canada, the competition has ners from the heats will receive $200 the western regional 3MT where they “Just writing the three-minute three stages: the university contest, U of M bookstore gift cards. will compete against other first-place speech was an educational experithe regional contests — western, At the finals, the top three win- winners from universities in Alberta, ence,” said Nickel.

Ontario and eastern regionals — and ners and a people’s choice winner will British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

“It forces you to identify the importhe national contest. be awarded. The first-place winner The top three finalists from the tant aspects of your research and The U of M 3MT is organized by will receive the Dr. Archie McNicol regional competitions, taking place build a story that the general public the faculty of graduate studies. prize of $2,500. The second-place in April 2019, will advance to national can connect to.”

Nickel offered advice to students interested in applying to the 3MT competition.

“My biggest piece of advice is just to practice,” she said.

“Keep in mind that the judges come from a range of backgrounds and take advantage of friends and family to fine-tune your presentation.”

Nickel said the experience is a unique opportunity for graduate students.

“For the 2019 winner, my biggest recommendation would be to savour the experience and do your best.”

Applications for the seventh annual U of M 3MT competition must be submitted by Jan. 28.

U of M scientific journal announces best paper winner Winning research involved pathogenic bacteria subspecies MALAK ABAS, STAFF

T

he final issue of 2018 of the Proceedings of Manitoba’s Unde rg ra du ate S cie nce and Engineering Research (PMUSER) journal has been released, and U of M student Michelle Wuziniski has received the year’s best paper award for her research on distinguishing subspecies of a pathogenic bacteria.

Wuziniski, a fourth-year microbiology honours student, won for her paper titled “Developing a Genot y ping Scheme for Myobacterium abcessus Complex Using Whole Genome Sequencing Data.”

“I’ve always been very passionate about diseases and their effect on humans” — Michelle Wuziniski, PMUSER best paper winner

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA

The paper looks to support current methods of analyzing the data from all of bacteria’s DNA — whole genomes — to distinguish between different strains and subspecies.

“So basically, a way that they use to type bacteria, it’s called multi locus sequence typing,” she said.

“So they take a few genes, and then every time there’s like one base pair mutation of that gene, a new allele is created.

And then they’re typed based on the different combinations of alleles they’ll have.”

PMUSER is a peer-reviewed undergraduate journal which covers, according to its website, “a wide range of scientific disciples.”

While the journal was founded at the U of M, it accepts any research work done in Manitoba by undergraduate students.

Wuziniski, who received a $250 prize sponsored by the faculty of science, said she was not expecting to win the award.

“I found out through email and I was actually quite surprised,” she said.

“I was told that I was on the short list for the award but I had no idea how many submissions there were and what my chances were and I was about to write a final exam when I found out and it was a wonderful surprise. The winnings are probably going towards my tuition next year.”

While Wuziniski said she is not sure where she will pursue her education after finishing her final year at the U of M, she wants to continue in the field of microbiology.

“I want to go into medical microbiology because I’ve always been very passionate about diseases and their effect on humans.”

4

News

News Editor: Malak Abas Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Community initiative funding motion pushed UMSU board vote moved to Feb. 7 TY BRASS, STAFF

U

PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

MSU voted to table a motion at ing from those communities we will According to Sanderson, the goals its Jan. 10 board meeting that, if consider proposing amendments,” he of the changes are to provide extra passed, would alter how community said. funding for community groups and groups receive funding.

According to Sanderson, $65,000 offering the community groups more The motion suggests UMSU out of UMSU’s governance budget financial autonomy. adopt a new policy for student group goes to student group funding.

The motion also proposes an funding called community initiative UMSU’s community group funding increase in funding from $13,000 to funding (CIF). is drawn from a different levy — the $16,000 available to the four current After president Jakob Sanderson services groups levy — which comes groups and the international student held a presentation on the CIF out to approximately $100,000 per community. plan at Thursday’s board meeting, year, or $4 per student.

Sanderson said UMSU had conUMSU moved to postpone voting About $52,000 is divided between sulted with community groups on until its Feb. 7 meeting by request of UMSU’s four community groups — campus and the response has been LGBTTQ* represupportive. sentative Eun-Bi “So far, the “So far, the response we’ve received for the response we’ve Kang.

Kang requested community groups we’ve consulted has been received for the the postponement community in order to have positive” — Jakob Sanderson, UMSU president groups we’ve contime to better sulted has been inform her conpositive and the stituents of the motion. the Womyn’s Centre, the Student goal has always been for the comSanderson said while there are Accessibility Centre, the University munities to have their voices reflected currently no plans to alter the motion of Manitoba Indigenous Students’ in this motion,” he said. before it is presented again, it is a Association and Rainbow Pride “Our hope is that this tabling possibility.

Mosaic. period only allows us to be more fulSanderson called the current some in our consultation process, and “This motion was tabled with the expectation of further consulta- funding plan problematic because that we will be able to pass a motion tion within the community groups the services group levy is fixed to that gives increased autonomy and affected, so if there is feedback that inflation and can only be increased support to marginalized communicomes to us ahead of the board meet- with a referendum. ties on campus.”

LGBTTQ* rep tables name change motion indefinitely Will collect further signatures, spread public awareness of possible change MALAK ABAS, STAFF

A

motion brought to the UMSU When the proposal was presented of these marginalized groups,” she bringing the motion to the UMSU board of governors in December to UMSU’s governance committee, had been having second thoughts board of directors so quickly was a by its LGBTTQ* community rep- the petition had received only 15 about the motion. “mistake.”

“I realized that no, I hadn’t done resentative to change the title of the signatures from, according to Kang, She said at the time that the origiposition to the Gender, Sexual and “most ly R PM my job as the Relationship Diversities (GSRD) regulars.”

LGBTTQ* reprepresentative was tabled indefinitely K a ng sa id resentative,” she “I just think that I didn’t go about it Thursday. at Thursday’s said.

The motion sought to change the board meeting “My actions had properly, and I want to fix that” — Eun-Bi name after concerns arose that the that “upon furbeen very insular Kang, LGBTTQ* representative original acronym was not inclusive ther ref lection,” — just limited to enough and adding additional let- she believed the within the RPM ters to it would be “cumbersome.” possible change communit y — LGBTTQ* representative Eun-Bi required more input from the nal idea to change the name “didn’t but I am the UMSU representative, Kang first brought the name change LGBTTQ* community at large on get any engagement” from RPM. not the RPM representative. So I idea to the attention of the Rainbow campus.

RPM was approached several should be representing the views of Pride Mosaic (RPM) in October.

“Moving on this motion, under times before Thursday’s board meet- all LGBTTQ* students on campus, However, critics argued the wider present circumstances, I believe ing — both through email and in per- and I realized I just hadn’t reached LGBTTQ* community on campus would be irresponsible on my part,” son — but deferred comment to Kang. that standard.” was not made appropriately aware she said.

Kang said Monday that she heard Kang said she plans to approach of the motion, pointing to a petition Kang said last week that while the from representatives of several other other LGBTTQ* representatives circulated concerning the change as idea to change the title came from a LGBTTQ* groups on campus on both U of M campuses to inform an example. desire “to represent and include more regarding the proposal and realized them of her decision to table the

motion and discuss the motion’s origins.

She said she also plans to hold a table in UMSU University Centre over the last week of January and the first week of February to “make aware to the wider community about this whole change, as well as maybe try to collect more signatures.”

“So I would have two position papers — one in support, and one against the title change. And, of course, I’m going to ask people to selfidentify as a part of the [LGBTTQ*] community or not.”

She also stressed that pulling the motion back does not mean she has “given up” on the possible name change.

“I just think that I didn’t go about it properly, and I want to fix that.”

News

VOL. 105 NO. 20 January 16, 2019

5

Portage and Main shut down by protesters Winnipeggers stand in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en First Nation land protectors MALAK ABAS

PHOTO BY ASHA NELSON

W

innipeg protesters flooded the crews to reach the site. would take time, adding that the cur- et’s throwing it right back at us with at the University of Winnipeg Hive, While the nation’s band councils rent government has been doing “a extreme weather patterns,” he said. and a 24-hour sacred fire was lit on Portage and Main intersection during rush hour Thursday in solidar- have approved it, hereditary chiefs in better job of ” reconciliation efforts.

Guillas said it was provincial law- the Manitoba legislature grounds ity with Wet’suwet’en land protectors the area say they are still opposed to In Winnipeg, protesters carried makers’ “sovereign jurisdiction and Tuesday in solidarity with the the pipeline. in B.C. signs in support of the activists in right” to speak up on the issue.

Wet’suwet’en First Nation.

Members of the Wet’suwet’en The positions are two separate lev- B.C. and called on local politicians “I think with all provincial lawOne person in attendance who First Nation have been attempting els of First Nations leadership. to condemn the pipeline. makers, and this applies to every clarified he would prefer to be to block construction of the planned While band councils are elected River Steele Guillas, a U of M single province out there, it is up to referred to as a “land defender,” Ryan Coastal GasLink pipeline, which representatives of them […] to do Beardy, came with his two children would run through their territory, the land reserves something about because it was “the right thing to do.”

“It’s about standing up for what’s right in by setting up checkpoints along the in Indigenous this,” he said.

“I think it’s about time, and it’s also proposed pipeline.

“That’s why the about setting a good example.” communities, this country and raising the next generation” On Jan. 7, the RCMP set up a hereditary chiefs provinces were His daughter, Chyanna, eight, and — Ryan Beardy, “land defender” roadblock near one of the camps and are community formed in the first son Isaiah, six, carried signs that said arrested 14 people. leaders wherein place.”

“Our rights my future” and “Water Multiple reporters and protest- the position has B.C. premier is life.” ers reported that communication been passed down through families. student, said he came out to protest John Horgan has expressed support “It’s about standing up for what’s signals — namely wireless networks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau not just the invasion of Wet’suwet’en for the pipeline project. right in this country and raising the — had been disrupted at the time of was criticized for the RCMP’s actions territory, but all “unsustainable” pipeThe Winnipeg protest lasted just next generation,” Beardy said. the arrests. during a town hall in Kamloops, B.C., lines being built. over an hour and comes after sev“This isn’t only about us — this is

By Jan. 10, a deal was reached with Thursday. He said he understood peo“Frankly, as we’re harvesting the eral other efforts — protesters met about them.” the RCMP that allowed construction ple’s frustration and that the process resources from this planet, the plan- earlier in the day to create signage

New international students to provide photo, fingerprints Students currently in Canada not subject to new regulation MALAK ABAS, STAFF

F

ollowing border regulations put A statement from the university's into practice Dec. 31, nearly all online communications arm, UM international students coming to Today, warns that this may change study in Canada will be required to and, if so, some applicants may have submit biometric information. to leave Canada to submit the biomBiometrics are a method of meas- etrics needed to return to study in uring a person’s physical features. Canada.

Since July 31, 2018, all applicants from In an official statement, minister Europe, the Middle East and Africa of immigration, refugees and citihave been required to provide biom- zenship Ahmed Hussen said Canada etrics. These requirements expanded requiring biometrics “makes sense on to applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific so many levels.” and the Americas Dec. 31.

“It strengthens the integrity of our Canada will require anyone apply- immigration system, while helping ing for a visitor visa, refugee or asy- protect the safety and security of lum status, a work or study permit or Canadians,” he said. permanent residence from these areas Currently, over 70 countries to provide a photo and fingerprints. require biometric information for However, students enrolled entry. in university applying to renew or Esther Wu, a U of M international extend their student permit from student studying business at the inside Canada are not currently International College of Manitoba required to submit biometrics.

(ICM) program, said the new biom-

etrics requirement is not particularly surprising to her.

“It’s nothing special for me,” she said. “I’m just providing my

“It’s nothing special for me.

I’m just providing my fingerprints” — Esther Wu, international student fingerprints.”

The fingerprint process will become a central part of the application process. Digital fingerprints will be sent to the RCMP, where the information will be stored in

an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) database, where they will be encrypted and securely stored.

RCMP officials will check the fingerprints alongside criminal, refugee claimant, deportee and temporary resident application records. Should there be no issue with the information, the application process will be complete.

If concerning information is found, a central assessment unit from IRCC will analyze the case, and the migration officer involved in the case will make a final decision on the application.

Major airports will verify fingerprints at primary inspection kiosks.

There are some exemptions to the biometrics rule — namely, U.S. nationals applying for a work or study permit will not need to provide them.

Waqar Ahmed, a U of M international student, finds this exemption concerning.

“I feel that it is part of safety protocol, so it’s safer for the country to use biometrics to identify different people,” he said.

“But I feel like just because you’re from a well-developed country like the U.S. [...] I think they should just check everyone, instead of just assuming that people from developing and underdeveloped countries would be more dangerous to Canada.”

Ahmed added that despite these concerns, he still supports the introduction of more countries to Canada’s biometrics regulations.

“But increasing it to include more countries, I’m fine with that, because it’s safer for Canada.”

— With files from David Zirangey

6

News

News Editor: Malak Abas Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

UMSU, UCRU lobby against tuition tax credit Proposal would reallocate funds to Canada Student Grant Program MALAK ABAS, STAFF

PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER

A

t the first board meeting since lobbying for students in Ottawa in early December, UMSU president Jakob Sanderson gave a presentation explaining the priorities of the trip — some of which left some at the meeting feeling “frustrated and disappointed.”

Sanderson, along with UMSU VP external Owen Black and governance research advisor Kyle Hiebert, spent Dec. 3-6 lobbying members of Parliament with the Undergraduates of Canadian Research-Intensive Universities (UCRU) on several priorities, including increasing support to Indigenous students, expanding Canadian undergraduate student research awards and eliminating the tuition tax credit.

UCRU is a collective of research universities that advocates for students from eight student unions across Canada.

The UMSU executives in attendance advocated in support of ending the federal tuition tax credit — estimated at $1.5 billion by UCRU — and instead recommended the Canadian government reallocate the funds to the Canada Student Grant Program.

At the meeting, Sanderson called this “maybe our most notable ask” and said the goal is to provide financial relief to low-income students.

“The issue with [the tuition tax

credit] is that a lot of people don’t dent-at-large at the board meeting, students,” he said. of household income. know about it, and so a lot of them said that as a student who relies on Mature students’ representative “I guess my response to that would end up not being claimed or some- the tax credit, he is concerned stu- Sharlene MacCoy — who said she be, yeah, [the eligibility cut-off] isn’t times they’re claimed by a parent or dents were not properly consulted was speaking as “both a student an absurdly high household income, guardian, or funds are not claimed by UMSU on what it lobbied for in and a parent who’s putting children but there are a lot of students also that until a long time after graduation,” Ottawa. through university” and had some have household incomes significantly he said.

“I highly doubt any of the student concerns with the impact of reallo- before [that number] too, and those “The most consistent users of the body at large has any idea that UCRU cating tuition the tax credit funds — students often are seeing almost no tuition tax credit are generally those even exists, or that we’re even a part also raised concerns, calling the effect benefit,” he said. in high income brackets. And a lot of it,” he said. of eliminating the credit on families UCRU recommends the of the time those in lower income “I don’t even think that any of “actually very damaging.”

Canadian government implement brackets don’t have the income that’s them knew that Jakob actually went “I’m curious if you thought of the these changes because “tax credits are taxable — so they can’t really take to Ontario and actually lobbied. impact that removing the tax credit no longer an effective tool to finanadvantage of the would have for cially support low-income students.” tax credit — or families,” she said.

According to the list of UCRU “I highly doubt any of the student a lot of the time “The magical briefs, providing grants upfront “will number to get reduce the sticker cost of education, people that have body at large has any idea that UCRU lower income are a grant isn’t as thus lowering debt levels and betpeople that don’t high as you would ter utilize the government’s current even exists” — Mohamed Soussi have accountants, think.” allocation of funding, while adding don’t have access In Canada, the no additional expense to the federal to the information that people need “I don’t think that anyone is actu- family annual income cut-off for full- budget.” to take advantage of the tax credit ally up to date about anything on the time students with dependents — a Soussi said he believed the idea system.” actions of our own elected officials, dependent qualifying as a person 12 would harm students in the long run.

The Canada Student Grant other than the student board of direc- years of age or under, or 12 years of “I did get a bit ticked off emotionProgram provides non-repayable tors — which for me is absolutely age or older with a permanent dis- ally that Jakob would say that it was ability — to be eligible for a student for ‘affordable education,’” he said. funding to both full- and part-time insane.” students with assessed financial Sanderson pushed back at the grant is $114,017 for a family of four.

“That is the opposite of affordable needs. meeting, saying it was the responsiSanderson said that while the education in my view. To take away “So that money can be used upfront bility of the UMSU board as elected executive was “sympathetic” to this money from someone and tell them by students, rather than being used leaders to make these decisions. issue, UMSU and UCRU’s con- ‘This is for affordable education’ does later in the form of a tax credit,” “I don’t think it’s ever bad to go to cerns are that all the funds available not sit well with me at all.”

Sanderson said. the students, but I also think that our through the credit program are not Mohamed Soussi, the Muslim board is our highest governing body, being used.

Student Association external execu- and I trust everyone here to be able He said the grant program would tive who was in attendance as a stu- to bring forward the concerns of the benefit students in the lowest quintile

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Garett Williams Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

8

Recharge your brain, too Learning doesn't have to stay in class SARAH DORAN, STAFF

PHOTO BY EVAN TREMBLAY

E

very January, wide swaths of people make New Year’s resolutions. Some pledge to hit the gym more often. Others plan to save money. Still others decide to lose weight, or read more, or quit smoking or drinking.

But for students, there is another option that may have unexpected benefits for mental health: picking up a new hands-on hobby.

It would hardly be hyperbole to say this generation of post-secondary students is more aware of — and more affected by — mental health issues than any that came before it.

Data from the 2016 National College Health Assessment shows that of the 43,780 Canadian postsecondary students polled, 44 per cent reported that at some point in the last year they had felt so depressed that it was difficult to function. In addition, 64 per cent reported feeling overwhelming anxiety and a whopping 89 per cent reported feeling overwhelmed with everything they had to do.

Debating the exact causes of this uptick in mental health concerns among students is best left to the professionals. For many, depression and anxiety are already an everyday

fact of life, so the question is now how to deal with it beyond psychiatric care.

Not to sound like an out-of-touch baby boomer suspicious of technology more advanced than a calculator, but many people really would benefit from getting away from the screens.

To be perfectly clear, this is not a technology-bashing editorial. The near-ubiquity of computers in academic settings has improved student life in nearly every imaginable facet: professors and course materials are more accessible, typed assignments are easier to edit and typically faster to complete, online databases expand potential avenues of academic research, et cetera, et cetera.

Students may half-joke about printers being able to sense fear and complain about the endless redesigns to UMLearn, but it’s hard to think of an item more useful in everyday academic life than computers.

The problem revolves much more around technology in personal life.

At this point, no one under the age of 35 needs to be told about the downsides to social media. Friends on Facebook and Instagram all seem to have perfect lives, with attractive and loving significant others, amazingly photogenic vacations, fulfilling

jobs and an endless stream of engagements, weddings, babies and all sorts of other milestones.

On the other side, there’s Twitter, where everyone has sunk into depressed nihilism, weirdly patronizing discourse about astrological signs and vindictive political arguments when they’re not memeing relentlessly.

It’s about allowing yourself to be genuinely bad at something without fear of the consequences

Snapchat filters, which slightly alter the face’s proportions, have become so prevalent that increasing numbers of people are bringing snaps as references to plastic surgeons, leading doctors to coin the term “Snapchat dysmorphia.”

Social media is often the best way to keep up with far-flung friends and

family. Much like being around them in person, however, sometimes it’s best to just walk away for a while.

Hobbies encourage gaining new skills and aid in meeting new people who are interested in the same things. Anyone can tell you that.

But for students, it’s not just about trying something new. It’s about allowing yourself to be genuinely bad at something without fear of the consequences.

That’s not something students are often allowed in academic circles, with the never-ending race to improve GPA in order to maximize the chances of landing on one’s feet after graduation. Taking up a completely unrelated hobby is a good way to release that tension without potential for disaster.

Learn to juggle, even if it means dropping every ball for a solid month.

Make a list of every movie you see and jot down a few notes about each one, even if all that comes to mind is trying to remember what other movie that one guy who was onscreen for five seconds was in.

Write fanfiction, even if it’s a self-insert about being sold to One Direction to pay for a relative’s debt.

Shoot some hoops, perfect your spa-

ghetti recipe, get into a new video game, become the world’s only artist dedicated solely to making ice sculptures of the 2009 Ford Taurus.

Whatever piques your interest or brings you joy, give it a chance.

Of course, not everyone can afford to stock up on art supplies or join a sport and university students are often employed on top of attending class.

Still, there are options. A Rubik’s Cube can be had for less than $12 and fiddled with on the bus or while waiting for lectures to start. Learning to make origami requires only paper — even a pad of Post-its will suffice — and a Google search.

Photography on a phone camera may not be as high-tech as a DSLR, but that doesn’t mean the pictures are worse.

Even learning the basics of painting can be free — just fire up MS Paint or an equivalent and find a playlist of Bob Ross videos.

No one gets a diploma to show off until after graduation.

In 2019, do your mental health a favour and learn how to do something that you can point to right away and say, “Look at that. It might be terrible, but I did that with my own hands.”

9

Comment Comment Editor: Jacob Singleton Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Time for détente with North Korea 65 years of economic aggression and posturing have failed JACOB SINGLETON, STAFF

PHOTO BY EVAN TREMBLAY

D

espite a commitment by North DPRK. He has continually called for Korea to reach out to Canada the establishment of normalized relaand establish a détente, Canada tions with the DPRK— so long as the refuses to de-escalate tension DPRK gives up its nuclear weapons. between the two countries.

While Kim has taken steps to Earlier this month it was reported accommodate the U.S., he has not that high-level officials from the stopped nuclear weapons testing or Democratic People's Republic of given up his nuclear arsenal — and for Korea (DPRK) came to Ottawa to good reason. While President Trump meet with Canadian bureaucrats back may have a reasonable stance on the in September 2018. The report sug- DPRK and the ROK is prepared for gests Trudeau’s government invited peace on the peninsula, the rest of the the DPRK officials for a discussion American political apparatus and its on denuclearization and human allies are frothing at the mouth. rights.

The talks were, however, nothing While Kim has but a farce. The Trudeau government commented in the story by maintain- taken steps to ing Canada will continue to refuse to accommodate the establish normalized relations with the country.

U.S., he has not The DPRK, meanwhile, is prepared to end hostilities against stopped nuclear the U.S. and its allies — includweapons testing or ing Canada. DRPK leader Kim Jong-un has continually expressed a given up his nuclear desire to remove the looming threat arsenal — and of U.S. aggression from his country.

The DPRK is currently encircled by for good reason American military bases and nuclearcapable naval ships. Moreover, the U.S. conducts military training When Trump and Kim met in missions along the DPRK’s border, June 2018 to discuss reducing tenairspace and coast as a show of force. sions on the Korean peninsula, they Nevertheless, the DPRK has reached a modest agreement. Trump remained steadfast in its commit- would stop performing military exerment to mutual co-operation and cises just outside of DPRK territory the de-escalation of tension. Kim if Kim took denuclearization talks Jong-un, just last year, was able to seriously. The ranking Democrats secure a promise from the Republic quickly denounced Trump’s plan as of Korea’s (ROK) president — Moon conceding too much to the DPRK. Jae-in — to officially end the Korean Simply not flying fighter jets in War. simulated combat just outside DPRK U.S. President Donald Trump airspace was too much to give for the has taken a diplomatic stance on the Democratic leadership. And this is

the political party who is likely to with.

It was the DPRK government return to power after the 2020 presiLibya’s collapse in 2011, spurred on that re-industrialized at a rate dential election. by the brazen bombing of the country greater than the ROK until at least In January 2018, Canada co- by NATO, arguably only reinforced 1965, and markedly improved the chaired — with the U.S. — a the DPRK’s realization that a nuclear lives of DPRK citizens, recovering “Korean Peninsula” summit (with- weapon remains the only tool to keep from 30 years of Japanese imperialism out the DPRK) with 18 other allies the encircling opposition at bay. and three years of brutal American to determine a way to strengthen The notion that the DPRK is bombing. and “increase the effectiveness” maintained by authoritarian control The Kim family’s position as a of sanctions against the DPRK. and non-stop propaganda is only steward of these successes and the Numerous economic sanctions have partly true. There are verifiable and sustained antagonism against the been imposed on the DPRK. They irrefutable accounts of authoritari- DPRK must be viewed as equally include a ban on the import of essen- anism and suppression in the coun- responsible — if not more so — for tial industrial inputs like oil. try. Prison conditions in the DPRK the continued existence of the DPRK Such sanctions have even strained are horrendous and anyone can be as any authoritarianism or mass propthe DPRK’s food supply, as it relies arbitrarily sent to one. Moreover, the aganda might be. more than ever on its most reliable DPRK has no independent media.

Canada maintains relations and ally, China, to supply food imports Rather, all media is created, approved trade with serial human rights abusoutside of the food allowed by the and distributed by the government. ing nations while also conducting UN to be imported on humanitarserious talks. After Thailand’s coup d’état in 2014 and the installation of ian grounds.

The nuclear weapon Kim has no alternative but to a military junta, Canada maintained maintain nuclear weapons. His official diplomatic relations with is the only thing government is under continual ecoThailand. This is despite reports of standing between nomic attack and military posturing. grievous human right abuses by the Thai military junta.

Even with a co-operative ROK and Kim and potential America right now, Kim understands When the DPRK sends highin a few years new politicians could ranking representatives to talk with military action again threaten the existence of his Canada, it should discuss establishing against his country nation. This is reflected in Kim's push diplomatic relations and normalized to get a deal with America before the trade. Because right now, the peoend of Trump's first term. ple of the DPRK see America and The nuclear weapon is the only But such reductionism fails to its allies — including Canada — as thing standing between Kim and realize how the DPRK government encircling powers who are forcing the potential military action against his improved the lives of the people after tiny nation to garrison itself. country. the Korean War armistice in 1953.

With Canada persisting in its The DPRK’s nuclear program In 1953, the DPRK’s industry, policy of economic aggression, it is proper didn’t begin until after the cities, agriculture and population hard to envision how the DPRK is 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. were obliterated by the American- wrong on that front.

For the DPRK, this was the most led offensive against the nation.

The DPRK will continue to exist, powerful military force on the planet American war planes dropped more likely with a Kim at the helm. Any entirely ignoring international law explosives on the DPRK than all the real chance of a reunified Korean and norms to break the back of every bombs dropped during the entire peninsula or even stability and peace entity which rejected U.S. hegemony Pacific theatre of the Second World in the region, can only be achieved — at least the ones it could get away War. with détente.

10 Comment

Comment Editor: Jacob Singleton Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Silence hate speech in the Canadian Yellow Vest movement Violent movements will continue to grow if not adequately dealt with KENNY INGRAM, STAFF

fundamental freedom and there is nothing more Canadian than passionately protesting an issue one feels strongly about.

While the Yellow Vest protesters express lament over “not being allowed to say Merry Christmas anymore,” and “Trudeau [...] giving all of our money away to immigrants,” it seems to be several key issues like refugees seeking citizenship, opposition to carbon tax and a distinctive animosity toward the prime minister which unite them.

While most of these grievances are based entirely on misinformation, it is clearly within their right to express themselves.

Where freedom of expression becomes groundless is in of hate or violent speech.

This is precisely what is found on the Yellow Vest Facebook group: specifically, the multiple death threats directed at the prime minister.

Comments ranged from “Trudeau needs to be shot,” to “He needs to eat led [sic],” and “Just shoot him.”

If people are completely comfortable inciting violence in a public forum under what is likely their own names, should anyone be surprised if they say far worse at their rallies?

Sections 318 and 319 in the PHOTO BY EVAN TREMBLAY Canadian Criminal Code are clear in outlawing the promotion of genohe recent Yellow Vest protests in The French protesters have rioted Though this movement is largely cide or incitement of hatred in public.

Canada have once again brought in Paris’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, just existing far right-wing organizaWhile freedom of expression is new energy to a tired debate over free- denounced corporate power and have tions donning yellow vests, the vio- protected under 2(b) of the Charter of dom of speech. a multiracial make-up. lent character of the movement in Rights and Freedoms, speech under In Canada, the Yellow Vest move- France is migrating to Canada.

The Yellow Vest movement began Canadian law is not without reasonaThe movement — which brought ble, common-sense limitations. Those in France in response to an increase ment has been co-opted by the far right-wing. in the fuel tax in that country. signs reading “We are not rac- limitations must be enforced on the And in the strangest of reversals, ist,” and tols reporters “We are not Yellow Vest protesters immediately.

The protests in France have had a Groups founded in hatred like the uniquely pan-politNeo-Nazis” at its ical character. But protests — is now Yellow Vests are growing stronger Where freedom of expression becomes a majority of the making headlines because of government and law French protesters are groundless is in speech of hatred or violence after many death enforcement inaction. This in turn from the left-wing. threats were found is leading to an uptick in hate crimes They have criticized on its Facebook in Canada — with violent hate crimes the government for imposing a finan- the Canadian variant of the move- group. rising by 16 per cent in 2016 from 2015.

Both law enforcement and the cial burden on the working class to ment seeks to enhance corporate It should be made abundantly combat climate change when corpo- power, reduce corporate accountabil- clear that both the right and the left government must seriously begin to rations are responsible for the lion’s ity for climate change and demonize should be able to be heard and express take these groups and their threats of immigrants. share of pollution. themselves through protest. It is a violence seriously.

T

In this case, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service must take every single threat issued publicly on Facebook seriously and investigate the group and its leaders further.

Next, groups with a consistent message of hate speech and incitement of violence like Yellow Vests Canada should not be permitted on public forums like Facebook. The internet — and a social media site like Facebook in particular — is a powerful tool extremist groups use for recruitment.

Presently, the Yellow Vests Canada Facebook group remains live. It is a tool which is mobilizing some of the most extreme people in Canada who have expressed a desire to kill the prime minister.

If Facebook cannot be consistent in enforcing its own, common-sense

Those limitations must be enforced on the Yellow Vest protesters immediately limitations to speech — hate speech and credible violence — it must be held accountable by law. New precedents have deemed that service providers can now be held liable for failing to remove hate propaganda on their servers.

Canada’s laws must evolve to hold tech and social media to the same standard.

A failure to address these urgent issues is a recipe for more extremist groups to flourish online and in the public square.

To have a harmonious society which celebrates tolerance and peace, it is the obligation of the government to protect the its people by shutting down hate and violent speech.

JAN. 18

MAR. 15

APR. 5

DR. KRISTI MILLER-SAUNDERS FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA HEAD, MOLECULAR GENETICS

DR. JULIETTE LEGLER UTRECHT UNIVERSITY HEAD OF TOXICOLOGY

DR. MICHEL DUMONTIER MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR DATA SCIENCE, (DRUG DISCOVERY & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE)

Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus 91 Ralph Campbell Road

All welcome to attend www.sci.umanitoba.ca

12 Comment

Comment Editor: Jacob Singleton Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

What to do when interviews go negative Staying positive in the midst of difficult interview questions REBECCA BALAKRISHNAN, THE WORK LIFE

your answers for even the most negative questions.

Before the interview, take the time to draft responses to the following common negative interview questions and you will set yourself up to be a successful interviewee.

Tell me about a time you failed

Revealing your failures to someone you desperately want to hire you requires finesse and preparation.

You need to share a legitimate y asking a negative question, your failure without telling a story that interviewer hopes to peel back makes you look like a complete idiot. your polished interview veneer and This balancing act is best approached see the real you. with delicacy.

Your job is to ensure what they The best answers will demonstrate uncover is a positive professional who your ability to learn from your mishas already prepared for their nega- takes and change your future behavtive inquiries. iour accordingly.

Negative questions help the What do you do differently now employer better understand how that prevents this mistake from likely you handle the inevitable mistakes happening again? any real employee makes from time By ending your explanation with to time. These questions also expose evidence of your continued growth, your self-awareness (or lack thereof) you effectively make this answer more and whether you are capable of learn- positive. ing and growing from mistakes.

Share a mistake that is significant A general rule for interview suc- enough to demonstrate personal cess is to keep the tone positive. This development without crossing the becomes tricky when your interviewer line into a fireable offence. intentionally steers the conversation In other words, a story about a into negative territory. group project in which you learned Your goal is to infuse positivity, to implement more rigorous timereflection and a growth mindset into lines would be a good answer. A story

B

about the time you had a screaming match with a customer is a bad answer.

Why are you leaving your current job?

This can be a tricky question to handle, particularly if you are trying to escape a toxic workplace.

No matter how villainous your current employer, never complain about them in an interview. Even if you are entirely in the right, it is nearly impossible to discuss these issues gracefully in an interview setting.

Any complaint you make will likely reflect poorly on you. Save the

opportunities where you could grow in that regard.

This highlights your excitement about this new opportunity without resorting to negativity.

Concentrate on the ways in which you plan to grow in this new position rather than wallowing in the problems of your current role.

What’s your greatest weakness?

This question is a classic that gets asked again and again. Prepare a weakness answer for every interview you attend.

The weakness you share should be genuine, but not something that could cause the interviewer to question your ability to do the job that you are applying for.

Reflection and Your answer should also cover the preparation ways in which you are working on improving your weakness. This will are the keys to demonstrate your ability to deal with interview success your personal challenges.

To end this answer on a positive note, turn your weakness around, demonstrating the ways in which it real story for your new work friends can be viewed as a strength. over drinks in a month or two.

As you begin planning this answer, Instead, focus on the positive. You you might be tempted to claim permight explain that your current posi- fectionism as your weakness. tion has really ignited your passion for No matter how true, never say you [insert central feature of your pos- are a perfectionist in an interview. sible new job here], which made you This answer has become cliché from realize you wanted to seek out new overuse. You might also make your

interviewer throw up in their mouth a little bit.

If you are convinced your kryptonite is truly your perfectionism, focus instead on particular aspects of your perfectionism that are actually problematic.

For example, my go-to (and very genuine) weakness is that I can be too hard on myself.

In an interview, I explain that I am working on being kinder to myself and giving myself permission to celebrate my professional successes.

At the same time, I know that being my own harshest critic means that I am always striving to improve myself and do the best work I possibly can, which in turn makes me better at my job.

Reflect on your shortcomings

If there are any issues in your employment history that might raise red flags in an interview, it is best to figure out your answer before sitting down for an interview.

Reflection and preparation are the keys to interview success.

By carefully crafting responses in advance, you can paint any negatives as positives.

fill a gap in your program

Athabasca University has over 850 courses to choose from to meet your needs and courses start every month. AU has over 6,600 transfer agreements around the world (including with this institution).

VOL. 105 NO. 20 January 16, 2019

Comment 13

Sometimes less is more

UMSU community initiative funding proposal will give more autonomy to community groups JAKOB SANDERSON, UMSU PRESIDENT

O

n Dec. 6, UMSU’s governance committee put forward a motion that will radically change how UMSU operates its community groups.

Currently, all students are assigned a levy in addition to their general fee that goes toward supporting marginalized groups on campus.

The fees from this levy are passed on to community groups — in UMSU’s case the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students’ Association, Rainbow Pride Mosaic, Accessibility Centre and Womyn’s Centre — with the mandate of providing programming and a safe gathering space for their members.

However, community groups have generated much discussion in this publication ever since UMSU’s decision two years ago to centralize its groups under one co-ordinator instead of one per group. The goal of UMSU’s move two years ago was to make for a more efficient allocation of resources by combining the funding that went to four part-time positions into one full time one, leaving more money left over for the groups.

Given the recent addition of the Accessibility Centre, and the limited funds associated with the levy,

the desire made sense — but it was students are facing the largest tuition met with resistance from some of the increases in Western Canada since groups themselves, who felt a single 2012. Therefore, without a referendum, co-ordinator could not accurately rep- any additional community groups resent all groups’ interests, especially would take away funding from existif the co-ordinator did not identify as ing groups.

Given the need for increased repbelonging to all groups.

The initial concerns over represen- resentation of marginalized commutation have not subsided and many nities and its inherent relationship feel UMSU still plays an overly inter- to the need for increased funding, ventionist role in the groups, includ- UMSU is facing a difficult situation. ing maintaining control over each Perhaps the best solution is to stop group’s bank account. trying to represent them.

Meanwhile, international stuBy that I don’t mean cutting supdents have been calling for an ports for marginalized communities. additional group to represent their What I mean is UMSU’s current sysinterests and the addition of a mature tem — like the models used at most students’ representative to UMSU’s schools across Canada — equates to board may foreshadow the eventual the student union attempting to creinitiation of a mature students’ com- ate pathways for marginalized stumunity group. Even still, UMSU lags dents, but insisting they construct behind several other student unions them, pave them, clean them and by lacking a board representative and monitor them, every step along the group for racialized students. way.

It is a troublingly paternalistic treatment of communities that have been traditionally deprived of autonThe proposal omy on our campus and in society and a counterproductive approach that is before UMSU’s neither adequately representative nor board is radical fiscally efficient.

The proposal before UMSU’s within a student board is radical within a student union context, but union context, but quite simple. If the goal of our existing levy is to quite simple redistribute student funds to support marginalized communities, we ought to ensure that funding is distributed Initiating community groups for as directly as possible. any or all three of these communities Under the new proposal, existing would be a worthy endeavour, but a community groups will be converted costly one. Community groups are into regular student groups and the funded through a restricted levy, any restricted levy will be incorporated funding increases beyond inflation to into UMSU’s unrestricted general the levy would require a referendum budget and allotted into “community of the student body, in a time where initiative funds.” This funding will be

made available to any student or stu- groups focused on the betterment of dent group that applies for funding a marginalized community but withfor an initiative to better their com- out community group status such munity. The efficacy of each request as Justice for Womyn, the Muslim will be voted on at town hall meet- Students’ Association, the Métis ings open to anyone who identifies Students’ Association and many more. as a member of the given community These groups act similarly to comand chaired by the respective elected munity groups but have a funding UMSU community representative. limit of just $1,500, while community Financially, this new system will groups receive approximately $13,000. allocate an additional $18,000 toward While community groups often marginalized communities and do great work with their budgets, it include the addition of an interna- is unfair to demand that any student tional students’ community initiative who wants to make a difference in funding, as well as leaving the door their community must do so by joinopen to more community initiative ing the UMSU-regulated group. In funding groups. the new model, any group or individual is eligible for community initiative funding, so long as their initiative is More importantly, deemed worthy by their community.

Unlike many motions I’ve brought it will give forward to UMSU, I care little if autonomy back to this one passes as written. While I think it would be beneficial, the most the communities important part of this project has over their own been creating a model that provides communities with as much autonomy programming as possible.

We have held consultations with a number of student leaders, commuMore importantly, it will give nity groups and student groups and autonomy back to the communi- will continue to do so as communities over their own programming. ties have the opportunity to provide Only members of each community further feedback until the motion is will have a say on how their com- voted on at the Feb. 7 meeting. munity initiative funding is spent Throughout this country, at this and existing community groups, university and certainly within though converted to student group UMSU — including this year — we status, will keep their spaces, have have too often tried to represent the access to a broader funding pool and best interests of marginalized comcontrol their own bank account. This munities rather than allow them to increases autonomy and increases represent themselves. While I recpotential for multi-year investments ognize that I, and the organization and projects.

I lead, have a long way to go in recPerhaps the largest beneficiaries tifying this, it is my hope that this of this new model would be student is a start.

Diversions Graphics Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

14

Gamer left emotionally unfulfilled by unlocking all achievements T

wenty-four-year-old gamer Mike Lukas has announced his personal dissatisfaction after unlocking all the achievements for a recently purchased game for his X-Box One. The final achievement was unlocked in the early hours of Sunday morning after a late-night gaming session, around the same time his friends were all getting home from a lively night on the town.

The game, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, is the 11th main title in the Assassin’s Creed game series and 21st in the series including handheld games.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey was the seventh game Lukas has played in the series, and the third which he’s unlocked all achievements for.

“I’ve known for at least three Assassin’s Creed games that I would never find any satisfaction in the plot, but I thought if I collected all the trophies, it would feel like I had been playing for a reason.”

Lukas continued playing the game, completing obscure tasks, for over 30 hours of play time after completing the main story in order to earn the remaining achievements.

“I just assumed earning all the trophies would be satisfying in some way.

But I still feel this gnawing emptiness and pointlessness to my life, and also, now, my eyes are kind of sore.”

Lukas said he's going to move on and look for meaning in different parts of his life, like Red Dead Redemption 2.

PREVIOUSLY...

Almost.

Now.

Steady...

No.16

AH!

?!

Phlox!

GAH!

Where did that come from?!

PALLISTER-BABY HAS BEEN TAKING THIGNS EASY.

AH! I’m trapped!

Phlox, quick, the sword!

I can’t release it!

What’s going on?!

You’ve seen it haven’t you?

Some call it the Phooka, the Jackalope, the Wolpertinger... ...but it calls itself the Shepherd.

It gave you this rabbit.

It gave you this power!

I won’t hurt it. I need it!

SCOTT A. FORD

Don’t hurt her!

They’re just past these trees...

It’s going to take me back to my village, my family ... It’s going to save them all!

Phl--!

?!

GASP

#BOREALCOMIC

--

CATCH UP ON BOREAL AT THEMANITOBAN.COM

No! Phlox!

(I can’t breathe!)

(What’s happening?)

(This feels like...)

15

Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Emilia Fournier Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

New life breathed into nature

U of Winnipeg professor opens first solo exhibit AMIN MONTAZERI POUR AGHA, STAFF

U

niversity of Winnipeg associate professor Julie Nagam’s first Winnipeg solo exhibit, locating the little heartbeats, will be showcased at the U of W's Gallery 1C03 from Jan. 10 to Feb. 16.

Julie Nagam is currently the chair of the History of Indigenous Art in North America, a joint appointment between the U of W and Winnipeg Art Gallery, and is an associate professor of history at the U of W. Her multi-media art installations are often constructed around themes of sustainability and environmentalism. Nagam portrays land as a keeper of knowledge in her art.

“For me, the exhibition locating the little heartbeats was thinking about these small, little plants that live within us all the time and if we kind of walk by, walk over and walk on, [we are] totally unaware of the abilities they have,” said Nagam.

The plants chosen for this exhibition — blueberry, bearberry, lavender and tobacco — all have personal ties to the artist.

Nagam’s multi-sensory medium is striking. The exhibition is composed of five light boxes, each depicting an animated drawing of different plants.

Each plant was hand-drawn and painted out in 200 frames and photographed. This allowed Nagam to create the visual effect of the draw-

PHOTO BY ASHA NELSON

ings fading away, then re-emerging “A lot of my work tends to be landbased or thinking a lot about the relainto focus.

Nagam’s work also engages the tionship to land and, for me, I think auditory senses with a medley of a lot about all the knowledge that rhythmic and natural sounds play- the land actually keeps,” said Nagam. ing in the background.

“If we look to it as a source of

knowledge as opposed to something we want to control, or dominate, or constantly throw more cities over the top of and more people into […] it might actually shift the way we see as a society.”

Nagam’s work embraces the notion of land having memory and serving as an archive of the people who have interacted with it.

Her work explores the self-preserving nature of landforms.

“The land is living — so are the little plants,” said Nagam of the exhibit’s title.

“These little plants have so much to offer and give us, and if we treated them more like little entities with little hearts […] we would actually respect them, have a better relationship with them.”

Nagam’s perspective is clear in viewing the animated installation.

The paintings fade away and return into focus, symbolizing her description of nature as a living, breathing entity.

Nagam said she drew inspiration for the project from her contemporary Robert Houle’s Sandy Bay Residential School series as part of his show Sovereignty over Subjectivity.

Nagam was inspired by Houle’s ability to create an immersive style that captures the onlooker upon entering the space.

“For me, art is the catalyst for social change," she said.

"You can have so much [more] constructive dialogues around visual culture than you can a talking head or an article."

Slamming the patriarchy through spoken word UMCRAFT creates platform for feminist voices AMIN MONTAZERI POUR AGHA, STAFF

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA

O

n Jan. 22, the University of Manitoba ConsciousnessRaising Association of Feminists (UMCRAFT) will be having its first event of 2019. The second spoken word and feminist manifesto presentation night, — titled “Slamming the Patriarchy!” — will be held at the Hub at 8 p.m. It is a communal event where both students and nonstudents alike are invited to share their stories about feminism.

Slamming the Patriarchy! was

first held last spring. The warm reception from the audience prompted UMCRAFT executives to organize a second staging of performance artists, where people are invited to speak on their experiences with feminism.

Alicia Edoo, one of UMCRAFT’s social media directors, said the association aims to foster community.

“What we’re trying to do is not to make people believe that they should be feminists, but rather create a strong community within feminists,”

she said. selves back up,” said Trachenko.

With enough feminists present on “We acknowledge that it’s very campus, the committee that estab- strenuous to constantly be turned lished UMCRAFT began to take down by oppression, talking to peoshape early last year. ple who know nothing about it, reinChristina Tr a c h e n k o , UMCRAFT’s public group co-ordi“What we’re trying nator and one of its co-founders, said the group was founded based on the to do is not make need for a feminist platform extendpeople believe ing beyond classroom discussions.

“When you go to a women’s and that they should gender studies class for example, we be feminists, but open up these really eye-opening, thought-provoking and mentally rather create a stimulating conversations about social justice and about feminism,” strong community said Trachenko. within feminists” “And we have these conversations in class, but then we leave class and — Alicia Edoo it just kind of ends there.”

Trachenko explained the work the UMCRAFT executives are doing in strengthening the stand against all venting the wheel every single time form of disenfranchisement and mar- we have one of these conversations. ginalization of different people, an It’s very, very draining.” incentive underpinned by Kimberlé In addition to spoken word perCrenshaw’s theory of intersectional formances, UMCRAFT organfeminism. izes monthly discussion meetings, “What we’re all about is commu- called conscious-raising discussion nity building, about building our- meetings.

“Conscious-raising is a known form of feminist organizing and it’s for the explicit goal of the people who are there at the meeting, who have sort of like minded views, coming together and talking about themselves, their experiences and theory,” said Trachenko.

Each meeting has its own theme.

Previous discussions have been held on LGBTTQ* issues and black feminism during the Black History Month.

Trachenko said such events are aimed toward exploring how people are affected by intersectional oppression.

“Intersectional feminism in itself [...] considers how people are oppressed in every sense,” said Trachenko.

“You can’t just look at sexism, but have to consider race, class and sexuality, because all of these systems of oppression work together as it exists within individuals.”

RSVP to UMCRAFT’s Slamming the Patriarchy! by Jan. 21. The event is free and open to the public.

16

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Emilia Fournier Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

On the road Local guitarist Ariel Posen embarks on solo tour EMELIA FOURNIER, STAFF

A

fter years of performing and added, "and I was like, this is really his dad at CBC, where he had access the basic digipack. he is motivated to create and play touring with fellow Canadian fun, I should probably do some to their enormous music library.

“My growing years as a musician music. acts, renowned Winnipeg guitarist writing.”

“Every single album that has been and as a guitar player was all about “There’s something when you play Ariel Posen is headlining his own He began writing tracks for out or had just come out was there, bands and songs,” said Posen. to people, and you react to it, it’s just tour of the U.K., Canada and the U.S. How Long about two years ago, and and I could just take as many of them Posen said Nirvana, the Beastie this combined effort from all parties,” to promote his first solo LP, How approached Murray Pulver to pro- as I wanted, put on headphones and Boys, Green Day and Rage Against said Posen.

Long. duce the album. listen to them, and of course the best the Machine were predominant “It just gives you this energy and “I didn’t force anything. I didn’t part about it was going through all influences in his formative years, but an adrenaline that you kind of can’t Posen got his start by booking his own gigs as a frontman in a band, even have intencited the Beatles get in any other scenario.” then made connections in Winnipeg tions of touring, I as his number one Posen said his solo career is just “It just gives you this energy and and began playing regularly for other didn’t have inteninf luence. Posen beginning. bands. began to get into “This [album] represents the last tions of writing a an adrenaline that you kind of Winnipeg’s tight-knit music record or writing blues guitar play- couple years where my head was at community provided Posen with an album or anyers, like Stevie and it still represents me, but I’m can’t get in any other scenario” plenty of work as a freelance guitar- thing,” he said.

Ray Vaughan and already moving forward,” said Posen.

— Ariel Posen ist. However, when he moved abroad “Just write some John Mayer, a little “I actually almost have another with his wife a few years ago, Posen songs, and see later in his musical record written already — that’s what was removed from his usual gigs. what happens.” development. happens when you sit on an album His upcoming solo tour provides for so long.”

“I needed to work, and I needed to Making music comes naturally to the liner notes, reading the lyrics,” get some kind of income,” said Posen. Posen after being surrounded by it his said Posen. the opportunity to share his new “So I said, you know what, I should whole life — he began playing guitar Posen is excited for people to be material with a broad audience, and Posen’s tour will stop in Winnipeg on probably just start booking my own at nine years old, and was brought up able to take home physical copies of also to engage in his favourite activ- Feb. 1 at the West End Cultural Centre. gigs again, like I did at the very start.” in a musical family. his first solo album, which contains ity: performing.

Tickets are available at the WECC box Posen recalls going to work with liner notes and artwork, instead of The more he performs, the more office, ticketfly.com and Into the Music.

“I had an all new love for it," he

’Toban turntable Want us to review your band? Email arts@themanitoban.com EMELIA FOURNIER, STAFF

Ariel Posen – How Long, 4.5/5

H

ow Long is a melodic blues rock album that shows off Ariel Posen’s guitar prowess and smooth vocals. Posen’s guitar playing evokes vintage Tom Petty and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but still brings a newer, alternative flavour to his sound.

Tracks like “Try” and “Fade” have a similar tone to some of John Mayer’s blues guitar playing. The Beatles’ influence is also evident throughout the album, particularly in the chord progressions and structure of Posen’s “Get You Back.”

That being said, Posen’s sound is distinct — bluesy but sleek, laid back and passionate, balancing the various influences and his own creativity

throughout the album.

Posen’s lyrics are sometimes wistful, sometimes nostalgic, but the returning motif of bringing his feelings back to the present is the central arc of the album.

The lyrics are autobiographical, looking back on past loves, conversations, choices and the evolution of the self — consider the title track “How Long,” which includes the lyrics “I’m finally starting to see/I’m not who I thought I’d be.”

The album is about accepting and learning from one’s past and relaxing into the future.

The tracks are largely an honest conversation about past mistakes and successes, without expecting perfection from the future.

The tone shifts from melancholic

on tracks like “How Long” to happier tracks like “Can’t Stop Thinking About You.” The overall laid-back, seemingly effortless style of instrumentals and vocals ties the album together through these shifting tones.

Pensive instrumental guitar tracks like “Daybreak” and “She Knows” break up the album well, as some tracks have very similar structure and style, and could bleed together. The clean, crisp production on behalf of producer Murray Pulver cements the consistently smooth feel of the album.

Overall, it’s a relaxed, easy listen.

While the lyrics are not incredibly intricate, they feel genuine, melding well with the instrumentals.

Posen knows how to write music well, and How Long is a perfect LP to introduce him as a solo artist.

PHOTO BY LYNETTE GIESBRECHT

Volunteer for Arts

17

Sports Sports Editor: Jason Pchajek Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Curse of the cougar continues Herd loses series, leading scorer and sixth straight to Mount Royal JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

Bison Briefs Former Bison off to NFC championship

With a 20-14 win, the New Orleans Saints knocked off the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Saints defensive tackle and former Bison, David Onyemata, had two tackles in the game.

The Saints will now play Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game.

Women’s hockey back on winning track

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA

C

ougar attacks are rarely fatal, but the Mount Royal University Cougars may have killed the U of M Bisons men’s hockey team’s playoff hopes.

With a pair of losses over the weekend, the Bisons now sit eight points back of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns for the final playoff spot. Standing in the way are four teams the Bisons have yet to beat this season.

Worse yet, Manitoba may have lost leading scorer Zach Franko for the remainder of the season.

Friday

Down 3-0 in the second period to the Cougars Friday, Manitoba postured for a comeback bid.

However, the herd’s charge fell short and the Bisons fell 5-2 on home ice.

“You have to play 60 minutes to win a hockey game,” Bisons head coach Mike Sirant said.

Sirant was particularly disappointed with his team’s first period, where they “didn’t get into the rhythm of the game.”

Jesse Lees got the Cougars ahead early in the first, and then Chris Gerrie extended the lead at 14:58.

Colton Kroeker broke into the Bisons zone on the left, drawing two Bisons defenders and leaving Gerrie alone in the slot. Gerrie picked up a pass and snuck a shot low blocker on Byron Spriggs for the 2-0 Mount Royal lead in the first.

After Brad Kennedy put Manitoba in a three-goal hole to start the second, Franko stepped

up for the Bisons. [in] Canada West.” were crashing the net on a two-onWith a five-on-three advantage, Veloso most recently played with one, a Bisons player was pushed Adam Henry went point-to-point the Jacksonville IceMen of the East into Spriggs. with Franko. Franko then ham- Coast Hockey League.

Austin Adamson picked the corSirant also provided an update ner while Spriggs was down. But mered a shot top corner on Riley Morris to make it 3-1 Mount Royal. on Bisons captain Brett Stovin after a conference by the referees Mount Royal took another pen- — who has been out since late the goal was waved off. alty minutes later to put Manitoba December with an injury — sayLate in the first period there back on the five-on-three. Once ing the situation is “kind of week by were multiple tense moments for again, Henry fed Franko who went week” but he is healing well. an injury-riddled Bisons squad.

Spriggs was involved in another shelf on Morris to get the Bisons within one.

Saturday collision and Jonah Wasylak was The Bisons lost to the Cougars boarded. Both remained in the 4-1 Saturday — but may have lost game. something more important in the Along with those was the injury “They play a full process. to Franko.

60-minute game A day after scoring a pair of The bad luck continued into the goals, Franko fell awkwardly after second for the Bisons. and that’s not what a hit in the opening period and A dump-in bounced off the we’re at yet” — left the game. Manitoba’s leading stantion and into the slot for David scorer was in a sling post-game and Stephens. His shot was stopped, but Mike Sirant, Bisons appeared to suffer a shoulder injury. Connor Chartier’s off the rebound “Zach’s been playing really well, was not, as he snapped one by men’s hockey some of the best hockey of his Spriggs to tie the game 1-1. head coach Bison career,” Sirant said.

Adamson scored late in the “That’s a real tough break for him frame to give Mount Royal a 2-1 and for the team to have him go out lead heading into the third. Then Manitoba kept the momentum with an injury right now. I haven’t Gerrie and Stephens added third going and put on the pressure late, received an update yet but let’s hope period markers to ice the 4-1 win. pulling Spriggs for a six-on-five. it’s not too serious or that he’s not Manitoba has now lost six The Cougars pounced with two out too long.” straight to Mount Royal, stretchempty net goals and sealed the Unlike Friday night where ing back to the 2018 playoffs. Mount game 5-2.

Manitoba was put in an early 2-0 Royal, meanwhile, clinched a playColton Veloso made his home hole, the Bisons got out to a strong off spot with the win. debut for Manitoba on Friday. The first period thanks to a Liam Bilton “They’re a good team, they work 21-year-old joined the Bisons dur- goal. hard,” Sirant said. “They play a full ing the Christmas break and Sirant Brett Brooks carried the puck 60-minute game and that’s not was positive about his potential from the corner and lost it in a what we’re at yet.” impact. crowd. Bilton picked up the loose “Colton is a good player,” Sirant puck in the slot, spun and fired, The Bisons will be on the road next said. “He’s got good speed, he’s beating Morris low blocker for the week to visit the University of Regina strong on pucks […] He hasn’t 1-0 lead.

Cougars. Puckdrop for game one is 7 played for a while so it’s going to Mount Royal came back the p.m. CST Jan. 18 and at 3 p.m. CST take him a few games under his belt other way and appeared to tie it up for game two the following day. before he gets the pace of the play moments later. While the Cougars

A week after being swept by the University of Alberta Pandas, Manitoba earned a sweep of its own over the Mount Royal University Cougars. The herd locked up a playoff spot in the process.

In game one, the Bisons walked to an easy 4-1 win.

Natasha Kostenko and Karissa Kirkup got things going with a pair of goals in the first, and Jenai Buchanan made it 3-0 in the second. Mount Royal got its lone goal in the third, followed by an Erica Rieder insurance marker.

Mount Royal got out to an early lead in game two, but the Bisons took over en route to another 4-1 win. Alanna Sharman scored her first of the season to tie the game in the second, adding another in the third.

Lauryn Keen and Jordyn Zacharias both scored in the final frame.

At 42 points on the season, the Bisons have locked up a playoff berth. They will now fight to get ahead of Alberta for first in the conference.

Manitoba basketball shines in Prince George

Bisons basketball walked out of the University of Northern British Columbia with three wins in a weekend series against the Timberwolves.

The Bisons men earned a sweep with a tight 66-63 win Friday followed up by a 69-65 win Saturday. James Wagner led the Bisons with 27 points in the opener. Wagner had a gamehigh 16 points in Saturday’s match, while Isaac Miller-Jose came off the bench for 11 points The Bisons now sit in 13th at 5-9, one win behind both the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack and University of Victoria Vikes for playoff position.

The Bisons women split their series with a 76-69 win Friday and a 90-82 loss Saturday.

Taylor Randall led Manitoba with 20 points Friday. Emma Thompson had a team-high 23 points for Manitoba Saturday, while Randall was close behind with 21.

Currently in 11th, the 6-8 women are two games up on both the 4-10 Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack and MacEwan University Griffins.

18

Sports

Sports Editor: Jason Pchajek Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Bisons sweep UBC Okanagan to stay in playoff hunt

Spiring and Negus keep strong seasons going; Warren ties Canada West record KELLEN TANIGUCHI, STAFF

multiple occasions.

Ten errors and a negative hitting percentage sunk the visiting Heat in the opening set.

An early four point run put the herd up 7-2, ending with a Kevin Negus block. Owen Schwartz connected on three kills in the set and

Manitoba improves to 6-8 with the win and holds on to a playoff spot at eighth in the conference PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA

T

he U of M Bisons men’s volleyball team continued its unexpected run toward the post-season on the weekend. The herd swept aside the winless UBC Okanagan Heat to snag a playoff position in the standings.

Friday

The Bisons beat the Heat 3-1 Friday to open the series at the Investors Group Athletic Centre.

Brendan Warren tied a Canada West record with 16 blocks in the match.

“It’s pretty cool, pretty special. I’m excited,” said Warren.

“I [have] Jack [Mandryk] beside me, that helps,” he said. “We put up a solid block and we had some good bounces tonight.”

Mandryk had 11 blocks in the match, combining with Warren on

Manitoba combined for three blocks en route to a 25-19 set win.

The Heat took an 8-5 lead in the second set, but the Bisons strung together six points to take an 11-8 lead. The teams exchanged attacks throughout the remainder of the set, but the visitors took it 25-23.

Dustin Spiring led Manitoba with four kills in the set.

Negus powered down eight kills, leading the home team to a 27-26 lead in the third set. An attacking error by the Heat gave the Bisons a 28-26 win.

In the final set, two early blocks

by Mandryk and Warren energized the Manitoba fans. The Bisons ran with the momentum to a 16-9 lead at the technical timeout. The Bisons brick wall provided more blocks and the team powered to a 25-14 set win to take the match.

Saturday

and they left it all out on the court in the fourth set.

The fourth frame was a gruelling battle with both teams showcasing their power. The two teams combined for 41 kills in the frame. Negus killed an impressive 10 balls in the set, while Goski kept the visitors close with six kills.

Manitoba was down 8-7 early in the set but a service error by the Heat brought the two sides even. Negus scored a kill and the Bisons strung together four more points to take a 13-8 lead.

However, the visitors battled back and a Goski kill tied the game at 24.

The teams exchanged looks until a Goski kill put the Heat up 31-30 late in the set. Negus responded with a kill of his own and Mandryk followed suit.

The Bisons finally won the set 33-31 to take the match.

Manitoba improves to 6-8 with the win and a playoff spot at eighth in the conference.

The Bisons took Saturday’s match 3-1 keeping the Heat winless at 0-16 on the year.

Negus slammed down a gamehigh 20 kills for Manitoba and Schwartz got down for a game-high 14 digs. Brennan Goski led the visiting team with 14 kills in the match.

Manitoba dominated the first frame while UBC Okanagan struggled with discipline. The visitors committed seven errors in the set and Spiring pounded down four kills to lead the herd to a 25-12 first set win.

Spiring had a big presence in the second set as well and connected on five kills, while Negus slammed down an additional four in the frame.

The strong Bisons offence was too much and the home team won the The Bisons will be on the road next set 25-21. weekend, in Saskatoon to take on the Manitoba had trouble finishing University of Saskatchewan Huskies. rallies in the third set and UBC Game one is Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. CST and Okanagan took advantage to win game two is Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. CST. 25-21.

The win gave the Heat some fire

“You can’t teach size” Analysis: height a blessing and curse for Lauren Taraschuk JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF

Lauren Taraschuk’s personal the chance they have of putting the mantra may be “get a little bet- puck in that area. ter every day,” but as the old sports Of course, there are shooters out maxim goes: “You can’t teach size.” there who can pick those corners Currently listed at six-foot, the and gaps but, in women’s hockey, Winnipeg-born netminder stands Taraschuk is in a class of her own. well above the average for both men When most female netminders and women in the general Canadian drop low to the butterfly — or even population. Further, she — quite drop into their ready stance — the literally — stands head and shoul- area over their shoulders is exposed. ders above every other netminder in Along with this is a lack of width Canada West. in the torso, necessitating greater This height, and the advantages arm movement to cover shots going that come along with it, goes a long laterally. way toward explaining how she has Taraschuk, on the other hand, quickly become one of the nation’s covers between five to seven inches top goaltenders. Taraschuk won a more vertical space, still touching the national championship as a rookie, crossbar when she’s down low. This and had a conference best 0.71 goals- imposing figure covers more net and against-average and second-best 0.961 requires more skilled shooters to get save percentage. the puck behind her.

However her height also provides The obvious solution to this is plenty of issues that teams like the cross-crease and cross-ice passes, University of Alberta Pandas — forcing Taraschuk to move laterally currently occupying first-place in and expose more net. However, again Canada West — are ready to exploit. her height compensates.

Not only does she already cover Advantages: Mobility more space than the average women’s and angle coverage hockey goaltender, a lot of her height When facing down a shot, a major comes from her legs. Taraschuk is determinant of success on the part of able to move laterally much quicker the goaltender is covering as much than other goalies, owing primarily of the net as possible. The less open to her strides being longer. Toss in a space you give the shooter, the lower good glove hand and blocker, and she

PHOTO BY JASON PCHAJEK

is nigh unbeatable.

Disadvantages: More size, more to move

While Taraschuk’s height may be a boon in some respects, as can be seen with tall male goaltenders such as Ben Bishop and Connor Hellebuyck, there are literal cracks to be exploited.

The length of one’s limbs does not necessarily translate to the width of said limbs. While Taraschuk can extend her limbs out to make saves, this extension does not help shots

going below her arms and pads.

More effort than average is needed by larger goaltenders to move their limbs vertically to stop pucks. This was on full display for Taraschuk against the University of Alberta on Jan. 4.

Down 2-0, Autumn MacDougall picked up a headman pass and went in on a partial break. She snapped a shot, sneaking it just below Taraschuk’s left knee to make it 3-0 Alberta. In that moment, Taraschuk’s height hurt her.

With a much longer leg, more time and energy were needed to close

that angle and drop to the ice. More energy needed to move a larger object.

Large goaltenders have more trouble with lower saves because they need to move more physical mass to cover those areas.

This same principle exists with all left-catching goaltenders facing left-handed shooters — and the same for those on the right. A shot low blocker is hard to stop because the blocker itself is so heavy. However, for Taraschuk and other tall netminders, the problem is exacerbated by the overall increase in area under the arms.

The solution to this comes down to her team’s defence. If they can force shots from further out, this will give Taraschuk more time to see and react, saving her the hundredth of a second needed to get in the way.

Taraschuk has seen a statistical decline this season, which you could argue is due to a Bisons squad missing key veterans from last season.

Further, with another year in the league, teams can plan to face her more effectively.

That being said, with a 1.50 goalsagainst-average and 0.938 save percentage so far in the 2018-19 season, Taraschuk is looking far from solved by her opponents.

VOL. 105 NO. 20 January 16, 2019

Sports

19

Manitoba turns up heat on UBC Okanagan

Visitors held to single set on weekend as herd reach .500 KELLEN TANIGUCHI, STAFF

T

he U of M Bisons women’s volleyball club was not very welcoming to the visiting University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat on the weekend, as the herd dominated a two-game series to pick up crucial wins as the stretch-run begins across the conference.

Friday

The herd opened its weekend series with the UBC Okanagan with a 3-1 win on Friday.

Kearley Abbott led the herd with 13 kills and Cassie Bujan recorded a game-high 19 digs, while Ann Richards led the Heat with 13 kills.

Kelsey Jordan also stood out for the home team. She converted on seven of her eight attacks in the game.

“We’ve been working a lot in practice on my aspect of my game of attacking,” said Jordan.

“I think today I just really focused on what coach has been telling me about being patient, block, and making sure I make the right sets before I go for the attack.”

Manitoba stormed out to a 14-7 lead in the first set with Abbott hitting two of her four set kills within that span. UBC Okanagan responded

with six unanswered points, capped off by a Richards kill.

The visitors used the momentum to snag a 25-23 first set win.

In the second set, Laura Findlay knocked down three kills and Manitoba won by a commanding 25-12 score.

Abbott opened the third set with

“We’ve been working a lot in practice on my aspect of my game of attacking” — Kelsey Jordan, Bison women’s volleyball setter a kill and Findlay followed with two of her own to put Manitoba up 3-0.

Findlay slammed down a set-high five kills to lead the Bisons to a 25-16 set victory.

Josie Abbott pounded five kills in the fourth set, while Kearley Abbott killed the final ball of the set to give

Manitoba the 25-20 win and the match. Once again, the herd’s offence was too strong, as they connected on 18 kills in the fourth frame.

With the win the Bisons improve to 8-8 on the year, good for sixth in the conference with eight games remaining.

“We’ve been working really, really hard in the gym and on the court to prepare for these games and it’s been paying off,” said Jordan.

Saturday

Manitoba cruised to a 3-0 win over the Heat Saturday at the Investors Group Athletic Centre, completing the weekend sweep.

Koswin led the Bisons with a game-high 12 kills, and Bujan led all players with 13 digs.

Serving played a huge role in the match and the Bisons served up 14 aces in the match, compared to the Heats’ one.

Josie Abbott opened the match with two consecutive service aces, followed by a visitor attack error to put Manitoba up 3-0. Kearley Abbott served up two aces of her own and Koswin smacked down three kills to put the home team up 12-3.

PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DECEBAL-CUZA

The herd did not look back and the set 25-14. took the first set 25-12.

The Heat put up a team-high 17 Manitoba carried momentum into points in the third set, but 14 errors the second frame and strung together in the frame hurt them. Manitoba two 4-0 scoring runs. Two Findlay won the set 25-17 and took the match. service aces and two Koswin kills put together the first run and the home team led 7-3.

The Bisons will visit the University After a Jade Bussard kill gave of Saskatchewan Huskies next weekend.

UBC Okanagan a point, the sec- Tipoff for game one is 6 p.m. CST on ond 4-0 run — fuelled by two Josie Jan. 18 and 6 p.m. the next night for Abbott kills — gave Manitoba an game two.

11-4 lead. Manitoba went on to take

Penalty killing, pranking and going pro

Senior Spotlight: Brett Stovin KELLEN TANIGUCHI, STAFF

A

fter plying his trade at the uni- everything’s ready to go before I go and our team — in the middle of Stovin is captain of the herd for versity level for four seasons, U of overseas.” the game, like you’ll never see it — the second straight season and durM Bisons men’s hockey team captain Stovin has the experience to make jumped the boards and came down ing a tough campaign for the Bisons Brett Stovin is ready for his next test. it professionally and he played for the and just grabbed the four of us that he has resorted to different tactics to The 24-year-old is looking to step Saskatoon Blades for four years. Prior were killing together and pulled us keep spirits up. into the pro ranks following this to the WHL, Stovin only played off the ice while the fans were giving “At times I’ve even become a year’s season. house leagues and AA. us a standing ovation.” prankster in the dressing room and “I have an agent in Denmark right “My first year in the WHL was a That penalty kill becomes more that’s not my thing,” said Stovin. now and he’s doing some work over lot of getting yelled at to learn a lot memorable when Stovin recalls who “It’s kind of our leadership group’s there,” said Stovin. of new things,” said Stovin. was on the opposing power-play unit. way of letting guys know that they Stovin is not too familiar with the “It was tough. I had to do what I “They had [Nic] Petan, [Oliver] need to be accountable, because we leagues in Europe but is putting his had to do to stay in the lineup.”

Bjorkstrand, Seth Jones, Ty Rattie have standards,” he said. trust into his agent to find the right fit.

While playing for the Blades, — that was the unit they had together,” “When guys are late for [a] work“He seems to be on the exact same Stovin skated in out, when guys page I’m on, where he’s a family guy the Memorial Cup. are late to prac“I have an agent in Denmark right now and and he understands family,” said “Probably my tice, that’s not greatest hockey Stovin. acceptable […] If he’s doing some work over there” — Brett “He knows my girlfriend wants to memory is against you come late you Stovin, Bisons men’s hockey captain come over with me so he’s looking Portland,” he said. know you’re going into finding a city where not only I “It was in the to get pranked or would enjoy, but my girlfriend would Memorial Cup someone is going enjoy it as well.” again, sold out rink, 15,000 in the said Stovin. to pull something on you.”

For now though, Stovin is focused SaskTel Centre.”

Stovin has had some memorable Stovin said skate blades have been on the season in Manitoba and getStovin was a part of a penalty kill moments at the U of M, but the win- taped, laces have been put in upside ting healthy again. unit that got stuck on the ice for a ter classic at the University of British down and equipment has been taped Stovin had a hip reconstruction full major penalty to end the second Columbia sticks out in his mind. The together. two summers ago and is currently out period.

Bisons lost a hard-fought game 4-3.

“On the record, I would like you to of the Bisons lineup finishing rehab.

“We ended up being stuck in our “They had a sold-out rink there,” say that all of this is Nick Zajac doing “I know I have to get my body own end the entire five minutes,” said Stovin said that, so that they know it’s not me,” ready to go because they don’t have Stovin.

“Their fans go kind of wild for that joked Stovin. the same resources we have here,” “We blocked a ridiculous amount one. It’s all students, they have a few “It's good fun. They know it's me.” said Stovin. of shots and the only thing that saved drinks before and have some fun. I Zajac and Stovin met when both “I’m going to spend [the] major- us — they didn’t score — the only remember it being a very intense played for the Blades, and reunited ity of the summer preparing my thing that saved us was the buzzer game that brought me back to my at the U of M. body, making sure I don’t relapse at the end of the period. junior playoff days that were pretty “We’ve always been able to lean with my hip again and making sure “I just remember looking up wild.” on each other,” said Stovin. “We’ve

always been on the same line together, we’ve always been leaders together, we kind of work perfectly together,” said Stovin.

To Stovin, Zajac is “one of the best teammates you’ll ever have in your life.”

Stovin is completing a recreation management major and will finish two classes overseas via correspondence.

“Hopefully in the future [I’ll] get a masters while I’m over there playing or see kind of where the puck takes me,” he said.

If hockey ever falls through, the Bisons captain has a few ideas career-wise.

“Sports management is an option, I’ve really thought about coaching, general management, president of a sports organization, that type of route,” said Stovin.

Stovin said he also loves the outdoors and would be interested in working in park management or becoming a conservation officer.

“Whether it’s in the rink, or outside in the bush or on the lake, those three places are like my happy place,” said Stovin.

“As long as it’s one of those three things, then I’m very content with wherever my career takes me.”

.

P.Geo

L

NA O I S S OFE

A PR

T S I T CIEN

S O E E. R G E H E B L L I W

Geoscientists examine the Earth to find, and safely extract, our needed natural resources.

Safeguard resources for future generations.

Become a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.)

1 844 741-6389 (toll-free)

Confidential & Accessible 24/7, 365 days/year Solution-focused counselling services empowering you to thrive!

Connect with Empower Me Call the 24/7 helpline at 1 844 741-6389 (toll-free) from anywhere in North America and ask your counsellor for support in your preferred language.

The first time you connect, a counsellor will determine the severity of your issue and plan a course of action with you.

For more information Only UMSU Health & Dental Plan members have access to Empower Me. Visit www.studentcare.ca for complete details.

You can also download assistance tools through the iAspiria mobile app by entering “Studentcare” as the Login ID and selecting “Student” from the drop-down menu.