22 January 2014

news

comment

science & technology

arts & culture

sports

Wab Kinew

Marilyn

Health care 2.0

Big Fun

Block party

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page 8

page 12

page 15

page 20

Native studies' winter colloquium lecture

Monroe no role model

President of the Institute of Medicine visits U of M, discusses improvements

BFF brings 36 bands, 11 venues, multiple genres

Bisons sweep Mount Royal Cougars at home

New Music Festival blends genres pgs 10 & 11 Vo l 1 0 0 路 N o 1 9 路 J a n ua ry 2 2 , 2 0 1 4 路 w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

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Index

VOL. 100 NO. 19 January 22, 2014

Editor-in-Chief Bryce Hoye

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Foster Lyle

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

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Advertising Coordinator Daniel Schipper

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Senior News Editor Quinn Richert

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news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Katy MacKinnon

katy@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Comment Editor Katerina Tefft

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Managing Editor Fraser Nelund

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

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science & technology Editor Tom Ingram

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

arts & Culture Editor Kara Passey

arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Sports Editor Marc Lagace

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Copy Editor Carlyn Schellenberg

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

Design

Design Editor Silvana Moran

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

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Graphics Editor Bradly Wohlgemuth

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Photo Editor Beibei Lu

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

design associate Aichelle Sayuno

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graphics associate Bram Keast

Reporters 18-20

News Caleigh MacDonald News Kevin Linklater Science Elizabeth Drewnik arts & culture Anastasia Chipelski arts & culture Lukas Thiessen Sports Mike Still Assistant copy editor Angela England

Volunteer Contributors

Will Gibson, Rebecca Henderson, Matt Giesbrecht, Caroline Norman, Alyssa Arnold, Adam Peleshaty, Gloria Joe, John Stinzi, Keegan Steele, Tariq Sohail, Samantha Secter, Michael Carlisle, Meg Bergeron, Lauren Siddall

The Manitoban will be featuring select anonymous confessions posted to the UManitoba Confessions Facebook page. Confidentially submit your very own campus confessions and dirty secrets to www.facebook.com/confessionsumanitoba

Confession #209 "I realize getting a degree is not meant to guarantee me a job after graduation... but I am graduating this year and it seems there is not a lot of opportunity that pays enough for me to support myself and pay off my student debt. Some of my friends that did not go to school have just bought their own houses. I feel a little misled about postsecondary education..."

Cover photo: Alexander Mickelthwate and WSO

by Keith Levit Photography

MANITOBAN 105 UN IVERSITY CENTRE U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N I TO B A WINNIPEG, MB R3T 2N2

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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 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 ©2014 and may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

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Senior News Editor: Quinn Richert News Editor: Katy MacKinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

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News

Native studies’ winter colloquium series brings Wab Kinew to campus Journalist and educator shares thoughts on Aboriginal identity in modern times Kevin Linklater, staff

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ast Wednesday, indigenous and how it put his identity as in a modern, capitalist, global Ca nad ia n educator a nd Anishinaabe into a global context. context. broadcasting personality Wab “I was sitting with these guys, “In today’s economy, the most Kinew spoke at the University of about to do an interview on the important thing is knowledge. And Manitoba’s Aboriginal Student topic of their brother, who had having a plurality of knowledge Centre as part of the native stud- been incarcerated in Guantanamo and a diversity of viewpoints will ies department’s 2014 winter col- Bay [detention camp] for close to make us stronger. That is why it loquium series. Kinew discussed a decade. We sat there for a while is important to hold onto these his travels, issues of identity, and before the interpreter arrived, try- things,” said Kinew. what being indigenous means when ing to just hang out, but only being travelling abroad. able to stare at each other and nod Kinew introduced his pre- back and forth awkwardly. And “Who am I? Well, I’m sentation, entitled “The 8th Fire then his face lit up and he pointed an Anishinaabe kid and the World: Anishinaabe in at me and he said ‘Cherokee!’ and Global Context,” with a seemingly sat back with a satisfied look on from Northwestern straightforward and singular ques- his face.” tion of personal identity: “who am Kinew went on to explain that Ontario who works I?” He proceeded to show that the many in Yemen were generally in the United States question necessitates a complicated unaware of the history of First answer.

Nations people in North America; for an Arab-owned “Who am I? Well, I’m an according to Kinew, it was assumed television network.

Anishinaabe kid from Northwestern that people who looked like Ontario who works in the United Europeans had always inhabited And that’s the States for an Arab-owned television the continent. reality of the world network. And that’s the reality of “This forced me to confront [ . . the world today [ . . . ] What does . ] how do I explain to this person today” – Wab Kinew it mean to be indigenous when I go what it means to be Anishinaabe to Dubai? What does it mean to be when they have no idea of the exisindigenous when you are no longer tence, much less the details, of the The U of M’s Fort Garry campus indigenous to the place where you cultures of the indigenous peoples are?” asked Kinew. of the Americas? It was a real eye- will be the site of a multitude of events this term geared towards Kinew, who recently took up a opening experience for me.” position as a foreign correspondent Kinew also touched on the a First Nations audience. UMSU for the Al Jazeera media network, importance of preserving indig- Aboriginal students’ representative shared a story of a trip to Yemen, enous culture and language, even Clyford Sinclair recently hosted

a roundtable discussion, aimed at identifying and tackling some of the most pressing problems facing indigenous people in Canada today.

“I was approached by CFS Manitoba to see if we wa nted to host a large Aboriginal gathering with the intent of formulating resolutions for change. And there were four main issues identified: missing and murdered women, post-secondary education funding, community organizing, and environmental justice,” Sinclair told the Manitoban.

The issues identif ied at the discussion will be taken up at a Feb. 14 meeting, where speakers with expertise in each of the four areas will be brought in to lead discussions on the topics. The

opening speaker will be Derek Nepinak, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

K ine w f inished his talk on a positive note, emphasizing the need for F i r s t Nations in Canada to gain a global perspective, and to share the unique perspective that they have with the world.

“You don’t have to lose your indigenous identity in order to be a player in the global economy. You don’t have to lose your ties to your home community in order to participate in that form of modernity. These things can aid you in that and don’t have to hold you back.” illustration by bram keast

Teen sexter convicted of child porn charges “Precedent-setting” case raises questions about cyberbullying Caleigh MacDonald, staff

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n what the prosecuting lawyer cannot be named, was charged and “The law was written with a clear their privacy. cyberbullies’?” is calling a “precedent-setting” found guilty of uttering threats and intention, prosecuting pedophiles, Opponents claim that while the The debate is capable of drawmove, a 17-year-old girl from British distributing child pornography. She and was never intended to apply to bill is right in its attempt to crimi- ing out the passing of the bill for Columbia has been convicted of is currently out on bail and awaiting such cases. The problem is that our nalize cyberbullying, the rest of its months, which, as McArthur child pornography charges stemming sentencing. laws haven’t caught up to the prob- contents are too similar to Bill C-30, pointed out, does little to help curfrom her distribution of nude photos Christopher Mackie, lawyer for lem of sexting. We need specific which was vehemently opposed rent victims. of another girl via text message. the accused, said he plans to chal- laws tailored to this sort of situation, for a perceived potential for pri“Quite frankly, lawmakers need The charges came after the lenge the ruling vacy violations in to get off their asses and start writaccused reportedly distributed pho- on a constituthe form of online ing laws that deal with our modern tos of the ex-girlfriend of her then-17 tional basis under surveillance. age,” said McArthur.

“Lawmakers need to get off their -year-old boyfriend, and threatened the argument that “Much of Bill “Yes, sexting is a relatively new asses and start writing laws that the victim repeatedly online. since it is legal C-13 is a lmost problem, but it didn’t start happenAccording to Chandra Fisher, for adults to send a cut-and-paste ing just yesterday. Legislatures have deal with our modern age” – crown prosecutor for the case, the “erotic images” to of C-30,” wrote had several years to deal with it, and accused took issue with the contact each other, it the BC Freedom they are only now starting to.”

Neil McArthur, associate director of the between her boyfriend and her boy- should be legal for of Information Referring to cases such as centre for professional and applied ethics friend’s ex-girlfriend. teens to “sext.” and P r i v a c y that of Amanda Todd, Rehtaeh The judge in the case called the “Child pornogAssociation.

Parsons, and Rebecca Ann Sedwick, messages “mean, rude, and antago- raphy laws were “The major dif- McArthur said, “People need to nistic,” and stated that the images intended to protect children, not to so that the police aren’t forced to ference is that the overly broad start pressuring their elected repshared by the accused fall “within the persecute them,” Mackie told the use whatever laws they can find to surveillance provisions are rolled resentatives to get moving. It’s a definition of child pornography.”

CBC. prosecute people who do it.” up with provisions dealing with a huge problem, which is destroying The court was informed that the Neil McArthur, associate direcIt is a problem that govern- genuine problem (cyberbullying). people’s lives and, in some tragic accused intended to both humiliate tor of the centre for professional and ment officials tried to remedy in Can we now expect Justice Minister cases, leading to suicide.” and threaten the victim. applied ethics and associate profes- the proposed Bill C-13, a bill that Peter MacKay to stand in the House The accused, who was 16 at the sor of philosophy at the University has been met with resistance from [ . . . ] and declare ‘you can stand For anti-bullying resources, time of the 2012 offence and thus of Manitoba, agrees. many who fear it will impose on with us or you can stand with the visit Prevnet.ca

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News

VOL. 100 NO. 19 January 22, 2014

i n t e r n at i o n a l n e w s b r i e f s

By Caleigh MacDonald, Staff

Obama speaks to NSA privacy concerns On Jan. 17 U.S. President Barack Obama spoke in an international broadcast to address concerns that have plagued the global community for years regarding the National Security Agency (NSA) and its ability to collect information about private citizens.

In a 45-minute speech, Obama acknowledged many of the recent criticisms of the NSA’s intelligencegathering practices, specifically those pertaining to mass collection and storage of personal data by the government.

“I believe we need a new approach,” said Obama.

“I am therefore ordering a transition that will end the Section 215 bulk meta data program as it currently exists, and establish a mechanism that preserves the capabilities we need without the government holding this bulk meta data.”

The president also announced sev-

eral other changes that would expand upon the procedures that regulate the oversight of the NSA and other such intelligence agencies.

Obama did maintain, however, that “we cannot unilaterally disarm our intelligence agencies,” and that many of the proposals mentioned require legislation and debate on Capitol Hill, which could lengthen the time period before they are enacted.

Hearings over Quebec Charter of Values begin Public hearings have begun over the controversial Quebec Charter of Values bill proposed by Bernard Drainville, minister for democratic institutions and active citizenship in the province.

The charter, which has drawn the ire of many, was tabled last year with the aim of “affirming the values of state secularism and religious neutrality and of equality between women and men, and providing a framework

for accommodation requests.” were passed, he would leave Quebec The contentious issue at hand is before removing his turban. that, if passed, the bill will ban the “It almost says to me that I need wearing of “overtly” religious symbols permission to be an individual in this by any person working in the pub- community. It’s both insulting and lic sector. Affected positions would just plain racist,” Singh recently told include police officers, firefighters, the Montreal Gazette. paramedics, and anyone else whose Another doctor, Michael Malus, profession is directly funded by the who is chief of family medicine at the government.

Jewish General Hospital, expressed Although there is not currently his personal opinion that the bill was any definitive list as to what would “legislated bigotry,” in an interview constitute an overt symbol of faith, with the Montreal Gazette. the proposed bill lists items such as Despite the protests, polls show “headgear, clothing, jewellery, or other that the proposed bill has an approval adornments which, by their conspicu- rating of approximately 48 per cent. ous nature, overtly indicate a religious Hearings are expected to take several affiliation.” Also explicitly named is months. a ban on face coverings.

Numerous people have protested More time on math the bill, claiming that it discriminates does not equal better against them. scores for Canadians Sanjeet Singh Saluja, a Quebec Canadian students are spending emergency room doctor and practis- more time in the classroom than ever ing Sikh who wears a turban while before, but that has not stopped their at work, stated in an interview with math marks from falling, says a study the Montreal Gazette that if the bill from the Organization for Economic

Co-operation and Development (OECD).

When the OECD’s international student achievement rankings were published in December, Canadian educators were dismayed to see that Canada had fallen to 13th place in math rankings.

Educators have advocated for more time spent on mathematics in the classroom, but according to this study, Canadian students already spend more time on math than those in any other country in the Western world.

Some have blamed the lower scores on the way that Canadian curricula are structured.

“We have a situation where we’re not focusing on the basics,” said Michael Zwaagstra in a January interview with Maclean’s.

“We’re focusing on everything else.”

Senior News Editor: Quinn Richert News Editor: Katy MacKinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News

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Wind Mobile backs out of spectrum bid Conservatives’ efforts at promoting competition in the wireless sector yet to materialize results Kevin Linklater, staff

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ast week telecommunications policies that are going to get them votes.

Last year, American telecoms firm Wind Mobile dropped out of They are concerned about getting re- giant Verizon scrapped a plan to enter a spectrum auction after VimpelCom elected, so they have a serious interest the Canadian market, and mobile Ltd., its Dutch parent company, with- in making it work [ . . . ] and in bring- start-up Mobilicity filed for creditor drew financial support for the bid. ing more competition to the cell phone protection.

This seemingly innocuous busi- market.”

“Verizon decided not to come to ness decision is getting lots of airplay Canada’s telecommunications sec- Canada; it saw that there were three in the Canadian media, as some see tor has long been criticized as being large companies that were dug in. A the dropout as a sign of the failure of an oligopoly—a market of limited reasonable person might conclude that the Canadian government’s promise to competition shared only by a small [Verizon] thought, ‘It’s not worth the increase competition in the country’s number of vendors—with a lack of trouble, we’ve got some really angry mobile phone and wireless sector. competition resulting in high prices dogs here in Canada and we’ve got The Conservatives have made con- and poor service. other fish to fry,’” said Klass. sumer protection a key pillar in their The government has been eager With Wind backing out of the bid, economic platform going forward, and to show that it is championing the the push for more competition in the Canada’s wireless sector is a prime interests of consumers, and recently sector has been dealt a blow. Klass target. launched an advertising campaign pointed out that there still are other “The situation you have here is pretty aimed at promoting its efforts at players besides the big three (Rogers, bad for consumers,” said Ben Klass, a increasing competition in the wire- Telus, and Bell) and this recent news master’s student in the political stud- less sector. does not signal a breakdown of the ies department at the University of “Money spent on advertising could government’s agenda.

Manitoba and commentator on the probably be better spent elsewhere. But “Wind backed out of this bid, yes, Canadian telecoms industry. it’s a signal. The fact that they’re being but they could acquire the spectrum “The government knows there is a loud on this has turned it into a bit of a they need to compete if they buy problem, and they are putting forward political issue now,” said Klass.

Mobilicity. And if Wind doesn’t

acquire Mobilicity, what’s to prevent Videotron or Eastlink from doing so and expanding?” said Klass.

Last year the federal government intervened in the market to block the sale of Allstream to an Egypt-based company, citing national security concerns.

Klass noted that Allstream is not a consumer wireless company, and handles a sensitive network used by businesses and the Canadian government.

“It’s important to remember that that decision was taken right around the time all these revelations about spying were going on, so that probably factored into their decision. Allstream doesn’t provide the kinds of services that the government is targeting with their focus on consumers.”

The Canadian wireless sector has long had stringent rules on foreign investment. These protections were set up to foster the growth of strong

Canadian telecoms firms, and to ensure the vast and varied regions of Canada received quality service.

“Other countries have foreign firms operating in their markets and have seen their firms expand operations into other countries as well. This is something that is unusual in that the Canadian companies are national companies,” said Klass.

Klass is hopeful that the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)—the government body that oversees the industry—is starting to take notice of the problems in the sector.

“The CRTC is starting to be more active on consumer protection. For a long time they were asleep at the switch, but they have woken up.”

Klass will host an event on Jan. 25 at the University of Manitoba, sponsored by OpenMedia, to discuss Canada’s telecommunications and media markets.

photo by beibei lu

Faculty of theology under review St. John’s College looking at other options Mike Still, staff

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he decline in numbers of churchTrott recognized this as a potengoers and theology students over tial glaring issue. “Anybody else who the last decade has forced the faculty might have been interested in learnof theology at St. John’s College to go ing some theology said, ‘well, that’s under review. not for me, I don’t want to do that.’”

“We made the decision last year St. John’s history dates back to that it was unsustainable, and so we the early 1820s, before the formation shut it down for the time being,” said of the University of Manitoba. The Chris Trott, warden and vice-chan- original goal was to train indigenous cellor of St. John’s College. peoples for ordination.

“The bishop—and chancellor of “Since it was a small college, there the college—has said that in the last were never really enough people or 10 years, he’s ordained, I think, 21 resources to make it thrive,” noted people. If you were to think of that Trott. in terms of classes, that’s not a whole The college alone was never really lot of students.” able to be successful; there were not One major roadblock in develop- enough people or professors. So in ment had to do with the limited scope 1877, St. Boniface College (Catholic), of focus. The program dealt mainly and Manitoba College (Presbyterian), with preparing students for ordina- joined with St. John’s College tion (becoming a deacon, priest, or (Anglican) to form the University bishop). of Manitoba.

Laurence Wilmot was named to change. we had 12 people registered to take warden in 1950 and was influential “We just don’t have the people the course for non-credit.” in building the college up. His efforts going through the program at the “My other requirement was there assisted in moving St. John’s College moment to run it in the way we have had to be free public lectures where to its present location, which occurred [in the past]. The program needs to be anybody who wants to show to up can in 1958. looked at and revamped, revitalized. show up. We had four lectures, and Now, Trott is actively attempt- It’s important that we have theologi- 80 people showed up for each lecture. ing to involve church parishes in the cal training continuing in the diocese, We’re going, ‘wait a minute, we shut education process. and more of it rather than less.” down our theology program because “I refuse to let the college get out of McKenzie valued his experiences apparently nobody was interested’, theological education altogether. So, at St. John’s College, touching on the and yet there’s all these people out in the past year we’ve engaged in all knowledge it instilled. there.” kinds of other projects.”

“The program [ . . . ] prepared Experimental St. John’s programs One such project with St. me for how the Anglican Church like the one run at St. Margaret’s will Margaret’s Anglican Church aims approaches ministry, and the impor- continue in an effort to renew interest to “move theological instruction out tance of things like sacramental in theological studies. of the college and into the parish.” ministry.”

Donald McKenzie, a St. John’s Trott told the Manitoban, “We To learn more, contact St. John’s College graduate and priest at St. offered a course last term at St. College at 204-474-8531 or Phillips Anglican Church, is another Margaret’s: Introduction to Anglican visit http://www.saintmarmember involved in the renewal proj- Theology. We had nine people regis- garets.ca/thursday-nights/ ect. He agrees that the program needs tered to take the course for credit, and

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Editor-In-Chief:Bryce Hoye Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Editorial

Bradly j Wohlgemuth

Comment Editor: Katerina Tefft Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Comment

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Marilyn was no role model Glorifying troubled stars problematic Meg Bergeron

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have to admit, I’ve never been on board the big Marilyn Monroe bandwagon. It’s not that I hate her; it’s just that after so many years of seeing troubled, drug-addicted celebrities die young, I don’t think she was

all that special.

Hold your stones, girls.

There’s a lot to be said about this woman – a lot that’s undoubtedly as fascinating as she was beautiful. What most people find the most striking,

of course, is her untimely death, and the tragedy that surrounded her in life. I really believe that if she had not died near the height of her popularity—if she had grown old— she would not be placed on a pedestal the way she is now.

The fact that she was deeply troubled to the point of dying of a drug overdose doesn’t attest to her suitability as an inspirational role model.

I see women posting pictures of her on social media all the time, yet this was a woman who got her early roles based (to some degree) more on her sexuality than her talent. Am I slut-shaming? No. There’s a difference between accepting a woman’s behaviour and glorifying it,

and I’m not about to glorify a woman for doing things she likely would not have done if she had not been in such deep emotional pain.

Marilyn was a sex icon, and it served her well in her career, but terribly in her personal life. That pedestal the public put her on was hard to come down from I know you’re probably mad at me.

But have you read her biography? I can quite honestly say that if she were someone I knew in person, I would not want to be her friend. Sure, she sounded very sweet, but so are a lot of people. The truth is, according to this biography, she was unpredictable and unhappy, and not even the long-term therapy she received was enough to help her.

I’m not saying I don’t care about the problems she went through. I care deeply. I think her problems are the problems of many women, and it’s depressing. But we need to help these women, not idolize them. Marilyn’s therapist should not have crossed the professional boundaries with her that

he did (having her interact socially with his family), inhibiting his ability to heal her. And yes, I believe she really did need people to love her – for more than just her body and ability to make a ton of money.

Marilyn was a sex icon, and it served her well in her career, but terribly in her personal life. That pedestal the public put her on really was hard to come down from, and the abuse she allegedly endured in her childhood didn’t appear to help her self-image in the least.

Are other tragic female celebrities who suffered sudden, premature deaths destined to be that legendary? I highly doubt girls everywhere will one day be putting up posters of Brittany Murphy and Anna Nicole Smith in their bedrooms, quoting them, or trying to look like them.

So what sets Marilyn apart? I honestly don’t know. Maybe it’s that she’s from a long-lost era of glamour that we desperately want to recapture in our own lives. Maybe she stood apart as the first celebrity to be so overtly sexual in an age of innocence.

For me, those are not good enough reasons to raise her above the rest of the troubled stars.

Instead of glorifying her, adoring her, worshipping her, let’s instead view her story as a cautionary tale of how it can all go terribly wrong. illustration by SAMANTHA SECTER

Living wage a winwin for Manitobans

Eliminating poverty good for families and businesses Tariq Sohail, volunteer staff

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he problem with having to live needs. while earning less than the livAccording to the Canadian Centre ing wage is that it is very stressful. for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), the Families living on less than a living living wage required for a family of four wage have to face hard choices: for with two parents and two children in example, paying the rent, or feeding Winnipeg is $14.07/hour, as calculated the children, or heating the house. for the year 2013. Winnipeg’s living Poverty remains a huge problem in wage increased by 4.7 per cent from Manitoba even though the economy 2009 to 2013, but Winnipeg’s inflation is growing and the province has low rate from 2008 to 2012 was 5.8 per cent. unemployment rates.

The fact that the inflation rate is higher Living wage is different from than the growth in living wage should minimum wage. Minimum wage is be a cause for alarm. the legal standard set by the province The reasons for having a living and must be followed by all employ- wage are simple. ers. Living wage ensures that a parThere is plenty of research indicatent’s full-time work (35 hours a week) ing that growing up in an engaged should yield economic stability to their and supportive environment leads to families so they can meet their basic good health and general well-being

in the long run.

The issue here is that low-income parents have a hard time providing such an environment. Children coming from low-income families typically have lower rates of literacy and perform poorly at school. As adults, they often lack job security, are underemployed, and have health-related issues.

Low income also results in absenteeism, which is estimated to cost Canadian employers around $4.5-6 billion per year.

Research done by the CCPA indicates that there are positive effects from paying living wage. It reduces absenteeism and staff turnover, increases morale and productivity, and lowers training costs. These are incentives for

employers to pay according to the costs of living for a family. If employees do not feel as though they are in a constant struggle to make ends meet, they will perform better at their jobs.

Living wage is not a new idea.

For example, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights suggested that every human being who works is entitled to receive a wage that is in tune with human dignity and respect.

The problem of being paid below living wage is not solely the responsibility of the private sector, nor of the public sector. Government cannot fix the problem by itself. Both sectors have to work together and ensure that

everyone is paid a living wage so it is not a constant struggle for families.

Government policy that maximizes utility is the best option. The idea here is to boost general welfare and also to be socially progressive. Higher real wages offered by employers, transfer payments like government benefits, and tax cuts stimulate the economy.

It makes sense because lower income families will spend more money, therefore increasing tax revenue and increasing business profits. It is a winwin for everybody involved.

There are always winners and losers with any government policy, but eliminating poverty is the right thing to do.

VOL. 100 NO. 19 January 22, 2014

Keeping our word Neil Young sheds light on the importance of treaties, and we should all listen Katerina Tefft, staff

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n recent weeks, Neil Young’s fashion choice. In late 2013, an Honour the Treaties tour has Aboriginal high school student was brought much attention to the kicked off a city bus in Winnipeg’s important issue of treaties and North End for wearing a hoodie First Nations land rights in Canada. emblazoned with the slogan, “Got Unfortunately, a lack of early educa- land? Thank an Indian.” In early tion on the history of the concep- January, an Aboriginal Grade 8 tion of the Canadian state, coupled student in Saskatchewan was told with widespread misinformation by her school administration to stop on the role of indigenous peoples wearing a similar hoodie because in Canada’s history, still results in some of her fellow students found knee-jerk reactions and prejudices it offensive and “racist,” although from Canadians who find their the school later recanted.

Never mind the gross misundominant worldview challenged derstanding of the term “racist” in by any mention of the treaties.

Young, whose short Canadian this context; the deeper issue here is tour raised money and awareness that acknowledging the treaties and for Alberta’s Athabasca Chipewyan the important roles of indigenous First Nation in support of their peoples in the formation of Canada makes ongoing legal Canadians battle against oi l sa nds so uncomThe treaties apply to fortable that development all Canadians forever. many would in their trarather deny ditional terWe all, as inhabitants them until ritory, has been met they’re blue of this land, benefit in the face, with vociferfrom them every day or react with ous criticism extreme from politidefensivecians and oil executives alike. He’s been accused ness – but it doesn’t have to be this of misunderstanding the economic hard.

Canada’s history of genocide benefits of oil sands development and exaggerating the severity of indigenous peoples, and of not of the resulting environmental honouring our treaties, is indeed a degradation. shameful one, but whenever anyone The vital importance of environ- mentions it, many Canadians react mental protection aside, these crit- as though they are being singled ics are all missing the crucial point out for sole responsibility for these of Young’s message: the federal gov- injustices, which is simply not the ernment has a duty to consult First case. But just because we as indiNations in any matters that have an vidual settlers and descendants of impact on their traditional lands settlers haven’t personally massaand livelihoods, and to act hon- cred anyone or forced anyone off ourably toward them, which stems their land doesn’t mean we can not just from the treaties but from shirk responsibility for upholding the constitution. It’s not just about the treaties and ensuring that First legality; it’s about mutual respect Nations are treated with the respect and co-operation. It’s about placing they are owed.

The treaties apply to all more value on those principles than Canadians forever. We all, as on any amount of money.

Young’s critics accuse him of inhabitants of this land, benefit ignorance, but Young understands from them every day. Without the importance of the treaties better them, this country might look very than most Canadians. He hit the different. Without them, we might nail on the head when, in a recent not have our First Nations peoples press conference, he told reporters to fight for our environment.

Simple ignorance and misinthat, as a child, he was taught to clean up his mess and keep his word, formation are other contributing and that those values have not been factors in these negative attitudes; upheld in regard to the oil sands the colonialist narrative of the English and French nations comand First Nations peoples.

It doesn’t take a sophisticated ing together to form Canada that knowledge of the treaties to under- has been institutionalized in our stand that, in a nutshell, their educational system is harmful and essence in the present day is about inaccurate, as it erases the crucial keeping our word to the original third party in this story – the First inhabitants of this land, and hon- Nations peoples, whose imporouring the agreements they made tance in Canada’s history cannot with the British crown to share the be overstated.

With a little humility, a willingland forever, in peace.

It seems like a straightforward ness to listen, and a commitment idea, but Canadians remain remark- to open-mindedness and respect, ably resistant to it, as exemplified we as Canadians can still learn the by two recent instances involv- importance of keeping our word ing a seemingly tongue-in-cheek and cleaning up our messes.

Comment

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VOL. 100 NO. 19 January 22, 2014

Arts & Culture

Matt Schellenberg, Royal Canoe

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Alexander mickelthwate photo by Keith Levit Photography

Redefining new music New Music Festival, Pop Nuit blend classical and contemporary music Bryce Hoye

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hat is “new music?”

In 23-years of attempting to answer that impossible question, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s (WSO) annual New Music Festival (NMF) has explored the peripheries of contemporary music, purposefully blurring the lines that distinguish pop from classical music. The resulting arrangements, hatched from the experimental minds of artists from different worlds, present inventive pieces unique to the festival. The blinders come off; the potential for collaborative masterpieces emerges; the artists actively participate in redefining new music.

Music director Alexander Mickelthwate’s conception of what constitutes “classical” music has changed dramatically in his eight years with the WSO. “Whereas there is the original school of thought where the composer comes from studying classical music and is part of that classical structure, there are a whole bunch of composers nowadays that, while they’re not necessarily classically trained, come from different realms,” Mickelthwate tells the Manitoban. “They venture out and get creative – sometimes [becoming] more visionary than the people who studied classical music at the conservatory.”

Far from the traditional training of classical musicians honing their craft in the conservatory, the artistic trajectory of new music composers, like Canadian electronic artist Aaron Funk (Venetian Snares), produce novel approaches to composition.

“It seems that [Aaron] is just completely free and does whatever he wants, and that’s kind of refreshing: it’s different, it’s strong, it’s real. He doesn’t have to cater to anybody; he doesn’t [appear to] care about the audience or anything.

It’s purely what he feels in that moment, truthfully. That’s really interesting to me personally.”

Negotiating chaos This unconstrained approach invites an element of uncertainty, a chaos factor that leaves a lot of room for unexpected outcomes. There is always the possibility that things do not quite transpire as planned.

“I don’t know how things will work out balance-wise for a couple of pieces this year. It’s more disconcerting, but also more creative.

We have to have a couple of those pieces that are just really at the edge of everything” – Alexander Mickelthwate, WSO music director “It’s definitely more experimental, and I don’t know how things will work out balance-wise and everything-wise for a couple of pieces this year. It’s more disconcerting, but also more creative. We have to have a couple of those pieces that are just really at the edge of everything,” says Mickelthwate.

Case in point: there will be a reimagining of select works

by Frank Zappa and Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy), and even an opera, written by filmmaker Jim Jarmusch and composer Phil Kline, performed by the male vocal assemble Hilliard.

Pop Nuit Now in its second year, Pop Nuit (PN)—a two-night showcase of unorthodox “pop” artists—also promises to defy expectations and undermine certain assumptions about new music. The brainchild of Royal Canoe keys and synth player Matt Schellenberg, this subsection of the NMF aims to cover the pop spectrum and introduce off beat acts to the local crowd: musicians like circular-breathing saxophonist Colin Stetson and violinist/loop-pedallist extraordinaire Hannah Epperson.

The idea for PN came to Schellenberg when on tour last year. He and band-mates were listening to a lot of avant-garde music that did not fit neatly under the pop music banner.

“Colin Stetson, for instance: not a pop musician in any way.

There’s no verse, there’s no chorus, and yet he’s not considered a classical musician either. He kind of exists within the pop arena; he gets [short-listed] for the Polaris prize, goes on tour with Arcade Fire – that’s pop or rock, for lack of a better term.”

When Schellenberg approached NMF organizers they were already entertaining ways in which they might appeal to a younger audience. Schellenberg made the acquaintance of Mickelthwate while collaborating with the WSO in a previous band (The Liptonians); he used this as leverage to broker a meeting with WSO directors.

“I wrote an email to the WSO’s director of operations, and he said ‘let’s meet about it.’ I brought my laptop in and showed a bunch of WSO people music that I thought would fit. I had some pretty grand ideas,” says Schellenberg.

Through their connections and stature in their respective corners of the international and local music scene, the relationship between Mickelthwate and Schellenberg has proven mutually beneficial.

Science & Technology Editor: Tom Ingram Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Science & technology

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Improving our health care President of the Institute of Medicine comes to U of M for lecture Elizabeth Drewnik, staff

photo of harvey v. fineberg

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n the morning of Jan. 14, Harvey The prize is given to those who have V. Fineberg, winner of the 2013 made specific and dedicated contribuHenry G. Friesen International tions to the world of public health. As Prize in Health Research, paid a one of the responsibilities of accepting visit to the University of Manitoba’s the Henry G. Friesen prize, Fineberg Bannatyne campus to present a lec- had been travelling to major universiture on “Quality, Safety and Value ties and research institutions across in Health Care.” The lecture was Canada. During his time at the part of the annual John P. Maclean University of Manitoba, Fineberg Memorial Lecture series for the spoke of the efficiency of health care, Internal Medicine Grand Rounds. and how it related to value. One of the The Grand Rounds, a series of self- most important concepts stressed was approved group learning sessions, are that “quality [in health care] is really a held on Tuesdays throughout the aca- multi-dimensional phenomenon.” demic year.

Fineberg discussed six types of As the president of the Institute problems in public health, including of Medicine (IOM), an independent, the lack of proper facilities, the attinon-government, non-profit organi- tude with which clinicians approach zation focused on health care in the patients, and stress and fatigue United States, Fineberg has made among clinicians working long hours numerous contributions to policy under conditions of extreme crisis or development and decision-making boredom.

He emphasized the importance of in medical care and public health.

Prior to his involvement with understanding health-care problems the IOM, Fineberg served 14 years as problems in a system, rather than as the dean of the Harvard School looking for an individual to blame.

“The idea [ . . . ] is not to make a of Public Health, as well as the provost of Harvard University for system in which it is possible to pracan additional five years. Further tice safe care, but to design a system involvements include being a mem- where it’s virtually impossible to ber of the Public Health Council practice unsafe care,” said Fineberg. of Massachusetts, chairman of the “That mindset [ . . . ] is a lot of what’s Health Care Technology Study behind the thinking at the IOM.” Section of the National Center for Stressing the importance of system Health Services Research, president design, Fineberg introduced the analof the Society for Medical Decision ogy of the “coffee pot for masochists,” Making, president of the Association in which both the handle and the of Schools of Public Health, as well spout were located on the same side as serving on the review committee of the pot. He pointed out that “even for the World Health Organization everyday utensils are designed to be International Health Regulations of functional and safe.” In the same way, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. health care should also be designed Fineberg also received the Frank to be functional and safe.

In a 2012 paper published in the A. Calderone Prize in 2011, considered the highest prize in public health. New England Journal of Medicine,

Fineberg discussed the attributes of successful and sustainable health systems. He stressed that a successful health system should have healthy patients, superior care, and fairness.

Likewise, a sustainable health system must be affordable, acceptable to patients and health-care providers, and adaptable to a changing environment.

These concepts were brought into greater light during the lecture given at the U of M. To start, Fineberg discussed the basis of health efficiency in a population.

Simply put, health efficiency is the distribution of health resources so

“The idea [ . . . ] is not to make a system in which it is possible to practice safe care, but to design a system where it’s virtually impossible to practice unsafe care” – Harvey Fineberg, president of the Institute of Medicine that the health of a population is optimized. The question then became: how is health efficiency measured?

First it is necessary to know the input cost needed to sustain a particular

health service. Then the value of the benefits received from that service would have to be measured.

What Fineberg wanted to make clear was that efficiency was not definitively about making the costs of health services cheaper or the lives of the medical staff easier at the expense of the patients. Efficiency is the elimination of waste within a system.

One measure of health efficiency discussed was life expectancy.

Fineberg compared the life expectancy of Canadians, Americans, and several other countries over a 50-year period.

“The United States had a lower rate of improvement than many of the other countries, including Canada,” Fineberg said. However, Canada also has room for improvement, he said: of the seven countries examined by the Commonwealth Fund, Canada and the U.S. came in last place.

Fineberg provided examples of flaws in health care for the United States.

The first concern mentioned was for elderly Medicare patients. Each state has different expenditures for Medicare, but the states that spend more are not necessarily providing better care.

“The message here is that spending more per capita is not associated with doing better; in fact, it’s the opposite,” said Fineberg. “Every year hundreds of millions of dollars available in the U.S. health system are being expended for purposes that do not contribute materially to the health benefit of people,” said Fineberg.

“And that is an enormous opportunity for savings.”

He also expressed concern about

end-of-life care in the U.S. “We often give patients and families the kind of care they do not want toward the end of life in complicated illness,” he said. “They want to be free of pain, they want to be with their loved ones, and they want to be kept comfortable, and instead we put them in places with tubes and noise and isolation.”

Fineberg emphasized that this was a “political as well as a humanitarian problem.”

With respect to preventative health practice, he noted that in nearly every country, not enough is being done initially to prevent disease, particularly in populations that are geographically, socially, or financially disadvantaged.

However, Fineberg said he was “very pleased to hear about the growing role of regional authorities in Manitoba and other provinces [ . . . ] that could help improve the kind of co-ordination and allocation of resources that makes better sense.”

When looking at costs associated with health care, Fineberg provided two key examples.

The first discussed a seemingly simple chronic condition: hypertension (high blood pressure). When looking at individual patients, drugs prescribed to hypertensive patients do not seem like they cost much, but when taking all the cases together, the cost adds up rather quickly. A study was conducted that looked at where the biggest financial hit was occurring with respect to these costs.

It turned out the largest contributors to increased cost were pharmaceuticals. The difference between higher and lower costs was largely due to the type of drug prescribed. When comparing all the drugs, it turned out that they all worked fairly well, even the less expensive ones. According to Fineberg, the point is that “standards of care can make a huge difference overall in cost.”

Institutionally, costs could also be managed by redesigning systems for which patients are admitted into surgery from the emergency room, for example. By tweaking the scheduling and arrangement of patient admission into surgery at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, it was observed that the hospital emergency room capacity rose dramatically without any additional beds.

Fineberg finished his presentation by saying that “we need to move from the idea of doing things that are good for the institutions of care to doing things that are good for people, and the people who are in our care.”

He encouraged everyone involved in health care to take on the collective responsibility for caring for our patients in ways that enhance the safety, quality, and value of our health care.

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Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Arts & Culture

Ninjas, goddesses, industrial landscapes, and pop art Celebrating Abilities: presented by UMSU’s Gallery of Student Art and Student Accessibility Services Lukas Thiessen, staff

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powerful, crazed, manga the goddess as well as the stark, ninja. A self-portrait eyeing large-scale portrait inspired by pop handwritten pages of personal art. Video artist Alicia Coulson is thought. A short video shot in the currently completing her last year wilderness followed by one filmed of an honours degree in fine arts.

Gallery co-ordinator Kira Koop in an institutional corridor. An elegantly chic, gender-bending pop explains that the GOSA is a serart portrait. A small, votive paint- vice offered to students through ing in purple and gold with waves the student union. undulating around a goddess.

“There are different attitudes This collection of artwork towards student artistic exprescame together from Jan. 13-17 as sion around campus,” says Koop. part of the exhibition Celebrating “There is art by different students in Abilities. The show was a joint various buildings, some of it very effort between the University of prominent, and this is a great way Manitoba’s Student Accessibility to support artists who are part of Services and the University of the university community.”

Koop goes on to explain that Manitoba Students’ Union’s (UMSU) Gallery of Student Art there has also been campus-led (GOSA). opposition to student artistic A different venue for artistic expression. Specifically, she recalls expression than the university’s a student performance piece that school of art, the GOSA promotes was shut down by campus security work from any student, regardless in University Centre, and notes of their participation in visual arts that graffiti is an artistic practice of programs at the school. Of the four students that is frowned upon. artists involved in the show, two The six gigantic and inviting have been in the fine arts program windows of the GOSA enable at U of M, and two have been clear views of exhibitions for passinvolved in other areas. ersby and anyone waiting in the Karina Elisa Cardona Claros, a Tim Hortons lineup in University graduate student in the department Centre. The space is highly-soughtof environment and geography at after, says Koop, noting that when the U of M, created the self-por- she took over the position last fall, trait and intensely introspective she arrived to a slew of requests to writing. Geology student Candace use the space. Student Accessibility Le Sage executed the warrior based Services partners with the GOSA on the Japanese comic book series annually for exhibitions.

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle.

Koop explains that the show Vivian Muska graduated from is composed of students involved the fine arts program and created with Student Accessibility Services both the small panel painting of who wanted to share their work;

the submission and selection process is less stringent than would be found at other galleries.

This exhibition makes it possible for visitors to understand that conditions known as disabilities do not prevent creativity from coursing through one’s personality and pouring into the surrounding world.

A variety of expressive abilities were celebrated in this show.

The woven textures of circular lights, wire fencing, and linear pipes adorning the ceiling of basement corridors in Coulson’s beautiful and disorienting short film Detour are adeptly accompanied by a dialogue between speakers discussing how disabilities are recognized by other people.

The aggressive shadows and maniacal grin of Le Sage’s “Rogue Ninja” suggest the crouched character is prepared to leap off the canvas and attack.

The raw, personal imagery of Claros’ portrait and writing almost requires the reader to collapse in exultant heartache over the willingness to confront one’s difficulties and vanquish them.

The joy, provocation, and assertive characters painted by Muska call on the audience to not give a damn what the world around us is demanding, and to find a centre of power in ourselves that cannot be pushed around.

photo: Rebecca Henderson

De-stigmatizing through creation CreComm student partners with Artbeat Studio to host 24-hour Art-a-thon fundraiser Lukas Thiessen, staff

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etach the stigma associated with mental illness: for organizers and participating artists in an upcoming fundraiser, this is a core imperative. Starting Feb. 6 at 5 p.m., seven alumni from Artbeat Studio’s residency program will take part in the 24-hour Art-a-thon. Artbeat, partnered with Red River College student Rebecca Henderson, offers studio space for six-month periods for up to nine artists living with mental illness.

Henderson, whose creative communications program requires students to develop an Independent Professional Project (IPP), explains how she decided to implement this fundraiser.

“With the IPPs [ . . . ] you have to consider the need for it. It doesn’t have to be [volunteer-driven]; you can write a screenplay, you can write a book. I chose to fundraise an event,” Henderson says. “Mental health and mental illness are really important to me and have affected me in different ways.”

Henderson explains that she works in the medium of writing, but strongly supports visual arts locally.

“When I heard about Artbeat, initially, it was such a great organization.

[I thought], ‘What can I do for this organization that will raise awareness for it, to raise money for its core programming, which is its residency program?’”

In concert with Artbeat’s executive director Lucille Bart, whose son Nigel is the founder and studio facilitator of the organization, Henderson crafted the event and seven artists from past residency programs agreed to participate in the fundraiser.

Emerging Winnipeg artist Julian Kirchmann, who will participate in the Art-a-thon, works primarily through collage, and is one of the most recent graduates of Artbeat residency.

“Mental health is a very important factor in a person’s life; [ . . . ] it’s part of your daily function,” says

Kirchmann, explaining that while part of the event is about raising money for the endowment fund to keep the programming on, there is a profundity to the project. “It’s more than just that, it’s about raising awareness and detaching the stigma associated with mental illness.”

The Art-a-thon will later be followed by a celebratory wrap-up party and art auction. Henderson says it was important to support both the core programming and the artists.

Funds raised during the 24-hour period will go to the core programming, and funds from the sale of the work go directly to the artists.

Breaking down negative stigma associated with mental illness drives Henderson’s initiative in this project as she has come to know the artists.

“When someone feels they can’t talk about their illness, they feel stigmatized, and when you can’t talk about something, it can eat you alive,” says Henderson.

Artbeat provides a venue for selfexpression. “They’re able to use their artistic creation and work through their illness. Mental illness isn’t something that’s a weakness; it’s part of the lives of the artists.”

During the 24-hour period, you are encouraged to make a donation to Artbeat through the Winnipeg Foundation’s website at www.wpgfdn. org. For every five dollars raised, the Winnipeg Foundation has pledged to donate a dollar. Henderson says they are hoping to set up live feed video cameras online so the public can view the artists during the fundraiser.

On Feb. 7, following the fundraiser, Artbeat Studio will host an art auction with refreshments and everyone is welcome to attend.

Artbeat Studio is located on the fourth floor of 62 Albert Street in the Exchange District. They are a mental health consumerinitiated, peer-directed, and recovery-oriented program.

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Local [Demo]Graphic With 6 talented graphic designers at their disposal, Synonym Art Consultation brings art to the general public Lauren Siddall

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ounded in Winnipeg, Synonym in the background. Joseph wanted to Art Consultation aims to make capture the fluidity of the wind when art more accessible to the general sailing using organic shapes, a theme public. Their latest attempt is an in both pieces of his art. exhibition entitled [Demo]Graphic, Jordan Stephensen worked with installed at Fitzroy, a new Winnipeg fluidity in his pieces as well, but restaurant located at 102 Sherbrook focused more on combining the Street. Centred on a colour scheme typography aspect of graphic design of red, white, and black to represent with an illustrative style. Resulting the restaurant, all other aspects of the in his two works, “Serif” and “Sans pieces were left to the discretion of Serif,” Stephensen explored the relathe artists. This resulted in not only tionship between serif and sans serif a huge range between the work of the font. He plays with these categories different artists, but within the work through text, colour, and form in his of the individual artists as well. pair of pieces, which are primarily Jadyn Klassen was inspired by based off a study of the ampersand the idea of problem-solving for his and its variations. art. One of his pieces, “Navigation,” Melissa Krawetz also opted to focuses on a mask, representing compose her pieces as a clear pair for the start of a problem, specifically the show, depicting order and chaos in graphic design. This is signified through minimalism and contrast. by “lorem ipsum” scrawled across Her pieces, “Order” and “Chaos,” the foreground, which is used as focus on the opposite aspects of order filler for text during the early stages and chaos, both in form and colour. of a project. Klassen’s other piece, Danielle Sheedy wanted to illus“Problems,” acts as a commentary on trate contrasting principles in her graphic design, in which one navi- pieces for Fitzroy as well. “A Place gates through their work via trial For Everything” and “Everything In and error.

It’s Place,” looks at the juxtaposition Christopher Samms, on the other between urban and rural life, primarhand, began his pieces by thinking ily using colour as a means to express about graphic design from a fine art contrasting elements between the perspective, ending in a territory two pieces of art, as well as exploring between the two – he adds, “an area the use of negative space. where graphic design and art seem to By bringing together unrepintersect.” Wanting to focus on the resented artists with like-minded behind-the-scenes portion of graphic business owners, Synonym Art design, Samms constructed his pieces, Consultation makes art more acces“Nodes” and “Spread,” around the sible – both for the patrons and the graphs, vectors, and lines that act artists looking to share their work. as a backbone to the final product, making the ordinarily private beauty [Demo]Graphic will be on display of graphic design open to the public. at Fitzroy for approximately four In contrast to Samms, Calvin months and in accordance with their Joseph made fluidity the focus of his mandate to make art more accessible, pieces “World Spin” and “This Love a postcard book of all the art in the of Ours,” both of which are primar- exhibit is available through synonym. ily composed of organic geometric artconsultation@gmail.com for $25. shapes interacting with each other

VOL. 100 NO. 19 January 22, 2014

Arts & Culture

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Mystic photo provided by Big Fun

Siren songs for a frozen city Big Fun offers 36 musical reasons to leave your pillow fort image provided by Takashi iwasaki

Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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t’s long been inferred that the local venues have proved a challenge musicians, music lovers, or both. rich musical and cultural scenes for Big Fun. Together they have brought this fesin Winnipeg are a direct result of our “It keeps us on our toes and always tival into its third and biggest year cold, dark winters – as if we become has us trying to find new spots open yet. a city of homebound hermits curling to the ideas of the festival,” says Braun.

While they draw some of their up around our guitars, or other vice “This has led to new opportunities as it inspiration from larger cities’ famous of choice, and stewing in malaise for seems there are always spots willing festivals, like Pop Montreal and to open themselves up to concerts.” six long months.

NXNE, the passion for the music But what of the creative minds You can take the festival show- scene is definitely Winnipeg-bred. that are scheming up plans to draw by-show, or grab a full festival pass “I grew up going to all-ages punk the rest of us out of hibernation? They for $60 – a steal of a deal considering shows all the time. I basically spent call themselves Big Fun, and have the treats carefully curated for you every weekend at the [West End scheduled a festival weekend full of by Braun and company. A sampling Cultural Centre] or some commushows showcasing local and regional of show headliners includes METZ, nity centre,” says Braun. talent, all nefariously designed to Venetian Snares, B.A. Johnston, and “Those were the places where I draw music lovers outside and into, Les Jupes, and they are all paired met musicians that helped shape my well, fun. with equally delightful and comple- music taste and really showed me “[We] try to promote a show-hop- mentary acts. that Winnipeg had a music scene to ping vibe, which we can encourage “I’m constantly amazed by the believe in.” by finding spaces within reasonable amount of talented bands submitting By including all-ages shows in walking distance, which is why the that I have never heard of,” says Braun, their lineup, Big Fun hopes to confestival is typically divided each day adding that his favourite part of the tinue indoctrinating local youth with by neighbourhoods,” says Stefan job is the task of “constantly discover- this love for the music scene. Each ing new and exciting bands.”

Braun, artistic director. day of the festival includes at least one Between Jan. 22 and 26, a grand His picks this time around—not all-ages offering. Says Braun, “We total of 36 bands from multiple genres necessarily reflective of the “collective hope to bring a lot more all-ages conwill be playing throughout Winnipeg. tastes of the festival”—are Surprise tent in the future and really give the Big Fun spans 11 venues, including Party, SMRT TYPE, and Potatoes. festival an all-inclusive feel.”

The full Big Fun ensemble conUnion Sound Hall, the Windsor Hotel, A.N.A.F. Unite “Club 60,” sists of Braun, David Schellenberg, Find the full lineup, schedule, Lauren Swan, Aaron Johnston, and maps, and ticket information Into the Music, and aceartinc.

The recent losses of many favourite Eryn Maloney, who all identify as at www.bigfunfestival.com

Review: Wadjda Michael Carlisle, volunteer staff

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this time. Mohammed, a relatively unknown figure in the international film industry, does an excellent job with her performance; her eyes show a combination of innocence and a hunger for change.

Unfortunately the film is a bit light in content; we get a pinch of the difficulties facing Arabian women, but we don’t get a harsh in-depth exploration. Wadjda leans more on fantasy than realism, which hurts the political aspect, but I suppose since the story is from a child’s point of view it can’t be too drenched in reality. Wadjda’s world is of kindness and cruelty, though there is some magic in the way she never gives up.

The film’s optimistic message is truly inspiring: 3/5

aifaa Al Mansour is a cou- society, questions the rules, and gets rageous director who took a into all sorts of trouble. Her goal is to stance against sexist laws in the buy a bicycle and nothing, not even Middle East with her brave film Saudi Arabia’s gender laws, will stop about a 10-year-old-girl living in the her. capital of Saudi Arabia, a country Wadjda is an easy character to known for having very strict laws connect with. She has everything against women’s rights. one would admire in a protagonist, Check out more of Michael’s The film is named after its such as a sense of determination reviews at goodbadcritic.blogmain character, Wadjda (Waad and a willingness to defy coercive spot.ca, and catch a screening of Mohammed), who is a bright, intelli- authority. A well-crafted character, Wadjda at Cinematheque (100 gent, and playful girl with a rebellious Wadjda is certainly the hero the Arthur Street) on Jan. 22 and 24 spirit. She pushes the boundaries of Islamic feminist movement needs at at 7 p.m. and Jan. 23 at 9 p.m.

A vivid journal and shared stories Take a sneak peek into Takashi Iwasaki’s imaginary landscapes Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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hat do a building facade in Taiwan, a bolt of fabric, and a gallery on Main Street in Winnipeg have in common?

Nothing, yet. But as of Jan. 24, they will all have hosted works of art by Takashi Iwasaki. A versatile artist whose distinct style crosses many different media, Iwasaki will be holding his first solo show since 2012 at the Edge Gallery, located at 611 Main Street, until Feb. 7.

Iwasaki will be mixing it up a bit for the Edge Gallery. “There will be paintings, embroidery pieces, and many small collages with quirky stories,” says Iwasaki.

One of the most common and apt descriptors for Iwasaki’s work is “colourful”; while his backgrounds may remain monotone, they are peppered with innumerable vivid shades of thread or paint.

He describes his bright pieces as being similar to journal entries.

They are his way of telling a story, or relating a feeling, and sharing a kind of positive energy.

“I’ll be showing works which revolve around my ongoing theme of creation – visualization of my imaginary worlds and landscapes.

That’s the central theme for this show,” says Iwasaki. “You can peek in on what’s going on in my head through the works.”

Previous sneak peeks into Iwasaki’s whimsical and multichromatic mind have sometimes been relayed through more abstract forms, though recognizable shapes and symbols also appear.

“Lately I’ve been enjoying making collages that have figures and stories in them, and putting them

in elaborate picture frames that I make,” says Iwasaki.

“It’s been a fun way of creation for me to combine the shapes that I used to use in my paintings and embroidery, figures and characters to add more stories and dimensions in the contents, and a sculptural element by working on the details of picture frames – all those elements in one type of work.”

This combination of elements speaks to Iwasaki’s comfort across a range of media. While he may be more well-known for his embroidery work—having been featured in Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery (published by Arsenal Pulp Press) and in Fiberarts magazine—he has also lent his talents to CD artwork for musicians such as Sarah and Christian Dugas, and the Duhks.

Of course, there is also the Fubon Financial Center in Taipei, Taiwan – the building whose facade was decorated for a full year by an Iwasaki design titled A Place to Call Home.

Enjoyment of Iwasaki’s work can take place much closer to home for the next little while, as his show at the Edge will continue from Jan. 24 through to Feb. 7. Pop by the closing reception from 7-10 p.m. on Feb. 7 if you’d like a chance to meet the radiant mind behind these works.

Check out www.takashiiwasaki. info for more samples of Takashi Iwasaki’s past work, and www. edgevillage.com for this and other openings at the Edge Gallery.

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

event Listings The arts events to attend this weekend

music

visual art

other

Thursday, Jan. 16 – Feb. 24 Vernissage: L’avènement de MarieAndrée Houde La Maison des artistes visuels

Thursday, Jan. 16 until Feb. 15 Water Memory Table by Patrick Mahon Gallery 1C03 at the University of Winnipeg

Friday, Jan. 24 – Feb. 7 TAKASHI IWASAKI The Edge Gallery and Urban Art Centre

Monday, Jan. 27 Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth, The Dust ) / Jim Jarmusch & Phil Kline The Union Sound Hall

Thursday, Jan. 23 METZ / Warsaw / Pop Crimes Union Sound Hall

Saturday, Jan. 25 “Canada Post… I’m for Door-toDoor” Rally The Mantioba Legislative Building

Sunday, Jan. 26 Religion & Reform in Colonial India McNally Robinson Booksellers

Sunday, Jan. 26 Phantom of the Paradise The Park Theatre

Wednesday, Jan. 29 Soap Making Class Daniel McIntyre/St. Matthews Community Resource Centre

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Graphics Editor: Bradly Wohlgemuth Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Diversions

Sports Editor: Marc Lagace Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Sports

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Maurice is the man Jets will benefit from vocal, experienced coach Mike Still, staff

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n Jan. 12, after the team dropped their fifth straight game of 2014, the Winnipeg Jets fired head coach Claude Noel. Replacing him behind the Jets bench is 46-year-old veteran Paul Maurice, who has coached a total of 14 NHL seasons with the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, and the

Whalers and Hurricanes, from 1997- on the bench, actively communicating to put up five goals, something they did 2004, Maurice was able to develop a with players after their shifts – some- only seven times all year under Noel. number of young skaters into complete thing Noel neglected.

This is also not the first time players.

Young stars such as Jacob Trouba Maurice has come in as a mid-season Forwards such as Bates Battaglia, and Mark Scheifele will only get better replacement. In the 2008-09 season, he Sami Kapanen, Erik Cole, and Jeff with a seasoned mind helping them replaced Peter Laviolette after 25 games.

O’Neill, as well as defenceman Marek out. Scheifele has four points in three Maurice led the team to a 33-19-5 record, Malik, thrived under his tutelage. He games since Maurice has arrived, while their first berth in the playoffs since also drew out the best in his unheralded Trouba has three points, as well as a 2006, and an appearance in the conferveterans, such as Rod Brind’Amour, plus/minus of +6. ence final.

Glen Wesley, and captain Ron Hardworking, underrated players His experience is also a factor. On Francis. such as Michael Frolik, Chris Thorburn, Nov. 28, 2010, he became the youngest The leadership Maurice brought and Devin Setoguchi may find the big- coach in history to coach 1,000 NHL resulted in four consecutive winning gest improvement with the new bench games. seasons, from 1998-2002. His hard boss. Frolik has been brought up to the Maurice’s commitment to the team work also culminated in an underdog first line with Bryan Little and Andrew is evident, especially in his post-game appearance in the 2002 Stanley Cup. Ladd. The three seem to have found comments following an overtime vicphoto by Matt Giesbrecht The current-day Winnipeg Jets an immediate chemistry. Setoguchi tory over Edmonton on Saturday. remind me quite a bit of his former team. snapped his five-game scoring drought “I’ve been here for a week. They Toronto Maple Leafs.

Big play veterans that mimic the former in the first game with Maurice as coach, showed up the first day, they looked like Concerns have been raised regard- Hurricanes squad, such as Andrew and has elevated his physicality, along good players, and nothing’s changed my mind.” ing Maurice’s hiring: namely, his (at the Ladd, Olli Jokinen, Blake Wheeler, with Thorburn.

Maurice is a student of the game. time of hiring) losing record as head and Dustin Byfuglien will benefit from With a passionate coach taking coach of 460-457-167. While these wor- Maurice’s vision and coaching style. In He will analyse all of the little things over a team that has shown flashes of ries are legitimate, I am of the opinion his first three games as head coach, the that the Jets have lacked, including a promise, it’s my opinion that there is that Maurice is the right man for the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native has consistent scoring touch. In two of his no reason that the Jets cannot be sucjob. During his first tenure with the shown an increased participation level first three games, Winnipeg was able cessful under Maurice.

Monkey off, buffalo on Chelsea Carey’s rink finally representing Manitoba at Scotties Adam Peleshaty, volunteer staff

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fter years of competing under of Hearts in Virden on Jan. 5, a 6-2 had not been kind to this team. In 2011, the shadow of Jennifer Jones, and win over Kerri Einarson in the final. after going through the round-robin losing two previous women’s provincial With the win, they are set to repre- and playoffs undefeated, they lost in curling finals, Chelsea Carey’s team sent Manitoba at the 2014 Scotties the final to Cathy Overton-Clapham. illustration by caroline norman finally got to wear the buffalo on their Tournament of Hearts in Montreal The next year, they lost in the final backs. from Feb. 1-9. again, that time on Jones’ last rock.

Playing out of the Fort Rouge “I’m kind of in a daze,” Carey said Last year, eventual finalist Barb robin, Carey’s team played a tiebreaker father and coach, and Bill Carey, Curling Club, Carey’s team is rounded after the competition. “Once I get my Spencer bounced the team in the to reach the playoffs, and therefore had her uncle, have both won the Brier. out with third Kristy McDonald, sec- hands on that (Team Manitoba) jacket, playoffs. The win was extra special for to win four straight games to take the McDonald’s father, Bob Jenion, played ond Kristen Foster, and lead Lindsay then it might sink in for me a little bit. McDonald; she had lost two provincial championship. in five provincial men’s finals before Titheridge. Carey’s rink won the It’s just surreal right now.” finals in 2005 and 2006 before joining Her next three victories were fit- winning in 2003.

2014 Manitoba Scotties Tournament Previously, the Manitoba Scotties Carey’s team in 2010. Not surprisingly, tingly all against three-time Manitoba Winning the Manitoba Scotties McDonald was the most emotional women’s curling champions: Darcy will add to family curling traditions, after the victory. but there is tough compe“I held it in as long as I tition coming their way in The Manitoba Scotties had not could,” said McDonald.

Montreal.

“Then, the rock made conSome of the teams been kind to this team in the tact and the tears came in. I include Rachel Homan— wanted to keep it together.” represent ing Tea m past; the team had lost in two Carey’s team made Canada—Saskatchewan’s of the past three Scotties finals Canadian curling fans take Stefanie Lawton, and notice at last December’s Alberta’s Val Sweeting, all Roar of the Rings in of whom competed at the Winnipeg. After a 10-2 loss to Jones Robertson, Janet Harvey, and Spencer Roar of the Rings, while Heather in a nationally-televised opening Einarson. Einarson, a two-time Smith of Nova Scotia won bronze at the game, they won four of their next Manitoba mixed curling champion, 2012 Scotties national tournament. six en route to a fourth-place finish. and her upstart team were undefeated Carey’s provincial championship Ironically, Jones’ victory at the Roar going into the final, but Carey scored win has shown the team can be as of the Rings enabled Carey to become three in the ninth end to clinch the tenacious as their Olympic-bound the Manitoban #1 seed and odds-on victory. rivals. Where that tenacity has helped favourite to win the 2014 Manitoba Provincial curling success runs Jones in past Scotties, this year, Carey Scotties. in the families of both Carey and and her team may finally realize their Despite a 5-2 record in the round McDonald. Dan Carey, Chelsea’s potential.

VOL. 100 NO. 19 January 22, 2014

Bisons trudge on Women’s hockey takes 3 of 4 points

Sports

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Bison briefs

Mike Still, staff

Marc lagace, staff

final Canada West playoff spot. The Bisons will travel to face Regina on Jan. 24 and 25.

Men’s hockey

photo by alyssa arnold

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his past weekend there were in the final 10 seconds. With the heavy playoff implications for Dinos on a 6-on-5 advantage and the Bison women’s hockey team. their net empty, Amanda Schubert Sitting just five points out of top was forced to lunge across the crease, spot in the conference, Manitoba absolutely robbing Calgary of the secured three of a possible four game-tying goal and preserving points in two games against the the win. visiting Calgary Dinos. “[Schubert] made a couple On Friday night, Manitoba key saves in tight at times, and I carried a 3-0 lead halfway into the thought she managed her game third period, holding on down the pretty good,” said head coach Jon stretch to pull off a 3-2 victory.

Rempel post-game.

The Bisons roared to a thunderIn the rematch the following day, ous start, scoring just 43 seconds Manitoba let an early lead slip away, in on their first shot of the game. losing 2-1 in overtime.

Kyleigh Palmer, on a points streak Calgary opened up the game dating back to Nov. with intensit y, 30, zipped into the drawing a Bison “[Schubert] Dinos zone with penalty which the puck, found a l lowed the made a couple R achèle Bosc Dinos to generate with a pass right several solid scorkey saves in onto the tape, and ing opportunities. tight at times, Bosc put it into Manitoba stayed the back of the composed, killed and I thought net. Both teams the penalty, and she managed tightened up their dominated play plays defensively, for the next seven her game as Manitoba took minutes. Just like pretty good” their 1-0 lead into on Friday night, the second period. it was Kyleigh The home team Pa l m e r who was able to loosen up the Calgary stepped up early for the Bisons. She defence in the middle frame, gen- skated in with the puck on a brilerating a number of quality chances. liant rush that was finished off with Amanda Tapp stood strong in net a goal from captain Amy Lee at 11:52 for the Dinos, keeping this one to give the Bisons the lead. close. Tapp’s play in net seemed to Both teams had chances on the wake up the visitors as they dictated power play in the second period, but the pace over the last 12 minutes of neither could find the back of the the period, though they could not net. Manitoba outshot the Dinos crack the scoreboard.

10-6, maintaining their 1-0 lead The third period was filled with going into the third. action as both teams picked up the Manitoba goalie Dee-Ana intensity looking to put away the Marion had her shutout bid win. Maggie Litchfield-Medd car- snapped at 6:12, as Calgary’s Erika ried momentum from a Bison scor- Mitschke had her shot redirected ing chance in the dying moments of off of a Bison stick. Calgary pushed the second period, putting away a the pace from that point on, keepPalmer rebound only 2:02 into the ing Marion on her toes, but could final frame. Just 13 seconds later the not take the lead. The Bisons got Bisons added to their lead, Kayleigh one last chance in the final seconds, Wiens scoring on a mad scramble but Tapp robbed Palmer with a big in the Calgary zone. shoulder save.

After falling behind 3-0 with Sarah Astle ended things at 3:25 two goals in the first two min- of overtime for Calgary, completutes of the final period, the Dinos ing the comeback by going fivemade a change in net. The decision hole on Marion. appeared to spark their offence, as The Bisons travel to UBC next, Jessyka Holt scored at 9:17, followed taking on the Canada West’s top just over a minute later by Calaine team in a crucial series on Jan. 24 Inglis at 10:36. and 25.

The play of the game occurred

photo by alyssa arnold

Men’s volleyball

At home this weekend, the Bison men’s volleyball team dropped two matches to the Mount Royal Cougars.

On Friday, the Bisons lost 3-1 (19-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-21). Devren Dear led all players with 22 kills in the loss. The Bisons were swept the following evening 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-15).

The losses drop Manitoba’s record to 8-10, leaving the Bisons sitting in tenth place – one win back from a three-way tie for the seventh and

Manitoba is on the bye this upcoming weekend, but will return to action at home on Jan. 31 against Regina.

The Bison men’s hockey team Basketball suffered two tough losses on the The men’s basketball team broke road against the Calgary Dinos. their 10-game losing streak against On Jan. 17, the Bisons allowed the the Brandon Bobcats this weekend Dinos to jump out to a 5-0 lead in with a 68-51 victory on Jan. 18. the first period, but valiantly fought After dropping the first of the back to within one goal late in the weekend’s two games 89-73, the third period. Ian Duval had three Bisons were led by Andre Arruda’s points on the 22 points in just their night, includsecond victory of the ing two power 2013-14 season. The The Bison men’s play goals.

Bisons are now 2-12 hockey team Unfortunately on the year and in last Duval and the place in the Canada suffered two Bisons could West prairie division. not find the The Bison women’s tough losses game-tying team dropped both of on the road goal before their games against time ran out on Brandon 70-51 on Jan. against the a 5-4 loss.

17, and 57-49 on Jan. 18.

Calgary Dinos The followLike their male couning night was a terparts, they are last more balanced in their division. affair. The The basketball Bisons and Dinos exchanged the teams travel out west this weeklead three times before heading into end to challenge Thompson Rivers overtime tied 3-3. Calgary’s Chris University on Jan. 24 and UBC Collins potted the game-winner in Okanagan on Jan. 25. the second overtime period .

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Sports

VOL. 100 NO. 19 January 22, 2014

Headed in the right direction Bisons sweep Mount Royal Cougars on home turf Marc Lagace, staff

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photo by Alyssa arnold

he Manitoba Bison women’s vol- match at one set apiece. leyball team got two huge wins Manitoba dominated the third set, over Mount Royal when the Cougars taking an 18-point lead at one point. made their first visit to the U of M Mount Royal managed to close the campus since joining the Canada gap considerably but could not stem West conference last season. The the Bisons’ momentum.

Cougars swept the Bisons last season in two five-set matches played in Calgary.

Manitoba dominated Manitoba entered Friday’s match the third set, taking shorthanded; the flu bug had bitten third-year Rachel Cockrell, who an 18-point lead at leads the team in kills this season. one point. Mount With Cockrell out of the lineup, the Bisons pushed past the Cougars 3-1 Royal managed (25-21, 15-25, 25-19, 36-34) in front of a crowd of fans that featured the grow- to close the gap ing contingent of rowdy Big Horns. considerably but The Bisons jumped out in front early in the first set. The Cougars could not stem the evened things up at 9-9, and the two Bisons’ momentum teams continued to duel for control over the next 12 points until the Bisons managed to pull away.

The second set was dominated by The match came down to a thrillMount Royal. Cougar Julia Pasieka ing fourth set, which had the crowd pitched in with four of her team- at the Investors Group Athletic leading seven block assists. She also Centre rocking until the final point. had four kills as Mount Royal took After the previous two sets had been an early lead and held on to tie the blowouts, the fourth proved to be a

true test of stamina and determina- the weekend, accumulating 32 kills tion. The teams went well beyond and 22 digs over the course of seven match point, battling tooth and nail sets. for the key set.

After Friday’s game, coach The Bisons and Cougars Bentley spoke about the team’s curexchanged the lead 13 times after rent status. the Bisons first reached match point “We had great training over 24-22. On their ninth attempt to Christmas, and I thought we made put the match away, a kill by Taylor really good progress as a team. We’re Pischke set up match point, where going in the right direction.”

Jordana Milne and Brittany Habing *** made the match-winning block for After cheering on the Bisons to Manitoba’s 36th point of the set. victory through their epic fourth-set “Mount Royal is a good team,” said rally against the Cougars, Bentley Bison head coach Ken Bentley, just had a lighthearted message for the moments after the wild fourth set students who are a part of the Big finale. “They’re experienced with a lot Horns. of fourth- and fifth-year kids.”

“I want to put [the Big Horns] on “They’ve come off a tough first half, scholarship,” said a smiling Bentley, so this is do-or-die for them. I fully “tell those guys I’m going to find a way expected what we got tonight.” to put them on scholarship.”

The following evening was an Currently sitting in fourth place easier night for the Bisons. Cockrell in the Canada West conference, the was back in the lineup and contrib- Bisons have six matches remaining to uted 11 kills in a straight-sets victory, improve their playoff position. You 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-20). Pischke— can catch the final home games of who is nominated for the Manitoba the 2013-14 regular season with the Sportswriters & Sportscasters Big Horns on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 as Association Female Athlete of the they host UBC Okanagan.

Year award—was the top Bison on