Issuu

Surely you joust See page 16 for more

News

5 Editorial

Sweet 16

Wheat the rich

UMBSA celebrates club’s We need good food from anniversary with games in small farms, and they the park need more support

July 29, 2026

Arts & 12 Culture

Sports & 14 Recreation

Flight risk

Curtain call

Climbing rocks

Don’t miss out on culture and memories when you travel

Fringe Festival 2026 ends on a high note with high attendance numbers

U of M student shares Winnipeg climbing experience and tips

9 Comment

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News

July 29, 2026 news@themanitoban.com

UMSU student priorities update Executives discuss student priorities and upcoming initiatives Arifah Gheesah, staff

he UMSU executive team highlighted ongoing advocacy efforts and student-focused initiatives during its July 23 board of directors meeting. Over the past reporting period, UMSU representatives have continued meeting with federal, provincial, municipal and university officials to advocate for issues affecting students, including affordability, housing, healthcare access and academic transparency. President Heaven Kaur and vice president external affairs Aiden Peters reported several

advocacy meetings with government representatives. At the federal level, UMSU has continued working through the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations to advocate for increased student financial aid, including higher Canada Student Grants and loan limits, as well as increased support for Indigenous post-secondary education funding. Provincially, UMSU has continued discussions around tuition increases, including the impact of rising costs on domestic and international students. The executive team has also advocated for the reinstatement of provin-

cial healthcare coverage for international students and improved access to safe and affordable housing. Municipally, UMSU has been working with city officials on student concerns surrounding public transit, housing and campus safety. Peters reported that UMSU has been reviewing Winnipeg Transit routes, including routes 74 and 679, and developing recommendations based on student feedback. UMSU is also collaborating with other post-secondary student associations to establish Manitoba Students, a provincial advocacy organiz-

ation focused on representing student concerns across Manitoba. At the U of M, UMSU is advocating a centralized course syllabus database that would allow students to access course outlines before registering for classes. The organization is also pushing for clearer department-level guidelines around the use of artificial intelligence in coursework. During the June board of governors meeting, UMSU representatives brought forward changes to several student fees. The board approved the discontinuation of the

ALUMO/StudentCare Legal Plan Fee, World Mobility Service Fee and Engineering Without Borders Fee, as well as the implementation of a new UMSU Legal Program Fee. Alongside advocacy work, UMSU has focused on increasing student engagement. Vice president student life Manasa Rajesh reported that she chaired her first association of club executives and board of association executives meetings, providing spaces for student groups to connect and collaborate.

Reading initiative serves graduate families A UMGPS partnership offers free summer programs for children Roy Albright Obah, staff The U of M Graduate and Postdoctoral Society (UMGPS), in partnership with the Children’s Reading Circle (CRC), has launched a free summer literacy program to support graduate students with families by providing educational and recreational activities for children during the summer break. The program’s most recent session, held earlier this month, attracted more than a dozen children who participated in activities including reading, arts, science and gallery explorations at the U of M. Laleema Senanayake, UMGPS vice president academic affairs and senator, said the initiative was introduced to address the challenges many graduate student families face. “UMGPS is committed to supporting our graduate student community,” Senanayake said. “Some graduate students with families struggle to find affordable childcare and summer activities for their children. Childcare and summer camps can be expensive or difficult to access, particularly for international and newcomer graduate students.

This motivated UMGPS to launch a free summer childcare initiative for our community.” Ngozi Okose, founder and program coordinator of the CRC, said the program was established to provide children with something she knew was needed through her own experience with her daughters. “I wanted to create a free, accessible space where children could spend meaningful time at the library, enjoy reading, make new friends, and take a break from the screens and gadgets that often dominate their summer days,” Okose said. The program draws on the concept of the circle to create an inclusive environment for participants. “The name was inspired by Indigenous teachings about the circle. A circle represents equality, connection, and belonging — everyone is seen, valued, and has a place,” Okose said. Attendance has grown over the first three sessions. Okose said community members donated books for participants to take home, while volunteers, educators and CanU

IMAGE PROVIDED BY UMGPS

youth mentors have supported program delivery. Activities include independent and buddy reading, storytelling, knitting, crocheting, group discussions, community service projects and educational field trips to

parks and historical sites. “These experiences help children develop not only strong literacy skills but also empathy, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging within their community,” Okose said.

Graduate students who missed the registration deadline can still express interest by contacting UMGPS via marketing@umgps.org, and the registration link may be reopened if space is available.

Vol. 113, No. 02 news@themanitoban.com

News

‘Toban news briefs Roy Albright Obah, staff U of M to host 2026 Equity and AntiOppression Student Forum The U of M ‘s Office of Equity Transformation will host the 2026 Equity and Anti-Oppression Student Forum on August 9, bringing together student leaders involved in equity, anti-oppression, anti-racism, accessibility, diversity, inclusion and social justice initiatives across campus. The free, day-long forum will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Tier Building at the Fort Garry campus. Lunch and snacks will be provided. The event is open to leaders of student organizations advancing equity and inclusion, students representing systemically marginalized communities and others engaged in anti-oppression and social justice work at the university. According to the Office of Equity Transformation, the forum aims to provide opportunities for participants to “build networks, enhance mutual support, participate in learning opportunities and come together” to advance

equity and anti-oppression initiatives at the U of M. Students interested in attending must register by July 30 at 5 p.m. If registrations exceed capacity, a lottery will be conducted for slots with priority given to eligible student leaders and to ensure representation from a diverse range of student organizations. Questions about the forum can be directed to the Office of Equity Transformation at equity@umanitoba.ca. NDP retains The Pas-Kameesak in byelection The New Democratic Party has retained its longstanding hold on the northern Manitoba constituency of The Pas-Kameesak, with Jennifer Flett winning Tuesday’s byelection to become the area’s next MLA following the death of sitting member, NDP MLA Amanda Lathlin. Unofficial results released by Elections Manitoba say Flett secured 2,635 votes, defeating Edna Nabess of the Progressive Conservative Party, who received 616 votes. Dan Quesnel of the Mani-

toba Liberal Party finished with 165 votes, while Wally Daudrich of the Keystone Party received 105 votes. The victory extends the NDP’s more than six-decade representation of The Pas-Kameesak and leaves the party holding 34 seats in the Manitoba Legislature. The Progressive Conservatives continue to hold 20 seats, while the Manitoba Liberal Party has one seat. There are also two Independent MLAs in the legislature. A total of 3,547 ballots were cast from 9,776 registered voters, resulting in a voter turnout of 36.28 per cent. Elections Manitoba also reported 18 declined ballots and eight rejected ballots.

community, regularly travel to one or have household visitors from one. Eligible children born on or after Jan. 1, 2010, remain eligible for a second dose. Other groups who continue to qualify include people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, correctional facility inmates and individuals with certain high-

risk medical conditions. As of July 16, Manitoba had recorded 898 cases since September 2024, including 197 hospitalizations, eight ICU admissions and seven deaths. Eligible residents can access the vaccine through primary care providers, local public health offices, nursing stations and health centres.

Manitoba expands eligibility for free hepatitis A vaccine Manitoba has updated eligibility requirements for free hepatitis A vaccination as the province continues to respond to an ongoing outbreak. Under the revised criteria, people aged six months and older can receive one free dose if they live in an Indigenous GRAPHIC BY EMMA GILLICH / STAFF

U of M students rally for Cuba Students for Cuba join wider community efforts Arifah Gheesah, staff The Manitoba-Cuba Solidarity Committee, with support from the U of M Students for Cuba, held a rally at Portage and Main on June 28 as part of a continent-wide week of action focused on raising awareness about Cuba. Diane Zack, the coordinator of the Manitoba-Cuba Solidarity Committee, said the rally was larger than the group’s usual demonstrations, bringing together around 60 people, including university students, senior citizens and community members. Participants occupied all four corners of the intersection with signs and messages of support, while drivers passing by honked in response. Zack said the sound of honking throughout the intersection created an encouraging atmosphere for organizers and attendees. “We regularly have rallied against the U.S. blockade of Cuba for several years now, since the beginning of COVID,” Zack said. The committee previously organized rallies in Osborne Village before moving locations, including a period when demonstrations were held outside the U.S. Consulate. The group now regularly gathers at Por-

IMAGE PROVIDED BY KEVIN AICHELE

tage and Main. restricted before returning to general public awareness,” The June demonstra- in-person rallies. Zack said. tion was part of the commit“It’s one of the ways we The Manitoba-Cuba Solitee’s ongoing darity Comefforts to “If you want to support Canadian sovereignty, mittee has also increase pubbeen involved you should support Cuban sovereignty” lic awareness in humanitarabout Cuba ian fundrais— Diane Zack, coordinator of the and its relaing efforts. tionship with Zack said the Manitoba-Cuba Solidarity Committee the U.S. During organization the COVID-19 has helped colpandemic, the group shifted want to acquaint people with lect donations and send supto organizing caravans when the situation in Cuba, and plies to Cuba, including genlarge public gatherings were gain support, and just part of erators and non-perishable

food items. The committee works alongside several community organizations, including the U of M Students for Cuba. The group also has connections with organizations such as the Canadian Network on Cuba, the National Farmers Union and other community groups involved in activism and advocacy. “Supporting Cuba’s sovereignty against […] the aggression of the U.S, we need to support our own sovereignty. We feel that […] if you want to support Canadian sovereignty, you should support Cuban sovereignty also, and vice versa. It’s an important principle,” Zack said. Following the rally, the committee held its annual Moncada Day celebration on July 26 at St. Vital Park. The event commemorated the 1953 revolutionary attack on the Moncada military barracks in Cuba and featured a potluck picnic, live music, speakers and other community activities.

July 29, 2026 news@themanitoban.com

News

UMBSA celebrates 16 years U of M Bangladeshi students celebrate culture, connection and belonging Arifah Gheesah, staff

he U of M Bangladeshi Students’ Association (UMBSA) hosted a picnic at Kings Park on July 4 to celebrate the club’s 16th anniversary. According to club president Audita Binte Zaman, the idea for the celebration came after she reviewed UMBSA’s constitution and saw how long the association had existed in the U of M community. “It has been a long time for UMBSA. They are doing great, they’ve had amazing people, they have good amount of members and they do bring all the cultures together, and they deserve a celebration for turning 16,” Zaman said. The event featured live music, games and food, giving members the opportunity to celebrate UMBSA’s achievements and the dedication of its members. Executives decorated the picnic area in the club’s colours of white, green and red, and marked the occasion with a cake. The outdoor setting also welcomed people from different backgrounds, including those who were not part of the association but were visiting the park. Popular Bangladeshi

games such as blind man’s buff and haribhanga were played, with both children and adults joining in. Executive members also delivered speeches reflecting on the club’s milestone and the work that goes into organizing events throughout the year. As an international student herself, Zaman finds UMBSA to be a welcoming space. The club has a Freshers 2026 event coming up for new students that will focus on making them feel welcomed. It is also launching a podcast featuring graduates who will share their career experiences to help students pursue their aspirations, “Bangladesh is very rich in culture. We have a lot to offer. We always try to promote all the cultures on campus to make everyone feel that they belong here,” she explained. “We try to create the platform where everyone feels seen and equally important.” UMBSA also recently collaborated with the Canadian Bangladeshi Association to host a consular service on campus. The initiative provided students with access to passport and visa-related

IMAGE PROVIDED BY UMBSA

services. Students can also look forward to an upcoming immigration event for postgraduates. UMBSA hopes to foster a

sense of belonging for students adjusting to life in Canada. Zaman noted “you’re here in Canada, away from your home, and you need a

safe space to express yourself [...] find your people, this is the perfect platform for that.”

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Research & Technology

Vol. 113, No. 02 research@themanitoban.com

Truth before reconciliation Why confronting residential school denialism is critical to advancing reconciliation Mansura Akter Meghla, staff

or nearly two decades, Sean Carleton has focused his work on the history of Canada’s Indian Residential School (IRS) system and the ways that history continues to be challenged today. Carleton is an associate professor in history and Indigenous studies and associate head of the department of Indigenous studies at the U of M. Carleton’s scholarship has been recognized with several national honours, most recently through his election to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists in 2025. Carleton’s research examines the history and political economy of settler capitalism, colonial schooling and their lasting effects on Indigenous communities. His research explores how institutions such as Indian Residential Schools, Indian Day Schools and even public schools contributed to legitimizing settler colonialism in Canada. More recently, his work has focused on residential school denialism. Carleton described denialism as “the wilful denying, downplaying, and distorting of the history and harm of residential schooling.” His research shows that it functions as deliberate misinformation that undermines public understanding and truth and reconciliation efforts. His interest in this field began long before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) began its work. “As a non-Indigenous, settler scholar, I took on the responsibility of researching and learning more about the history and legacy of the IRS system in 2006 to honour a family member who attended the St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Alert Bay, British Columbia,” he shared. Growing up in North Vancouver, Carleton lived only a short distance from the Squamish Indian Residential School without realizing it. Like many Canadians, he said he knew little about residential schools or the Indigenous

IMAGE PROVIDED BY SEAN CARLETON

communities around him. of M. Through courses in his- Together with fellow U of M Carleton said that experi- tory and Indigenous stud- Indigenous studies professor ence shaped the direction of ies, Carleton encourages stu- Niigaan Sinclair, he is co-edihis research. “I’ve spent the dents to understand the con- ting a new book titled, Truth last 20 years trying to learn nections between Canada’s Before Reconciliation: Conmore and sharing my research colonial past and present-day fronting Residential School into why Canada created and social issues. Denialism. This upcoming defended the system for over “The [TRC] clearly showed collection brings together 100 years — to ensure future the ongoing, intergenera- researchers to examine how generations don’t have the tional effects of the [IRS] sys- denialism operates and why it excuse of ‘I never learned tem and how that continues poses a challenge to reconciliabout this,’” he said. to impact Indigenous Peoples ation. Over the years, his research but also Canadian society,” he “Our hope with the book is has also to show readchanged how ers what deni“Reckoning with the colonial past is not a he underalism looks stands edulike, what threat, but rather an opportunity to cation itself. forms it takes, understand the history of these lands” According and why it is to Carleton, so harmful — — Sean Carleton, U of M department of history studying resiso we can condential schools front it and and Indigenous studies associate professor revealed how support Surformal schoolvivors and ing could be used as a tool of explained. fight for the truth about resiforced assimilation and colRather than treating col- dential schooling,” he said. onial violence but also high- onialism as a completed hisThe book reflected a broader lighted education’s potential torical event, he continues to goal that runs throughout to promote understanding explore its continuing influ- Carleton’s research, demonand change. ence on education, public strating that engaging hon“Schooling got us into this institutions and relationships estly with Canada’s colonial mess, but education will get between Indigenous and history is necessary for buildus out and help us build a bet- non-Indigenous peoples. ing stronger relationships ter world,” he noted. One of Carleton’s latest in the future. “Reckoning That perspective also projects directly addresses with the colonial past is not shapes his teaching at the U efforts to distort this history. a threat, but rather an oppor-

tunity to understand the history of these lands and the original peoples here as part of the process of developing a stronger future together,” he elaborated. Carleton’s work in this area will continue beyond the new volume. He said an upcoming project, expected in early 2027, will adapt the TRC’s history of residential schooling into a graphic novel. Created with Sinclair and graphic novelist Gord Hill, the project is intended to make the TRC’s findings more accessible to younger audiences. “I hope that my research, in the bigger picture, can facilitate understanding and the creation of a stronger, more respectful relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians,” he said. Carleton and Sinclair’s new edited book, Truth Before Reconciliation: Confronting Residential School Denialism, will be published by the U of M Press on Sept. 9, with a public launch scheduled for Sept. 17 at McNally Robinson (Grant Park) in Winnipeg.

Editorial

July 29, 2026 editor@themanitoban.com

Small-scale farming is the future of tomorrow Think before you eat Quinn Mayhew, staff

ave you ever looked in your fridge and wondered where your food comes from? Food production is often based on aesthetics, time production and profitability rates, with production often being fast-paced, using pesticides and plant growth hormones. Food is fundamental to a sustained life, but when was the last time we questioned what goes into our bodies? Canada imports $65 billion worth of food annually, with our main suppliers being the U.S. and Mexico, making Canada frequently reliant on other countries for our demand for fruits and vegetables. The Canadian climate is not suitable for growing the variety of fruits you find in local grocery stores. Despite this heavy

reliance on food imports, Canada is still dependent on local farmers to produce much of its domestic food supply. The Canadian farming sector provides jobs for 2.1 million people, but job security is conditional on the ability to yield crops. The ability to secure profit is linked with climate, absence of natural disasters and crop yields. These uncertainties can pressure farmers to use pesticides and growth hormones to be able to protect their harvest and maintain production. The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) was established in 1935, being the biggest buyer and seller of Canadian wheat, regulating the market for smaller farmers due to growing anxiety around unfair pricing by large grain corpor-

ations. Until 2012, the CWB was backed by the government, having clauses that if crops were to fail, there were pool programs and extensive protection programs in place. These same protection programs no longer exist to the same extent, with the government instead offering suggestions to prevent crop failure, such as using pesticides, how to manage drought and how to adapt to dryland cropping systems. These suggestions from the Canadian government are only temporary solutions to longer-lasting problems. Pesticides are among the most widely used chemicals in the world, with Canada having one of the least stringent regulations among industrialized countries, despite the potential risks and impacts on food

and health of Canadian citizens. To feed into sustainable food production, we must terminate the registration of pesticide products where the primary active agent has been banned in at least one complying OECD nation due to health and environmental concerns. In the U.S. this summer, there is a foodborne virus going around stemming from a parasitic infection known as cyclosporiasis, with over 8,000 confirmed cases. The infection has been connected to the purchasing of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, a multi-billion-dollar organization, but the FDA has since stepped back and said the Taylor Farms test for cyclospora was a false positive. No matter the source, this health emergency likely resulted from neglect of responsibil-

ity. If the companies that are supposed to protect their consumers are failing to properly test their produce before shipping out, how can we even trust the food in our grocery stores? We need OECD-regulated products and we need to be protecting our smaller-scale farmers who aren’t billion-dollar industries but families who rely on revenue to support themselves. Smallholder farms are the key to sustainable agriculture. Yielding higher biodiversity with varied crops and ecological land management with limited insecticides, smallscale farming is the future of tomorrow. Ask yourself, where does your food come from before you use it to fuel your body?

GRAPHIC BY EMMA GILLICH / STAFF

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Comment

Vol. 113, No. 02 comment@themanitoban.com

Be a traveller, not a tourist Go anywhere or everywhere Quinn Mayhew, staff

f you’ve ever had the privilege of travelling, you’ve probably heard the stereotype of tourists travelling across the world to scroll on their phones, talk loudly and never walk anywhere. Having recently been to Greece, I can say that this statement is sometimes accurate. A big part of travelling is immersing yourself in your surroundings, understanding local customs and trying new dishes, but sometimes that sentiment gets lost in translation. While travelling in Athens, Greece recently with nothing but a backpack and my torn-up tabis, I concluded there are two very different types of travellers — those who often take public transportation or walk everywhere and try to shop local versus the tourists who taxi, take Ubers and often shop at retail chains they can find back home. Food critic and world traveller Anthony Bourdain is popular for his unfiltered, raw opinions on life, people and food. With Bourdain’s popularity growing owing

to his biopic coming out on Aug. 7, his advocacy for travelling has been making a significant comeback into the mainstream media. Bourdain wasn’t just a food critic but an author who always shared the truth with his audiences. My sister, a lifetime Bourdain fan, couldn’t help mentioning how different our travel experience was from what Bourdain recommends — “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body.” While in Greece with my group of friends, many wanted to take a taxi, whereas I was opposed to it. They wanted to shop at Zara instead of local shops and fell into multiple tourist traps all in the same day. Travellers and tourists aren’t all that different — in retrospect, it’s about attitude and respecting local culture. I think there are a lot of memories made from carrying heavy backpacks with your

GRAPHIC BY EMMA GILLICH / STAFF

friends through the streets of the cities you’re staying in, or from eating street food from a local vendor. Even though staying in a comfortable resort is more than ideal to some, I think there’s something special about having a travel experience that is not

so clean-cut and coming back with stories to tell. If I have any piece of advice for anyone, much like Anthony Bourdain, it would be to travel as much as you can wherever you can. You do not have to have a lot of money to travel. Some of the best mem-

ories I have ever made abroad were made with very little money and practically a credit card and a dream. My piece of advice to anyone would be to go anywhere or everywhere, even if it’s a day trip to the town over — get out of the city and explore.

Arts & Culture

July 29, 2026 arts@themanitoban.com

Reviews of three Winnipeg Fringe plays Golden Boys, a scathing social commentary and the Manhattan Project Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff

The Golden Boys — 3/5 This gender bent riff on the classic sitcom The Golden Girls by Anthony Ferens portrays the tomfoolery and unlikely kinship between four senior men cohabiting in Winnipeg. Marketed as a play where the four men compete to be the next Golden Boy on top of the Manitoba Legislative Building, The Golden Boys scores an A in creativity and a C in execution. Blake, a queer reimagining of Blanche in the original, is undoubtedly the star of the show. Played by JJ Scherr, his obscene sense of humour and salacious encounters with men made the entire audience guffaw. Ben Robertson disappeared into his role and convincingly played Sam, a senile, bumbling but mischievous man. However, the plot is nonsensical and felt like a fever dream. The premise of competing to be the Golden Boy should have been central to the story, but most of the show is filled with strange arcs, including a ’60s lookalike contest that led to a fulllength cover of Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe.” The attempts to weave in themes of grief and finding love at old age also felt superficial and contrived. The Golden Boys could have been gold. Sadly, its non sequitur storyline is not so dazzling.

False Profits — 5/5 Jeff Leard ate the rich and left no crumbs. False Profits is an entertaining, passionate and scathing critique of the ultra-wealthy. Drawing from real life examples of nefarious politicians and megacorporations, this solo comedy sums up everything wrong with the world in an outpouring yet razor-sharp 75-minute rant. The script uncovers the Koch family, an ultra-wealthy dynasty in the U.S., and their ties to Nazi Germany and sprawling political influence. This is followed by a ruthless debunking of trickle-down economics. Leard has an absurdly compelling stage presence. His sombre and tearful exposé of the vicious treatment of workers under the Kochs is moving, and he even had to pause during a particularly fervent tirade to collect his bearings,

IMAGE PROVIDED BY BRADON CARNEGIE

CAST OF THE GOLDEN BOYS.

blurring the lines between the character and the actor. The script blends harrowing topics with outrageous punchlines into the anti-establishment monologue of the century. Leard strips off a suit throughout the show until he is in a mesh tank top in the end, transfiguring himself into a fantastical superhero to eliminate the world’s richest men in an unserious yet cathartic resolution.

FISSION: the Death of Dr. Louis Slotin — 3/5 U of M alumnus and Winnipegger Louis Slotin was a scientist working on the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico. When a terrible accident during a radiation experiment killed him, his death was immediately shrouded in mystery due to concerns with national security. Written by Gilles Messier, this play depicts the story of Slotin (Mark Hall) — an eccentric genius with an unwaver-

ing passion for science who met his untimely death due to his recklessness. Hall delivered a strong performance by acting out Slotin’s intense personality. The reenactments of the shoddy, ethically questionable experiments with radioactive material in the 1940s are both fascinating and horrifying to watch. The props, set design and costumes are all well thought out. However, some of the scenes from Slotin’s earlier life seem disconnected from the Manhattan Project plotline. The significance of Slotin’s death and his contribution to the scientific world are also unclear, which is a majorly underexplored opportunity. Overall, FISSION is a visually appealing and thought-provoking work, though one might struggle to find a message from the whole ordeal after watching the onehour play.

JEFF LEARD IN FALSE PROFITS.

IMAGE PROVIDED BY WINNIPEG FRINGE MEDIA

Vol. 113, No. 02 arts@themanitoban.com

Arts & Culture

Winnipeg Fringe Festival 2026 draws to a close Twelve-day theatre extravaganza concludes after 160 shows Boris Tsun Hang Leung, staff

he 39th edition of the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival concluded its twelveday run on July 26. The festival, founded by the Royal Manitoba Theatre Company in 1988, hosted shows by 160 performing companies in 31 venues across the city this year. Echoing this year’s theme, “Play Hard,” there was an attendance of 87,832, according to the festival — an increase from 84,936 in 2025. Fringe shows run the gamut, featuring plays, comedies, dance acts and more by local and international performance companies. Festival manager Tori Popp explained that the festival lacks juries and uses a lottery selection system to encourage free artistic expression. “It’s non-juried [...] Anybody who has a show, if they apply for the festival, they have the opportunity to be drawn in a lottery and put a show on stage,” she stated. “It can be whatever they choose.” Festivalgoers can expect the unexpected, Popp also expressed. Some of the acts this year include The Shelter, a drama by local playwright Mike Seccombe about a life-changing encounter between a young woman and a homeless man. On the other hand, Vancouver creator Blair Moro’s comedy, CULTS, explores five real life cults as a reflection on American pol-

PHOTO BY ZULKIFL RAFAH / STAFF

itics and manipulation. The Harry S. Rintoul award, given each year to a local act chosen by a committee of professionals, is awarded to Debbie Patterson’s Happy Valley, a stand-up comedy on disability and Patterson’s eponymous hometown in northern Ontario. The honourable mention is given to Our Father, a play written by Ethan Stark

and directed by U of M theatre associate professor Bill Kerr. For Popp, the best part about the Fringe is getting together with loved ones and meeting new faces. She noted that the “Fringe family” is for everyone, regardless of background. “It doesn’t matter who you are, doesn’t matter what you look like, what you’re doing,

whether you’re working in the arts or just a patron of the arts [...] the Fringe community is for you,” she said. In the end, Popp remarked that artists are taking risks by putting themselves on stage for the audience’s entertainment — which is what the festival is all about. “Art is important. Theatre is important. Taking a risk on

something that you believe in is important, and I think that Fringe embodies that.” The Winnipeg Fringe will take place from July 14 to 25 next year, marking its 40th anniversary. Visit winnipegfringe.com for more information on the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.

Sports & Recreation

July 29, 2026 sports@themanitoban.com

Finding your footing Climbing through the eyes of Julian Chuckry Faiyaz Chowdhury, staff

ndoor rock climbing and bouldering are having their moment, and U of M students have three places to try it — The Hive, Vertical Adventures and the university’s climbing wall in the Active Living Centre or bouldering room in the Frank Kennedy Centre. Julian Chuckry, a U of M kinesiology undergrad student and VII climber, said, “Climbing is an inherently sensory activity, and very attractive to sensory-seekers and humans of all kinds.” Although this sport is often seen as recreational, Chuckry said the activity forces climbers into “a state of flow, where you can’t be focusing on homework or deadlines or stress or anything like that, because you’re focusing on not falling to the ground.” The stakes feel immediate, but he noted the setup is safe with mats on the ground. A sense of urgency still crowds everything else out of climbers’ minds. In bouldering and roped climbing, every route has a start and finish, how a climber gets between them is up to them. “You’re blessed with the creativity and the autonomy to figure out how to get from the starting point to the ending point,” Chuckry said. In his view, that is the real engine behind the growing popularity. “It’s like a game.” Chuckry coaches kids at Serratus Movement Centre. For students who want to try it but do not know where to start, his advice is blunt — just show up. He has coached and climbed alongside people ranging from age three to their 60s, and he is confident whoever walks in will find their people. “Climbing has such a diversified population,” Chuckry said. “If you frequent the climbing gyms, it’s very likely you’re going to meet someone in the same situation as yourself, and you can get along with them, befriend them and climb with them.” Chuckry said beginners do

IMAGES PROVIDED BY JULIAN CHUCKRY

not need chalk when trying Students new to the sport back off the moment a finger climbing recreationally for may be hesitant to try it starts to ache rather than forthe first time, but it becomes because of concerns about cing through the pain. necessary once they start injuries, especially to their Chuckry said the U of M pushing into harder grades. hands. Chuckry has a relaxed gym has a strong climbing Chuckry also shared that he take. “In 95 per cent of the facility, particularly for roped uses the rental shoes at the cases, you have nothing to climbing. “I don’t think there’s campus and said they are worry about,” he said. anywhere else in Winnipeg quite good. that has a wall “Climbing is an inherently sensory activity, For visits that good,” to The Hive, he said, calland very attractive to sensory-seekers and Chuckry uses ing it “probhumans of all kinds” Scarpa Instinct ably the best in VS climbthe city.” He is — Julian Chuckry, indoor rock climber and ing shoes. He also impressed additionally with the boulU of M student recommended dering side, that if somesaying he is one considers buying their He acknowledged the “really quite satisfied.” He own shoes, they could buy rare injuries he has seen noted the gym has “good them at The Hive where the have always involved fin- macro holds.” staff can help with fitting and gers. Climbers crimping on His only critique is that the climbers can also try the shoes tiny holds can cause a ten- bouldering room is small and on the wall. don strain. His fix is simple, to lacks the varied wall angles of

The Hive. He added he would not expect that at a university and just feels lucky to have it. For comparison, The Hive’s monthly bouldering membership costs $130 for students, while the U of M offers a fourmonth climbing pass for $285. Vertical Adventures has a $230 four-month pass for students. Chuckry included that the value of the U of M climbing club is beyond its price. “The community is generally very inclusive and friendly and supportive,” he said. “Everybody has their friends. If they don’t have their friends, they make friends.” He added, “It’s definitely a social thing, it fulfills your social needs [and] it fulfills your physical needs of […] getting stronger day by day.”

Vol. 113, No. 02 sports@themanitoban.com

Sports & Recreation

Taking a stab at medieval sports Cooks Creek Medieval Festival showcases jousting and historical martial arts Mikaela Warkentin, staff

PHOTOS BY ZULKIFL RAFAH/ STAFF

ast weekend, the medieval age of knights was only a short drive away for Winnipeggers. Attendees of the Cooks Creek Medieval Festival could get a glimpse into the distant past from July 24 to 26 at the Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church and grotto. Hosted on the church and grotto grounds, the showstopping event was the jousting, supported by the Society of Tilt and Lance Cavalry, an international organization based in Alberta dedicated to “15th Century Jousting, Horsemanship and Chivalry in the 21st Century.”. Jousters are invited inter-

nationally to participate in the festival’s Field of Valour programming. This year, the lineup included American, Norwegian and Australian jousters. One competitor, Australia’s Renae Marisma, was the individual champion of the English Arundel Castle annual international tournament in 2024. Marisma was also the first and only woman to date that has won this tournament, a difficult one, she noted, due to scoring and the constant changing of steeds. Sean Gulick has been jousting for 25 years, and noted that the actual jousting is half the battle. “The big thing […] is learning to ride and that is a lifelong endeavor.” Horsemanship is key to jousting,

with Gulick likening the practice to a “death [by] a thousand cuts.” He explained, “You have to get the horse straight [and] moving right, you have to make sure armour’s fitting well, you have to drop the lance at exactly the right moment, and then, you have to deal with the hit and make sure everything’s okay and safe and your horse is protected and [...] rewarded, all in seven seconds.”Deez Lees, who serves as herald for the jousting events, shared that the community is a tight-knit one. “Everybody is so friendly and a really good sport […] Everybody has a good passion for people and horses, which I love.” The world of medieval sport

is also alive and well in Winnipeg, through the Valour Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)Academy. The group runs lessons in various swordbased martial arts, from the longsword to sabers. Alex Amborsky found out about the organization when the club visited the U of M campus, and during his time with the club has developed a “twoyear-long bit” -- instead of a shield or dagger, he fights with a teapot in his off hand. “It’s mostly a detriment sometimes. It makes a good distraction, but usually you want something that will catch a sword, or will be a bit bigger.” A benefit of Valour HEMA’s tournament at the festival is that more input is provided

to the competitors. Shannon Loewen, a club member, shared, “It’s not just based on hits.” “What the judges are scoring is our historical technique, our defensive technique, our attack accuracy [and] footwork.” Loewen got into swordfighting through acting, but for her it soon became “the next thing [she] got to try.” The Cooks Creek Medieval Festival generally takes place every other year and is expected to return in 2028. For more information on Valour HEMA, visit their Facebook page.