@XAVERIANWEEKLY
ON UNCEDED TERRITORY SINCE 1895
TREATY DAY AT STFX ISABELLE VAUTOUR
Friday October 1, 2021 marked Treaty Day in Nova Scotia as well as the beginning of Mi’kmaq Heritage Month for the province. StFrancis-Xavier University organized some informational activities for this occasion. Booths with informational posters and pamphlets were set up throughout campus, running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday and were located throughout campus but were mostly condensed around the area of Mulroney Hall and the Student Union Building. The booths were mainly manned by students, though one was manned by Ashley Sheppard of the International Office and Dr. Jane McMillan floated between the booths throughout the day.
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and outlined in these Treaties. While the event was more on the casual side, it was certainly informative and interesting for all those who visited the various booths. Moreover, various other events are to follow in the month of October to celebrate Mi’kmaq Heritage Month.
Students had the opportunity to fill out forms explaining what being a treaty person meant to them and students also could read treaty sections out loud. Each booth was set up with different informational pamphlets containing information regarding the Treaties, some were made by the university itself, while others were from the province of Nova Scotia. Students were encouraged to take as many pamphlets as they wanted to educate themselves on the Treaties and the rights of Indigenous peoples. Furthermore, each booth was adorned by hand-made posters illustrating various objects or words associated with the Treaties. A booth set up in front of Mulroney Hall near the Angus L. Macdonald library had a drawing of the Mi’kmaq flag on it. The event was organized to educate StFX students about the various treaties signed between the Indigenous peoples and the British Crown during the 1700s. These Treaties ensure Indigenous peoples have rights that cannot be taken away by other legislation, whether that be federal or provincial. Non-Indigenous people in the area are often unfamiliar with the rights of Indigenous peoples established
TRUTH AND RECONCILLIATION DAY: MI’KMAQ RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ISABELLE VAUTOUR
This past Thursday, September 30, 2021, was the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. To mark the occasion, St-Francis-Xavier University held ceremonies in memory of the survivors, victims, and families of both survivors and victims on-campus. Of those events, one was held at the StFX chapel where there was a demonstration of Mi’kmaq spiritual beliefs along with a discussion period afterwards where members of the audience were invited to engage in meaningful conversations. The event began at 3 p.m. and lasted about an hour, it was organized for both students and faculty of StFX, but members of the public were also encouraged to participate in the spiritual discussion. Overall, there was very good attendance at the event. The day began with Father Donald MacGillivray introducing the speakers, Elder Katy McEwan and her daughter Natalie, who are Mi’kmaq. They began their portion of the ceremony by smudging themselves and objects of importance they were to use afterwards, including smudging an eagle feather and a rattle. Smudging is an Indigenous practice in which people will typically burn sage and use their hands to guide the smoke from the burning sage over their heads and the rest of their bodies. This allows the smoke of the sage to cleanse them spiritually. Elder Katy was seated at the front of the room preparing objects and her daughter walked the perimeter of the chapel burning sage and proceeded to smudge the audience, guiding the smoke of the sage with the eagle feather she had previously smudged. Most members of the audience sat in quiet observation while some used their hands to guide the smoke over their heads.
PHOTO CREDIT: StFX University Facebook Page
When the smudging of the audience and the chapel space concluded, Katy and Natalie spoke about the process of smudging and explained what they had just done. Following some words from the speakers, Elder Katy McEwan filled a pipe with tobacco while Natalie explained the importance of tobacco, sweetgrass, cedar, and sage in Mi’kmaq ceremonies and belief. Some members of the audience joined in the song as well. She also sang a song of prayer and shook the rattle she had previously smudged afterwards as her mother smoked the pipe of tobacco. These four plants are considered the four sacred medicines of Mi’kmaq culture and are used in various ceremonies. She also explained that tobacco is often used on a near-daily basis and that children and pregnant women are often anointed with the ash of the burnt tobacco instead of smoking it themselves. Elder Katy McEwan and her daughter Natalie also shared their perspective on the role of Catholicism in the Mi’kmaq belief system. For them, there is only one Creator, whether you call him God or another name. It is all a matter of perspective. Furthermore, regardless of the way in which you pray, you are reaching the same entity, the same god through your various means of prayer. For them, that meant not only praying in traditional Mi’kmaq ways, but also incorporating Catholic prayers into their life, in the Mi’kmaq language. The discussions were very fruitful, covering a range of topics from the use of various materials such as sage in ceremonies and the combination of Mi’kmaq religious beliefs with Catholicism. The audience was very engaged in the presentation and it was evident that all who attended were interested in the topic. Overall, the event was a very informative and interesting for any student that attended.
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EDITOR: IZAAK MACMULLIN xw.news@stfx.ca
StFX DR. ANDY HAKIN ON EXTENDED MASK WEARING Halle Cordingley
As Nova Scotia enters stage 5 and the province handles the pandemic, I thought it would be a great time to talk with StFX’s President Dr. Andy Hakin on the university’s decision to mandate masks until the end of the fall semester. When asked about why the University decided to require masks until the end of the semester even if Nova Scotia moves forward with the removal of masks. Andy said the university looked very carefully at how coronavirus has been developing throughout the province and received advice from the province to implement the university’s own procedures. Andy said he believes it’s best to be extra cautious until the end of the semester, especially since students can travel away from campus on weekends and breaks. He believes that it’s important to take every effort to ensure that there is a safe environment for everyone on campus.
Open contributor meetings are held Sundays at six in the newsroom: bottom floor SUB, left from the bookstore. X
wearing one. He says it’s kind of the same thing as going around town, he personally wears his mask when going between stores but ultimately, it’s a personal choice. His best advice to students would be to follow the symptoms checklist and if you’re feeling unwell to get tested. Essentially, he feels it’s important to promote healthy habits but also allow the freedom of personal choices. As a final comment Andy said he appreciated the opportunity to be able to explain this implementation and wanted to thank the students for the work they have been doing to keep the community safe, he says “We do all rely on each other, we are in a very small community where eyes are constantly on us, and I appreciate all the students are doing to keep us moving in the right direction.” Ultimately, my conversation with Dr. Andy Hakin was a great way to better understand the decision to extend mask-wearing for the entire Fall semester.
Many students have raised their confusion when it comes to mask wearing in classes but not being required to wear masks in meal halls or large parties. When this comment was raised, Andy stated that it is all left down to individuals. If people are more comfortable with masks, then they should go ahead with
INTERVIEW WITH SOPHIA FABIANO
Photo Credit: Kyler Bell
The past year has looked very different for students living on campus, luckily this year life in residence is starting to look a little more normal. As we kick-off the new school year it seemed perfect to talk with the new Vice President of Residence Affairs Sophia Fabiano and some of the newly elected Student Union Community Leaders.
After talking with Sophia, I talked with some of the newly elected Student Union Leaders, Abby MceLhinney from Fraser house in Bishops and Lily Gray from MacNeil house in MacKinnon.
Firstly, I talked with Sophia Fabiano this school year’s VP of Residence Affairs. Sophia is from Ottawa and is taking a Bachelor of Science in biology. She lived in MSB for two years and was an SUCL. She says that Jack Irvin, the previous VP of Residence Affairs was a great mentor for her and that made her want to be that person for the SUCL’s this year. Sophia has a list of annual goals that she hopes to achieve. So far, she already has done a lot of work for the student advocates, she’s started an online booking system and she has been working very hard in continuing to develop the Student Union Community Leaders. Sophia says that she has faced challenges due to the way residence has changed during the covid pandemic. One being that many second-year students did not move back into residence as they traditionally do, making it hard to find SUCL’s. To solve this, Sophia ran elections and had great success with a high voter turnout and some new and eager SUCL’s! Sophia says, “I love residence at StFX, I think it is a really unique experience,” in the end she wants to ensure that everyone in residence has a great year and that everyone is being safe but also having fun.
Grace Still
As a part of the healing, reflection, and reconciliation process of the children lost in residential schools, September 30, 2021, marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day was created with the intent to heal and reconcile Canada’s tragic history of residential schools. Across Canada, provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia are partaking in the holiday. Nonetheless, each provincial government participating notes that the day allows Canadians to have the opportunity to better educate themselves on the history in part of reconciliation. Truly, this day is one of the many first steps in educating past and future generations about Canada’s devastating past. Following the Kamloops discovery in June, “Bill C-5, which created a statutory holiday to commemorate the legacy of residential schools in Canada, received royal assent after passing unanimously in the Senate” The passing of this bill initiates the new day, becoming a vital element within Canada’s healing process. In fact, StFX partook in the day through several events. Firstly, there was an orange ribbon ceremony representing the lost lives of over 6,000 children--the installation is available for viewing anytime in October in the Alumni Plaza. Additionally, there was an informative discussion about Native spirituality, button-making workshops and the representation of orange lights throughout major points on campus. Notably, September 30 also marked Orange Shirt Day. People gathered to listen and learn while supporting the movement by wearing orange. The color signifies the loss and devastation of the Residential Schools, emphasizing the notion that “Every Child Matters.” The campus was painted orange and will be throughout October while celebrating other events like Treaty Day and Mi’kmaq History Month.
When questioned if the university would keep this policy in the winter term, the president noted that they are moving month to month, waiting for new information to develop and says that the policies that are in place currently will be constantly reviewed. He says StFX has learned that everything can change quickly and so it is important to make decisions carefully.
Halle Cordingley
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY
Abby says as Fraser’s SUCL she hopes to be a great peer leader, encourage people to be safe in residence and plan events that everyone can participate in. She says students in Fraser can expect to have lots of fun. She feels that being at StFX is like being in a big family and hopes that everyone can feel this within her residence. Abby says that she does face some challenges due to the pandemic like limits of people within gatherings, participation and making sure everyone keeps their masks on. Ultimately, she is super excited about her new position and can’t wait for this year. Lily is one of the SUCL’s for MacNeil. She says that as an SUCL this year she hopes to push people out of their comfort zones and be a staple for her house. Lily wants to ensure there is a great sense of community within MacKinnon and wants to continue old traditions. She says that covid-restrictions can be challenging, especially when it comes to planning events, but she ensured me that “it is nothing she can’t handle.” Lily finished by saying she hopes everyone looks out for each other and has a fun year! After talking with everyone it seemed to be a common theme that this year in residence is going to be both safe and fun, people should look forward to slowly moving back to normal life in residence!
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation marks a monumental movement. A small, but significant step forward. The day was--and will--continue to mark as a day for Canadians to reflect, respond, and educate ourselves from the everlasting effects of residential schools. Through educating and spreading awareness, StFX, and--Canada as a whole--can begin to move forward.
3 THE INNS PLANS FOR 2021-2022 Aiden Ahern Despite a little-known pandemic now concluded by experts to have just-kind-of affected bar life across the world, the StFX Inn plans to continue hosting regular events through the 2021-2022 school year following provincial Covid guidelines and restrictions. Students who go to the Inn can expect some good news for this upcoming year. First, it must be said, just like all other businesses in the province – the Inn must and is keeping a close eye on the total of people inside the bar at once and making sure that
masks are worn appropriately. Its full capacity may not be back yet, but traditional events like trivia, karaoke and sex toy bingo nights are alternating by the week every Thursday; (Alternation . . .marination… give me wings). But here’s the good news, in case you don’t know or haven’t heard yet (perhaps from Riley Hall,) the Inn has started opening a small twenty-five-person dance floor after 9pm and is bringing-in local DJs. A vibe to meet, most definitely. Secondly, if the after 9pm vibe isn’t your thing, some good news for you may be that open mic nights are now starting earlier in the evening. This means that if
you’re underage, the good ol’ Inn is giving you a chance to shine (every week) before nine. More good news is that Fridays have recently been branded by the Inn as Fired up Fridays for possible themed events. Their schedules will be released each week on the Inn Instagram account. It is also worth noting that the Inn will be open for special events and private bookings on Saturdays. To book these events for any campus society member or organizers contact the Inn Bar and Events Manager Shawn Kieley at skieley@stfx. ca.
remains, as it always has, to provide a safe social place for students to gather. If and when restrictions lighten, students can expect the Inn to adapt accordingly. In the meantime, let us enjoy the Covid-abiding right we have not to share a single wing on Wednesday wing nights – for it may not last long. Consider following the Inn Instagram page @thegoldenxinn for more info and to browse food specials offered every night of the week from 5pm – 9pm. All Roads Lead.
The Inn’s number one goal
ENVIORNMENTAL DEGRADATION Alain Mpenzi The year 2020 was recorded as the worst hurricane season on record. Our awareness of rising ocean temperatures leading to greater storms and the steady melting of the polar ice caps has reminded me again of the urgent need of humankind to address climate change. Environment plays an essential role on our planet by providing good climate, good water and good survival conditions for every living organism. Human beings and all life on the planet depend on the environment for survival through ecosystems that provide food, clean water and favourable conditions. The impact of environmental degradation on these ideal factors can be categorized into three types: land degradation, water degradation and air pollution. Urbanization is one of the factors which has led to land degradation. I grew up in Africa and so much of my knowledge of and concern for the environment arises from my experiences there. The custom was often to simply set the land on REGARDING BEEF JERKY Sarah Laffin A few nights ago, as I lay asleep, a thought came racing to my mind. As one normally does with thoughts that arise in the midst of a dream, I have since felt compelled to tell my story. The thought in question is regarding the validity of placing leather under the classification of jerky. Or perhaps that jerky may be a member of the leather family. Jerky and leather are not unalike: brown, meaty, and used in daily life. In support of my argument, I present to you the following evidence. Jerky is defined as “a type of snack food that is made by marinating beef in a curing solution and drying it.” This process gives jerky it’s long shelf life and unique flavor. While most commonly made with lean or ground beef, jerky can be made from the muscle tissue of a variety of animals. The jerky process begins with the curing of meat in a solution of water and salt. This solution has an antimicrobial effect preventing the growth of bacteria and is also responsible for the final colour of the jerky. Different types of salt solutions may be used to achieve different coloring; sodium ascorbate is known to bring out natural pinks while sodium nitrate provides its famous dark brown jerky coloring. The jerky is then submerged in a salt brine containing vari-
fire with the aim to clear it and build homes. Trees were also cut down for easy construction, leaving the land bare. The consequence of this was that when the wind came, it blew away the top layer of soil, leading to soil erosion. As well, much wildlife habitat has been destroyed by these practices. ‘Clear cutting’ in Canadian forests today has much the same negative impact. Both in Africa and in Canada, selective tree planting is one positive way to enhance depleted ecosystems. Farming can play a role in water degradation, when the use of inorganic fertilizers to boost crop production leads to water pollution. Toxic chemicals which are used during the planting of crops go deep into the soil. When the rain comes it carries away the soil, thereby mixing those chemicals with water and polluting the
ous flavorings. The final step in the jerky journey is the drying process whereby the jerky is heated at low temps to reduce its water content to 20-40%. This brings us to leather. Leather is made in much the same way as its jerky relative. The hide of a variety of animals can be used and is soaked in a salt brine, preventing the growth of bacteria. The leather is then placed into a secondary solution which is responsible for the final color of the product. This solution may consist of vegetable oils or a secondary salt brine mix. In this case, however, flavorings are replaced with tannin extractsan astringent derived from the bark of various trees that gives leather its colour. Finally, the leather is also dried either manually through high pressure or heated in the sun. This information provides us with the necessary evidence to assess the connection between jerky and leather. The main differences between these two products is that jerky is made from muscle tissue while leather is made from hide. Further, the secondary curing process of both products differs slightly in the use of flavorings versus colourants. I provide two remedies to this situation. First, while the types of tissue used may generally differ, it is possible to create jerky using animal hide. This type of skin jerky is often found
land. In addition, some industrial waste materials which are disposed of in bodies of water contribute to the pollution of the water, leaving some water sources unsafe for drinking and also contributing to disease and serious chronic illnesses. The emissions that go into the sky from different manufacturing companies affect air quality. When the emissions are released, they accumulate and contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. As a young person of Generation Z, I am just starting out on the great adventure of life. Like so many of my cohort, I have tremendous concern for the future of the planet we share. Global warming,
in the form of dog treats as the hide creates a tougher, chewier type of jerky. However, this reverse process would not apply to jerky. Muscle tissue cannot be made into leather due to its softer consistency- it would result in a weak, stretchy product. Secondly, if one were to so desire leather to be edible, this process could be made possible by removing the use of colourants and replacing them with chemical flavorings. By this logic I conclude that leather is in fact a type of jerky and that it would be academically sound to list leather under this category. Leather can be made into jerky albeit a slightly tougher consistency, but jerky cannot be made into leather. While I do not encourage readers to attempt to consume their leather products, I do seek jerky representation. In a random poll conducted by myself to gauge consumer opinion, nearly 58% of respondents stated that leather is in fact not a type of jerky. I am here today to say that 58% of respondents in this research were wrong. I ask you the reader to join the movement for jerky representation and fight for the right to classify leather as jerky. It is my hope that this article has expanded your view of the jerky journey. Please join me in our next edition where we will discuss the ethics of cereal and its classification as a soup or a salad
Features POSITIVE PIECE My name is Kali Beaton I am a third-year business student at Stfx, I created the brand Positive piece in may last year, I decided late that I was going to stay in Antigonish for the summer and I was working as a cashier. I wasn’t getting the fulfillment that I craved at this job, I really enjoyed the people aspect, but I was not excited to go to work and so shortly after we went into our second lockdown in May, I started this brand. I got the vision one day, it popped into my head after a walk in the morning, and I thought well why I can’t do this. I immediately drove to Walmart, bought some supplies, watched a single YouTube video, learned how to make one type of bracelet, and made an Instagram page. A month later I quit my job, did this as a passion project for the summer and I have kept it going into the school year! My main aim of this brand was to be able to give people a piece that made them feel something when they put it on. For example, I run on the Cross country and Track team here at StFX and I made X-women bracelets for my team and wearing them every race really helps me feel connected to the team while we race. I had a website positvepiece.org and I also do sales through DMs on Instagram, I sell affordable, customizable pieces. Additionally, I love doing group orders this fall I did orders for the StFX O-Crew team and the StFX women’s Lacrosse team. You can check me out on Insta @Positvepiece or my website Positivepiece.org.
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HOROScopes Erika Blanche Pagobo Aries (March 21-April 19) There is no “I” in team. Aries, this month is a good opportunity for you to negotiate and have tactful diplomacy. The full moon in your sign on the 20th can help you see a key bond in a different light. You might get insights about this relationship that weren’t obvious before and that cause a change in behaviour. Plus, a project or a plan may be nearing completion, bringing a chance to celebrate your success. The 22nd is a time of piercing realizations, radical decisions, and a way to let go of anything that seems to hold you back. On the 30th, you may receive a laser-like focus and concentration that will aid your plans and efforts. Do remember to ease off and unwind while engaging in more relaxing activities after working hard! Aries Celebrities: Lady Gaga, Pharrell, Kristen Stewart Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, Jackie Chan Taurus (April 20-May 20) Balance in your daily life will come to you this month until the 30th. At the end of the month, you will feel more proactive about getting the thing the way you want them. Early in the month, try to adopt healthier habits or make better use of your time. It’s also time to say yes more of everything. Watch out on the 20th as emotions can reach a peak at the time of the full moon. If you can simplify your schedule and take it easy a day or so, you’ll be able to take any unexpected drama in stride. This month will bring you greater passion and intensity to partnerships and other relationships. Stock and cut those connections that are like deadwood—it will pave a way for new and richer friendships. Taurus Celebrities: Gigi Hadid, John Cena, Channing Tatum, Lizzo, Gal Gadot, Travis Scott Gemini (May 21-June 20) Leisure and pleasure are high this month for you Gemini. This is the time for you to reconnect with your creative abilities an get a lot of pleasure doing so. And if you’re eager to learn a new hobby or get back in touch with one you used to enjoy, this is the month do so. If you’re eager to promote your work to a wider audience, this is a great opportunity to do so. Your efforts will quickly build
momentum. On the 18th, you might get help if a love tryst has cooled a bit. It might soon pick up again. The 20th could coincide with an uplifting event, be ready to party and celebrate! This is a great chance to let off some steam. Over the coming weeks, you’ll be able to weed out areas that aren’t working for you and replace them with activities or a new job that you find fulfilling and even more lucrative. Gemini Celebrities: Tom Holland, Awkwafina, Angelina Jolie, Liam Neeson, Kanye West Cancer (June 21-July 22) If any issues have been hanging over your family or in a group, this is one of the better times to sort them out. Tact and diplomacy can help ease difficult situations and bring people together again. This month will also bring out some bold and adventurous note to your lifestyle choices and decisions. Working and travelling might appeal to you over the coming weeks, especially if you’re thinking of going with a good friend. Your love life could improve dramatically, perhaps being the best it has been year. Cancer Celebrities: Ariana Grande, Tom Cruise, Post Malone, Kevin Hart, Selena Gomez Leo (July 23-August 22) This month’s emphasis on your sector of talk and thought is excellent for all tasks and projects involving thinking, planning, communicating, and marketing. Early in the month, your relationships can take on a more exciting quality. Solo flight? This can be a chance for a love adventure like no other. The 20th can really get you going. If your gut instinct tells you to go ahead, then give it a whirl! Life at home could get intense on the 22nd. If you’re thinking of making changes for some time, this is when you might spring into action. Some of your plans could be radical. Still no matter what you’re planning, you’ll give it much thought first. Leo Celebrities: Kylie Jenner, Shawn Mendes, Chris Hemsworth, Joe Jonas, Jennifer Lopez Virgo (August 23-September 22) If there are some talents of yours currently lying dormant,
you might have opportunities to make use of them and perhaps perfect them, and it might just improve your income. Consider selling any items you no longer need and convert them to cash! Over the coming weeks, you’ll have a chance to iron out any difficulties with family members, but you might need to act as mediator if a situation needs special attention. The 20th could highlight some intense emotions. Rather than act them out, welcoming and embracing them could help them move though you and away. You will soon feel a sense of relief. Finally, on the 22nd, conversations will get right to the point, and big decisions can lead to dynamic action as a result. Virgo Celebrities: Beyonce, Blake Lively, Zendaya, Keanu Reeves, Alexis Bledel, Chris Pine Libra (September 23-October 22) This month could mean a lot of influence for you. You’ll be in your element and feeling good and confident, making new friends, and reaching meaningful goals. Early in the week, you will have time when you want to be very honest, as well as times when it would be better to let the natural diplomacy come to the fore. You be the judge. The 22nd will emphasize on your personal financial zone. Getting everything streamlined can help you make the most of your money. Desires may be stronger than usual, so if there’s something you really want, you won’t give up until you get it. Libra Celebrities: Anthony Mackie, Will Smith, Avril Lavigne, Halsey, Bella Thorne, Bruno Mars Scorpio (October vember 21)
23-No-
As you ease into October, the emphasis on spirituality, inner healing, and taking steps to live to your full potential. After the 22nd, you could be a different person from the one you were four weeks earlier. If you’re eager to understand your dreams, start writing them down and they’ll take you on a fabulous journey to self-discovery. If you’re been working on visualizing what you want and enhancing your mindset, you’ll soon begin to see results. Finally, on the 22nd, you will truly be in your element. This is your chance to operate at full power and seek out
those opportunities that enable you to make use of your many talents. Scorpio Celebrities: Ryan Reynolds, Drake, Katy Perry, Kendall Jenner, SZA, Gordon Ramsey Sagittarius 22-December 21)
(November
Your focus this month is on your social sector! On the 22nd until the end of the month, you’ll likely be a social butterfly and you’re eager to make new connections. You might be eager to break into new circles, especially if you can make friends with those who can help you accomplish your goals. If you have a desire to make your dreams come true, this is the time to go for it. A romance could blossom for you on the 20th. However, think about the consequences before you do or say anything if you choose to make a move on someone you admire! This is the time to see out a therapist, counselor, or energy healer to resolve raw areas and secret wounds that may have been a source of pain for too long now. Sagittarius Celebrities: Scarlett Johansson, DJ Khaled, Lucy Liu, Nicki Minaj, Alexa Demie Capricorn 22-January 19)
(December
The emphasis for you this month is on a high-flying sector. This is a chance to take a powerful action and get what you want. Watch out for delays and confusions regarding plans, deals, and negotiations during the 18th. This month is one of the better times to be nice to yourself. Go enjoy some self-care! Being sensitive to others’ feelings can assist you in getting through people on the 10th, without upsetting them. At the end of the month, you may be drawn to connect to those who have influence and who might be able to help you get something you want. Capricorn Celebrities: John Legend, Zayn Malik, Michelle Obama, Nina Dobrev, Lebron James Aquarius (January 20-February 18) You will be geared up to make fresh discoveries this month Aquarius. Activities such as moving in new circles, networking or reaching out to people on the other side of the world could produce positive results and give you quick results. If you’re looking to date
this month, the more you join in, the better your chances. Get ready to vent your frustration on the 20th. If things have been getting to you, this s when it could all come out into the open. It might be a good idea to go for a long walk or work out early on. On the 22nd, if you want to get noticed, this is the time to showcase your abilities. The more you are willing to stand out from a crow, the better it will be for you. Aquarius Celebrities: Harry Styles, Shakira, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Hiddleston, Emma Roberts Pisces (February 19-March 20) This can be a rewarding month for you. You may end up dealing with matters you have been avoiding. Over the coming weeks, you will realize how much they are draining your energy and causing stress. Early in the month, connect with people who share your goals and ambitions. Social events where you mingle with important people and influencers could get you some amazing new contacts. On the 20th, avoid impulsive buying, as you will regret your purchases bigtime! Emerge into something different on the 22nd, it could be going to a workshop or taking a course that is more intense. New adventures will help you change and transform! Pisces Celebrities: Rihanna, Camila Cabello, Bruce Willis, Simone Biles, Stephen Curry
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5 EDITOR: EMILY KEENAN xw.opinions@stfx.ca
Colouring Page Haille Pirie
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sports and health ‘MAKE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY’ Preet Banga Every year, October 10 is observed as the World Mental Health Day. In Canada, October 3-9 is also observed as the Mental Illness Awareness Week to educate people about mental illnesses. A study conducted in 2011 on behalf of the Mental Health Commission of Canada estimated that within a generation “more than 8.9 million Canadians will be living in a mental illness.” During Covid-19, a survey conducted September-December 2020 said that almost 38% of Canadians reported that due to Covid-19 pandemic, they experienced “feelings of loneliness or isolation.” According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, nearly 20 per cent of the youth in the country are affected by mental illness. However, only one in five gets the help they need. A report in Calgary Herald cited a metaanalysis published in August by Dr. Nicole Racine with the De-
partment of Psycholog y at the University of Calgary and a team of researchers in JAMA Pediatrics, which showed that globally, one in four young people experience “clinically elevated depressive symptoms,” while one in five experience “clinically elevated anxiety symptoms.” Those rates are alarming, the report cited Racine as saying, “given that before the pandemic only about one in 10 youth were having clinically elevated anxiety and depression”. A number of mental health support programs, both offline and online, are offered to the students at StFX. The StFX Sudents’ Union offers the Peer Support Program, where trained student volunteers provide support to peers by listening and helping direct students to relevant resources. Jack.org¸ a Canadian volunteer organization focuses on providing mental health information and training support to young adults, also has a chapter in StFX where students work to end stigma surrounding mental
health, learn about accessible resources and provide support to their peers facing mental health concerns. Healthy Minds NS provides mental health support to students, strengthens their knowledge of mental health issues, and provide a wider array of resources, particularly for students experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. StFX University currently offers four of the Healthy Minds NS programs online, in addition to the support offered through the University’s Health and Counselling Centre. These resources can help to complement in-person support. They can also be used on their own. The four programs are: Togetherall, a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. Another program, TAO self-help includes a variety of interactive modules. Good2Talk is a free helpline offering confidential support from professional counsellors to any university student who is study-
ing at a university in Nova Scotia. Crisis Text Line is a volunteer support service providing textbased support to university students. Mental health concerns are a reality. Mental illness not only impacts individuals but has a significant impact on the affected person’s family and even community. However, the problem is compounded because due to social stigma, people do not seek expert help for these issues. “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Close
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION CEREMONIES Zoey Phillips
X OFF TO A GREAT START Jack Milbank It has been a long year for the sports world and for it’s fans. Since the epidemic almost allorganized sports in Canada have been postponed or heavily modified. As restrictions loosenand the Nova-Scotian government enters phase 5 sports fans are slowly being able to go watchtheir favorite teams in person. These guidelines apply to professional sports all the way to community organized sports. As sports around the world slowly resume, so do sports at StFX. The long anticipated 2021-2022 season has arrived and is now in full effect. The student athletes are gearing up for the most exciting season yet. The women’s rugby team is starting off the season with a record of 3-2, this includes an impressive win over the Saint Mary’s Huskies 68-7. Friday October 15th marks the X-womens next match against Acadia, which they played earlier in the season and was victorious. The Men’s soccer team were off to a hot start with a 9 game winning streak which included 3 pre-season matches. Unfortunately it came to an end with a tough home game against the Cape Breton Capers. The X-Men will host the Acadia Axeman on October 16th.
EDITOR: JACK MILBANK
There is one team at StFX that is currently undefeated, with a record of 2-0. That team is the football team! Averaging 32.5 points a game and only allowing 134 rushing yards. Silas Fagnan StFX’s quarterback and Ethan Mastin’s StFX’s defensive back were both awarded U-SPORTS athlete of the week. They were selected for the offensive player of the week as well as the defensive player of the week, both having huge impacts on the homecoming win against the Bishop University Gaiters. Cross country has had two meets so far this year. StFX hosted the first invitational on September 18th and came away with first place in the men’s heat and first place in the women’s heat. The second invitational was hosted at Acadia University, again StFX pulled away with the first place on the mens and womens side. Siona Chisholm and Andrew Peverill held the first place positions in both races. As the weather gets colder and the teams get deeper into their seasons, time will tell which tell will be victorious. By the looks of it StFX is doing a great job so far.
On September 30th at 11:00 am, the Mulroney Institute opened its doors for the inaugural National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Keep it up X. GO X GO!
The remembrance ceremony then regrouped outside at the Alumni Plaza. There, students, faculty, children, and community members were giv-
Both students and members of the Antigonish community attended, digging up their orange shirts, scrunchies, earrings and even crocs, all of this was to honour the Indigenous children who were stripped of their culture in the Canadian Residential School system. After filling up the Joyce Family Atrium, the sound of ceremonial drumming began. Mi’kmaq elder Kerry Prosper spoke first, leading a prayer of remembrance to honour the spirits who had not yet been appropriately commemorated. Elizabeth Yeo, VP of students, echoed the need to honour and pay respects to victims of the Residential Schools. StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin recognized that the university was closed for the day, giving people the opportunity to listen and reflect on reconciliation. He described a need to shed light on the injustices inflicted on Indigenous Canadians, both historically and today. He also asked the assembly members to take on the responsibility of educating themselves to make working towards reconciliation possible. Terena Francis, a coordinator for Indigenous Student Affairs at StFX and the daughter of Residential School survivors, expressed feeling overwhelmed by all the support, singling out the football team with special thanks. Ms. Francis’ honoured her parents’ memory and encouraged students to reflect on Indigenous experiences. She said, “I ask you to continue to educate yourself on our shared history.”
en ribbons, each representing one of the 6,500 children who died in Residential Schools. As they tied their ribbons to the installation, a student reported feeling “mournful” and “shocked,” the visual of all the ribbons provoked an emotional reaction from many of the gathered. The demonstration was prepared by the Indigenous Student Society and other volunteers. The installation will be available to visit outside the Alumni Plaza for the entirety of October. Michelle Sylliboy, an assistant professor at StFX and descendant of residential school survivors, spoke at Alumni Plaza. She shared the memory of her birth mother, a former student of StFX who pursued a BEd. Prof. Sylliboy also stressed the importance of reclaiming historical narratives while explaining the meaning behind the commemorative garden near the Coady Institute. The garden commemorates the 215 children found buried outside the Kamloops Residential School earlier this year. In Mi’kmaq hieroglyphics is the message “Children, they found you, you were buried, we love you.” Co-written by elders and members of the community. Prof. Sylliboy called upon students to not only educate themselves but to educate others as well. A moment of silence was observed, and an honour song concluded the ceremony. “Remember this moment” She stressed.
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Word Search Haille Pirie
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thursday march thirty first, 2016