VOLUME 154, ISSUE 2, OCTOBER 2020
Online Learning
Students and staff cope with UNB’s blended learning method
Hallowe’en Costumes From Your Closet
Easy Hallowe’en costume ideas that won’t break the bank.
Canada's Oldest Official Student Publication
Editorial Policy While we endeavour to provide an open forum for a variety of viewpoints and ideas, we may refuse any submission considered by the Editorial Board to be racist, sexist, libellous or in any way discriminatory.
About us The Brunswickan, in its 154th year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication. We are an autonomous student publication owned and operated by Brunswickan Publishing Inc. , a nonprofit, independent body. We are also a founding member of the Canadian University Press. Now a magazine, we publish monthly during the academic year with a circulation of 300. We publish weekly online at Thebruns.ca. @thebrunswickan
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The opinions and views expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Brunswickan, its Editorial Board or its Board of Directors. All editorial content appearing in The Brunswickan is the property of Brunswickan Publishing Inc. Stories, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the express, written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.
Front Cover Fuschia Glow by Lisa Metz. Art Director: Jules Keenan Light Crew: Ian Humber, Liam Endresen. Model: Marlowe Evans Makeup Artist: Taylor Chalker.
Staff Reporters Andrew McCullough Ibukun Keyamo Morgan Bell Creative Team Josh Vandenborre Jules Keenan Social Media Manager Emma Warwick
Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Ally Buchanan Business Manager Cameron Wiseman Ceative Director Jules Keenan News Editor Taylor Chalker Arts & Lifestyle Editor Marlowe Evans Ad Manager Curtis Brewster Multimedia Editor Josh Vandenborre Copy Editor Jack Sparks
Editor Letter from the
Words by Ally Buchanan Illustration by Jules Keenan
As you may know, October is LGBTQ+ History Month. The tradition originated in 1996, when a Missouri high school teacher decided that his students would benefit from a month of learning the frequently forgotten history. Over the following years a number of national organizations endorsed the celebration of this month. In 2006, the Equality Forum assumed responsibility for the practice of LGBTQ+ History Month, making it what it is today. As with most discussions of history and politics, I find Canadians have a deeper understanding of the American perspective than we do of our own. Other than the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2005, not much is widely known about the experience of Canada’s LGBTQ+ community. Here is a short list of some events in Canada’s LGBTQ+ history. 1950s-60s: The RCMP conducts surveillance, raids, and arrests of “homosexuals” in all major Canadian cities. 1969: Canada decriminalizes homosexual acts between consenting adults. 1971: Canada’s first public protest for gay rights, We Demand, is held on Parliament Hill. 1981: The Toronto Police raid four bathhouses in Operation Soap, spurring a wave of protests that is now seen as Canada’s Stonewall and the first Toronto Pride event. 1995: Egan v. Canada sees freedom from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation ruled a protected right. 2004: The last raid of a bathhouse takes place in Hamilton, Ontario. 2013: Bill-C279 is passed, ensuring human rights protection to transgender people in Canada. 2017: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issues a formal apology to the LGBTQ+ community, including 145 million dollars compensation 2020: Federal legislation is introduced to ban the practice of conversion therapy in Canada.
In modern social discourse, especially here in Canada, it is easy to forget why something like LGBTQ+ History Month is so important. They’ve got legal marriage, right? You can put X as a gender marker on your passport. What else is there? In a time and place where the courts and legislatures largely support the basic rights and protections of LGBTQ+ individuals, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric can perhaps be more easily overlooked in favour of large-scale political wins. We’ve come a long way from the bathhouse raids of the 1970s, but the LGBTQ+ community continues to face discrimination, oppression, and violence. Queerphobia is more than illegal same-sex marriage. It’s being misgendered and called the wrong name at family events, it’s taking down flags when your landlord comes by for fear that they’ll find a reason to evict you, it’s feeling unsafe walking downtown holding a partner’s hand. It’s knowing that somewhere, sometime, you could face abuse and murder simply by virtue of being who you are. Knowing Canada’s LGBTQ+ history is important in understanding the struggles faced by the community today, both in how far we’ve come and how much farther we have to go. What I’ve included here is by no means an exhaustive timeline, and I strongly encourage you to do your own research, and learn a little more about a history that is so often overlooked. Sincerely, Ally Have a comment on a story, want to bring attention to something happening on campus, or have anything else to share? We want to hear from you! Send in your Letters to the Editor to editor@thebruns.ca. 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE BRUNSWICKAN | VOL. 154, ISSUE 1
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News Briefs Taylor Chalker
On the Town
Marlowe Evans
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Student Union Presidents Ibukun Keyamo
Hallowe’en Fesitivites During A Pandemic Morgan Bell
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A War on Three Levels Andrew McCullough
Gaining Perspective On Online Learning at UNB Taylor Chalker 4
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Indigenous Languages Ibukun Keyamo
Defining Misogyny Vol. II: Marlowe Evans
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Hallowe’en Costumes From Your Closet Marlowe Evans
Dear Sharkie Sharkie
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Crossword
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Public Frustration with Fredericton SPCA
Words by Taylor Chalker Illustration by Jules Keenan
Black Lives Matter Fredericton meets with Minister of Education When The Brunswickan spoke with Black Lives Matter organizer Husoni Raymond in September, he explained that Premier Blaine Higgs was keen on working with the chapter on the point of education. To work toward this, the chapter partnered with DMV Fredericton to develop an online resource for Black History to be used by teachers in classrooms. On October 9, they announced that they had met with the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development to deliver their education proposal. “We are calling upon the Government of New Brunswick to incorporate content on the history of slavery, segregation, systematic oppression and the contributions of Black Canadians in New Brunswick and Canada into the public-school curriculum,” the chapter stated in a Facebook graphic. Their proposed strategy was sectioned into three intervention strategies. They aim to hire learning strategists for the various academic levels, form partnerships with the province’s universities, and form a partnership with Nova Scotia’s African Canadian Service. Black Lives Matter Fredericton continues to work towards bringing this initiative to fruition. 6
When Morgan Suhonos’s cat Ruth got out on September 16, she was not initially worried as Ruth had a habit of escaping for short periods of time. When more than a day and a half had elapsed, Suhonos knew that something was wrong. With the help of friends, Suhonos found that Ruth had been advertised as a lost pet on the Fredericton SPCA website, and she claims that the SPCA did not adhere to their standard of holding animals for three days prior to adoption. In an online fundraiser, Suhonous explained her side of the situation. “...[The Fredericton SPCA] DID NOT follow their policy and within 2.5 days had ‘posted’ and ‘ removed’ this Lost/Found ad,” Suhonos wrote, pleading for donations to help support legal fees to get Ruth back. The Fredericton SPCA released a timeline on their Facebook page, detailing when Ruth came to the shelter and the steps that were taken to get her to the foster family that she now resides with. They stated that the appropriate period of time had elapsed before Ruth, renamed Charlotte, was placed with the foster family. “This situation has been resolved with all parties notified of the outcome and the reasons why…” the SPCA stated in a Facebook post. “We have and always will be putting the animal’s welfare front and centre.” There is still contention from Suhonos about the validity of the SPCA’s claims, and the public is divided between supporting Suhonos and expressing support for the SPCA. While the SPCA has completed their report on this matter, the online fundraiser, organized by Suhonos, remains open to donations.
Words by Marlowe Evans Illustration by Jules Keenan
City of Fredericton Artist in Residence Exhibition When: October 8 - 30, regular gallery hours Where: Gallery 78 Over a dozen artists all in one place? Check out the products of Fredericton’s summer artist in residence program by visiting Gallery 78 this month. Featuring breathtaking fibre art, embroidery, paintings, and some fascinating woven acorns by Ralph Simpson, this exhibit is worth the walk downtown. However, if going to the gallery isn’t possible, all of the pieces are available for viewing online on the Gallery 78 website. Theatre New Brunswick: Fall Festival of New Plays When: October 15 - November 26 Where: TNB venues, online With conversations, readings, and interviews running through October and into November, this event promises an interesting and fresh start to the autumn season at TNB. Events include Jean-Michel Cliche and Hinter, Ryan Griffith and We Might Never Speak Again, and Alain Roux on The Kelpie. Having a fall festival of theatre is difficult during a pandemic, so although the festival will hold live events, it is also available to stream live online! And to make matters even more appealing, the events are all free (with donations appreciated)! Dates and a live link are available on the Theatre New Brunswick website.
Kinesiology Graduate Colloquium When: October 23, 10:30 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Where: Microsoft Teams Guest speaker Ross Leadbetter, CEO of the not-forprofit research organization iHub Learning Inc., will be discussing research in a practical setting and how it can be applied to learning and teaching. This guest lecture will be available online via Microsoft Teams, and the link is posted on the My UNB Student News Blog. The Fiddlehead Free Online Poetry Reading When: October 28, 6 p.m. Where: Zoom Celebrating their 75th anniversary issue, The Fiddlehead will be presenting an online reading by the authors appearing in the new edition. These are brand new poems being presented and celebrated by authors from across the country. The Fiddlehead is one of Canada’s premier poetry publications, and is quite often a stepping stone to CBC literary prizes and even the Governor General’s Medal. There will be an ASL interpreter translating the events in real time so the event will be accessible. The link for the Zoom call is available via registration on The Fiddlehead’s Website.
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Student Union Presidents: a new term with new challenges Words by Ibukun Keyamo Photos submitted
Having officially begun their terms on May 1, 2020, the new Student Union Presidents of STU and UNB, Sarah Kohut and Sean Mackenzie respectively, have had a bit of time to settle into their posts and begin to unpack some of the issues facing students in what may be one of the most unique situations faced by university students this century. Sarah Kohut is a fourth-year student pursuing an honours degree in Criminology with a major in Psychology and a minor in Human Rights. Although COVID-19 restrictions posed many challenges this year, Kohut was VP Student Life for the 2019/20 school year, and that helped her ease into her position as President. “I think that no transition could have prepared me for the year that we’ve been faced with, considering how this year is unlike any other. Although, with the transition information from my predecessor, and coming from being a member of the STUSU’s executive team, I believe I had a strong transition,” she explained. 8
This year, Kahut thinks her biggest project will be ensuring students are adjusting and faring well with online learning. However, once the year progresses, she hopes more opportunities will come up for large projects. As for how she feels she has taken up the mantle from her predecessors, Kahut said she has, “reflected a lot on this question during my time as president, and I will continue to reflect on this question until my term is finished, as there have been a lot of spectacular STUSU Presidents that have come before me. “Due to the uniqueness of this year, I believe it’s relatively impossible to compare the student leaders of this year to those of years prior – there is absolutely no precedent to what we’re faced with this year. However, I would like to believe that I’m living up to the legacy of my predecessors in the sense that I’m continuing to make an impact on student life. Ultimately, each STUSU President has left a unique legacy that cannot be replicated, and I believe the same can be said for this year.”
Sean MacKenzie, president of UNB’s Student Union, is a fourth-year Computer Science student minoring in History. “[It was] certainly different than I had anticipated. It was much different from what I had expected when I ran for the position, but I still love it,” MacKenzie said of assuming the position. “The previous team did a great job of helping the current team get going, as is done every year. However, there is no precedent for how to operate the SU during a pandemic, so we had to set our own. I feel that everyone in the SU did a great job adapting to all the quick changes we faced.” Balancing classes and work can be quite difficult, MacKenzie said. "My calendar is my best friend. I make sure that I arrive between 7:30 and 8:00 every morning to finalize any remaining business from the day before. Making sure I get assignments submitted is also extremely helpful. I make sure that I have a couple hours every night to focus on my academics. I don’t want my role to be impacted by school and I don’t want school to be impacted by my role.” Mackenzie feels that being the first president to start their term in a pandemic is a big part of his legacy.
during a pandemic are key priorities for me,” he explained. He emphasized that being an advocate for fellow students is something he finds vital to his presidency. “I find that in the past, many of my predecessors have focused on the short term, which is not necessarily a bad thing, rather than planning for how we can be better for students five or ten years down the road. My goal this year is to focus on the long term advancement of the Union and seeing how we can grow to be better and offer more to our students". As for projects this year, Mackenzie already has something in the works. "My priorities have obviously shifted since I ran in the election, given the drastic changes we have seen in the world. My number one goal right now is to ensure we remain successful throughout the year, which I feel we have been to date. In terms of large projects that will have an impact, there is one that we have begun work on,” he said. He discussed impending projects with executive members of ALPS (Adult Learners Part-Time Students) and members of the university, to begin to better represent that group with the UNBSU, and give them access to student union services and benefits. Both presidents have come into their positions in a time of change and transition, and it will be interesting to see how they use their positions to better advocate for students.
“Ensuring that we will be able to still effectively advocate for students, offer them services, and that they have a meaningful voice at the table 9
Hallowe'en Festivities During a Pandemic
Words by Morgan Bell Illustration by Jules Keenan
Door-to-door trick-or-treating has been approved in New Brunswick this Hallowe’en, as long as cities stay within the yellow phase. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell has given the public a rundown on how to carry out the tradition this year. “Hallowe’en and Thanksgiving may look different this year but, with some planning, people can enjoy these special occasions safely – cleanliness is key,” Russell said. When passing out candy or going door-to-door, people are advised to be consistent with hand washing and sanitizing. High touch areas, like doorknobs, are important to keep clean, and face masks should be prioritized over a costume mask. Individuals passing out candy are encouraged to offer non-treat toys (pencils, erasers, crayons, etc.). Bowls of candy should not be offered due to the high contact needed to receive the candy. Preparing individual treat bags would be the best option for avoiding contact amongst the children. For those not comfortable with passing out candy this year, Dr. Russell suggests putting signs in yards advertising these views; for example: “Happy Hallowe’en, no visitors please.” Although there are rules to follow this year, that does not mean the holiday can’t be enjoyed. “Kids are very excited, they’re glad it’s not cancelled. They’ve all been talking about their costumes,” said Lynette Brewer, who operates a daycare and afterschool program on Fredericton’s northside. Childcare services have changed drastically since the pandemic has taken over. Centres have a more rigid cleaning routine; kids cannot share communal toys, and classes do not interact with one another. “We’re going to have to be extra careful, take the kids' temperature more often, and watch for symptoms closely for the two weeks following Hallowe’en,” Brewer explained.
Although trick-or-treating has always been a door-to-door activity, ideas have emerged on different ways to participate. Parties with a maximum of 50 guests and Hallowe’en parades are highly recommended. Brewer plans on taking her daughter to a family party, as well as trick-or-treating in their neighbourhood. She plans on taking extra precautions when going out. It’s important to stick to one neighbourhood when trick-or-treating and keep track of where you go. People are easily able to keep track using the COVID alert app. People with medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer should avoid participating in Hallowe’en activities. People who are at a high risk should be avoided by trick-or-treaters for several days after. As Moncton and Campbellton have returned to the orange phase, door-to-door trick-or-treating has been cancelled for its residents. Woodstock decided on a unanimous vote to not allow door-to-door, and the rest of New Brunswick’s cities are able to proceed but should do so with caution. “The kids would like to go trick-or-treating in the neighbourhood, as we usually do, but I don’t think I am comfortable. We’ve talked about doing a Hallowe’en party with one or two families...” said Deanna Brown, a mother of two in elementary school who is trying to decide how to handle Hallowe’en this year. Some families are less affected by the conflicting decision, such as that of Ericka Mallais who is a mother of two children, ages three and five. “We will probably just do our families' houses I’m guessing. Not that I’m against door-to-door but my kids are young enough, that will be lots of fun for them,” said Mallais.
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A War on Three Levels: Combating Mental Health Issues, Addiction, and Affordable Housing Words by Andrew McCullough Photo by Josh Vandenborre
Recent years have seen a 20 per cent increase in the use of hard drugs, like crystal meth, in New Brunswick. This increase isn’t a solitary problem, it is just one tier of the compounding problems of mental health issues, addiction, and affordable housing availability that are hitting the most vulnerable members of New Brunswick communities. Mental health issues are the most common type of disability claimed in Canada. In 2018, there were 981 discharges in Fredericton related to mental health and addiction hospitalizations, according to the Hospital Mental Health Database. Across all New Brunswick hospitals, over 5500 people sought treatment for mental health issues and addictions. The symptoms of improperly treated mental illness leave victims without secure financial income and puts them at further risk of housing insecurity and homelessness. When health care is not easily accessible, many turn to substance abuse as a form of self-medication. This provides users with a temporary escape, but often the abuse spirals out of control, eventually compounding and adding to the initial problem. "[The most vulnerable people] are the ones that are typically using more of the crystal meth because it's very cheap," said Dr. Sara Davidson in an interview with CBC. The drug's ability to stave off hunger also makes it an appealing substance for those currently suffering from homelessness. Davidson, of the Downtown Fredericton Health Clinic, has recently assisted in opening the River Stone Recovery Health Clinic. The clinic is one of five pilot project programs launching across Canada. Located on King Street in downtown Fredericton, the new clinic can be located across 12
the street from the Downtown Fredericton Health Clinic, behind The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy. Services offered at the clinic include injectable agonist therapy, a treatment showing significant benefits for reducing the use of street opioids, as well as peer support programs partnering those suffering from addiction with recovered addicts. David Coon, Fredericton South MLA, emphasizes the importance of mental health service availability for reducing addiction rate, and criticizes the Department of Health for its lack of support for the River Stone Center. “The Department of Health or at least the Medicare branch turned down Dr. Davidson's request to have 40 per cent of her time allocated as medical director to the River Stone Addictions Recovery Centre, which didn't make any sense at all,” said Coon. He still feels confident that Davidson could receive approval to allocate more time to the addictions centre, and expressed the need to remove barriers that are delaying the building of affordable housing by the non-profit housing sector. People suffering from serious mental illness are disproportionately vulnerable to homelessness, often remaining without housing for longer periods, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Holistic approaches are needed at all levels, starting with stronger mental health resources for the province, an issue the Higgs government has claimed is a priority. “In a recent survey, over half of New Brunswickers said they are at high risk of mental health concerns due to COVID,” NB Premier Blaine Higgs said to reporters in the lead up to the September snap election. He promised to focus on developing an
increase in walk-in clinics for mental health care and an expansion of education and psychiatric resources. Community organizations, like The Ville Cooperative in Marysville, are taking the initiative on ground-breaking programs to fight these social issues. iGenNB, a pilot program created in partnership with the government-funded Healthy Seniors Pilot Project, brings together older adults and younger adults in a mutually beneficial intergenerational living arrangement. The older adult must be 55 years of age or older to apply and would provide room and board to a younger adult between the ages of 20-35. In exchange for the room, the younger adult would provide companionship and be responsible for household duties including cleaning, repairs, and meal preparations. The program seeks to hit two key areas of vulnerability, combating mental health issues as well as access to affordable housing.
With the looming possibility of further lockdown measures in the wake of recent New Brunswick outbreaks, these issues become more visibly pressing. Coon has promised to continue providing initiatives to encourage building developers to include low-income housing in all future building developments. The City of Fredericton currently has three homeless shelters that struggle to provide enough beds in the colder months but work to provide temporary shelter to 40 people per day. In the winter months many still go without a safe place to sleep. With the continued economic implications of COVID-19, the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness and the City Council’s Affordable Housing Committee could be faced with further problems in addressing these issues plaguing our communities.
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Gaining Perspective on Online Learning at UNB Words by Taylor Chalker Graphic by Josh Vandenborre
On October 5, President Mazerolle announced that the winter semester at UNB would be delivered in a blended learning method, meaning that a majority of classes would be online.
Douglas feels that, in addition to the added pressure on students coping with online learning, there is additional stress on their shoulders stemming from the global pandemic.
This announcement yielded varying responses from students and staff, yet most agree that this is the best possible option under COVID restrictions.
“The increasing monotony can really get to you,” he explained, recognizing that the mental exhaustion of the pandemic can lead to a lack of interest in school work.
Matt Douglas, a fourth-year biology student, expressed frustration at the changes that students are being made to adapt to, while appreciating the work that professors are putting into the alternate delivery. “I find myself and many others are spending hours and hours in our rooms every day, watching lectures and doing homework,” Douglas said. “...Studying outside the house isn’t super easy either, as seemingly everywhere closes between 4-8 p.m., and each place comes with their own set of restrictions.”
As a fourth-year biology student, Douglas has one in-person lab that he attends. He enjoys the in-person component, and feels that it is beneficial for his learning. This lab gives him, and his classmates, the opportunity to have real-time conversations with teaching assistants, and ask questions that may not come up in an online format. “[In-person learning] makes the learning process much smoother and more approachable,” he explained. Brittney Spires, a third-year psychology student in the Faculty of Science, has been feeling immense stress when dealing with online learning. She does not have any in-person classes, and the majority of her classes are asynchronous, with some live classes being held once a week. “It’s been really stressful for me because I have a hard time with time management and self discipline… I find it hard to stay on top of things and remember what needs to be done and when,” Spires explained. “I’m scared I’m going to fail this year honestly.”
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Spires feels that, with the upcoming winter semester also being online, professors should make an effort to have individual meetings with students when possible. One of her professors, in the Earth Science department, had one-onone conversations with students prior to the commencement of the course, which Spires felt benefitted her greatly. “It made me feel like she actually knew who I was, and was on my side through the course! Her course is the only one that I feel responsible for and I think it’s because she did that,” she explained. Associate Professor of Classics and Ancient History, Matthew Sears, is satisfied with the progression of his online classes, and places importance on the use of Desire2Learn for professors. He uses this resource for its discussion forum, and finds it extremely helpful for garnering higher participation numbers. “I think there's a higher level, and a greater level of participation, than there might be in an in-person discussion. Students who might be nervous to speak out in a class of 50 people seem to be more able to do so in print. Also, the answer seems to be more thoughtful and careful because they have time to think about what they're going to say,” Professor Sears explained. In addition to the contribution of Desire2Learn, Professor Sears also cited smaller class sizes as a reason why he is experiencing success with his courses.
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Some courses that he teaches are small enrollment language courses, and he has found that Microsoft Teams experiences less connectivity issues when less people are in the virtual classroom. To accommodate students, he aims to be more flexible with deliverables such as due dates, synchronous lectures, and the final exam. This semester, he is allowing students in his upper-level Roman History course to write a final paper in place of a final exam, to ease some stress. Professor Sears explained that, at least in his department, he has felt great support as educators learn how to navigate this new learning environment, while also being encouraged to take care of his own mental health. “I have found that department chairs, and my own Dean, have all been very open about the fact that these are strange times, and offering their help if we need to reach out and talk to them,” he explained. “...We still need to take time away from the computer screen, and from [Microsoft] Teams and Zoom. I feel like the community is coming together to offer support in that way, both formal support and informal support.”
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Words by Ibukun Keyamo Graphics by Josh Vandenborre
The fate of Indigenous languages is not only a Canadian issue but a global one. In a 2019 speech, the President of the United Nations explained that globally approximately two Indigenous languages go extinct per month. That tragedy is too devastating for words. In Canada, residential schools created a lasting impact on Indigenous language. Children were removed from their families, not allowed to speak their languages, and subjected to repeated abuse for engaging with their own culture. Residential schools were very nearly responsible for the destruction of several Indigenous languages, but, thankfully, there are now many people involved in trying to safeguard Indigenous languages across Canada so that they will not be forgotten. “I think that our languages are not as valued and that probably stems from systemic racism against our people, our language, and our culture over time” said Starlit Simon, the Nata’ilsuteget (Indigenous Student Advisor at UNB).
However, initiatives at the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre are working against that racism so that Indigenous languages can not only survive, but thrive. Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey languages are two Indigenous languages spoken in New Brunswick. Although recently there has been a resurgence of efforts to give the language back to people who have lost it, systemic racism and issues of access continue to put more value on English and French. There are a few Mi’kmaq words in the graphic above, but if you are interested in learning more of the languages, there are a few apps out there which can be helpful. Developed at the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre, Tal-Tluen, L’nui’suti, and Wolastoqey Latuwewakon are available for download on both IOS and Android. These apps were created so that everyone can have access to Indigenous language and learn more about traditional languages of the region.
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Defining Misogyny Vol. II: Marlowe Evans Words by Marlowe Evans Illustration by Jules Keenan
Defining Misogyny is a series dedicated to sharing stories of how misogyny and gender-based discrimination have affected women and gender nonconforming people in our community. If you have a story you’d like to share, send it to arts@thebruns.ca. I’ve always been involved in activism. I’ve always known about the wage gap between men and women; I’ve always known that it’s easier for men to get into certain professions than it would be for me. But one thing that I never realized could have been easier for me was my childhood. As a child, I was taught to advocate for myself, to take up space. The women in my family are strong and empowered, and I grew up with the example of my mom, my aunts, and my cousins. If I saw someone doing something hurtful to others, I spoke up. If someone said something unpleasant to me, I talked back. I questioned authority and learned to think critically from a young age. This sounds like a list of fairly positive attributes. I still believe that it is – only, I was never very successful in making friends when I was young. Especially when I was a young teen, other people my age began to give me labels. I was loud, difficult, arrogant, bossy. I admit looking back at myself with a few years of distance that those labels weren’t entirely incorrect. However, when I look back at boys my age who acted the same way that I did, I quickly realized something: I would have been praised if I had been a boy. Boys in my year at school who questioned teachers’ decisions in class were admired. Other students thought they were clever; the teachers praised them. However, when I did it, I was annoying. There was a boy in my year who took the same classes I did, but who was in a different block of those courses – we asked almost the exact 20
same questions. My (male) teachers doted on him yet made my life difficult for exhibiting those same behaviours. I actually had to switch blocks in one of my senior courses because one of my teachers marked me punitively for asking questions. When I was young, I made friends because I stood up to “bullies” on the playground. But when I got to high school, the same behaviour that had earned me friends lost them. If I questioned what my peers did to each other, I was just causing problems for myself. Even if I stood up for myself, I lost friends. Every group project I did, I was bossy for having ideas, but the boys were leaders. All of the boys I knew who stood up for themselves when they got cornered were empowered. Everyone thought they were badass. But I, on the other hand, was just a bitch.
I’m forced to wonder – do I suffer less from this in university because the people around me are more enlightened? Or do I suffer less from this in university because now I wear makeup everyday and have learned to just shut up sometimes? Do I suffer less because I’ve learned to always work by myself instead of doing group projects? Do I suffer less because the women around me know the same suffering that I do? I don’t want to have to answer these questions, but I know I’ll be asking them for a long time to come. The dichotomy between an empowered male leader and a loud bitchy woman has a long history, and I don’t think it’s going to disappear in the near future. I just wanted to talk about it.
Boys around me were praised for their leadership skills, praised for being independent and freethinking, but I was an argumentative bitch. I’m going to use that language, because that is the language of misogyny. If I had been a boy, I wouldn’t have suffered the way that I did. I don’t think I’m isolated in this experience, which is the saddest part. I’ve met many women in college who have had similar experiences, being labelled arrogant, bossy, difficult, or argumentative for things that otherwise would have earned them praise if they had been men. I didn’t cave to the expectations that people had of me, and I was punished for it. Too many women have been punished for that. Maybe I didn’t suffer as badly as others, maybe I didn’t lose the American presidency because of misogyny, but I certainly have a lot of emotional scarring because of it.
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Hallowe’en Costumes From Your Closet Words by Marlowe Evans
Hallowe’en is objectively the most important night of the year when it comes to wardrobe. Whether your costume party this year is with a small group of people or on Teams, there is no excuse for not dressing up. But I can hear you saying that COVID’s put a dent in your finances – worry not. There are ways of putting together easy Hallowe’en costumes that still look unique and beautiful without spending anything at all. Just use your closet. The added benefit of making your Hallowe’en costume out of clothes in your closet is that you know it’s going to look good. Most of us pass on clothes that we don’t enjoy to thrift stores or friends, so by choosing items in your closet, you’ll be sure to have a costume that fits beautifully and flatters you. Not to mention it would match your personal style. Also, you’re helping to avoid fashion waste by not purchasing a costume you’ll only wear once or twice! All that’s required for a closet costume is a little ingenuity. You have a favourite TV show? Odds are you can probably put together an outfit inspired by one of the characters. A favourite art piece? Play around with makeup! It’s all a matter of effort. To give a quick demonstration, Arts Editor Marlowe Evans took a little trip through her closet to come up with some possible Hallowe’en costumes that were at the very least worthy of this magazine, if not quite worthy of Vogue. 22
Photo by Lisa Metz. Art Director: Jules Keenan Light Crew: Ian Humber, Liam Endresen. Model: Marlowe Evans Makeup Artist: Taylor Chalker 23
Riveting: Rosie from the Closet Perhaps easiest to pull off, this Rosie the Riveter inspired Hallowe’en costume involves nothing except a denim jumpsuit and a bandana. The makeup is minimal – just a lot of blush and a sweet pink lip. This look isn’t very involved at all. If you don’t have a denim jumpsuit hanging about, it’s not difficult to sub out for a denim button down or even a jean jacket over a white T-shirt for a “modern Rosie” look.
Photo by Lisa Metz. Art Director: Jules Keenan Light Crew: Ian Humber, Liam Endresen. Model: Marlowe Evans Makeup Artist: Taylor Chalker
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Van Go Get Yourself This Look Next to the Rosie outfit, this is the easiest to put together. With a neutral button down and pants, the focus of this costume is surely the makeup. Inspired by an 1889 Vincent Van Gogh self portrait that may have been his very last, this costume is done simply by using eyeshadow to loosely mimic the brushstrokes in the painting. Blues, yellows, and oranges are used to turn your face into an impressionist painting. Will people at the party know what you are? Probably not. Will you look absolutely stunning and show up half the people at the party with a costume you didn’t pay for? Yes.
Photo by Liam Endresen. Art Director: Jules Keenan Model: Marlowe Evans Makeup Artist: Taylor Chalker
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Euphoria (Beyond Rue) While Rue’s looks from Euphoria are iconic, the glitter tears are getting tired. Everyone did them during the Euphoria trend on TikTok. But you know whose looks were neglected? Maddy’s. Maddy Perez is a fashion icon, and the mini-jewels she uses along her crease aren’t hard to do when you’ve got some glitter and some lash glue languishing in the bottom of your makeup bag. With a blue mesh T-shirt and a blue silk slip dress, the clothing for this costume isn’t hard to make out of your regular party clothes. Our creative addition to the Maddy-inspired look was the glitter star freckles. Those were just cool.
Photo by Lisa Metz. Art Director: Jules Keenan Light Crew: Ian Humber, Liam Endresen. Model: Marlowe Evans Makeup Artist: Taylor Chalker
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The Chilling Adventures of a College Girl on a Budget Inspired by The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, this costume is a no-brainer for any dark academia fanatic. Throughout the series, Sabrina Spellman wows the audience with her casually witchy attire, and while having one of the lace-collared dresses she wears when hanging out with the Weird Sisters would be fabulous, it’s a lot easier to make our simple outfit than it is to order one online or to make your own lace collar. All that’s required for our closet Sabrina is a black turtleneck, a plaid skirt, and a red hairband. Bleaching your hair is fun, but not necessary.
Photo by Lisa Metz. Art Director: Jules Keenan Light Crew: Ian Humber, Liam Endresen. Model: Marlowe Evans Makeup Artist: Taylor Chalker
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Send any questions regarding school, university culture, or life in general to dearsharkie@thebruns. ca in less than 100 words for a chance to gain really bad advice from everyone’s favourite red herring. Disclaimer: Please don’t actually follow this advice. Dear Sharkie, How do you make a burrito? You’re a fish. You have no hands. Sincerely, Kory Dear Kory, Say what you will about farm animals but, until you’ve been cornered by a bastard Clydesdale holding a staple gun on a crisp Tuesday in October, your opinion is irrelevant. So you don’t get to tell me that I can’t make a burrito, because I know for a fact that you have never, ever been cornered by a bastard Clydesdale holding a staple gun on a crisp Tuesday in October. I asked your mom after she left my place yesterday. I make a burrito better than any burrito was ever made by anyone. So you can stop writing me mean emails about not being able to make burritos with my fins. I’ll tell you exactly how I do it – I am an old being. And I am versed in the old ways. There are many things I can create without using my earthly fins. I have many talents. For example, I can tell you right now that the queen strangled Princess Diana in the ambulance. How do I know this? I am versed in the old ways! I know everything. So at the very least, you should believe me when I say I know how to cook a goddamned burrito. If I can unravel the biggest conspiracy of the last fifty years, I can make a burrito. 32
I butcher the cow. Angus is my favourite. I prepare the meat, then cook it. I like my burritos spicy – I recommend using a scotch bonnet but a ghost pepper will still give you the spice you crave. I milk my friend Gerald’s cousin’s holstein, and make my own cheese. I go out to my field, harvest the grain, mill the grain, make my flour tortillas. Don’t ask me how I do the sour cream, that’s a Brunswickan secret. No one makes a burrito better than me, and I’ve been around since 1867. As for folding the burrito with fins – Do I have to get Ally to fold it up for me once I get all the ingredients together? I hope you have a fun night out with your friends tomorrow going to the Cap, Kory. Stop harassing me about my burritos, or the Clydesdale might show up.
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1. The price of Apple shares on October 15, in Canadian dollars, rounded to the neartest whole dollar. 2. The professor interviewed in our online learning story. 3. Largest province by land mass. 4. The type of punctuation placed between the two e’s in the traditonal spelling of Halloween. 5. The last two letters in FHS stand for _______. 6. Larry Walker’s hometown. 7. A subclass of fish that includes skates, rays, and sharks. 8. The smallest bone in the human body.
1. The first item in News Briefs. 2. A colour whose name has no rhyme. 3. The Capitol of Manitoba. 4. UNB’s president. 5. What’s Eating ____? A film. 6. Scottish-born Irish Republican executed in May 1916. 7. A US state often thought to be a myth. 8. Lesser-known author of the Communist Manifesto. 9. Plato’s most well-known work. 10. The number of players on a quidditch team.
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Calling all artists aged 4-12! The Bruns is hosting a colouring contest – colour in this page, scan it, and email your entry to arts@thebruns.ca for your chance to win! There are two age categories – 4-8 and 9-12. The winner and runner-up of each category will get their winning art piece published in the next copy of The Brunswickan! Please ask a parent before going online.