The Confluence Issue 20

onfluence

The

Idle No More

February 15th 2013

February 15th 2013

pOST NORTH pOST mORTEM Upcoming Andy Johnson, Editor In Chief Post North V: Exile and Desire seemed to strike a satisfying chord with those lucky enough to be in attendance. From Kyra Kristmanson’s cover of Steel Panther’s “Community Property,” to Paul Strickland’s satirical look at forced retirement, there was something for everyone.

blended into a smoothly translated emotional resonance with the crowd.

Through the word images of Voyager II, Kane took the audience through an exploration of the human potential.

In this vein, I managed to interpret a subtle notion that we are all selfisolating in some facet. Finally, Ogalvie managed to consistently keep the audience laughing. In his satirical piece, he reinforced Groucho Marx’s sentiment, “I would never join a club that would have me as a member.”

The Confluence - News

As previously stated, this year’s subtitle was “Exile and Desire,” which, as luck would have it, was held at the Frasier Club right beside The Twisted Cork due to a reservation mix up. Every reader on this year’s Post North happens annually, and roaster managed to connect and if you have never gone, I would provoke fairly positive reactions recommend checking it out. from the audience. This is no small feat considering the diversity of the audience. The atmosphere of controlled chaos and rabblerousing created by the poets enhanced the general light-hearted and whimsical mood of the strange and exciting, new venue.

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While every reader brought something different to the table, there were three poets who definitely stood out of the crowd: Barry McKinnon, Donna Kane and Dave Ogalvie.

McKinnon’s words cast an enigmatic silence over the crowd. As usual, his timing, rhythm and conviction

Andy Johnson, Editor-in-Chief

Matt Partyka, Graham Pearce, Post North

SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN Director: Malik Bendjelloul Year: 2012 Runtime: 86 minutes Country: Sweden, UK Language: English Searching for Sugar Man tells the incredible true story of Rodriguez, the greatest '70s rock icon who never was. Discovered in a Detroit bar in the late '60s by two celebrated producers struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics, they recorded an album which they believed would secure his reputation as the greatest recording artist of his generation.

In fact, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, he became a phenomenon. The film follows the story of two South African fans who set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation leads them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Rodriguez.

Showtime 7 and 9:30 February 16th in room 1-306 at the College of New Caledonia Tickets $8, regular – $7 students, seniors, unemployed available at the door.

Garett Svensen, Production Editor

Taren Johnson, Web Manager

February 15th 2013

February 2013 Confluence Out Post North: 7pm The Twisted Cork

International Student Event: TE-Centre Lounge 5pm General Meeting & Pizza Lunch: Submissions Due 12pm Cafeteria

Reading Break Black History Month Family Day: 2pm Cafeteria

The Confluence is produced biweekly at the CNCSU office on CNC’s Prince George campus by Garett Svensen and Andy Johnson.

Confluence Out

CNCSU Office Closed

Theatre Farmer’s North West: Market Privelege Submissions Due

Trades Day Confluence Out

The Confluence - News

Family Day!

Black History Month Main Event: 6:30pm Cafeteria

Environment Canada 5-Day Weather Forecast: For Prince George, BC. 1-5 February 2013

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Friday, February 15: 5°C, Cloudy.

Submissions, inqueries and requests Saturday, February 16: 3°C, -1°C, Rain and Snow. can be made to news.cncsu.ca, in person at the CNCSU office room Sunday, Feburary 17: 0°C, -6°C, Sunny.

1-303, or mailed to “The Confluence c/o CNCSU 3330-22nd Ave. Prince Monday, February 18: -1°C, -8°C, Chance of Snow.

George, BC. V2N 1P8” Tuesday, February 19: 0°C, -4°C, Flurries.

All submissions are welcome, the authors of edited works used in the confluence receive a $20 cheque upon publication. Advertisement rates are availiable upon request.

February 15th 2013

Idle No More Movement Gains Momentum In Cariboo Region Mick Frazier, Contributor The grass roots effort started in November by four aboriginal Saskatoon residents in response to the Harper Governments introduction of Bill C-45, which is perceived by many activists as to be a blow to existing environmental protection laws. Since then the campaign has spread through social media to become a nationwide movement, with some advocates in the United States as well.

The Confluence - Feature

Locally the movement has started with small flash mobs in malls and post-secondary institutions of about 30 or so individuals, and growing into larger demonstrations like the one in January outside the civic center drawing as many as 150 participants.

Chief Terry Teegee has been quoted as saying that at the forefront of local issues the most pressing are the lack of funding for community education centers when compared to provincial standards, in addition to unemployment in the region.

Idle No More Burton Alexis, CNCSU The vision of Idle No More revolves around Indigenous ways of knowing, rooted in Indigenous Sovereignty to protect water, air, land and all creation for future generations.

The conservative government bills beginning with Bill C-45 threaten Treaties and this Indigenous vision of sovereignty. The goal of the movement is education and the revitalization of Indigenous peoples through awareness and empowerment.

Idle No More is a movement that is encouraging not only First Nations but all individuals that share this land with us. First Nations have always had a love for the land, it is part of what defines us as a culture. Mother Earth has always been our greatest provider and teacher and so as her children we have always provided the greatest respect to her by only taking what was needed.

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The attention being generated through such events is helping to unite First Nations behind a common rallying point and is raising awareness in the general public. The issues being brought to the table are vast and complex, requiring much time and thought before any solutions might be implemented. This stagnation and lack of change has been the impetus for many to join these efforts, and will no doubt motivate many others towards activism in our district and throughout North America.

Idle No More Demonstration

The Idle No More movement is also a chance for First Nations to be heard, considering our rights not only as First Nations but as human beings. I myself also believe that The Idle No More movement is a great chance and way of First Nations regaining their pride. Through colonialism, First Nations were forced to adapt to the settlers way of life and were disencouraged to follow their traditional ways of life. Because of that a lot of now day generations have little to no knowledge of their own heritage, and whatever is left is not adequately shared or spread among First Nation communities. So today’s generations are fighting not only for ourselves but for our ancestors way of life and for future generations.

Trivia

A very unique culture is inspiring you right now, so today you need to start trying to integrate it into your life more. Immersing yourself in something new will invigorate you and fill you with an incredible sense that anything is possible.

1) What would the Barbie Doll's measurements be if she were life-size?

Avoid combative people and try to surround yourself with people who are capable of seeing all sides of an argument today. You’ve been in too good of a mood for too long, and there is no need to disrupt your good vibes unnecessarily.

Get more aggressive with people who are dragging their feet today — especially where business is concerned. Speak up louder for yourself today, and you can change things for the better. But if you can’t get people to shape up, then separate yourself from their bad energy.

Your heart is open to new beginnings, and you are ready to toss aside old habits and old ideas. Today, moving forward has never felt so good — in your personal life, it’s also a great time to start asking for what you really want out of your relationship.

Young people may not know the ways of the world, but they do understand one thing — that anything is possible. This is the kind of optimism that you should expose yourself to, so try to spend time with children or teenagers today.

Everyone makes mistakes, so if someone you admire has let you down with their recent behavior; try not to be too tough on them. Remind yourself of the times you have let people down and realize that no one is perfect.

If you’re feeling pent up or restricted in some way right now, just remember that you have control over your destiny. In terms of a relationship, it might be time to get your distance from someone who isn’t exactly bringing out the best in you.

You cannot let someone else’s bad mood turn your sunny outlook into a fog-covered sky today. As much as you would like to sit with a blue friend and commiserate over life’s little dramas, today you need to stay focused and on your own path.

5) Who was billed as "The Human Mop" when he joined his family's comic acrobatic vaudeville act at age 3?

6) What did Hyman Lipman do in 1858 that made life easier for students?

7) How much hay was eaten daily

by Jumbo, showman P.T. Barnum's famous 6-1/2 ton elephant?

8) What problem did Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and General George Patton have in common?

9) Prior to his death in 1999, John F. Kennedy, Jr. founded what politicallythemed magazine?

10) For what magazine did Hugh Hefner serve as circulation manager while he was raising money to launch Playboy?

The Confluence - Fun And Games

You enjoy learning just as much as the next person. Do not waste time humoring someone who thinks they can teach you something when they can’t. Do yourself and them a favor and cut them off before they get on a roll.

4) What did Lizzie Borden, Napoleon, and Titian have in common?

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You’ll be in the middle of all the action today, because no one else will be up to the task of directing people the way you are! Your quick mind, boundless energy and direct manner of speaking impress people more than you realize — be a gentle leader instead of a tyrannical one.

3) What trade was Greek philosopher Socrates trained for?

Answers

Start relying on your recent dreams for insight — these odd images hold valuable clues about what’s been going on with a certain friend.

Your dreams could help you think in a new way and enable you to see what’s been going on with them.

2) What was the first living creature ever ejected from a supersonic aircraft?

1)39-21-33.

2)A bear in 1962.

3)Stonecutting.

4)They were all red heads.

5)Buster Keaton.

6)He put pencil and eraser together.

7)Two hundred pounds.

8)All were dyslexic.

9)George.

10)Children's Activities magazine.

You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. You know what is best for you right now, and you just have to keep doing it — at your own pace!

Some people are always in a hurry and they have a distorted sense of deadlines.

A B C D E F G H I J K L

February 15th 2013

Horoscopes

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The Confluence - Culture

February 15th 2013

February 15th 2013

What do you get when you cross a laptop, smart phone, camera and creative applications?

Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and Dreamweaver are yours to explore in this two year diploma program. Learn to build websites, animate ads, draw digitally, and design books, packages, logos and more. Unleash your digital creative and begin a career you’ll love!

For more information on a career in digital art and web design email: Sean Siddals, program coordinator at: siddalss@cnc.bc.ca

12-12-20 4:42 PM

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The Confluence - Culture

A two year career-building program at CNC...

February 15th 2013

FACTSHEET

Canadian Federation of Students-BC www.cfs.bc.ca

Myths and Facts About Aboriginal Peoples Introduction The Government of Canada’s history of colonialism, violence, and residential schools has led to severe inequality between Aboriginal Canadians and non-Aboriginal Canadians. Despite well-documented systemic oppression, many Canadians still blame Aboriginal people for any inequality and go so far as to falsely assign privileges to Aboriginal people that simply do not exist. This document attempts to shed some light on myths about Aboriginal People and the victim-blaming that perpetuates this misinformation.

The Confluence - Feature

Myth #1: All Aboriginal people get free education Aboriginal people do not automatically get free post-secondary education. There is no tuition fee waiver or any other special tuition fee treatment given to First Nations, Inuit, Non-Acknowledged Aboriginals1, or Métis students.

Instead, the federal government provides financial assistance to First Nations and Inuit students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP).

This program funds status First Nations and Inuit students to attend post-secondary education.

The program is designed to alleviate financial barriers by covering the costs of tuition fees, books, supplies, travel, and living expenses.

Educational attainment levels among Aboriginal peoples remain significantly lower than the non-Aboriginal population. In 2006, 34% of Aboriginal persons over the age of 25 did not have a high school diploma compared to 15% of the non-Aboriginal population. Only 8% of Aboriginal persons hold a university degree compared to 23% of the total population.

Myth #2: All Aboriginal people have access to student financial aid

Despite welldocumented systemic oppression, many Canadians still blame Aboriginal people for any inequality.

The reality is that the program is becoming more and more insufficient with each passing year.

In 1996 funding increases were capped at two percent annually.

As a result of this cap, funding has not kept pace with the increasing number of Aboriginal learners, higher-than-average travel costs, increasing living costs, inflation, and annual tuition fee increases.

Prior to the implementation of the funding cap approximately 27,000 Aboriginal students received financial assistance. By 2006, the number had fallen to approximately 22,000. The lack of funding has forced communities administering the funds to make difficult decisions about who receives funding each year.

It is estimated that between 2001 and 2006, over 10,500 students

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were denied funding, with roughly 3,000 more students denied each year. Due to the shortfall in funding, priority is often given to shorter college programs to the detriment of more expensive professional or post- graduate programs of study.

1. More commonly referred to as “Non-Status”, the term Non-Acknowledged is used to replace the Indian Act’s government-invented identity framework.

Non-Acknowledged Aboriginals and Métis peoples are not included under federal legislation governing support for Aboriginal peoples. The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) is not accessible to these students, leaving many without the financial resources necessary to pursue post-secondary education.

In June 2007, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development recommended that the federal government work with Aboriginal organisations to extend eligibility for INAC’s Post-Secondary Student Support Program to non-acknowledged Aboriginal students.

Myth #3: Métis, Inuit, Status, and Non-Acknowledged peoples are all the same and receive as many benefits Métis, Inuit, Status, and Non-Acknowledged peoples are not all the same. Métis people self-identify as having an ancestral connection to a historic Métis community; and are accepted by a Métis community. The Métis people emerged from the union of European men and Aboriginal women during the North American Fur trade. While they are considered “Aboriginal peoples of Canada” within the meaning of s35 of the Constitution Act 1982 they do not receive the same benefits as Status and Inuit peoples, and are excluded from the Post Secondary Student Support Program.

Inuit People are the Aboriginal people from the Arctic. They are

Unemployment rate among Inuit adults (Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2006)

So shall the next 100 years be the greatest and proudest in the proud history of our tribes and nations.

Chief Dan George, TsleilWaututh First Nation

Aboriginal people receive fundamental benefits (such as Child Tax, Old Age Security, etc) like all other Canadians.

Constitutionally-protected Aboriginal rights such as hunting and fishing for sustenance, is available for Status, non-acknowledged, and Inuit peoples.

Treaties that are signed with First Nations provide specific benefits in exchange for land. The land that was ceded has allowed Canada and its new population to flourish. Under the treaties, First Nations have access to reserve lands, hunting and fishing rights on traditional lands, and receive annuities, depending on the outlines of treaty.

In many cases, Canadian governments have not honoured the terms of treaties.

A “Status Indian” refers to a person recorded as an Indian in the Indian Register and holds an identity card issued by the federal government.

Status Indians receive land and hunting rights as well have access to the PSSSP program.

The federal government does provide some housing, but many Aboriginal people living on reserve or in urban centers live in substandard and crowded housing. Post-secondary funding for Aboriginal people is also available; however, federal funding for post-secondary has not increased with the needs of the Aboriginal youth population, which is one of the fastest growing demographics in Canada.

Myth #4: Aboriginal People do not pay taxes

Myth #6: Targeting Aboriginal people for hiring is reverse discrimination

All First Nations, Inuit, Non-Acknowledged Aboriginals, and Métis people pay taxes. Status Indians who earn income on reserve for a company or organization that is also located on the reserve are exempt from paying federal and provincial income tax. This is part of their treaty rights in exchange for the land that was given up. Although, registered Indians who earn income off reserve must pay income tax. In British Columbia, Status Indians and bands do not pay provincial sales tax or the Goods & Services Tax on goods when those goods are delivered to the reserve. Fuel and tobacco sales on reserve are also exempt from the provincial fuel and tobacco tax.

Hiring diverse people ensures different perspectives from different communities which in turn provides different successes and outcomes.

Having more Aboriginal people in the work place contributes positively to Canadian Society and provides opportunity for Aboriginal people to be a part of Canada’s economy. Reversing the effects of discrimination in the workplace and society is the goal, not reverse discrimination.6

2. Alan D. McMillan and Eldon Yellowhorn, First Peoples in Canada, (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 2004), 262.

3. This factsheet uses the term “Non-Acknowledged” (see footnote #1).

4. “Terminology Definitions” Indigenous Nationhood, http:// www.nonstatusindian.com/terminology/definitions.html

February 15th 2013

Myth #5: Aboriginal People get special rights and privileges in Canada

The Confluence - Feature

70%

“Non-status Indians3” commonly refers to people who identify themselves of Aboriginal descent, but are not entitled to registration on the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, although some may be members of a First Nation. The definition of “Indian” tends to be narrow and various amendments to the Indian Act created a large population of Aboriginal people without Indian status, or the rights and entitlements that are attached to it. The population of non-acknowledged Aboriginals is larger than determined and also includes people of Aboriginal ancestry and culture who were never entitled to register in 1876, as well as Aboriginal people entitled to register but who chose not to submit themselves to government control.4 They do not receive the same benefits as Status and Inuit peoples, nor do they have access to the PSSSP.

It is important to note that there are similar tax exemptions provided to different organizations or educational institutions and many low-income Canadians receive a GST rebate.5

Conclusion Everyone in society has a role to play in busting myths about Aboriginal Peoples. Challenging bigoted thinking, remarks, and attitudes, as well as circulating the facts, will help break down the barriers of inequality.

5. “Debunking the Myths about Aboriginal Peoples: A Guide for CUPE Members” CUPE, http://cupe.ca/EqualityAboriginal/ debunkingthemyths 6. IBID

Myths and Facts About Aboriginal Peoples · Canadian Federation of Students-BC www.cfs.bc.ca

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also recognized in the Canadian Constitution.

“Inuit” means, “people” in their language of Inuktitut.2 They have exclusive rights to about 350,000 square kilometers with mineral rights.

They also retain the rights to hunt, fish, and trap throughout Nunavut. They are included in the Indian Act and are able to access funding through the Post Secondary Student Support Program.

February 15th 2013

“There’s no word in the Bible for ‘retirement’.”

“Creative writing is just a scheme for avoiding real work.”

“Lazy, over-privileged, entitled baby-boomer living off the system and relying on over-worked younger people to pay into medicare, CPP and OAS for him!”

“So you say you’re self-employed?

How much did you earn from your so-called freelance writing last year?”

“He’s retired, gone to seed – out to pasture in a rocking chair.”

The Confluence - Culture

“Advising college and university students about writing, you say?

What income have you earned from that? . . . I see. Just what I had thought. It doesn’t count if you’re not paid for it.”

Downsized at Fifty-Five

By Paul Strickland

But the good people of Frack City, Saskatchewan, think you woke up one day, just got lazy, and on a whim decided to seek early retirement from The Frack City Fair Trader: “So how’s the RETIRED life treating you?! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!” “Are you doing something useful with your time, or are you just puttering around?”

“Getting BORED yet?!?!”

“He’s single and retired with nothing to do: He can donate twenty hours a week to our volunteer organization.”

“My husband says you’ve got too much time on your hands.”

“How are you keeping yourself busy?”

“He’s retired and single: He can be our house-sitter on call.”

“So you’re the retired guy, huh?!? Well, I WORK!!!”

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“What have you been doing to look for another job? Where have you applied?”

“Your writings are bizarre. Don’t annoy people by presenting them with copies of your publications.

They’re not really interested. Face it: Your writing days are over. You’ll never publish anything important now. Sacrifice the remainder of your days to a life of service to the community.”

“Older citizens don’t pay any taxes and are a useless drain on our nation’s resources.”

He can never write again, retirement an intellectual death.

Without the corporate imprimatur for your work, your writing is useless and meaningless.

American customs officers sometimes tell each other that ‘freelance writer’ is code for ‘unemployed’.

Hitler believed in the work ethic, and his Nazis put men they considered unjustifiably idle in forced-labour camps.

Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot also praised hard work and obedience. A useless, so-called self-employed man like you wouldn’t have lasted ten minutes under them, either.

February 15th 2013 The Confluence - Culture

JOB FAIR

For more information please contact: Kris Dittman Room: 1-753 Counselling & Advising Centre Phone 250.561.5806 employment@cnc.bc.ca

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Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 10:00am – 3:00pm in the CNC Atrium