The Argosy, October 6, 2016, Vol. 146, Iss. 5

THE ARG OSY NEWS

ARTS & CULTURE

SPORTS

OPINIONS

Mt. A raises Mi’kmaq flag on campus (Pg. 3)

Author Joseph Boyden speaks (Pg. 11)

Indigenous athletes face barriers to sports (Pg. 6)

Stop flying Canadain flag on stolen land (Pg. 15)

On stolen land since 1872

Mount Allison’s Independent Student Newspaper

COVER: EMMA HASSENCAHL, WHITE FLAG, 2015, CANADA FLAG AND SHREDDED INDIAN ACT.

October 6, 2016 Vol. 146, Iss. 5

02 NEWS

EDITOR: CATHERINE TURNBULL & NAOMI GOLDBERG | OCTOBER 6, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

NIGHTLIFE

Club P: the talk of the town Restaurant by day, club by night

LIT EVENING AT CLUB P . ANDREAS FOBES/ARGOSY

CATHERINE TURNBULL & NAOMI GOLDBERG News Editors We walked into Club P at 3 p.m. on a Friday afternoon. As our eyes adjusted to the mood lighting and our ears filled with soft country music, reality sunk in. We were in the Painted Pony Bar and Grill.

The last time either of us was there, the atmosphere was completely different. On select Saturday nights this fall, the first of which was Sept.

3, the restaurant has transformed

into Sackville’s hottest nightlife destination.

Days before its opening, Mount Allison students across Sackville were invited to an elusive Facebook event, titled: “Club P: Grand Opening!”

Curious but somewhat apprehensive, students considered stopping by the restaurant to see what the fuss was about.

Mt. A students Peter Burns and Erik Oliver, the official DJs of Club P, were expecting between 50 and 100 guests that night. Little did they know, hundreds would show up. Estimates

vary, but Painted Pony owner Kathy Beal said more than 200 guests were present for the birth of Club P.

“EVEN IF THERE ARE HORSES ON THE WALL, I LIKE CLUB P.” Beal had only scheduled two bartenders that night. When the crowds started arriving, she was forced to put one of the two on the door to check IDs. “It was like 30

buses pulled up,” she said. “I don’t know where they came from. It was like a convoy coming down the road.”

Around midnight, hordes of sweaty dancing youths, the likes of which Sackville has rarely seen, took to the dance floor with a vivacious spirit. The club raged on until 2 a.m.

That night, hundreds of students went to bed, or to someone else’s bed, with visions of Club P dancing in their heads.

Beal opened the Painted Pony Bar and Grill early last year after the closing of Uncle Larry’s, otherwise known as Club L. She had always hoped to make the space available to students, so when she was approached

by Burns and Oliver, she was happy to explore its nightlife potential. She is surprised but delighted by Club P’s success thus far.

Burns said Club P has given him an outlet to explore his creative process.

“From Monday to Saturday, I get to create an event from nothing,” he said.

Two weeks later, an event titled, “A September to Remember (or nah)” appeared on students’ Facebook newsfeeds. Not in their wildest dreams did students imagine that future Club P events could be better attended, but that Saturday night was even more crowded than the last.

According to both Beal and the DJs, the third and most recent incarnation of Sackville’s new favourite nightclub was the most popular yet.

Students said that no other Sackville venue has provided the same buzz that Club P has instilled in our hearts and minds in the past month.

Amy Allison, who had previously attended Club L events, said, “It’s not Uncle Larry’s, that’s for sure.”

Many students said The Pond’s days (or nights) of glory are over as

long as Club P is on the scene. On a Facebook thread, Club P attendee Chloe Budd commented, “Club P forever, let’s girlcott The Pond.”

Even among students who were skeptical at first, Club P has established a good reputation. Burns and Oliver said that because Club P provides more space to dance and is well-lit, it provides a safer atmosphere than The Pond.

“CLUB P FOREVER, LET’S GIRLCOTT THE POND.” Maureen Adegbidi agrees. “At The Pond there’s no room to dance and everyone’s body parts are all up in everyone else’s, which makes it a highly sexual atmosphere,” she said.

“Even if there are horses on the wall, I like Club P.” And yet, all is not bright and cheery. One of students’ deepest, darkest fears – the implementation of a three- to four-dollar cover charge – may soon become a reality. Beal said cover would offset the costs of paying the DJs and added that she hopes to buy sound equipment in the near future. Neither the DJs nor Beal expect attendance to decrease with the implementation of cover.

Club P has become the talk of the town. The DJs are excited about about the prospect of future ragers.

“Although [attendees] might be sassy, although they might be yelling at you, they’re there, they want to have fun, and it’s our job to make sure that happens,” Burns said. The question is: will the excitement last?

RES LIFE

Student Life defends new points system

Disciplinary method assigns points for negative actions in residence MAGGIE PIPER Contributor This year, Student Life updated its code of conduct and implemented a points system in residences that replaced the previous fine system.

Under the new rules, students begin the school year with a clean slate and can receive points for violating different residence rules.

If a student has a glass bottle or receives a noise complaint, they are subject to one to two points, whereas for more serious offences, such as stealing or sexual harassment, they can receive up to three. The code of conduct states that upon receiving six or more points, “students may be banned from all Mount Allison University residences.”

Adam Christie, acting director of Student Life, said that this new system is meant to improve upon the shortcomings of the fine system.

Christie explained that in previous years, residence assistants (RAs) were responsible for the distribution of fines. This year, RAs have to issue an incident report and submit it to their don, who then hands out points at their discretion.

The fine system was based on monetary penalty, which caused some students to take it less seriously than others, depending on their income bracket. “Points is a neutral economy, and no one has any more points than anyone else,” Christie said. He expects the points system to be easier to enforce and thinks it will allow for more consistency across residences.

Windsor’s assistant don, Emily Baker, agreed that the old system was in need of an update.

“I’ve been in residence for four years, so I’ve been in the fine system for three of the years, and it just didn’t work,” she said.

Although Baker views the points system as an improvement, she feels that there are issues with the possible suspension from residence.

Baker said that it is unrealistic to try to enforce the suspension rule, partly because students have all of their belongings in the building and have other ways to get inside, such as friends with keys.

“It can work in theory…but it is really going to take a couple more years of ironing it out,” Baker said.

Christie explained that the points system was borrowed from other universities, such as Brock University.

However, Christie recognizes that suspended Brock students have more options than suspended Mt. A students living in residence. He said that “[Student Life] is trying to be sensitive about that” and that the Student Life manager would “take all things into consideration” before suspending a student.

Christie made it clear, however, that “there are consequences to behaviour” and listed alternatives to Juanita Cardinal. 27, AB, Murdered. residence, such as Airbnb. He also Shirley Cletheroe. 45, BC, Missing. emphasized that the new system Glennis Edwards. 48, BC, Murdered.

Sarah Obed. 45, NL, Murdered. is not based on enforcement, but Heaven Traverse. 2, MB, Murdered. rather responsibility. He said that Rose Decoteau.

43, AB, Murdered. suspension from residence is a last Delores Brower.

32, AB, Missing. resort and that other precautions Belinda Cameron.

42, BC, Missing. should be taken before a student Jarita Naistus.

20, AB, Murdered. reaches six points. The code of Melanie Geddes.

24, SK, Murdered. conduct states that after receiving Rene Gunning.

20, AB, Murdered. two to three points, the student must Melissa Chaboyer.

35, MB, Murdered. meet with their residence’s don. After Tamara Chipman.

22, BC, Missing. four to six points, they are required to Krystle Knott.

16, AB, Murdered. meet with the Student Life manager.

Marcia Koostachin. 24, MB, “The idea behind this is not to be Murdered.

Gladys Simon. 41, N/A, punitive,” Christie said. “[We’re] Murdered.

Rhonda Gardiner. 33, really trying to build up that notion SK, Murdered.

Janine Wesaquate. of what it means to live together in a 20, SK, Murdered.

Elaine Alook. community.”

35, AB, Missing.

Maggie Burke. 21, “It’s a new document,” Christie AB, Missing.

Rachel Quinney.

19, said. “We have a one-year review built into the document – we are going to learn as we go.”

NEWS

THE ARGOSY | WWW.ARGOSY.CA

INDIGENOUS KNOWING

Mi’kmaq flag raising a “tremendously proud moment” Ceremony acknowledges land rights, history

03

This Week in New Brunswick COMPILED BY NAOMI GOLDBERG & CATHERINE TURNBULL News Editors FAMILY MAKES EMOTIONAL PLEA FOR MISSING DAUGHTER

Twenty-seven-year-old Jami Springer was last seen on Aug. 31 in Moncton. The RCMP continues to treat her disappearance as suspicious, as it is unusual for her to be out of touch with her family for such an extensive period of time.

Springer’s family made a plea to the public this week in an effort to get any information that could help the police find their daughter. According to the CBC, the RCMP has already been following up on several tips received from the public. They believe someone has further information about her whereabouts, but have yet to come forward.

NOVA SCOTIA SENATORS CALL FOR ATLANTIC CANADA TO HOLD ONTO SENATE SEAT Four Nova Scotia Senators have sent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau an open letter asking him to guarantee that Atlantic Canada maintains a seat on the Supreme Court of Canada. According to the CBC, Senators James Cowan, Jane Cordy, Terry Mercer and Wilfred Moore said that losing the seat could undermine Canada’s relationship with the Maritimes. A seat will open up when Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Thomas Cromwell retires in September of 2017. The open letter comes after Trudeau announced in August that the application process will be open to any qualified and bilingual Canadian lawyer or judge. Members of Parliament from all parties recently voted in favour of a motion to respect regional representation in Supreme Court appointments.

WHITE-TAILED DEER POPULATIONS DRASTICALLY DECLINE

The Northeast Deer Research Network is beginning a three-year project to find out why white-tailed deer populations are declining in the province. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the deer population has declined by 70 per cent in the past 30 years, from 270,000 in 1985 to 70,000 in 2014.

Researchers will use GPS data over three winters to monitor the deer’s habitats.

They will also look into the impact of coyotes and harsh winters on the whitetailed deer population.

SEVEN DOLPHINS TRAPPED IN BAY

Seven white-backed dolphins became stranded after entering a shallow bay near Lameque, N.B. last Wednesday. One of the dolphins died on Friday.

Experts say the dolphins are running out of time as the water in the bay will soon start to get colder. Even the stress of a rescue attempt could be fatal to the animals. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has not set a date for its next rescue attempt.

2015-16 FISCAL YEAR CLOSES WITH $260.5M PROVINCIAL DEFICIT

The New Brunswick government closed the past fiscal year, which ended on March 31, with a lower deficit than anticipated – a $100-million reduction from the previous year. Finance Minister Kathy Rogers said the government is on the right track. Despite this, New Brunswick’s debt has now doubled in size over the last nine years. The provincial debt now sits at a record $13.7 billion.

MOUNT ALLISON IS BUILD ON UNCEDED INDIGENOUS LAND. THADDEUS HOLOWNIA /SUBMITTTED

LEO GERTLER News Reporter The Mi’kmaq flag was raised over campus last Thursday in anticipation of Nova Scotia’s Treaty Day on Oct. 1. Marking the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month, the day was originally mandated by the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1752 for the Mi’kmaq and the British Empire to renew their “friendship and submissions.”

“The significance of the flag raising is to acknowledge the territory that we’re on, the Mi’kmaq territory,” said Doreen Richard, Mount Allison’s Indigenous affairs coordinator, who is Mi’kmaq. Mt. A is situated on traditional Mi’kmaq land, which remains unceded by any treaty.

Treaties between the Mi’kmaq and the British have only been recognized as legally binding since the Constitution Act of 1982. The first Treaty Day was celebrated in 1986. Prior to the Constitution Act, Canadian and Nova Scotian courts had been able to find a way around the rights guaranteed to the Mi’kmaq by several treaties.

Mt. A’s elder-in-residence Gilbert Sewell expressed the need for awareness about the history of the Tantramar region.

“You don’t even think about it,” Sewell said. “You don’t know what went on between the Mi’kmaq, the British and the French. It’s amazing what students don’t know. You’re going to university, and you don’t know a little information about the

land around you. It’s amazing.”

Traditional drumming, singing and dancing accompanied the raising of the flag. Members of Millbrook First Nation near Truro, N.S., performed the ceremony as students, faculty, administrators and community members watched.

“It was a great celebration of music, culture and dance,” said Keith Nicholson, a second-year student studying international relations. “I think we should have a [Mi’kmaq] flag on campus at all times,” he said.

“It’s important to recognize whose land this is. It’s important that we’re aware that everything we do reflects a legacy of colonialism and that it affects Indigenous peoples.”

This event was important given that Canada remains a settler-colonial

state.

University President Robert Campbell was also present at the ceremony and later spoke to its significance for Mt. A. “This is a tremendously proud moment for Mount Allison. One hopes that this is just one step in the transformation and indigenization of our campus,” Campbell said. “In ten years we won’t recognize this campus. We won’t recognize the programming, we won’t recognize the culture.”

Campbell cited indigenization as the most important social issue facing Canada right now.

“On one level, we have no choice, and I mean that in a very positive way,” he said. “Canada is not going to be a whole country, or a country

at peace with its history, until we come to positive and accommodative relationships with Indigenous groups.”

Though the Mi’kmaq flag is still flying at the time of writing, Campbell confirmed that it would be coming down.

“There’s a whole series of flag raising events over the course of the year, and the last thing in the world we want to do is get into a competition for flag space. It will return to the Canadian flag. We’re a Canadian university.”

04

NEWS

OCTOBER 6, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

INDIGENOUS KNOWING

Mawiti’mkw: A space where we can gather

Students, community members attend opening of Indigenous space on campus

MEMBERS OF INDIGENOUS SUPPORT GROUP. ANDREAS FOBES/ARGOSY

JILL MACINTYRE News Reporter Last Thursday marked the official opening of the Mawiti’mkw (a space where we can gather) on the Mount Allison campus, which resides on unceded Mi’kmaq territory. The opening was preceded by the raising of the Mi’kmaq flag and was followed by a dedication and community feast.

Located in room 130 of the Wallace McCain Student Centre, the space features artwork, a painting of

a medicine wheel and other comforts for students.

Spencer Isaac, a Canadian studies and anthropology student from the Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, has great hope for the Mawiti’mkw.

“We’re trying to see this place as a resource for First Nations students or allies looking to get in touch with cultures in the area and learn more about the Indigenous perspective in Canada,” he said. Isaac also said the space would be used for ceremonial purposes, talking circles and meetings

of the Indigenous Support Group.

The Indigenous Support Group was integral to the creation of the Mawiti’mkw, according to Isaac. The support group was founded in 2012 in response to the disappearance of Chris Metallic, Isaac’s brother.

The group has since advocated for a number of short- and longterm goals, including the hiring of Indigenous Affairs Coordinator Doreen Richard.

“We needed some kind of Indigenous representation in the

Decolonization of academics not happening on campus Indigenous students say Mt. A has a lot to learn KAVANA WA KILELE News Reporter Mount Allison has yet to make a formal collective effort towards the decolonization and indigenization of campus courses.

The term ‘course,’ in this case, must be understood in two ways: as individual courses or as the combination of courses that make up degree programs. Instructors have the authority to decide the scope of each of their individual courses, while the university senate decides the overall curriculum of degree programs.

Senate has the authority to review the academic calendar in the effort of campus-wide decolonization and indigenization, but has yet to approach the topic.

“I can tell you without doubt that there has been no specific process to look at decolonizing the curriculum run by the Senate,” said Jeff Ollerhead, interim provost and vicepresident academic and research, who has been on the Senate for ten years.

He went on to say that decolonizing and indigenizing campus is an ongoing process. This process has

been prompted by the efforts of current faculty, faculty retreats, new faculty coming to Mt. A and guests who are brought to campus to speak on this issue, he said.

Fourth-year student Samantha Peña said indigenizing course material is only one part of a much broader issue.

“We need a more diverse campus not only in terms of faculty, but also the administration that works with the students, especially when we are talking about decolonization and indigenization,” Peña said. “You have to give the space and voice to the people who go through the experiences.”

Tasia Alexopoulos, professor of women’s and gender studies, said it was important to ask what it means to decolonize the university and who is being held accountable for this effort.

“What is most important is that students who have experience with oppression and colonialism are consulted, respected and heard in this process,” Alexopoulos said. “In class when they say that something is racist and would like to address it, the

professor should be expected to take that seriously because the student has the experience, not the white settler.”

Spencer Isaac, a Mi’kmaq student, said that when he first arrived to Mt. A he discovered that a lot students and faculty knew nothing about First Nations, residential schools and Canada’s colonial history.

“The onus has been on us to bring these matters to the class. I think that if we didn’t bring the First Nations perspective into the courses, the status quo would remain,” said Isaac, a Canadian studies student.

Isaac is thankful that a lot of professors are trying to educate themselves about First Nations matters, but he stresses that the process has been slow and often uncomfortable. Furthermore, he said there is still a lot more to learn if the university is to become a decolonized space.

“When we leave the reserve, it is an entirely different world,” said Isaac.

“When I first got here, it was an entirely different place. This is their world.”

university besides a couple of pages in a textbook or a week in class talking about indigeneity,” Isaac said. “We figured that having someone who was consistently there would show Mt. A a whole new perspective.”

Second-year biology student Rebecca Dunnett, from the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq First Nation, echoed Isaac’s sentiments.

“When I came to Mount Allison, I was so lost. I was used to a community-based system, so when I came to Mt. A it was a huge culture shock and there was nowhere to go.

I feel [the Mawiti’mkw] is a refuge,” she said. “I finally have a safe place that I can feel comfortable in. Before it felt unwelcoming everywhere I went. It was almost like my culture didn’t exist.”

Emma Hassencahl, a Maliseet fine arts student from the Tobique First Nation, hopes the space will foster a sense of community for Indigenous students.

“We didn’t want other people to come here and feel what we felt, which was out of place,” she said.

The opening of the Mawiti’mkw also coincides with Mt. A’s Year of Indigenous Knowing. All interviewees stressed the importance of not relegating indigeneity to a single year, but continuing the conversation.

“The university is an institution that has existed for thousands of

years. It’s a system that can’t be broken down, but you can indigenize the cracks in the system,” Hassencahl said. “There’s no point where we can say, ‘we’ve indigenized and we’re done.’ It’s an ongoing process.”

“I hope it’s not just this year. I hope it continues for years after. There is still so much we have to learn. In having a space like this other students will realize they can be involved in our culture. It’s open,” Dunnett said.

“I FINALLY HAVE A SAFE SPACE THAT I CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE IN.” Though Mt. A is putting forth efforts to “indigenize” the university, these are largely due to the work of Indigenous students and faculty.

“I think [Mt. A] is getting better, but there’s always room for improvement. Mt. A typically wasn’t a school that First Nations students would go to,” Isaac said. “I think we’re headed down the right path.

There are going to be more bumps in the road, but we’ll smooth them out as we go.”

NEWS

THE ARGOSY | WWW.ARGOSY.CA

SOCIAL

Friday-night livestream: Havoc screened on Facebook DJ raises ethical concerns by livestreaming residence party

CARLY PENROSE Contributor The social media-motivated, hyperaware state in which every university student exists – even at their drunkest and in the most compromising situations – was amplified with the livestreaming of Harper Havoc over Facebook to 972 viewers. The hour-and-a-half-long livestream was posted unbeknownst to many of the people caught on camera. The stream appeared on the DJ’s promotional Facebook page.

JB Tambeau, known under the alias DJ HOUSEPARTY, explained that he used the livestream as an opportunity to self-promote, self-improve and reach those unable to attend the party.

The livestream, which happened during the second half of the party, went largely unnoticed, even by Harper’s executive team, until several days following Harper Havoc.

Harper resident Louis Sobol said that Harper Havoc was a great experience filled with “drunken trysts,” as is typical of any residence party.

Favouring the Harper audience

over the crowd at a music festival he played at this summer, Tambeau said, “a lot of people were having a really good time” and that “it was one of [his] best shows so far.”

The possibility that these moments may be broadcasted live to audiences – many of whom are not even attendees of the party – might cause partygoers to enjoy themselves less.

Actions caught on tape could have serious consequences for those being filmed if family members, superiors or potential employers view the broadcast.

Tambeau emphasized his perspective in choosing to livestream the event.

“The livestream is just something I do,” he said. He has used it to share his work and let others join in on the parties he DJs. This was particularly relevant, as Harper Havoc ticket sales were so successful. In fact, Tambeau said, “they sold out so quickly my girlfriend didn’t even get a ticket.”

Tambeau said that the camera was angled in such a way as to maintain some level of anonymity for those on tape. The video feed mostly captured shadowy silhouettes of students from the shoulders up. He also noted

that those who came near enough to the booth were informed of the livestream.

Facebook Live allows viewers to post comments during the livestream – Tambeau himself commented on the video. At least three of the comments on the stream referred to a couple kissing, unaware of being filmed.

Adam Teskey, one of Harper’s social chairs, said that while he does not necessarily agree with the use of a livestream on its own, the comments were what made it cross the line from interactive to inappropriate. “[The comments] are what did it for me,” he said.

The fact that the majority of partygoers were unaware of the livestream raises concerns of consent and privacy. Livestreams cannot be edited, which can place those recorded in a vulnerable position. However, the inability to edit contributes to a more genuine, immersive experience for those unable to attend.

Students must decide whether the value they place on privacy is greater than their fear of missing out.

CRAKE ARTS INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE Three internships are available for projects involving the close collaboration between students in any discipline and faculty/staff in fine arts, music, drama and the literature departments (English, French, Spanish and German).

Only students in good standing who are registered as full-time students (i.e. in at least three courses in both the fall and winter semesters) are eligible for the internships. They are composed of a stipend of $1,000 (paid in two installments) and generally demand three to four hours per week.

Interdisciplinary projects are especially encouraged and internships may be awarded to support curricular or co-curricular projects. Students are required to complete their projects by April 1, 2017.

Applications: These should provide (1) a concise (300-word) outline of the project that also explains its role in the applicant’s ongoing formation as an artist as well as the project’s relationship to the student’s activities at Mount Allison, and (2) a letter of support from the proposed faculty or staff mentor.

Applications are due at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21 and should be addressed to The Crake Arts Internships Committee c/o Dr. Peter Brown, department of English literatures. Please submit your application electronically to pbrown@mta.ca and copy it to Ms. Elaine Simpson, the secretary of the English department, at esimpson@mta.ca.

For more information email pbrown@mta.ca or go to http://jeacrakefoundation.org

THE ARGOSY IS ALWAYS WELCOMING CONTRIBUTORS TUESDAYS AT 6 PM IN ROOM 386 OF THE STUD

HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD

05

Della Ootoova. 46, NU, Murdered. Ruth Cocks. 51, AB, Murdered. Patricia Quinn. 33, BC, Missing. Anne Peters. 22, BC, Missing.

Annette Holywhiteman. 44, AB, Murdered.

Delena Lefthand Dixon. 20, AB, Murdered.

Carolyn Connolly. 54, ON, Murdered. Maisy Odjick. 16, QC, Missing. Jennifer Catcheway.

18, MB, Missing. Claudette Osborne. 21, MB, Missing. Shannon Alexander. 17, QC, Missing.

Donna Taylor. 36, BC, Murdered. Bonnie Joseph. 32, BC, Missing. Crystal Saunders.

24, MB, Murdered. Shirley Waquan. 39, AB, Missing. Emily Osmond. 78, SK, Missing.

Lorilee Francis. 24, AB, Missing. Angel Carlick. 19, YT, Murdered. Leanne Benwell.

27, AB, Murdered. Fonassa Bruyere. 17, MB, Murdered. Jeannette Chief. 49, SK, Murdered.

Danita Bigeagle. 22, SK, Missing. Jacqueline Crazybull. 43, AB, Murdered. Chantelle Bushie. 16, AB, Missing. Brittany Bearspaw.

16, AB, Murdered. Andria Meise. 32, BC, Missing. Bonnie Jack. 37, AB, Murdered.

Marie Lasas. 19, SK, Murdered. Aielah SaricAuger. 14, BC, Murdered. Kelly Morrisseau.

27, QC, Murdered. Jeanine St. Jean. 42,

This Week at MASU Council Oct. 3 meeting recap NADIYA SAFONOVA Politics Reporter SACKVILLE COMMONS AND COWORKING

Sackville’s former fire hall and police station at 62 and 64 Main Street has been turned into a workspace for entrepreneurs, artists and non-profit organizations under the name Sackville Commons and Coworking. The founders opened this space to help non-profits in the area that struggle financially. Julia Feltham, one of the founders of the Sackville Commons, will be presenting to the Mount Allison Students’ Union (MASU) to ask for a donation toward this workspace.

NEW BOARD OF REGENTS REPRESENTATIVES ORIENTATION

Board of Regents representative Willa McCaffrey-Noviss has proposed the creation of a formal orientation for incoming Board of Regents representatives and committee members. This orientation will serve to better prepare representatives for the job, as McCaffrey-Noviss said that current training procedures are lacking. The MASU council has approved this motion and McCaffrey-Noviss and MASU President Ryan LeBreton will develop the orientation. A proposed orientation structure will be brought to the MASU council before the end of the winter term.

HEALTH CARE OUTREACH FOOD BANK DONATIONS

From Sept. 21 to 26, Mt. A student society Health Care Outreach ran a food drive for the Sackville Food Bank. Each residence on campus participated in gathering both food items and monetary donations. Overall, Health Care Outreach raised $330.05 and 646 food items.

ENFORCEMENT OF PROHIBITION OF UNDERAGE DRINKING ON CAMPUS

A follow-up meeting regarding the changes to the residence code of conduct has clarified the process of selling drinking tickets to residence students.

Students will still purchase tickets from their residence secretary-treasurers, but the Events Service Staff will be checking student IDs upon entry to residence parties. Students under the age of 19 with a drinking ticket will be denied entry.

NEW CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

MASU has approved the creation of three new clubs and societies. The Bad Movie Society aims to form a community which finds and watches “the worst movies ever made,” Friday evenings in the Ralph Pickard Bell Library theatre.

The Dungeon Tabletop Fantasy Society (Dungeon Society) will host tabletop roleplaying games at least once per semester, or as often as needed. The Pre-Law Society’s goal is to help students explore and prepare for future law careers and will meet once every three weeks in the student centre.

06 SPORTS

EDITOR: DAVID TAPLIN | OCTOBER 6, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

DECOLONIZATION

Struggle and pride for Indigenous athletes Access to sports insufficient for Indigenous communities

FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES ARE OFTEN ISOLATED FROM ATHLETIC INFASTRUCTURE. IZZY FRANCOLINI/ARGOSY

DAVID TAPLIN Sports and Health Editor Where would you be without sports?

For many students, sports introduce them to community and offer them acceptance during the trying time of adolescence.

For those who cannot afford organized sports, local programs in urban areas can help them get involved in athletics. In many isolated Indigenous communities, however, sports remain inaccessible.

Taylor Peters, a fourth-year psychology student and member of the Mount Allison rugby team, talked about inaccessibility to athletics in her community.

“A lot of kids on reserves don’t have access to sports,” Peters said.

Speaking about the poverty that was apparent in her Mi’kmaq community, she said, “We have to go through so many more obstacles to get even the initial start with sports.”

Peters, who grew up in Hansport, N.S., said Indigenous students often face unique barriers to sports.

“You have to be in good shape to play sports, and a lot of these kids

“WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH SO MANY MORE OBSTACLES TO GET EVEN THE INITIAL START IN SPORTS.” haven’t been educated in nutrition.

They have to face bigger issues,” she said.“I think that is why my dad raised me off reserve, because he knew there weren’t many opportunities.”

Shaun Robinson is a former football Mountie who now attends Saint Mary’s University.

Robinson was raised in Halifax but grew up with strong ties to his

Mi’kmaq community on Lennox Island, P.E.I. “Certain reserves will help you pay for your sport,” he said.

“If I couldn’t buy cleats some years, they would help me out with that.”

Robinson contrasted the support he got from his community to that of other Indigenous experiences.

“Sometimes [First Nations communities] don’t have the support or the financial ability.”

Spencer Isaac, a Mi’kmaq student from Listuguj First Nation, also shared his experience with athletics.

“My community focused mainly on education and sports for the youth. It’s very youth-oriented.”

However, even with community support, Isaac said, “If I played sports in my community it wasn’t funded.

We had to put a lot of commitment toward it.”

Isaac contrasted his community to a nearby Mi’kmaq reserve that was much smaller and more isolated.

“They have to go to towns that are

FIELD HOCKEY

about an hour or so away to go play sports or [go to] high school. A lot of funding would be put toward getting them to school,” Isaac said. “I’m just lucky that my community is very headstrong toward sport.”

The lack of funding and access to sport is only part of the difficulty that Indigenous athletes face. Isaac discussed racially fuelled namecalling during high school basketball games in New Brunswick.

“It would happen, but it didn’t bother us because we were just playing basketball.”

When asked about what kinds of harassment were directed at his him and his teammates, he said, “The one we would get was ‘savage.’”

Isaac looked at the adversity he faced with a positive attitude.

“When those racial slurs come out, it’s good for those kids to push through it.” However, he added, “Some kids will drop out of the sport or do another sport.”

Racism in sports is also present at Mt. A. Peters spoke of one incident that occurred during a rugby practice last year.

“Somebody made a comment when tuition went up: ‘Oh, well I’m not Indian, so I don’t get to go to school here for free.’ Usually I would

say something, but it was my friend who said it,” she said.

Robinson talked about receiving racial insults during last year’s homecoming game.

“When we played Sherbrooke last year someone called me the N-word.

It has happened a few times,” he said.

“That just happens when you are coloured.”

When asked about the importance of sports for First Nations communities, Isaac said, “I think it’s one of the most important things, if not the most important. Without it, I probably would not have gone to university or wanted to focus in school so much.”

Many Indigenous communities have to work significantly harder for what many other Canadian youths take for granted. They often face bigotry and racism that no person, let alone teenager, should have to deal with.

As part of the Year of Indigenous Knowing at Mt. A, we should start thinking about why there aren’t more Indigenous athletes on our varsity and club teams, why there aren’t more Indigenous students in our classrooms, and why these classes are not doing more to discuss issues of systemic poverty in First Nations communities.

Joey English. 25, AB, Murdered. Ila Oman. 43, MB, Murdered.

Caitlin Potts. 27, BC, Missing. Azraya Ackabee-Kokopenace.

14, ON, Murdered. Delaine Copenace. 16, ON, Murdered.

Brooklyn Moose. 25, SK, Murdered. Delores Brown. 19, BC, Murdered. Nadine Machiskinic. 29, SK, Murdered. Krystal Andrews. 23, MB, Murdered. Nellie Angutiguluk. 29, QC, Murdered. Misty Potts. 37, AB, Missing. Kathleen Leary. 66, MB, Murdered. Teresa Robinson. 11, MB, Murdered. Beatrice Adam. 36, SK, Murdered. Sindy Ruperthouse. 44, QC, Missing.

Angela Poorman. 29, MB, Murdered. Pamela Napoleon.

42, BC, Murdered. Freda Goodrunning. 35, AB, Murdered.

Rocelyn Gabriel. 20, MB, Murdered. Brandy Vittrekwa. 17, YT, Murdered. Tina Fontaine. 15, MB, Murdered. Kelly Goforth.

21, SK, Murdered. Cheyenne Fox. 20, ON, Murdered. Richele Bear. 22, SK, Missing. Samantha Paul. 26, BC, Murdered.

Immaculate Basil. 26, BC, Missing. Destiny Tom. 21, BC, Murdered. Bella Laboucan-McLean. 25, ON, Murdered.

Heather Ballantyne. 40, SK, Murdered. Leah Anderson. 15, MB, Murdered. Shelly Dene. 25, AB, Missing. Bernadine Quewezance. 36, SK, Murdered. Brandy Wesaquate. 29,

Women’s field hockey at Mt. A sticks to it Despite lack of support from athletic department, team carries on SHAELYN SAMPSON Contributor In 2013, a group of Mount Allison students decided to pursue their shared passion for field hockey, a sport that the school did not offer at the time.

“Four years ago, we only knew we didn’t want to stop playing our sport just because we had hit university.

We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into,” said Brynn Aucoin, one of the three founding members of the field hockey team.

The team started with a small bench, but the women who played in the first exhibition game against the UNBSJ team were immediately hooked. Field hockey tends to be that kind of sport. Combining elements of soccer, ice hockey and lacrosse, it attracts athletes from a variety of backgrounds.

The biggest issue faced during the first year was inexperience. The initial executive members found it difficult to know where to start, where to find support and how to obtain the financial assistance to manage a team.

In 2014, Mt. A entered the “real world” of university field hockey: the AUFHL. “The team started off with players of all levels, which is something I thought was quite amazing – everyone was so helpful [and] understanding and it really taught us teamwork,” said Kayla Arsenault, who played for Mt. A in her first year before transferring to UPEI. 2014 was a learning experience, as many students who were totally new to the sport joined the team.

Although receiving funding for gear and travel expenses is still a challenge, the largest obstacle remains the athletics department’s

hesitancy to recognize women’s field hockey as a legitimate team.

The Mount Allison Students’ Union (MASU) still lists Mt. A field hockey as a society, not a club sport.

As a result, the athletics department has no responsibility to assist them with anything – they are completely

“WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT WE WERE GETTING OURSELVES INTO.” self-run and self-coached by their executive. At their first tournament in Halifax in September 2014, all 16 girls stayed at one family’s home.

Since then, the team has accomplished small but significant achievements, like gaining new

players, receiving financial and moral support, purchasing team uniforms and securing practice time on the turf.

The support the team receives from the MASU and has started receiving from the Campbell-Verduyn Fund last year has been crucial. It has allowed the team to bridge the skill gap that separates it from the league’s more experienced teams, as well as purchase necessary equipment and jerseys.

This year the team has had record turnouts for practices and has received regular praise on their development from other team coaches.

“Watching the team from the outside perspective of another team in the league, I can’t even believe the growth of the program. The girls amaze more and more at every tournament and are one of my favourite teams to play against,”

Arsenault said.

On Sept. 24, the team got its first win in the AUFHL, beating Acadia 1-0.

“Winning our first game was like seeing your baby take its first steps,” said Allison Wornell, another founding team member.

The team still has many obstacles to overcome, from hosting a tournament to continuing to advocate for bringing varsity field hockey back to the AUS. Graduating this year, the founders feel they are leaving the team in the dedicated, capable hands of the younger executive. They are confident that the team will continue to grow and succeed at Mt. A. Disclaimer: Shaelyn Sampson is the coach and a founding member of the field hockey team.

07

SPORTS & HEALTH

THE ARGOSY | WWW.ARGOSY.CA

RUGBY

Mount Allison rugby tries harder than ever Rugby program aims to go all the way

HAMZA MUNAWAR Sports Reporter

opponents socialize, talking about their experiences both on and off the field.

The women’s team competes in the ACCA league and is attempting to reclaim the league title after losing it two seasons ago.

As one of Mount Allison’s oldest clubs, the rugby program has a rich history.

Founded in 1890, social inclusivity and league success have remained cornerstones of the club since its foundation.

Everyone is welcomed, regardless of skill. There are no tryouts and anyone who wants to be included is given a place on the team.

If someone does not know how to play the game, the club will teach you.

This means there is a wide range of skill, from amateurs to experienced athletes.

The rugby club is a tight-knit family that includes both the men’s and women’s teams. Thomas Snooks, a member of the men’s team, firmly believes there is a cultural aspect to the sport that is bigger than the game.

After matches, teammates and

we practise,” said Eva Gourdji, a member of the women’s team. Doing this will give the women’s side a better chance to bring the banner back home this year.

“Every year is a new experience, and every year there are moments that not only define the season, but stick with you for the longevity of your playing career,” said Snooks, the social chair of the men’s team.

In past years, the men’s team has competed in both the A division, with more experienced players, and the B division, which is for player development.

This year, however, the team has committed to the development of the entire group and is only competing in the B division.

According to Craig Savoie, a fifthyear veteran, this is the most sensible way to approach the season after experiencing a lot of turnover in the past two years.

“Investing in the program for

“THE GOAL IS TO PLAY IN GAMES LIKE WE PRACTICE.” The women have experienced both victory and defeat this year, with a 12-10 win against DAL AC on Friday followed by a 32-7 loss to STU on Sunday. The women will look to rebound at home against STU on Oct. 14.

Under a new coaching staff, the women’s team is being pushed to work harder, with more serious practices than in previous years.

“The goal is to play in games like

KAIJA BELEC SMILES AS DAL AC PLAYER ATTEMPTS TO BRING HER DOWN AFTER THE WHISTLE. ADRIAN KIVA/ARGOSY everyone to gain experience and look to join the A division in the next two years from the progress is a sure way to success,” he said.

This year, the expectations for the program are sky high, as the men’s team has already secured a playoff

spot and the women’s team is well on its way to do the same.

The teams will look to hit their stride by the end of the month, when playoffs will begin.

SWIMMING

Swim team dives into season Sights set on making a splash in this year’s standings

practices. With seven in-water practices per week accompanied by three out-of-water training sessions, it is fair to say that the swim team’s training regimen is extremely demanding.

After many intense hours of training, swimmers get the opportunity to shine at their swim meets. There are five swim meets over the course of the season – six if team members qualify for CIS Championships – with the most important meet being the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Championships in February.

It is at the AUS Championships where all the grueling hours of training come together for each of the swimmers’ four races.

Allison Loewen, a fourth-year student and two-time CIS qualifier, described her first time qualifying for the CIS meet.

“I wasn’t expecting it, because

AUS SWIM SEASON KICKS OFF OCT. 15 IN WOLFVILLE, N.S. NICK PEARCE/ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY SPORT

DYLAN WOOLEY-BERRY Contributor

the pool for their first practice.

The swimming season spans seven months, making it one of the longest sport seasons in the Canadian InterUniversity Sport (CIS) Conference.

The team swims roughly 5,000 metres during their daily two-hour

While most students headed home after their first day of class, the members of the Mount Allison varsity swim team were diving into

[my qualifying race] was a race in preliminaries. Honestly, it is probably one of the things I’m most proud of.” The process of setting personal goals and beating them is one of the many aspects that make swimming a thrilling and rewarding sport.

Last year the team had an exceptional season that ended with many strong individual performances at the AUS Championships. The Mounties left the championships with 12 medals and well over half of the team placed in the top eight for at least one of their individual events.

Both Loewen and Geraint Berger had CIS-qualifying performances last year at the AUS Championship meet.

Berger would go on to qualify for the Canadian Olympic Trials at the CIS meet.

This season, the team is feeling hopeful as their first competition, Oct. 15-16 at Acadia, is just around the corner. The swimmers are gearing

up to push their physical capabilities and continue to set new personal best times in the pool.

This year, the team has at least four swimmers who have their sights set on qualifying for CIS at the end of February. Though it is tough to predict how the team will do this year, hopes are high and head coach John Peters believes that this year the team will see even better results than last year.

Team captain and Sackville native Brenna Rothfuss captured the sentiment of the team.

“I’m happy and excited to be back with the team for what is already building up to be another fulfilling season,” she said. “We have a great group of hard-working and determined swimmers and I can’t wait to cheer them on as they ‘go for gold’ in the pool this season.”

THE SCOREBOARD

WOMEN’S SOCCER

MEN’S SOCCER

WOMEN’S RUGBY

LACROSSE

UPEI (A) 1 - MTA (H) 1

UPEI (A) 3 - MTA (H) 0

DAL AC (A) 10 - MTA (H) 12 MTA (A) 7 - STU (H) 32

MTA (A) 5 - SMU (H) 21 MTA (A) 9 - ACADIA(H) 13

AUS

Cape Breton Acadia Memorial StFX UNB UPEI Moncton Dalhousie Mount Allison Saint Mary’s

GP 7 7 6 7 7 7 8 8 7 6

W 7 6 5 4 3 2 2 1 1 0

L 0 0 1 1 2 4 6 6 5 6

T 0 1 0 2 2 1 0 1 1 0

PTS 21 19 15 14 11 7 6 4 4 0

AUS

StFX Acadia Cape Breton Dalhousie UNB UPEI Memorial Moncton Saint Mary’s Mount Allison

GP 7 7 7 8 7 7 6 8 6 7

W 5 5 5 3 3 2 1 1 0 0

L 0 1 1 0 0 4 3 6 4 6

T

2 1 1 5 4 1 2 1 2 1

PTS 17 16 16 14 13 7 5 4 2 1

MEN’S RUBGY MTA (A) 15 - UNB B TEAM (H) 34

FOOTBALL ACADIA (A) 12 - MTA (H) 20 SMU A) 17 - StFX (H) 37

AUS

StFX Saint Mary’s Mount Allison Acadia

GP 4 4 4 4

W 3 1 1 1

L 1 3 3 3

PTS 6 2 2 2

08

CENTREFOLD

BY JEFF MANN | OCTOBER 6, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

THE ARGOSY | WWW.ARGOSY.CA

CENTREFOLD

09

10 ARTS & CULTURE

EDITORS: MIRELLE NAUD MALLORY BURNSIDE-HOLMES OCTOBER 6, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

COMMUNITY

Seventh annual Culture Days in Sackville Students and community come together to showcase Sackville talent

LEFT TO RIGHT: KEIFER BELL, NICK MILLS, THOMAS HANSEN, MATHIEU MINA, CHARLOTTE TRUDEAU, KIRA HOHENGARTEN OF ARTS AND CULTURE MARKETING CLASS. CHARLOTTE TRUDEAU/SUBMITTED

CORINNA PAUMIER Arts and Culture Reporter MIRELLE NAUD Arts and Culture Editor

TOP: SEAN BOURQUE POSES ALONGSIDE HIS ART OUTSIDE MEL’S. MIDDLE: JACOB ROBERTSON ENGAGES CROWD WITH RHYTHMIC BEATS. BOTTOM: COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ALL AGES CELEBRATE SACKVILLE ARTS AND CULTURE. SAMUEL THOMSON/CONTRIBUTOR

Over an intense four-week period, Mount Allison’s arts and culture marketing class organized Sackville’s seventh annual Culture Days, a national movement for strengthening community relationships with local artistry.

One of the few Canadian universities to host Culture Days, Mt. A offers its marketing students the hands-on opportunity to learn the value and role of marketing in conjunction with community event planning.

“I think this is a very unique course.

I know a lot of other marketing courses have nothing to do with culture and art. I haven’t even taken a course that’s even touched on it,” said Jillian Edwards, a third-year student and coordinator of Mt. A’s Culture Days’ media.

The students organized every aspect (sans fundraising) of the community event by separating into themed “pods” to oversee media, production, operations and management/ communications. “[Culture Days] is such a great opportunity for us to learn and develop our marketing and communication skills, as well as operation and budgeting. It takes a lot of work,” Edwards said.

Originating from Quebec, Culture Days strives to create an accessible community space for artistic encounters, authentic moments of shared creativity between artists and their audience.

“The first day we came up with the theme, which is ‘culture comes together,’ and it ties into the [logo] design: different people around the world,” said Mathieu Mina, fifthyear student and coordinator of the marketing/communications pod.

“Obviously [in Sackville] we’re very contained to a local feel, but we have the MASSIE students doing origami.

We have Henna. We have musicians from different areas who study in Sackville...The logo encapsulates bringing people together,” Mina said.

Last Friday, artists’ stations sprawled across Sackville’s Main Street, occupying popular destinations such as Mel’s, RBC, the Salvation Army and Tidewater Books. For one hour, pop-up art displays, craft workshops, and

theatrical reenactments decorated downtown.

Sean Bourque, a Mt. A fine arts student and previous participant in Culture Days, displayed his artwork in front of Mel’s.

“I feel this is a good opportunity to get people out on the streets and see what other people are up to, and especially where people are doing so many different things,” Bourque said.

Within the realm of arts and culture, the goal of marketing does not always include profit. “When you take an intro marketing course, a lot of it is [about] selling a product,” said Keifer Bell, third-year student and member of the management/communications pod. “But we’re not selling anything.

We’re just holding a free event for one hour.”

Free admission promotes Culture Days’ objective to “increase awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in arts and culture,” said Rosemary Polegato, professor of Mt. A’s marketing in arts and culture course. “It’s part of the movement. It has to be free,” Polegato said. “That goes with the access.”

Although accessibility necessitated free admission, artists received compensation in the form of gift certificates to Mel’s. “There’s this tendency to think ‘Oh, you know, just play something for me,’ and it’s not really like that. That’s an artist’s creation and work,” Polegato said.

“So [the certificates are] a thank you.”

FINE ARTS

Dancing in the streets

Artist Lucy May talks of her upcoming project of dancing through New Brunswick MARISSA CRUZ Arts and Culture Reporter Montréal-based contemporary dancer and artist Lucy May is in Sackville as a nomadic artist-inresidence to start her new project, Esemplastic Landing.

May integrates her dance into the physical environment by training and performing with the natural elements of wind, water, mud and grass.

Extending over a three-month period, May’s upcoming dance project will combine the physicality of her body with the earth. “Opening all the pores and all the senses, I

am not too concerned about what the dance looks like, just [that] it is fulfilling itself,” May said.

The dance project is currently in Sackville but will travel to Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton.

Originally from New Brunswick, May is thrilled to be returning to her homeland. “I have always had this contact and related to rural New Brunswick, especially living in Montréal.”

The basic project template calls for going on walks to soak in and respond to her surroundings through dance. Her training consists of using movements such as climbing, crouching and staying still to respond

to her environment as she walks.

Working as her own choreographer, May emphasizes awareness to the environment over crafting an aesthetically pleasing dance routine the dances are focused on the senses.

Speaking of her childhood, May said, “As a kid you spend a day-trip at Fundy National park, then you leave. I went to Big Salmon river, St. Martin’s, the swimming holes – all these amazing places that fascinated me. But I could never stay long enough.”

A professional dance career meant that May travelled constantly.

This constant state of movement eventually made her feel detached

from her surroundings. “It disturbed me to be so disconnected from where I was,” May said. Her current project addresses this disconnect and allows her to embrace the environment through her movement when she goes on these walks.

No stranger to collaboration, May has worked with an impressive list of professional dance ensembles: José Navas, LADMMI dance company, a horse and Sylvain Lafortune. She has just finished her time as a dancer with Compagnie Marie Chouinard and is currently working solo on Esemplastic Landing.

“I have been working in front of audiences that are looking to

be entertained or moved,” May said. “Could performance be for people or things or objects that are also in the process of questioning?

Could performance be a method of research?”

Curious about the mud flats, train tracks, dykelands and marshes of Sackville, May welcomes anyone to join her on her walks, whether it’s for accompaniment or documentation.

May’s daily walking schedule will be posted outside the seminar room of the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts.

“If we move more in general, we might be healthier in our bodies [and] in our communities.”

ARTS & CULTURE

THE ARGOSY | WWW.ARGOSY.CA

INDIGENOUS KNOWING

11

Making sense of circles

Sackville discusses circles in second annual Interdisciplinary Conversations

MALLORY BURNSIDE-HOLMES Arts and Culture Editor In harmony with Mount Allison’s Indigenous Year of Knowing, dozens gathered at the Owens Art Gallery to engage in playful discussion about the powerful symbol of the circle on Thursday, Sept. 29.

The first installment of the second anniversary of Interdisciplinary Conversations featured speakers Doreen Richard, Mt. A’s Indigenous affairs coordinator, Vicki St. Pierre, professor in the music department, and Doug Campbell, professor in the biology department.

Interdisciplinary Conversations brings together three speakers of varying professional backgrounds to present an unscripted talk on a common topic. Following presentations, the floor opens to audience members to ask questions and provide personal insights.

For English department head Robert Lapp, Interdisciplinary

Conversations functions as a “healing process” and “community practice of thinking about central ideas.” These conversations are “important because we are exploring ancient ways of communicating with each other, which I think in some ways healthily pushes back against our fragmented digitization,” Lapp said.

Richard began the conversation with a talk entitled “The Power of the Circle.” She spoke of the seven circles of courage, love, respect, honesty, patience, truth and wisdom, which are linearly connected with courage, the largest circle, on top and wisdom, the smallest, on the bottom.

Richard’s accessible presentation reflected the event’s goal to inspire collective thinking about a previously foreign subject. Lapp found Richard’s talk to be “informal, unrehearsed [and] ad libbed in a beautiful way.

It was so nicely informal...There was a genuity to it that was not infected by the pressure to be perfectly structured.”

St. Pierre had everyone flexing their six-packs during her presentation on “The Circle of Breath.” Audience members shuffled to the edges of their seats to hear the opera singer demonstrate how the manipulation of muscles and breath affects vocal projection.

“WITH [SHORTSIGHTED] CYCLES, WE ARE NOT BRINGING OUT [ALL] OF THE POTENTIAL WE HAVE.” St. Pierre stressed that taking care of your vocal chords applies not only to singers. “For those of you who teach all day, [muscular contractions and low breathing] is something you have to think about,” St. Pierre said.

In “Circling in the Environment,” Campbell discussed how a principle of

the Iroquois Confederacy is practised in microbiology. Campbell said the Seventh Generation Principle posits that “decisions or policies [are] to be made with the consideration for not today but for seven generations.”

Connecting this to his field of study, Campbell said when growing microbial cultures in the lab, “We have a very similar rule. [In a] study of microbial physiology or microbial molecular biology we put them under a condition and we keep them there for seven generations,” effectively linking biology to the Iroquois governance principle.

When opened to the audience, the conversation primarily focused on the potential application of “circle process” to pedagogy and politics.

When a student raised the idea of circular classrooms that encourage class discussion, Campbell responded, “That’s a very uncomfortable place to put people when they’ve been told for 12 years, ‘give the [right answer] and

Joseph Boyden enlightens Mt. A Anishinaabe author bridges gap between Indigenous past and present MIRELLE NAUD Arts and Culture Editor Award-winning author Joseph Boyden returned to Mount Allison on Monday for a reading of his internationally recognized novels and upcoming work, Wenjack, which will be released this October. To a fully packed Brunton auditorium, Boyden shared stories of his youth, advice for aspiring writers and some of his deepest secrets.

“My first secret to share with all of you tonight is: Every time I sit down to create a short story or an article for Maclean’s or when I especially try to create a new novel, I’m scared,” Boyden said. “Can I do this? Do I have it in me to put what’s here into someone else’s head?”

Of Anishinaabe and Celtic descent, Boyden’s emotionally evocative stories bring light to Indigenous resiliency with historically inspired characters. His upcoming novella, Wenjack, tells the true story of an Anishinaabe boy, Chanie Wenjack, who died while running away from a residential school.

“You learn about [residential schools] in the textbook. You learn that these were the institutions, this is what happened, but you don’t actually learn about the people,” said Diandre Stacey, a first-year Mohawk student. “He does bridge the gap.

He puts a face to the people in the schools.”

The realistic and powerful characters in Boyden’s stories have captivated thousands of readers and Boyden himself.

“With me as a writer, I truly believe that it’s the characters who create the story...I don’t sit down and say, ‘I’m going to show Canada [and] wield my hammer of righteousness,’”

Boyden said.

“When I went to Belgium to go see the trenches again, to go see where Xavier and Elijah, my imagined characters, [walked], I felt like they were really walking around,” said Boyden, referring to the protagonists of Three Day Road. “I can’t shake that, and I wrote that novel a decade ago. I think [the characters’ experiences] certainly become a part of my make-up.”

As if destined to be an internationally acclaimed storyteller, Boyden received from Elder Basil Johnston the Anishinaabe name “One Who Enlightens,” which translates in English to “Shining Bridge.” “[The name] is a gift, but gifts carry weight and a gift gives and you’re going to have to give,” Boyden said.

“I am always thinking ‘How do I be a bridge? How do I be one who enlightens?’”

In the manner of his namesake, Boyden enlightened the audience with the Anishinaabe phrase for “everyone counts,” a motto succinctly capturing Mt. A’s theme for 2016, the Year of Indigenous Knowing.

As outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of 2015, Canada’s universities are offering increased educational programs on Indigenous affairs.

“In the spirit of reconciliation, ‘everyone counts’ is the idea that we all count,” Boyden said.

Boyden’s motto resonated with Spencer Isaac, a Canadian studies major and Mt. A Indigenous affairs intern.

“When he mentioned ‘everyone counts,’ I can only think of it as everyone should count.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case,” said Isaac, a member of the Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation. “For me,

you will get a sticker.’”

Director of the Ron Joyce Centre for Business Studies, Sandy McIver, countered, “the wonderful thing is, if you introduce ‘circle process’…you can restore that kind of conversation.”

McIver noted a predominating theme of Thursday’s discussion: “In classrooms, and also potentially politics, with [short-sighted] cycles, we are not bringing out [all] of the potential we have.”

The next Interdisciplinary Conversations is scheduled for Oct. 27 with featured speakers Marilyn Walker (anthropology), Mark Hamilton (math and computer science) and Robert Lapp (English literature).

Felicia Solomon. 16, MB, Murdered. Sylvia Guiboche.

21, MB, Missing. Nicolle Hands. 32, MB, Murdered.

Ramona Shular. 36, BC, Missing. Danielle LaRue. 24, BC, Missing. Lisa Young. 21, BC, Missing. Donna Kasyon.

20, SK, Murdered. Maxine Wapass. 23, SK, Murdered.

Therena Silva. N/A, MB, Murdered. Edna Bernard.

28, AB, Murdered. Tabitha Kalluk. 38, NU, Murdered.

JOSEPH BOYDEN READS FROM UPCOMING NOVELLA, WENJACK, WHICH TELLS THE TRUE STORY OF CHANIE WENJACK WHO DIED FLEEING RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL IN 1966. SAVANNAH MILEEN HARRIS/ARGOSY personally, it’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and men, a statistic that’s really big...It’s a stat that isn’t being talked about either.”

Isaac’s brother, Chris Metallic, went missing in 2011 after attending a party in Sackville. “I’m still trying to keep my head up ever since my brother went missing,” Isaac said.

His mother a schoolteacher, Boyden and his ten siblings grew up learning the value and ubiquity of education. He and seven of his sisters followed in her footsteps and eventually became teachers.

“Education takes so many different forms. There’s the obvious

education of sitting down and learning the specifics taught in the classroom,” Boyden said. “Education is everywhere. I always hope to be educated.”

As part of Mt. A’s Year of Indigenous Knowing, the Canadian studies program distributed 600 copies of Boyden’s bestselling first novel Three Day Road, now a popular part of several Mt. A course curricula, to the first-year class.

“I had to read it for two of my [English] classes,” said first-year Julianna Rutledge while clutching an annotated copy of Three Day Road.

Boyden hopes the distribution

of his works and the works of other Indigenous authors can help push for a day of national recognition for the Indigenous lives impacted by residential schools.

“We’re going to release our projects into the world [with] the whole point being that we want not just the federal government, we want Canada to have a national day of recognition for both the survivors and those who didn’t survive residential schools,” Boyden said. “I think it’s high time, and I know that the government thinks so too, but it’s not about the government, it’s about us understanding that.”

12

ARTS & CULTURE

OCTOBER 6, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

LGBTQA+

Policed Pride

An ongoing conversation about uniformed presence in queer spaces CORINNA PAUMIER Arts and Culture Reporter On Sept. 20, the Sackville Pride parade opened with speeches, a flag raising and a march led by a police car with emergency lights spinning.

Although this Pride parade took place over two weeks ago, the conversation about the events is ongoing.

First, it must be clarified that this article in no way intends to undermine the work of the students, faculty and town members who organized this year’s Pride parade.

However, some community members have raised concerns about the presence of a police car at the event and see this as an opportunity to think about specific interactions that are often taken for granted by privileged members of society.

“For so many reasons, it’s just not

appropriate anymore to have police presence at any queer event. They don’t protect us, and their presence is traumatic to a lot of people and symbolically unacceptable,” said Tasia Alexopoulous, a professor of women’s and gender studies at Mount Allison and attendee of the parade.

“It’s not to say that every cop is a bad cop, but when we look at the institution of policing right now, we are starting to see, in fact, that there are not as many good cops as we think there are...there is something in the institution that does not allow good cops to do good,” Alexopoulous said.

“We can’t individualize the problem.

We have to look at the bigger issue.”

Some argue that with the presence of police, the parade lacked a critical awareness of the institutional problems that are being

demonstrated across North America.

Pride is intended to be a physical manifestation of taking back the space that often excludes LGBTQA+ members.

SHARE intern Shannon Power assisted in organizing Pride week and was unaware that police would be leading the parade.

“It makes me feel uncomfortable because so many marginalized communities and LGBTQA+ people don’t feel safe around police. They have reason not to trust the police… not the Sackville police specifically, but police as an institution across the country,” Power said.

“I had six volunteers that blocked off the smaller side streets and that was fine. It’s Sackville…you don’t need a major police presence at our pride parade,” Power said.

“I figured [police presence] was

just standard practice....any [Pride] parade I’ve ever been to is usually led by police,” said Mt. A Students’ Union President Ryan LeBreton.

“I won’t be around to plan it next year...but it is definitely a conversation that I think the town would be fine to have,” LeBreton said. He later added that he would be happy to pass the information along to the next organizers.

Lack of communication and a missed opportunity for a critical conversation about the parade’s organization resulted in a space that some feel lacked internal safety.

“We have to ‘queer’ the issue and ask the question[s], ‘what does it mean to be a queer community?

What does it mean to have Pride?

Does it mean that we follow a cop car to City Hall with its lights pinned and completely ignore all of the social

POLICE PRESENCE NOT ALWAYS WELCOME AT PRIDE EVENTS. IZZY FRANCOLINI/ARGOSY justice issues that are implicated in that?’” Alexopoulous said.

These are questions that will continue to be asked and will possibly be reflected in the planning of next year’s parade.

Developing connections between Trans* and Disabled Communities Sociology department hosts Alexandre Baril, feminist, trans* and disability scholar CHELSEA DOHERTY Arts and Culture Reporter Connections between marginalized communities are not always clear, especially when a community is already struggling to have its own voice heard. Alexandre Baril is taking on the challenge of connecting trans* and disabled communities in the hope of bettering the treatment and acceptance of trans* people.

Baril uses an asterisk in

conjunction with ‘trans’ (‘trans*’) to incorporate multiple gender identities into transness, including transsexual, transgender, non-binary and genderqueer persons.

Baril, an Izaak Walton Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship beneficiary at Dalhousie and activist for trans* and crip* politics, delivered a lecture last Wednesday, Sept. 28 exploring why disability excludes the experience of transness.

Baril’s lecture critiqued medical

Olivia Williams. 22, BC, Missing. Diane Stewart. 42, BC, Murdered. Amanda Cook.

14, MB, Murdered. Joanne Ghostkeeper.

24, AB, Murdered. Amanda Bartlett. 17, MB, Missing. Monica Jack. 12, BC, Murdered.

Dorothy Spence. 32, BC, Missing. Mary Lidguerre. 30, BC, Murdered. Helen Gillings.

19, ON, Murdered. Evaline Cameron. 19, ON, Murdered. Rhonda Running Bird. 25, AB, Missing. Diane Dobson. 36, ON, Murdered.

Sarah Skunk. 43, ON, Missing. Lana Derrick. 19, BC, Missing. Janet Sylvestre.

38, SK, Murdered. Alisha Germaine. 15, BC, Murdered. Roxanne Thiara. 15, BC, Murdered. Sonya Cywink. 32, ON, Murdered.

Jamie McGuire. 20, MB, Murdered. Ramona Wilson. 16, BC, Murdered. Sharon Merasty.

18, SK, Murdered. Lora Frank. 19, YT, Missing. Monica Cardinal. 46, AB, Missing.

Mary Goodfellow. 67, SK, Missing. Victoria Hornbrook. N/A, MB, Murdered. Roberta Lincoln. 34, BC, Murdered. Joyce Tillotson.

42, SK, Missing. Patricia Carpenter. 14, N/A, Murdered. Sandra Johnson. 18, ON, Murdered. Viola Panacheese. N/A, ON, Missing. Lavina Tocher. 35, SK, Missing.

Mariella Lennie. 17, NT, Murdered.

Shirley Lonethunder. 25, SK, Missing.

Elsie Sebastian. 40, BC, Missing. Emily Ballantyne. 24, MB, Missing. Glenda Morriseau. 19, MB, Murdered.

and social models of understanding disability as limiting and oppressive.

Instead he suggested a subjectivesocial model of disability, one which acknowledges medical and social models while recognizing “trans* people’s transition-related subjective and embodied realities, affects and potential suffering in terms of disability.”

“The aim of linking trans* and disability is neither to restore the medical model of disability nor to support an understanding of trans* identities as ‘errors of nature,’” Baril said.

Despite the fact that many trans* people are diagnosed with gender dysphoria and studies have shown the impact and distress this diagnosis has on everyday life, it rarely qualifies as disabling.

Offering an example, Baril said, “Cisgender men who have lost the use of their penis following an accident or disease are considered disabled, but trans* men who do not have a penis are not considered disabled. Disabilities can emerge from transition-related treatments [as well]. [However,] trans* issues are too often reduced to genitals and many [trans*] people don’t want trans* genital surgery.”

Furthering the discussion of what disability means for a trans* person, Baril shared his own experiences.

“I have some disability issues that are related to my transition.

For example, related to one of my surgeries, I have some disabilities that are permanent…[doctors] are not sure if they can fix [them], or how much it will cost to fix. I think I will continue to have disabilities for the rest of my life because of transness.”

Baril’s lecture had a positive effect

on many attendees, including Sam, a Mount Allison student who identifies as a trans* male.

“I felt excited for the current growth in conversations about trans* politics. It’s nice to learn about something that I couldn’t just explain to you,” Sam said.

“[INTERDISCIPLINRY APPROACHES] ALLOWS ACTIVISM TO FORM BETTER COALITIONS” “[Baril] seemed to call himself disabled as part of being transgender.

I don’t know if I would call myself disabled as a part of transgendered,” Sam said. However, he said that there are definitely aspects of transness that can be disabling.

“I have back problems from binding**…but I’m not going to stop binding because I need to bind. Surgery is a lot of money and not everyone has access to that.

Depending on how long you bind for…you don’t know how it’s going to affect you,” he said.

Sam wants people to recognize that there are physical components to being trans* that have very little chance of being fully realized because of scientific limitations.

“Surgery is not perfect, and it’s not a great option for everyone. You have to be starving for it. The imperfections that come with bottom surgery*** for trans* men can be devastating for some people.”

Also inspired by Baril’s lecture was fourth-year student Alex

Lepianka, for whom recognizing connections between disabled and trans* communities “is important for forming individual and community action against marginalization.”

“I think the virtue of interdisciplinary approaches to some of these social issues is that it allows activism to form better coalitions and networks in establishing one struggle within another,” Lepianka said.

Lepianka is also aware that privilege, including his own, “makes gender dysphoria a reality for many people.”

Caroline Kovesi, a sociology student who helped organize Baril’s lecture, was pleased with the outcome.

“We don’t often think about the shared connections between trans and disabled communities, and I think his talk reminded us about the importance of solidarity building between communities typically seen as disparate, recognizing shared vulnerabilities, and connecting different forms of discrimination to the same sorts of prejudices,” wrote Kovesi in an e-mail to the Argosy.

Baril’s lecture brought trans* and disabled issues to campus, which proved to be topics with which students were excited and ready to engage.

Crip* - Represents the transgressive and anti-assimilationist approach in disability studies. The term ‘Crip’ has been positively resignified.

Binding ** - The act of flattening breasts with the use of a wrapping.

Bottom Surgery ***- Any surgery that alters the appearance and function of a person’s genitalia.

ARTS & CULTURE

THE ARGOSY | WWW.ARGOSY.CA

FOOD AND CONSENT

Unsettling the table

ALEX LEPIANKA Contributor

This past week, the Federal government granted approval for the Pacific NorthWest liquefied natural gas (PNW LNG) terminal and pipeline to be built in British Columbia. A press release on the project’s approval, issued by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, assures that the natural gas project is legitimate, that it will be subject to “meaningful consultation” by the communities most likely to be affected – namely, Indigenous communities and the First Nations of B.C. The legitimacy of the project seems to rely on the fact that the project’s legally binding conditions were developed with reference to traditional and community-based knowledge – both from Indigenous and scientific communities, as well as from industry stakeholders. The

press release suggests, in other words, that the consent of these communities to the project is maintained in these conditions. Yet, as I consult Facebook, post after post on Indigenous-led activist pages suggests that the consent of local First Nations communities is largely absent, despite what the press release might suggest.

The message communicated by these Facebook commentators is consistent: If at nothing else, consent must stop short of threatening food supply. One video shows a Lax Kw’alaams woman speaking out at a public announcement of the project’s approval, carrying a jar of salmon symbolizing the devastation the collapse of the ecosystem and fishing industry would cause. The PNW LNG terminal and pipeline, in its current form, would threaten a vital and sensitive marine ecosystem, itself part of the heritage of the Tsimshiam people.

Other posts share statements of

solidarity with ongoing Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota, paying respect to the common sanctity of the water that sustains Indigenous and settler populations alike.

In a photo caption, one commentator described his relationship as a custodian and dependent of the Skeena River, which terminates near the proposed location of the PNW LNG terminal.

“The Skeena River is not only unique, but a way of life for the people who live along it. It is our culture.” In fact, the name “Tsimshim” translates to “inside the Skeena River.”

The official statements made by various Federal ministries involved in the project reinterpret traditional Indigenous knowledge to support Western scientific statements produced by ecologists and marine scientists.

Although the project’s

MUSIC

environmental regulations do make use of Indigenous knowledge, this requires ignorance toward the ecological understanding embodied in local food practices.

While my intent for this column is to explore the culture and politics of food, it must be recognized that food is not divisible from the land and waters that provide it. The Indigenous resistance to the PNW LNG project challenges the Western notion that spirituality, heritage and food are divisible entities.

We cannot suppose that our relationship with the industries and markets that provide our food can be compared to or prioritized over the food practices that form Indigenous relationships with land. Regardless of the jobs created by the PNW LNG project – jobs which may very well pay for food – we must stand in solidarity with the Indigenous communities whose own food practices and ways of life are jeopardized by this project.

THEATRE

Presents: the Improv returns Improv at the Pond: not watered down

WILL PELLETIER Contributor If you listen carefully from as far away as North Side on a Wednesday evening, you might just hear the laughs of audience members attending a performance of Presents: the Improv. The weekly improv show, which opens its doors at 9 p.m. at the Pond every Wednesday, has resumed its presence on campus.

Every year since 2004, the group has gathered members to perform shows throughout the semester. The cast often performs in a variety of different styles, but their emphasis has always been entertainment value – most often comedic. This year features the largest cast in the history of the improv program. With 24 members, the executive team has had to devise a plan to handle the influx of so many actors of varying skill levels. The company still expects more people to join as the year goes on.

Alex McGrath, company director of Presents and longtime improv performer, spoke about the structural changes that have been implemented to accommodate performers of all levels of experience. McGrath introduced a tiered system with levels 101, 201, and 301 as guidelines for future directors.

“We have three casts: two [are] performing casts, and the other is a kind of one-on-one workshop cast of people who are really just starting out.”

McGrath expressed his hope that the tier structure would be followed in future years. “It allows the program to be very adaptable to suit the kind of philosophy we’ve always had. Everyone who comes into improv needs to have a first year working with a small group of peers.”

Adam Teskey, a second-year

student, decided to try improv for the first time this year. “I went to watch a few shows at the Pond last year and found them hilarious. I knew a few people on the team and they told me it was super fun. The first meeting [had a] really open environment, and I found it easy to dive into that group of people.” After a two-hour-long tryout, he was notified that he made the “101” level of the team.

Being at the 101 level offers Teskey a way to relax amid the stresses of midterms and student life without having to perform in front of a crowd.

“I really enjoy the stepping stones and levels because they’re a nice way to ease into everything…I asked if I would ever get called up to main stage, and [McGrath] said ‘no,’ and I thought ‘perfect.’”

For others, Presents: The Improv offers an opportunity to continue perfecting their improvisational skills. First-year student Molly Bowes was immediately placed in the 201 level due to her prior experience with improv.

“I think the thing I’m most excited about is meeting new people and developing my improv skills. I’ve been doing high school-level improv, which is very PG…I’m really excited to expand – that’s why I decided to work with Presents,” Bowes said.

Other initiatives this year include featuring special guest bands, guest hosts and possibly organizing a stand-up mic night. Presents will also host introductory workshops throughout the year to help integrate stragglers who were late to join improv.

All the aforementioned actors emphasized that everyone should try improv and attend shows when they can.

TOP: ALEX MCGRATH, COMPANY DIRECTOR, LOOKS FORWARD TO NEW YEAR OF PRESENTS. ADRIAN KIVA/SUBMITTED BOTTOM: ALWAYS A BUNCH OF LAUGHS AT PRESENTS: THE IMPROV EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE POND. ADRIAN KIVA/SUBMITTED

13

Recital falls flat

Concert came off unprepared EMMA SOLDAAT Contributor Mount Allison began its series of three Mid-Week Music guest recitals with “A Little Light Music,” featuring soprano Jane Leibel, Christine Carter on clarinet, and Maureen Volk on piano. The trio performed light songs and dances from George Gershwin, John Greer, Clifford Crawley and D. F. Cook.

The concert contained all the components of a great show. The performers each boasted impressive resumes, glowing reviews and prestigious performance histories.

The light-hearted repertoire engaged listeners, but the execution came off as awkward and lackluster.

The performers, especially Leibel, appeared unfamiliar with the repertoire and uncomfortable with its style.

The artists’ discomfort with the repertoire was obvious from the first piece, Viva Gershwin!, a medley of Gershwin’s songs. The piano and clarinet nearly drowned out Leibel, who seemed to be attempting to sing jazz in an entirely operatic, Wagnerian style - an experiment that did not work out in her favour.

Although the Carter and Volk duet kept a solid groove and held the piece together, their cohesion could not remedy the concert’s awkward start.

The concert improved with the two middle pieces, the style of which fit the ensemble’s skill set much better.

Leider appeared more comfortable with this style, and her overdramatic acting suited the eccentricities of the collection A Sarah Binks Bestiary. This set of songs, by Canadian composer Greer, presented a humourous look at prairie life and its inhabitants through the eyes of the quirky Sarah Binks.

Selections from Crawley’s Personal Column also seemed well-prepared, both by the individuals and the ensemble as a whole. However, there were points at which the acting transported the music from witty and humourous to simply tacky.

Nonetheless, this set, especially “Escort Service,” was a highlight of the concert.

The final song on the program shattered the brief illusion of preparation that the previous two pieces had fostered. After talking for an uncomfortably long time, Leider forgot her music offstage, then announced that the ensemble would be performing “Lukey’s Boat” from Five Songs from Newfoundland by Cook, rather than what the ensemble was actually performing: “Jack Was Every Inch A Sailor” from the same set.

The final set felt approximately as well-prepared as its opening remarks, and the concert ended on the same lackluster note with which it had started, despite some impressive, virtuosic moments from Carter and Volk.

14 OPINIONS

EDITOR: SHANNON POWER | OCTOBER 6, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

COLONIALISM

Decolonization in Canada means decolonization everywhere Subverting settler interests and racism is essential

LEO GERTLER News Reporter Before my last parade as an Air Cadet, I was asked to wear a pin celebrating the War of 1812. Despite being in a military-structured youth organization, I come from a family of peaceniks and didn’t want to glorify a specific war by wearing the pin.

Besides, I protested, the pin was not a part of the uniform and therefore I shouldn’t have had to wear it.

A volunteer from the Regular Forces (i.e. the real, actual military) approached me after he heard this and demanded that I stand at attention. I

complied, and he pinned the emblem on my chest. He said that I owed it to the military to honour their sacrifices because his buddies were defending “my people” in Israel.

As a Jewish Canadian, this was not my first time experiencing how Canadian and Israeli settlercolonialism go hand-in-hand. This example, however, does a good job of showing that both states are systems of oppression that exclude and exterminate certain racialized groups.

That particular experience is a clear example of how Jewish people are considered by Canadians to belong to a common race: “my people” are Israeli people, and Canada is doing the work of defending this race from another, namely Palestinians. Race as a construct is essential to the logic of settler-colonialism everywhere in the world.

It is no mistake that a member of the armed forces used these racializing terms toward me. The military – and the imperialist state,

more generally – is existentially dependent on the exploitation of an “other.” It would be impossible for them to establish control and exercise power without the construction and maintenance of unjust hierarchies.

In what is now called Canada, this racist mode of thought has hundreds of years of history. The idea that white, European settlers are entitled to occupy and govern the land by virtue of their race is the founding principle of the Canadian state. It is used to justify the continuation of genocidal practices against Indigenous peoples and the systematic dispossession of Indigenous land.

Israel was established along similar ideological lines. After the horrors of the Holocaust, Zionist campaigners successfully petitioned the Allies for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Countries like Canada supported this for a number of reasons, not least of which was the belief in a Jewish race of people and that Palestine is the Jewish

“homeland.”

The history of settler-colonialism in Israel is more recent, but no less racist. Palestinians are regularly killed by the Israeli Defense Force, their homes and livelihoods destroyed in the interests of Zionist settlement.

This is because, like Canada with Indigenous peoples, Israel could not exist without the subjugation of Palestinians.

I don’t think it’s possible to earnestly fight systems of colonial oppression without also fighting against settler interests. The very existence of the settler is predicated on the suffering of the colonized.

To clarify: What makes someone a settler is their position over the colonized. I am not arguing that we round up all settlers and have them shot. Instead, I advocate decolonization.

This means the total elimination of racially based structures which seek to place some people in positions of power at the expense of others.

It means, for settler allies especially, working in solidarity with all colonized people. It means critically examining the ways in which our actions reflect colonialist interests and working against these interests whenever possible.

I feel wholly unqualified as a settler to say what actions should be taken to end settler-colonialism. I hope, however, that people reading this take it as an invitation to start playing an active role in the process of decolonization.

MENTAL HEALTH

Redefining our understandings of mental illness Dominant beliefs about mental illness leave some students afraid to seek help

REBECCA BUTLER Contributor I have a mental illness – this is something I know as a fact. But for far too long, I lived in the shadow of my own self-doubt. I pushed from my mind the notion that something was wrong beyond my control. I feared I would be met with criticism rather than support if I reached out for help. My concern is that this is a common notion among students here on campus.

From a young age, we are instilled with ideas of what constitutes a mental illness. We are briefly taught about a handful of disorders through generalized lists and examples. This instruction promises to equip us with the knowledge to identify the concrete manifestation of these disorders within our loved ones and ourselves and ensure we are all given proper treatment and support.

Often, this constructed idea of what constitutes abnormality is far too narrow. I have suspected having an anxiety disorder from a young age, but felt I did not meet the necessary ‘qualifications’ to seek treatment. My anxiety rarely gave me panic attacks, inhibited my social life or negatively impacted my schooling. Like so many others, I did not get the help I needed simply because my experience wasn’t

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM ANTI-STIGMA CAMPAIGN ALLOWS STUDENTS TO EXCHANGE STORIES ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS. ADRIAN KIVA/ARGOSY a textbook example of mental illness.

The daily pressures of thriving as a student here on campus can cloak signs and symptoms. It is well known that our university encourages a strong work ethic and competitive behaviour in all areas of student life.

This looming feeling forces students to balance high marks and packed resumes with full and rewarding social lives. Because we have a shared understanding of the pressure of student expectations, any rifts in behaviour are rationalized by peers

and self as “just stress.”

Far too often disorderly behaviour is written off as a normal response to the academic pressures. A breakdown in the library is justified by essays.

A fear of leaving your bed in the morning is justified by midterms. A student feeling an abrupt indifference to upcoming deadlines may pass off their behaviour as “lazy” and refuse to get help for fear they’ll be blamed for not working hard enough.

Meanwhile, amplified pressure of what constitutes success at Mt. A

worsens the effects of pre-existing mental illnesses. In these cases, treatment that is so desperately needed is neglected out of a lack of recognition or fear of feeling unsuccessful. For many, this blocks the path to wellness with a perfectionism that rewards dealing with stressors independently.

The reductive view of mental illness we have been fed since puberty leads us to dissociate ourselves from the labels. As a student who thrived on achieving the expected student

balance, I didn’t see myself in those limited classifications. I thought any anxiety I felt was an overreaction to stress that I could and should manage alone.

Together, we need to further the dialogue here on campus and deconstruct notions of student success. When we redefine our conception of mental health, we redefine our potential and ability to truly thrive here on campus.

15

OPINIONS

THE ARGOSY | WWW.ARGOSY.CA

THE ARGOSY w w w. a r g o s y. c a

Independent Student Newspaper of Mount Allison University Thursday, October 6, 2016 volume 146 issue 5 Circulation 1,000 Since 1872

on Unceded Mi’kmaq Land 62 York Street W. McCain Student Centre Mount Allison University Sackville, New Brunswick E4L 1H3

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THE ARGOSY is published by Argosy Publications, Inc., a student run, autonomous, apolitical not-for-profit organization operated in accordance with the province of New Brunswick.

THE ARGOSY is a member of the Canadian University Press, a national co-operative of student newspapers.

ISSN 0837-1024

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EDITORIAL staff EDITORS-IN-CHIEF | Sylvan Hamburger, Tyler Stuart MANAGING EDITOR | Cecilia Stuart NEWS EDITORS | Catherine Turnbull, Naomi Goldberg ARTS & CULTURE EDITORS | Mallory Burnside-Holmes, Mirelle Naud SPORTS & HEALTH EDITOR | David Taplin OPINIONS EDITOR | Shannon Power HUMOUR EDITOR | Mark Cruz COPY EDITOR | Claire Henderson-Hamilton

PRODUCTION staff PRODUCTION MANAGER | Hailey Guzik PHOTO EDITOR | Adrian Kiva

LOUIS SOBOL/SUBMITTED

INDIGENOUS KNOWING

Stop flying the Canadian flag on Mi’kmaq land

Questioning Mt. A’s complicity in colonialism and environmental degredation

PHOTOGRAPHERS | Ryan MacRae, Savannah Harris ILLUSTRATION EDITOR | Jeff Mann ILLUSTRATORS | Andreas Fobes, Izzy Francolini ONLINE EDITOR | Monica Zahl

REPORTING staff NEWS REPORTERS | Leo Gertler, Kavana Wa Kilele, Jill MacIntryre POLITICS REPORTER | Nadiya Safonova SPORTS REPORTER | Hamza Munawar ARTS & CULTURE REPORTERS | Chelsea Doherty, Marissa Cruz, Corinna Paumier

JACOB DEMERS Contributor Kwei, I am delighted that Mt. A has made 2016 “The Year of Indigenous Knowing.” In the wake of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the university has committed to directing its focus and services to Indigenous issues on campus. In the last two years, Mt. A has hired an Indigenous Affairs Coordinator, implemented an Indigenous studies course, opened the Mawiti’mkw and raised the Mi’kmaq flag.

While these are important steps, a commitment this significant raises additional questions: What Indigenous knowledge is being recognized by the institution? Is the university prepared to change its policies in order to learn from Indigenous peoples? How far is it willing to go?

I was born and raised in western Québec along the Kitcìsipi (Ottawa River). I am Métis from French and Mi’kmaq inheritance. We are a people that began not long after the

first Europeans set foot on the east coast of this land.

Métis are a distinct culture from First Nations, as we recognize our European, African and Asiatic origins in the same way we do our Indigenous roots. The Métis identity, a way of life, is hereditary and not determined by blood percentages. It exists from ear to ear, through reason and from the heart. Indeed, our Indigenous culture is humble and ecological, but we as a people do not hide from our mothers’ and fathers’ heritage. We choose to embrace, stand proudly and defend the naturalist ways.

Because of this, I am disappointed with Mt. A’s attitude toward the environment. It continues to hold major investments in the fossil fuel industry, an industry that erases the voices of Indigenous peoples, destroys their land and threatens their way of life. And yet, Mt. A drives a gas-guzzling 1950s Buick. It must do better.

A commitment to Indigenous knowing is undermined when Mt. A refuses to listen to groups like DivestMTA, which still struggles to persuade the university that its investments are unsustainable. The senior administration’s only response has been to create a subcommittee to look into the possibility of future responsible investments.

Not releasing reports on new investment plans looks bad for Mt. A, and it makes the responsible investment subcommittee look like a mere

illusion of progress, an empty In terms of “Indigenous knowing,” promise. recognition is not sufficient for First Does Mt. A truly understand the Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. problems facing this land and its We know who we are, and we know people? The latest driving record where we are. We seek real change of its ‘50s Buick says otherwise. The and sustainable thought put into institution needs to be mindful of decisions. the frontline communities that are Now that the Mi’kmaq flag has affected by its dead-end investments. finally flown on campus, taking This environmental destruction is it down is not only indicative of evidence of ongoing settler-colonial the limits to what Mt. A accepts expansion. Mt. A remains unwilling as Indigenous knowledge, it is a to fully acknowledge that the very symbolic act of colonialism. land upon which the university is Migwetch. built is not Canadian land at all, but rather unceded Mi’kmaq territory.

And yet, the university plans to take Verna Simard. 50, BC, Murdered. down the Mi’kmaq flag – which was Cindy Gladue. 36, AB, Murdered. raised on Sept. 29 in honour of Treaty Desiree Oldwoman. 21, AB, Day – and replace it once again with Missing. Angeline Pete. 28, BC, the Canadian flag.

Missing. Tanya Nepinak. 31, MB, Can Mt. A truly be committed to Murdered. Justine Cochrane.

Indigenous knowing when it refuses 15, AB, Murdered. Roxanne to fully acknowledge the violent and Isadore. 29, AB, Missing. Jeanette racist history of Canada’s unfolding? Cardinal. 40, AB, Murdered. Ashley We must question nationhood Machiskinic. 22, BC, Murdered. when it is built on the exploitation Karina Wolfe. 20, SK, Murdered. and domination of land and people. Janice Desjarlais. 35, AB, Missing.

Despite this violent reality, the Abigail Andrews. 28, BC, Missing.

Mi’kmaq people never relinquished Leslie Talley. 29, AB, Murdered. their land to the settler-colonial Mildred Flett. 51, MB, Missing. state of Canada. To this day, the Angela Meyer. 22, NT, Missing. land upon which Mt. A rests is Amber Guiboche. 20, MB, Missing. unceded. While the Mi’kmaq flag Amber Tuccaro. 20, AB, Murdered. raising as an act of recognition is Nicole Daniels. 16, MB, Murdered. superb, it means nothing if it hides Shelley Anderson. 51, ON, Mt. A’s inconvenient truth. As a sign Missing. Hillary Wilson. 18, MB, of decolonization, Mt. A ought toMurdered. Roxanne Charlie. 26, BC, distance itself from the state that stole Murdered. Michelle Hadwen. 37, this land.

OPERATIONS staff BUSINESS MANAGER | Tessa Dixon AD MANAGER | James Lantz CIRCULATIONS | Katharyn Stevenson

CONTRIBUTORS Maggie Piper, Will Pelletier, Emma Soldaat, Alex Lepianka, Samuel Thomson, Delanie Khan-Dobson, Carly Penrose, Rebecca Butler, Jacob Demers, Louis Sobol, Emma Hassencahl, Dylan Wooley-Berry, Shaelyn Sampson COVER | Emma Hassencahl RUNNING DOODLES | Adrian Kiva

PUBLICATION board Leslie Kern, Owen Griffiths

DISCLAIMERS & COPYRIGHT The Argosy is the official independent student journal of news, opinion, and the arts, written, edited and funded by the students of Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of The Argosy’s staff or its Board of Directors. The Argosy is published weekly throughout the academic year by Argosy Publications Inc. Student contributions in the form of letters, articles, photography, graphic design and comics are welcome. The Argosy reserves the right to edit or refuse all materials deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for print, as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. Articles or other contributions can be sent to argosy@mta.ca or directly to a section editor. The Argosy will print unsolicited materials at its own discretion. Letters to the editor must be signed, though names may be withheld at the sender’s request and at The Argosy’s discretion.

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Comments , concerns, or complaints about The Argosy’s content or operations should be first sent to the Editor-in-Chief at the address above. If the Editor-in-Chief is unable to resolve a complaint, it may be taken to the Argosy Publications, Inc. Board of Directors. The chairs of the Board of Directors can be reached at the address above.

All materials appearing in The Argosy bear the copyright of Argosy Publications, Inc. Material cannot be reprinted without the consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

16 HUMOUR

EDITOR: MARK CRUZ | OCTOBER 6, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

QUIZ

CONCERNS

How fucked are you for the PSYCH-1001 midterm? Help! My What the professoriate won’t tell you about your impending life-or-death exam daughter is a communist!

A mother’s burden

DELANIE KHAN-DOBSON Contributor

BY MARISSA CRUZ

MARK CRUZ Humour Editor 1. EXAMS GOT YOU LIKE…? a) :S b) :0 c) :X d) 8===D ~

2. YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PROFESSOR IS...? a) purely physical. b) hateful c) Facebook official. d) He’s such a cool guy. I heard he drank a beer with a student last semester!

3. YOUR MASTURBATION HABITS LATELY? a) Fast and Furious b) Un-lotioned twisting, to prolong both studying and climaxing. c) Ew…buddy. I get too many girls for that! d) No jerking-off whatsoever to increase testosterone and motivation.

4. FINISH THIS SENTENCE: “THE TRUE VALUE OF A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION IS…” a) “measured in how many bottles of Sailor Jerrys are on the res shelf.” b) “whatever the university president tells us.” c) “the small class sizes!” d) “simple economics. Supply and demand, baby!”

5. DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL MIDTERM PREPARATION? a) Put together a rough shantytown on the main floor of the library. b) “I just drank like three Red Bulls” c) The prof posts all the slides online! d) A crumpled and incomplete set of cue cards.

6. WHICH LEVEL OF YOUR OWN PERSONAL PYRAMID OF MASLOW’S HUMANISTIC THEORY OF PERSONALITY ARE YOU IGNORING TO “PROBABLY GET A B+?” a) Physiological needs. b) Safety. c) Love/belonging. d) Self-actualization.

7. HA! GOTCHA! THAT WAS PSYCH QUESTION! a) Ugh. b) Fuck you. c) ^Yeah, what he said.^ d) Will this be on the exam?

Key: a) = 1 point b) = 2 points c) = 3 points d) = 4 points

7-14 points = Mildly fucked.

15-22 points = Like, super fucked.

23-30 points = Fucckkkkkkk.

30-37 points = It’s a bird course, bahd.

24-30 = Literally fucked.

I, Deb McMillan, am in absolute SHAMBLES. I fear my pure, virginal, Taylor Swift-loving daughter has been corrupted by what can only be described as ‘politically correct Marxists!’

The return of my daughter this weekend was not a joyous one.

Reagan was right, the commies are everywhere! My sweet, noncritical thinking baby girl has been transformed into someone unrecognizable. Below are some of the strange behaviours she exhibited throughout the weekend: Not only did she interrupt her grandparents when they were making racist jokes at the dinner table, but she had the nerve to tell them to stop!

She claimed she was a vegan. So can she still have the turkey? No!?

But how will she get her protein??

She came out as a lesbian. I’m sure it’s just a phase to impress boys, but if not, what about my dreams of grandchildren?!?!?

She told me that my favourite singer, Meghan Trainor, is problematic? What. Why do you have to ruin all goodness in the world?!

She announced her dislike for Justin Trudeau. But that hair! And he said “it’s 2015!”

She called her father a misogynist!

Umm, no. He’s a physical therapist!!

How do you think we afford to eat these Betty Crocker™ mashed potatoes?

She kept saying “bourgeois leadership roles will not bring about the abolition of gender.” I guess I’m happy she learned a few new languages.

The reds are coming! Is no tradition sacred? All I can muster right now are concerned Marge Simpson noises as I finger my rosary beads. What kind of world are we living in?!?