The Argosy, September 15, Vol. 146, Iss. 2 by The Argosy

THE ARG OSY

NEWS

ARTS & CULTURE

SPORTS

OPINIONS

CENTREFOLD

Orientation educates on consent (Pg. 2)

Student Art Celebrates Conservation Act (Pg. 10)

Mounties Season Opener Versus StFX (Pg. 5)

Reorientation: Welcome to the Argosy (Pg. 11)

Map of Recent Sackville History (Pg. 6-7)

Taking a victory lap since 1872

Mount Allisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independent Student Newspaper

September 15, 2016 Vol. 146, Iss. 2

02 NEWS

EDITORS: CATHERINE TURNBULL & NAOMI GOLDBERG | SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

SOCIAL JUSTICE

MASU funding procedures updated New clause incorporates social justice

Naomi Goldberg News Editor This year the Mount Allison Students’ Union (MASU) hopes to address social justice issues through its funding procedure for the first time. Typically, the MASU gives out more than $20,000 in academic enrichment and clubs and societies funding. Previously, the grants and awards committee, responsible for the allocation of the funds, did not distinguish between individual applicants based on their socioeconomic status. Over the summer Vice-President Finance and Operations Alex Lepianka updated the MASU’s operating procedures for grants and awards. According to the MASU newsletter, this year “applicants who exhibit financial need should be prioritized over applicants who have not expressed financial need.” Lepianka added a clause to the operating procedure regarding social justice as it relates to the overall funding of clubs and societies. If money remains after the committee has reviewed all the applications, the committee is “encouraged to support activities that exhibit a strong commitment to issues of social justice and community well-being, over and above those for which no such commitment is apparent.” No definition of social justice is given. In the past, certain clubs and societies on campus have caused controversy regarding social justice issues. In particular, many students have expressed discontent with Global Brigades (GB), an international nongovernmental organization with a local branch at Mt. A. Every year, students spend a week in Honduras

TOP: MOUNT ALLISON GLOBAL BRIGADES 2014. ANNA PARADIS/ARCHIVES BOTTOM: SMILE VOLUNTEER IN SACKVILLE. EMMA HOCH/SMILE

participating in ongoing projects. While GB considers itself – and is considered by many students – to be a social justice-oriented organization, some students at Mt. A say that it has negative impacts on the communities in the Global South it seeks to help. In such a case, social justice is defined in different ways by different students. Former grants and awards committee member and Mt. A alumnus Zoe Luba advocated for the prioritization of social justice clubs during committee meetings last year. When asked how she thought the social justice clause should be applied, Luba said, “if a group of students finds a group offensive or problematic, then [the committee] should to some extent take that into account in their funding decisions.” The committee is composed of elected councillors and other students, and is chaired by the VP finance and operations. Its funding decisions must be approved by the Students’ Administrative Council (SAC). In turn, the SAC is in charge of representing the entire student body. If a contentious issue such as that surrounding GB arises in the funding process, it is unclear how the committee will take into account the opinions of the larger student body on the definition of social justice. Lepianka said that funding can be a political decision. However, he added that “it is not through our funding program that discussions of the political goals of the MASU are worked out; they are manifested through advocacy.” Lepianka said that the new clause is designed to diversify the committee’s funding process, adding that it has “room to grow.”

SEX

Let’s talk about sex

Consent and sexuality explored at orientation week Jill MacIntyre News Reporter Consent, sexual pleasure and sexual health were all themes discussed during this year’s orientation week. These discussions culminated in a presentation entitled “Let’s Talk About Sex.” The presentation was led by Halifax-based sex education shop Venus Envy in partnership with Mount Allison Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education (SHARE). It aimed to educate firstyear students on the importance of consensual, safe and pleasurable sexual encounters. Orientation Chair Meghan McCracken described the event as “hilarious and engaging.” McCracken said the event took a step forward in promoting sex positivity and

preventing sexual assault on campus. “[Venus Envy] was really awesome at including students of all backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities, etc.,” she said. The orientation committee partnered with SHARE throughout the week to ensure discussions of consent and sexual assault prevention were constantly present. Shannon Power, a third-year international relations student and SHARE summer intern, said that Venus Envy’s presentation was welcoming and inclusive. Power also said that the presentation ensured students that “their various identities were going to be respected and celebrated.” SHARE hosted a number of workshops and presentations with residence assistants (RAs), executive residence members, dons, yellow shirts, and the Meighen Centre to

ensure that all orientation participants felt safe. Power also said that there were limitations and “time constraints [placed on SHARE] within Student Life’s framework of training for the RAs.” “But consent education [alone] is not nearly enough to actually stop sexual violence,” said Power, referring to campus rape culture. First-year student Laren Bedgood said that while the talk was humorous and fun, more could have been done throughout the week to ensure that sexual violence and sexual health issues were properly addressed, specifically by discussing pregnancy and STIs. “I would feel better going to a school where at least I know everyone was given the information,” Bedgood said.

First-year student JB Tambeau said that it was essential for Mt. A to hold such an event during orientation week. “The more that people understand about sexual health and sexuality, the better they can understand themselves,” he said. According to Tambeau, the presentation focused on affirmatively consensual, pleasurable sexual encounters that promoted an openness about sex at Mt. A. McCracken and the orientation committee also removed a previous staple of orientation week, the paint party. McCracken said the paint party was an unsafe event for firstyear students. “It was a priority for me to tackle this year because [the paint party] was in a dark field… no one was checking bracelets, anybody could have walked over, we couldn’t really see people out there,”

McCracken said. McCracken said that orientation week in general carries a huge risk for sexual violence due to cultural norms associated with students’ first week of freedom. “Some of the events, the way we’ve done them in the past here, don’t promote sexual violence, but they definitely don’t create an environment that prevents it,” she said, referring to the paint party and a lack of alternative events. McCracken said she believes that this year’s orientation committee moved in the right direction to contribute to tackling issues related to sexual violence.

NEWS

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SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Student voices: feedback on sexual violence policy

SEXUAL VIOLENCE IS A PERTINENT ISSUE AT MT. A. JEFF MANN/ARGOSY

CATHERINE TURNBULL News Editor Mount Allison students are hopeful that the new institutional policy on Sexual Violence Prevention and Response will effect much-needed change on campus. Last year, the Argosy reported on several instances of sexual assault at Mt. A. For many students, the new policy is a step towards creating a safer environment. Second-year women’s and gender studies student Olivia Landry is hopeful that the new policy will provide a more effective procedure than its precursor. “[The policy] needs to be able to effectively handle what it’s dealing with,” Landry said. “Under the old policy for investigation into sexual assault, it felt like nothing conclusive could be done by the university, no matter what evidence was found.” Landry said she hopes Mt. A students become familiar with the new policy. “I hope students will know that this exists, that it is used and is taken seriously.”

The new policy was drafted by Mt. A Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education (SHARE) coordinator Melody Petlock in conjunction with Kim Meade, vicepresident international and student affairs. The former policy on sexual assault had been in place since 1994, with only slight reformatting in 1999. The draft policy was circulated to the Mount Allison Students’ Union

“I HOPE STUDENTS WILL KNOW THAT [THE POLICY] EXISTS, THAT IT IS USED AND IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY.” (MASU) and underwent student consultation sessions before it was passed by the Board of Regents. Third-year student and SHARE summer intern Shannon Power cited the options laid out by the new policy for students reporting sexual violence. “A student can take an informal route, which operates entirely out of Melody [Petlock]’s office, or

they can choose to pursue a formal investigation, either with a trained team here at Mt. A or with an external law firm that we’ve partnered with.” Power said that this is part of a trauma-informed approach to responding to sexual violence. “When someone’s autonomy is taken away from them in an act of sexual violence, one of the most important things you can do is not to re-traumatize someone and deny them their agency and autonomy when they’re trying to do something about it.” Notably, the policy includes significant changes in vocabulary. “Things like verbally assaulting someone over and over again can be constituted as sexual violence where it might not have been included in a conventional definition of sexual assault, and I think that’s really important,” said Power. “It’s really important to understand that even the smaller things that we do still feed into a culture where more people feel marginalized and vulnerable. I think the new policy is approaching that, even just in the changes in language.” Third-year biology student Hannah Mackellar said she is impressed by the efforts made in the new policy. “I read a couple of different sexual assault policies from other universities, and they were just that: sexual assault policies. They had nothing to say about sexual violence. I like that Mt. A’s does,” Mackellar said. “The policy also does a good job of mentioning how sexual violence is a systemic problem and how it can intersect with other things like ability and sexual orientation.” Despite her enthusiasm about the policy, Mackellar noted that there is more to be done. “A lot is mentioned about sexual awareness, prevention, education and training, but there’s no exact description of this education,” she said. “I would like a more thorough curriculum to be available to students.” The new policy is available to read on the Mt. A website.

This Week in New Brunswick COMPILED BY NADIYA SAFONOVA Politics Reporter

Coastal communities at risk from climate change The town of Saint Andrews is one of several coastal communities that faces rising sea levels and storm surges caused by climate change. According to Doug Naish, mayor of Saint Andrews, combatting these environmental changes could cost the town hundreds of millions of dollars. Such a bill would require provincial and federal help. Naish urges the province to shift funding from flood compensation to flood prevention and to stop developing in floodprone areas. N.B. minimum wage to rise to $11/hour The provincial government has committed to increasing the minimum wage to $11 per hour by 2017. Until Oct. 7, the public has the opportunity to take part in minimum wage consultations through the government’s Citizen Engagement and Consultation website. Fredericton to be left without a competitive aquatic facility The University of New Brunswick has approved a plan to build a $36-million sports facility that will not include a pool. With the current Lady Beaverbrook pool likely to shut down, Fredericton may not have a competitive pool by 2018. The lack of aquatic facilities in Fredericton puts the existence of the diving and competitive swim teams in jeopardy. Bay of Fundy warming a threat to lobster market Rising ocean temperatures are affecting marine biodiversity. Such temperature change has nearly destroyed the lobster-fishing industry in Massachusetts and scientists predict that the same will happen in the Bay of Fundy if this trend continues. Despite the changes, the populations of blue crab and squid have been increasing and in the near future. Those who work in the fishing industry may have to switch to these species.

EDUCATION

Implementation of new Tuition Access Bursary Parameters of aid program questioned LEO GERTLER News Reporter The Government of New Brunswick’s new Tuition Access Bursary (TAB) is taking effect this academic year. New Brunswick students from families with a gross income of $60,000 or less will be given an upfront bursary to cover the cost of tuition and fees. Despite this, some students and graduates are concerned about the changes that were announced in April. Brian Gallant, the premier of New Brunswick, stated in a press conference that the TAB is an effort

to make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable. “We are doing this so university and college tuition can now be free for low-income and middle-class New Brunswick families,” said Gallant. An estimated 7,100 students, or about 23 per cent of resident New Brunswick students, will qualify for the bursary. According to a CBC report done in May, the TAB is replacing many of New Brunswick’s older student aid programs. The same report stated that the government plans to cut $50 million dollars’ worth of student

aid programs that were in place before the TAB. The government is spending approximately $25 million on the TAB. These changes to student aid will affect more than 40,000 New Brunswick students and graduates, some of whom do not qualify for the TAB. Certain already-existing bursaries and grants will continue to be offered by the province. Programs that have been cut include a tuition rebate scheme for graduates who stayed to work inprovince. The new policy also makes it more difficult to receive the Timely Completion Benefit, a program that forgives particularly high cases of

student debt. The CBC reported that the debt threshold for this program has been raised from $26,000 to $32,000. The bursary does not provide assistance to working-class, part-time students. It also does not apply to students who attend private colleges and universities who would otherwise qualify for the bursary. Of the requirements to qualify for the bursary, fourth-year fine arts student Kevin Melanson of Moncton, N.B. said, “my parents make a tiny bit more than the [$60,000] cap... I do not qualify. If your family is struggling for money, yeah, it makes sense that you would get free tuition. But there are

families like mine that do alright, and doing alright isn’t enough to pay for university.” Melanson had a suggestion: “Instead of certain people getting free tuition, give everyone better tuition,” he said. “That’s a better plan.” The provincial government estimated in a press release that about 50 per cent of students who apply for financial assistance through the province will qualify. The government expects more qualifying New Brunswickers to enroll in postsecondary institutions as a result of the bursary.

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

RACE

Changes to racism policy in progress Evidence of racism at Mt. A sparks conversation

STUDENTS REVEAL RECENT INSTANCES OF RACISM ON CAMPUS. JEFF MANN/ARGOSY

KAVANA WA KILELE News Reporter A committee made up of students, staff and faculty has been working on updating Mount Allison’s campus racism policy. The current version was last updated in 1999. This committee was formed in response

to a recommendation made by the organizing committee for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). In addition to bringing multiple events to campus, the IDERD committee released a report of recommendations on March 21, 2015. The report sought to address

questions such as: “Why does racism persist?; what does a racismfree campus and community look like?; and what steps can we take to build a racism-free campus and community?” The report suggested a four-year timeline of goals, one of which was to update the campus racism policy.

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Other goals included the introduction of an annual racial sensitivity training for residence staff and annual antiracism diversity training during orientation week. No anti-racism training occurred during orientation week this year. The committee currently taking the lead on updating the race policy includes Ryan LeBreton, Mount Allison Students’ Union (MASU) president; Dia Minors, alumnus and former member of Black Students for Advocacy, Awareness, & Togetherness (BSAAT); and Doreen Richard, Indigenous affairs coordinator. A notable change in the policy is the course of action a student takes when filing a complaint through the university. The new procedure includes both formal and informal components. The informal process focuses on trying to educate the individuals involved and works towards reconciliation within the community. The formal process involves a written complaint followed by an investigation and review by a Racism Judicial Panel. It will be up to the complainant to choose which course of action to pursue. The current 1998 version of the policy indicates that the university has the option to take “no action whatever” in response to a complaint. The updated policy will not include this. LeBreton said the committee discussed hiring an equity officer. “[The equity officer’s] job will be to deal with any complaints or accusations about race.” According to LeBreton, the equity officer would play a similar role to the mental health educator or the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education (SHARE) advisor.

Mt. A students have reported recent instances of racism on and off campus. One woman, to whom the Argosy has granted anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, described being fetishized at Ducky’s. She said certain individuals were aiming to ‘collect’ sexual experiences with people of different racial groups. “As a woman of colour, it is uncomfortable to hear people saying, ‘I like dating women of colour,’ or ‘I like women of colour,’” she said. Emma Hassencahl, a fourth-year fine arts student, recalled an incident that occurred at her art exhibition last year at the Owens Art Gallery. In reaction to a fact about scalping which she had printed and laid out in the gallery, a visiting group of individuals argued that the practice of scalping had never existed. Several people witnessed a discussion on racism that took place in a sociology class at Mt. A on Sept. 8. A white student explicitly denied the existence of racism, leading to a classwide debate. First-year student Noah Lubendo, who was present during the incident, said that the incident “speaks to general race blindness that is apparent and very dominant through a lot of our youth.” He added that “we need to educate people on the social inequality that minorities have to face on a daily basis.” The discussion occurred in professor Morgan Poteet’s introductory sociology class. “Although sometimes views are expressed that are, in my opinion, fairly ignorant,” said Poteet of the incident, “at least we are having a conversation.”

THE ARG OSY

HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD.

05 SPORTS

EDITOR: DAVID TAPLIN | SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

FOOTBALL

Road to the top

Mounties begin journey back to the Jewett Trophy under new leadership DAVID TAPLIN Sports Editor With a new head coach and a rookie quarterback, the Mounties started their season against the defending champs in the most competitive conference in Canadian College Football. At the end of last year’s season, Mount Allison hosted St. FX in the AUS final. The X-Men took a final 14-12 lead off a 41-yard field goal that bounced off the uprights before going through with 33 seconds left to play. It was a heartbreaking loss, and the Mounties walked off their field with St. FX raising the Jewett trophy in the background. This past offseason, head coach Kelly Jeffrey left the Mounties to take a position with the Toronto Argonauts. Defensive coordinator and Mt. A graduate Scott Brady stepped into the head coaching position. When asked about the new head coach’s expectations, third-year linebacker and team captain Damian Halstead said, “This past offseason is the hardest I’ve worked in my life. In spring camp, training camp, film sessions,

every chance he gets he pushes us to our limits. I think he’s done a great job so far.” When asked about his coaching philosophy, Brady said that he believes “you can create a lot of success through hard work.” After the offseason, the Mounties

“THIS PAST OFFSEASON IS THE HARDEST I’VE WORKED IN MY LIFE.” took to Alumni Field in a rematch against St. FX last Saturday. With first-year student Jakob Loucks starting at quarterback, the offence initially stalled. Loucks threw an early interception that was converted into a field goal. As the half went on, Loucks settled into the game. He showcased poise in the pocket and an explosive running ability that allowed for multiple big gains, both by design and through broken plays. The Mounties’ defence played well but was penetrated by a few big plays from an X-Men offence that kept them off balance. This was

When asked about Loucks, Brady said, “we loved his compete level, loved his ability to use his feet – he showed all the upside we know is there.” The Mounties look to bounce back with a win when they face off against Saint Mary’s Huskies next week in Halifax. The Huskies have gone winless over the past two seasons, but have a new head coach, John Colzie III. Brady said, “they’re bigger, more athletic, one hundred times better than where they were.” W h e n asked about the team’s mentality m o v i n g forward, Halstead said, “you’ve got to have short-term memory, no time for

highlighted by a slant route that went for an 80-yard touchdown. At the end of the half, it was 15-0 for the X-Men. Loucks was able to build off of some solid play from the first half and, with the help of running back tandem Kiel Ambursley and Chris Reid, the offence started to roll. The defence established itself, limiting the big plays that had broken open the game in the first half. Reid punched in touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters. Once the Mounties had the momentum, Loucks looked downfield in an attempt to make big gains through the air. However, his lack of experience at the university level led him to overthrow open receivers, missing game-changing plays by mere inches. Hampered by a muffed punt that St FX recovered, t h e first-half deficit proved too much to overcome. The final score was 29-14 for the X-Men.

THE SCOREBOARD

FOOTBALL | ST. FX (A) 29 - MTA (H) 14

AUS

Acadia StFX Mount Allison Saint Mary’s

GP 1 1 1 1

W 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

PTS 2 2 0 0

LACROSSE

MTA (A) 7 - UNB (H) 10

WOMEN’S SOCCER | MONCTON (A) 4 - MTA (H) 1 MTA (A) 0 - ACADIA (H) 2

AUS

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

GP 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

W 2 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0

MEN’S RUBGY

UNBSJ (A) 5 - MTA (H) 32

L 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

PTS 6 6 6 6 4 1 0 0 0 0

WOMEN’S RUGBY

MTA (A) 62 - DAL AC (H) 5

MEN’S SOCCER MONCTON (A) 4 - MTA (H) 0 MTA (A) 0 - ACADIA (H) 8

AUS

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

GP 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

W 2 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

PTS 6 6 6 6 4 1 0 0 0 0

feeling sorry for anybody – you’ve got to move on.” You can catch the Mounties’ next game on Friday at 7 p.m. on Bell Aliant Fibe TV1 or stream it live on AUS TV.

CENTREFOLD

BY ADRIAN KIVA AND ANDREAS FOBES | SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

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JAN. 27, 2014 | Faculty goes on legal strike after 86 per cent of its members vote in favour of the action APR. 3, 2014 | Faculty vote 60 to 1 to support motion of non-confidence in president Robert Campbell and provost Karen Grant

MAY 15, 2014 | Over 100 students march to Centennial Hall calling for a tuition rebate following the faculty strike OCT. 3, 2014 | Official opening of the new Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts Nov. 18, 2014 | The first Mt. A Swan dies (the second died shortly afterwards)

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MAR. 17, 2015 | Divest vigil held in front of the chapel after MASU votes against motion to support divestment Sept. 15, 2015 | Crews begin demolition on 135year old United Church to make way for proposed apartment building

SEPT. 24, 2015 | Mt. A hosts its first Indigenous affairs forum on unceded Mi’kmaq land SEPT. 26, 2015 | New artificial turf field opens and is named Alumni Field OCT. 6, 2015 | Pride flag raised on campus to celebrate Sackville’s first pride parade

NOV. 5, 2015 | Mt. A falls to fourth in Maclean’s annual undergraduate university ranking OCT. 29, 2015 | Elephant in the Room addresses the stigma surrounding mental health in Convocation Hall

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DEC. 3, 2015 | Students stag attempted hike in correspo

JAN. 26, 2016 | Naomi Klei Hall and calls on Mt. A to d

FEB. 5, 2016 | The 16th ann Vagina Monologues takes t

FEB. 10, 2016 | Student’s sta Love of The Nightingale at

CENTREFOLD

THE ARGOSY | WWW.ARGOSY.CA

11 15 4

ge silent protest after ondence tuition fees

in speaks in Convocation divest from fossil fuels.

nual production of the the stage in Gracie’s Café

age a production of The Motyer-Fancy Theatre

APR. 7, 2016 | MASU votes in favour of divestment

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FEB. 5, 2016 | Students stage protest against funding cuts that threatened the existence of the Women’s and Gender Studies program MAR. 11, 2016 | Students organize Sackville’s first feminist fashion show at T&L MAR. 12, 2016 | “Mary Pratt: This Little Painting” opens at the Owens

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JULY 18, 2016 | The first Syrian refugee family arrives in Sackville SEPT. 2 2016 | Thornton residence reopens after two years of renovations Business as usual in Brunton auditorium as musicians take the stage Sackville film society continues to host weekly screenings at the Vogue

08 ARTS & CULTURE

EDITORS: MIRELLE NAUD & MALLORY BURNSIDE-HOLMES SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

FINE ARTS

Disintegrating: A painting exhibition

What neon and glitter can teach us about soil erosion

ATTENDEES TAKE IN HARRIS’ SIX-PIECE INSTILLATION. ADRIAN KIVA/ARGOSY

SAVANNAH MILEEN HARRIS ALONGSIDE A PIECE FROM HER INSTILLATION. ADRIAN KIVA/ARGOSY

CHELSEA DOHERTY Arts and Culture Reporter Fourth-year fine arts student Savannah Mileen Harris’s art installation is unlike anything you have seen before. In her own words, “‘Disintegrating’ explores the destruction of land mass due to rising sea levels through abstraction, layering, materiality, mark-making and memory.” The stunning use of spray paints,

glitter and neon colours is initially captivating, but the collection also highlights the serious problem of shoreline erosion. “I’m from P.E.I. and shoreline erosion is a big issue there. There are some places on the Island that recede up to eight metres per year, and I wanted my paintings to mean something and not just be,” Harris said. “The title ‘Disintegrating’ comes from what is actually happening to

coastal properties: pieces of land are breaking off into smaller and smaller pieces as they fall into water and adding height to the ocean floor. This summer I was able to visit places on P.E.I. where I could actually watch chunks of the cliff falling off into the water, even days after the last rainfall, and that inspired the repeating brown, rock-like pattern.” Harris said that she began her collection by experimenting with abstraction and different ways of

FOOD AND CULTURE

Unsettling the table

Digesting the human-food relationship ALEX LEPIANKA Contributor Few experiences define us as human quite like our food practices. To sustain ourselves as living beings, we are required to eat. Cooking is one of the most basic and ancient labours sustaining humanity – perhaps even dating back to pre-Homo sapiens times. Over the last millennia, food practices have evolved from a culture of roasting animal bones over open flame to a one of fast food and juice cleanses. The relationships between our food practices and other features of our society disclose much about the human condition. Today, these relationships are more invisible, mobile and fluid than ever before. This column will respond to such changes by considering the ways our experiences with food define us. Humans have always collected, grown, harvested, reared and slaughtered their food within the context of community. These

practices directly influenced some of our most basic social formations: agriculture and husbandry created a social practice of procuring and managing food; the familial structure guaranteed the performance of cooking for and eating with others; and language made our food spiritual. At the same time, food has become an object of numerous pleasures. Alone or in the company of lovers, friends, family and colleagues, we practise an eroticism of food. Eating is often about the sensation of pleasure: jamón ibérico melting in the mouth, fragrant star anise lifting from Taiwanese beef broth, the allure of overripe fruit. We ceaselessly paint, sing, photograph, worship and fantasize about food. We also discuss food, subject it to critique, recommend, share and document it. As more than mere sensation, our food practices – etiquettes, cuisines, and rituals – are often aligned with the principles and norms that distinguish our cultures. For example, the western notion

of overconsumption is evident in our supersized fast-food culture. However, a certain amount of gluttony during times of harvest can celebrate our relationship with the land that provides our food. Food invites us to question both our entertainment (what is it about Buzzfeed Tasty videos that are so erotic?) and the current state of society (why do Tasty videos compel us to cook food too fantastic for supermarket shelves?) My hope with this column is to inspire Epicurean reflection – not only to experience, but to think through the pleasures of food.

laying down material. Because of this process, a single piece required that she paint one layer and then move on to work on a different painting. “I have been exploring ways in which I can combine drawing and painting to create unified artworks,” she said. “I wanted to stretch my own limits in what I consider a painting by adding materials...like ink, marker and thin, linear mark-making. I wanted to explore juxtaposing chaotic mark-making with layers of softer, flatter colour.” Harris’s project was made possible through a research grant with which she had four months to complete and install her artwork. Compared to assigned classwork, independent grant work gave her more freedom and time to explore different painters’ techniques. “I’ve always been a landscape painter and only recently have been trying to capture the feeling of the landscape,” she said.

“I abandoned naturalistic representations of water, rocks and sandstone for motifs that could remind the viewer of properties of these that weren’t just visual, but reminded them about the way these elements moved, felt and sounded.” Harris’s collection is on display until Sept. 20 at the START Gallery.

“I WANTED MY PAINTINGS TO MEAN SOMETHING AND NOT JUST BE.”

ARTS & CULTURE

THE ARGOSY | WWW.ARGOSY.CA

MUSIC

T&L hosts hometown folk favourites Corinna Palmier Arts and Culture Reporter

DAVID SIMARD LULLS LISTENERS INTO A SERENE STATE. ADRIAN KIVA/ARGOSY

To refrigerate Sackville’s blistering back-to-school heat, local bar Thunder and Lightning (T&L) offered a refreshing three-band set on Friday, Sept. 8. Local artists Steve Haley and Devarrow opened with lustrous sounds that came directly from the heart of the Sackville marsh. The third and final act was Vancouver-based artist David Simard. Haley took to the stage with a soft confidence that reminded the crowd exactly why Sackville is a home to so many of us. His effortlessly high tunes, in sync with the bowling alley’s slowly rotating disco ball, offered the modest crowd’s tired legs a night of idle peace. Haley’s earnest songwriting was filled with elements from favourite

Sackville spots. He filled pauses between songs with quick stories, leaving everyone with bellies warmed by gratifying music and beer. At the end of Haley’s short setlist, the crowd was eager to replenish empty pints as Devarrow set up for the second slot. Sackville was one of his stops on a “back-East” tour. In front of enamoured T&L regulars checking Friday night’s Tinder prospects, Graham Ereaux – under the stage name Devarrow – took to the stage, guitar and harmonica in hand. Devarrow charmed with sincere stories about past adventures and his coined expression, “long-haired folk.” He played a mix of old and new music, including songs from his sophomore album, “The Great Escape.” These songs stirred the embers of T&L into a comfortable campfire glow.

Simard and his band filled the final slot of the night. Accompanied by a French horn, keyboard, and cello, Simard’s rich croon carried listeners to a cosy place somewhere between the feelings of twangy campground storytelling and a dimly lit street. He then roused the crowd with more playful music, which varied from dark, moody hauntings to environmental country songs. The band’s dynamics teemed with silken bursts reminiscent of old Parisian streets. Simard’s show was part of his cross-Canada tour to promote the release of “The Heavy Wait.” The blend of sound created by all three acts left showgoers with the same feeling you get holding a pack of cigarettes and listening to your dad’s old folk cassettes, swearing to your best friend that “those must have been the days.

A COUPLE SWAYS UNDER THE DISCO LIGHTS. ADRIAN KIVA/ARGOSY

BUCK LISTENS CLOSELY TO BAND’S ENDEERING PERFORMANCE. ADRIAN KIVA/ARGOSY

STUDENT LIFE

Rethinking drinking

A first-year perspective on drinking culture Marissa Cruz Arts and Culture Reporter Orientation week has drawn to a close. While the purpose of orientation is to welcome students to the community with informative seminars and engaging activities, for many, orientation conjures up an image of one big, red solo cup. Many anticipate getting drunk, especially if they would like to make friends. “I thought I was going to get drunk every night…and I did get drunk every night,” said a first-year Mount Allison student when asked about this year’s orientation. In a group interview of ten firstyear students, some of whom chose not to be named because they are under the legal drinking age, all agreed that media romanticize the nightlife and drinking culture at university. “University drinking culture has become so much more intense with movies. Every movie that has a college university party is wild,” said Louis Sobol, a first-year Mt. A student. Student Life has declared that all orientation events must be dry. Despite this precaution, students still attended them under the influence

of alcohol. Orientation events that occurred at night and drew large crowds were also times when alcohol was more likely to be consumed. “I think it relates to the party culture,” said first-year student Connor Orsava. He added that when there is alcohol involved, “people are more excited about parties, [the events are] more intriguing.” For the students who do not drink and have no intention of starting to, the implementation of dry events

“I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GET DRUNK EVERY NIGHT... AND I DID.” somewhat alleviated the pressure to drink. “People here are very nice,” said a first-year student who chose not to drink. “By being sober I got to meet other students who didn’t drink either. We became closer because we already had something to relate to.” Excessive alcohol consumption during orientation is an issue for many universities. Two alcoholrelated deaths occurred at Queen’s

university in 2010, one at Acadia in 2012, and one at Dalhousie last fall. In response, Mt. A introduced a new points system this year to replace the original procedure of fining students in residence. The points system is also in place at Brock and Guelph. The points system enables residence staff to give students points for disobeying the residence’s Code of Conduct. The number of points given at a time varies depending on the severity of the action. An individual can receive a maximum of six points before being evicted from residence for a full week. Student Life also provides education to students on alcohol abuse, with the aim of promoting safe alcohol consumption during orientation. However, when the same group of first-year students were asked if they received any seminars on safe drinking, there was a resounding “no.” Safe consumption was only briefly addressed in Venus Envy’s sex talk and at a mental health workshop. Attendance at these events was optional. “The only time we discussed [safe consumption] was at a residence meeting,” a student said, which means

that off-campus first-year students were not privy to the information. One of the ways Student Lift plans to continue to promote safe drinking is through the Keep It Social campaign. The campaign aims to educate students on the difference between unsafe and social drinking habits. Orientation Chair Meghan

McCracken said that Student Life plans to introduce the Keep It Social mandate, but it is only in its earliest stages.

MEDIA ROMANTICIZES UNIVERSITY NIGHTLIFE.IZZY FRANCOLINI/ILLUSTRATOR

ARTS & CULTURE

SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

FINE ARTS

Fine arts exhibit takes flight

“For the Birds” commemorates migratory bird act

MUSIC

Sackville playlist

Fall Fair shows and more! FRIDAY, SEPT. 16 Phil Dwyer Trio (8 p.m.) Jazz Brunton Auditorium $17.50 Advance (Tidewater Books) $20 Door $8 Student Walrus (10 p.m.) Neo-psychedelic pop Main Street Tent Free entrance Plants and Animals (11 p.m.) Indie rock Main Street Tent Free entrance

SATURDAY, SEPT. 17 Artist TBA (12 a.m.) T&L $5 cover Lonely Parade (1 a.m.) Art punk T&L $5 cover

BORDER CROSSING. SYLVAN HAMBURGER/SUBMITTED

MIRELLE NAUD Arts and Culture Editor This year marks the centennial anniversary of the convention that led to Canada’s passage of the Migratory Bird Convention Act. To commemorate this achievement, the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) commissioned Mount Allison fine arts students to create representations of species protected under the act. The collaboration is the first between the CWS and Mt. A’s fine arts program, and hopefully will not be the last. “Let’s try to do something that will produce a legacy,” said Garry Donaldson, manager of the CWS, when asked why he decided to engage fine arts students. “We’re learning that providing the facts, which is what we always do,

doesn’t make people change their minds…The key motivator for people is to evoke an emotional response. And what better way to do it than through art?” Hilary Drake, a graduate of Mt. A’s psychology and fine arts programs, contributed to the exhibition. “Through [art] you don’t need the term ‘habitat destruction;’ you get the emotion through the art,” Drake said.

“LET’S TRY TO DO SOMETHING THAT WILL PRODUCE A LEGACY.” In Drake’s piece, embroidered feathers trace twelve flight routes over fabric earth backdrops. To produce the earth’s blue, she used a method

AN AUDIO VISUAL EXPERIENCE BY SAVANNAH MILEEN HARRIS. ADRIAN KIVA/ARGOSY

called cyanotyping, a dye technique originally used by ecologists in the 19th century. “I’m really interested in combining science and art. The process [of cyanotyping] was developed in science as a way to replicate samples, and ecologists used it,” Drake said. “I wanted to link the technique I used back to its history.” Fine arts graduate Corryn Bamber depicted the impressive migrational distance of the arctic loon by juxtaposing three fabrics as the backdrop to her piece. “The loon spreads across all three [fabrics] because for part of the year it’s inland in the arctic, and then the shore for a short period, and then on the ocean,” she said. Sara Camus, fourth-year fine arts student, embroidered a male

hairy woodpecker nestled among branches, appearing at ease within his own niche. “There is something serene about it. The bird is simply resting on a branch and it seems like it’s in its place. There’s no disruption of that,” she said. The wooden hoop frame preserves the bird’s peaceful isolation, like a physical embodiment of the Act. “For the Birds” opens Sept. 14 at Sackville’s CWS, and is also named by Heritage Canada as one of 150 community events to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. All art pieces will be on display at the CWS for a temporary period, and then migrate to the Purdy Crawford Arts Centre for homecoming weekend, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1.

Ensemble Made in Canada (7:30 p.m.) Piano quartet Brunton Auditorium $10/$5 tickets Mike Zito & the Wheel (9 PM) Jazz and blues Main Street Tent Free Entrance

SUNDAY, SEPT. 18 Owen Meany’s Batting Stance (10 p.m.) Electric Folk T&L $5 cover Beige (11 p.m.) Indie rock T&L $5 cover

EDITOR: SHANNON POWER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

REORIENTATION

What is “here”?

OPINIONS 11

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

Examining our role as your independent student newspaper

THE ARGOSY Editorial Board Welcome to the Argosy! Since 1872, we have served as Mount Allison’s independent student newspaper. This year we have decided to steer the paper in a new direction. With the excitement of new and returning students beginning their courses and activities, it is hard not to be hopeful about what the year could bring. We can look forward to engaging lectures and discussions, art shows and cultural events, and everything else in between. These opportunities are not only what make this community special, but also what make it easy to overlook the less appealing aspects that have defined the Mt. A student experience.

We must remember that in the past few years the interests of senior decision makers at Mt. A have often been opposed to those of students and faculty. After a three-week faculty strike in the winter of 2014, it was hard to think of Mt. A as a community void of conflict. The need for concern was reinforced this January when students protested against the senior administration’s attempt to cut the women’s and gender studies program. Circumstances like these call for a new type of journalism. In a space where many bodies and identities are marginalized, to be neutral is to be complicit. This is why the Argosy will not strive to achieve objectivity. Instead we will uphold fairness in

conditions that are often unfair. The theme of our first issue is Reorientation. To change our community for the better, we must see it for what it is. At the Argosy, that means reorienting ourselves not as objective observers of isolated events, but rather as concerned and critical students striving to see the bigger picture. Our goal is to be a mouthpiece for student activity at Mt. A. There are many student organizations that work to make our community a more inclusive, safe, dynamic and creative space. This work is necessary and deserves our attention. You don’t have to be a professional to share your thoughts on what is happening around you. Your lived experiences are valid, and we will try

to provide a platform for you to share them. In the months ahead, we wish to start a dialogue with students about what our community is, and what we want it to be. We hope to hear your voice in the Argosy this year.

Independent Student Newspaper of Mount Allison University Thursday, September 15, 2016 volume 146 issue 2 Circulation 1,000 Since 1872

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

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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

WHITE SHIRTS

SPORTS & HEALTH EDITOR | David Taplin

What’s the point of orientation?

OPINIONS EDITOR | Shannon Power HUMOUR EDITOR | Mark Cruz COPY EDITOR | Claire Henderson-Hamilton

Committee’s efforts to welcome new students are misguided

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

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

CONTRIBUTORS Alex Lepianka, Willa McCaffrey-Noviss COVER | Jeff Mann

ORIENTATION COMMITTEE FAVOURS REPUTATION OVER NEW STUDENTS’ WELLBEING. SAMUEL THOMSON/CONTRIBUTOR

WILLA MCCAFFREY-NOVISS

Contributor

Orientation is a chance to expose new students to life at Mount Allison. But what does the orientation committee, commonly known as “white shirts,” offer them? We teach them how to look cool twerking in tight and bright clothing and the words to our uncreative school cheers. Maybe they will hear a couple grumbles about how hard first-year calc was “back in the day,” but to say academics take the back burner during orientation would be an understatement.

Many upper-year students getting involved with orientation do so because they remember the bumps along the way during their own transition. Yet, each year, the new students are treated to a week filling the role of adoring fans, feeding the egos of their upperclassmen who explode out of a back room and dance at their bewildered new faces, so proud of their shirts. I know the orientation committee has more to offer than this. In my first year, I considered myself a strong-willed individual, more than capable to take on a new life at Mt. A. But I’m not ashamed to say that I cried to my mommy in the middle of Mel’s on my second day at university. Sobbing between milkshake sips, I indulged in all the doubts, fears and anxieties about this whole university thing, many of which had only appeared in the previous 48 hours. It was an unexpected and overwhelming emotional reaction. It was also very normal and very common. Orientation provides wellness workshops and mental

health awareness while trying simultaneously to drown out the sounds of homesick- induced tears with pounding club music and copious amounts of alcohol. If you thought the drinking and partying peaked during the first week, just wait until after the first round of finals. When you realize that you were not at all prepared for first-year physics class, someone will hand you another beer before your hyperventilating turns into a full-on panic attack. There needs to be a conversation about the nature of orientation and the role of the white shirts, which is advertised as a planning committee on the Mt. A website. Of the dozen or so committees I’ve sat on at Mt.A, this is the first one that asked me to twerkcrawl to a J-Biebs song. At Mt. A, the reality is that the white shirt position is used as a social status tool. A key moment in every Mt. A student’s university career is left in the hands of individuals who too often focus on having a stunning new Instagram post rather than the wellbeing of

RUNNING DOODLES | Sylvan Hamburger

these new students. Don’t get me wrong, there are some positive parts of orientation, from the Garnet and Gold Rush, which exposes students to useful services and well- known people on campus, to the sex-positive Venus Envy talk. But, from one former white shirt to future members, I urge you to have a serious conversation about the priorities of orientation. What kind of impression do we want to give first-year students about Mt. A? What are the best ways to welcome new students to the shit show that is first year? I’m not convinced that we are doing our best. I don’t doubt that these individuals care, but the overall structure and traditions that persist at orientation seem to be in place for white shirts to create a spectacle, and not for firstyears to feel truly welcomed. We can do better than this.

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. Anonymous letters will not be printed. 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.

12 HUMOUR

EDITOR: MARK CRUZ | SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 | ARGOSY@MTA.CA

GLAMOUR

Viva SackVegas!

Social notes on a swanky night MARK CRUZ Humour Editor Money. Power. Women. Only a keen eye could distinguish SackVegas from the city of its namesake. The annual SackVegas gala kicked off without a hitch on Saturday night, as patrons were treated to an evening of risk and perhaps incredible reward. I chose to roll the dice. Arriving at the event, I could tell that no expense had been spared. Held in the Wallace McCain Student Centre, the posh nightlife destination was brimming with activity. Judging by the parked rusty bicycles and empty cans of Coors Banquet, I knew that there were high-profile guests in attendance. Impatient members of the Mount Allison Students’ Union buzzed in anticipation of the evening to come. “People have been talking about this all week. I’m eager to see what all the fuss is about!” said an excited young patron behind me in the lineup. Stepping into the student centre, I could feel the feverish excitement that clung to the low-hanging ceilings

like sticky humidity. Festivities got underway with a spirited cocktail menu, as an expert team of mixologists served up Radlers, Fuzzy Peach shots and $3.50 Budweisers. I nursed simple gin and tonics throughout the evening, each garnished with a rind of a browned lime. After a few unfruitful rounds at the poker table, I decided to mingle with the Union’s elite. SackVegas is always a magnet for the who’s-who of this bustling metropolis, and Saturday night was no exception. Looking around the room, I spotted some familiar faces. The Union’s president exchanged greetings and shook hands awkwardly with guests. Varsity athletes stood like stoic statues along the far wall near the women’s restroom, unmoving and stern in their demeanor. A troupe of Adonis’ incarnate, their chiseled physiques looked dramatic against the vinyl mural of their athlete predecessors behind them. Other patrons chose simply to mill about and take in the spectacle of it all. The focal point of the evening, however, was the dance floor. What

SACKVEGAS ATTENDEES HUDDLED OVER A HIGH-STAKES GAME OF BLACKJACK. RYAN MACRAE/ARGOSY can only be described as a sweaty and writhing mass, the crowd that filled a cleared Gracie’s became a moving testament to youthfulness and the spirit of Las Vegas. Like slot machines, dance partners glided between one another, engaging in only fleeting encounters before moving onto the next. During a particularly moving moment, the crowd cheered at the DJ’s choice of Desiigner’s smash hit

“Panda,” but did not quite know how to dance to it. Similar to years past, the fashion choices of the glittering crowd did not fail to impress. Slightly oversized blazers and dress shirts dominated the evenings menswear. One member wowed the gala with his unusual adornment of avant-garde fashion label Broken Bridge Clothing: he broke away from the night’s semi-

formal attire by loudly wearing a fitted baseball t-shirt bearing the brand’s signature label. Like the great city in the desert, SackVegas was a jewel. A glamorous opportunity to start anew and embrace a new year of goals -- and all for a good cause! The glitzy event was one I wish would never ended. What happens at SackVegas stays (or hopefully won’t) at SackVegas!

BY MARISSA CRUZ

BY JEFF MANN

! calling all funny people !

WE ARE LOOKING FOR CONTRIBUTORS ILLUSTRATIONS, COMICS, DOODLES, WRITING

EMAIL ARGOSY@MTA.CA WITH YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!