Issue 80.6 April 16th 2018 Acadia’s Student Newspaper since 1874
The Athenaeum
Wolfville Bucket List 2 WISE Wins Inaugural Propylaeum Cup Acadia Strategic Plan 2025 5
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ath · arts & culture #next150 #indigenous mixtape
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The Athenaeum Acadia University's Student Newspaper Issue 80.6 ASU Box 6002, Acadia University Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R5
Editor-In-Chief: Colin Mitchell & Chris Vanderburgh Email: eic@acadiau.ca Office Hours: Tues & Thurs 1:30-4:30 Business Inquiries: 116765m@acadiau.ca
Section Editors Arts & Culture: Hayley Phoenix Creative: Kelsey Crosby Distractions: Emily Ellis News: Colin Mitchell Opinions: Alex McKaigue Sports & Wellness: Nolan Turnbull Science:
Management
Production Irfana Hameed Photography Kaleigh MacIsaac Business Will Darrah Copy Editor Santana Briggs Editor-in-Chief Colin Mitchell & Chris Vanderburgh
Hannah Machat
The Athenaeum is the official student newspaper of Acadia University and is published in print and online year-round at theath.ca. The opinions expressed herein do not represent the Acadia Students Union or the staff of the Athenaeum, they are held by the individuals who contribute to the Athenaeum as essential members of our completely student-run newspaper. We pride ourselves in publishing and participating in a diverse community, and we are more than eager to work with anyone, regardless of age, economic situation, race, creed, sexual orientation, or any other defining or diversive human trait. In the spirit of great debate we will argue with you and your opinions to the ends of the earth if we deem it necessary. Articles submitted will be published at the discretion of the editorial board. If there is content that we feel will not add to the philosophy, dialogue, or tone of our newspaper, it will not be published. We’re always looking for controversial and rowdy material that challenges society and its norms, but any material deemed offensive or hateful will be met with extreme scrutiny. That being said, all of our staff members look forward to working together with writers to improve their quality of writing, and to make sure the Athenaeum remains professional and well-rounded. The Athenaeum may accept submissions from any student or member of our campus, present and past, and is always looking for more writers and photographers. If you are looking for coverage of an event or story, would like to notify us of a complaint or correction, or would like to submit a letter to the editor, contact Sid Kondapuram at eic@acadiau.ca There are open story meetings every Wednesday at 6pm in the Athenaeum office, room 512 in the SUB. Everyone is welcome, and we encourage you to join us! The Athenaeum, since 1874. Call it like you see it.
Facebook: The Athenaeum Instagram: @athacadia Website: theath.ca Cover photo by Anthony Chu
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Hayley Pheonix Arts & Culture Editor
Sometimes world issues become a little overwhelming, and sometimes we would rather hide than face them head on. But sometimes even the smallest bit of effort creates a positive difference. The #Next150 challenge is one of those opportunities. This challenge is all about reconciliation and setting a different tone in 2018 than what we've seen in the first 150 years of our country. Throughout 2018 there will be different tasks for you to complete to move towards reconciliation, and you can get started any time you want. My next personal task as part of the #Next150 is to create an Indigenous Mixtape. This was incredibly fun to do and opened my musical horizons immensely.
Some of my favourite picks include: Buffy Sainte-Marie & Tanya Tagaq: You've Gotta Run A Tribe Called Red: We Are the Halluci Nation Drezus: Red Winter JB the First Lady: Still Here Digging Roots: AK47 Music and politics have long held a strong relationship. For these artists, music has been the foundation with which they carry their political ideologies forward. These songs call upon personal experience and Indigenous Knowledge in a way that speaks to the listener. The most important aspect of these tracks (and the 25 more I have on my list) is that they simultaneously serve three purposes. First, these songs are meant to educate society about
Indigenous issues. Second, the music is a source of healing both for the musicians and their listeners. Third, this music serves as a powerful resistance to colonization. Buffy Sainte-Marie certainly believes in the power of music, stating that music "can enlighten and liberate, inform, motivate, or otherwise encourage solutions". Likewise, in Arts of Engagement Bryon Duek describes music as "the work of a song, like that of testimony, was in many instances an affective labour that sought to move an intimate public through narratives that appealed to presumed fellow-feeling in its hearers. But song also organized intimate assembly, coordinating relationships between participants and particular events." In short, music is a powerful tool that fuels how we think and effects us more than we know. I have always believed two things about music. First, that it really can be considered a universal language. With music, you can cross cultural boundaries. It can evoke deep feeling at the core of the shared human experience. Second, music is a social magnet. The more we use music to bring us together the more potential for increased empathy, social connection, and cooperation. The more we use music, the more likely reconciliation can be achieved. There is more work to be done, we have a long way to go, and we each play a role in the outcome. The #Next150 challenge, though, is a simple challenge to take on that has the ability to leave a lasting impression on anyone who is ready to start their reconciliation journey.
Wolfville Bucket List Aisling Keane Contributor There are things I've done while living in Wolfville too many times, things I haven't done enough of, and things I have yet to do. With my final year at Acadia approaching, I feel the need to experience as much of this town as it has to offer before I start my real adult life and leave my University town behind. Some of the items on this list came from me, and some came from others. But all of them are on my personal Wolfville bucket list, and I hope they inspire you to create your own! Watch the birds at Robie Tufts It's the little things in Wolfville that make it special. In 2010 the chimney swift's status, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, was 'near threatened'. The Robie Tufts Nature Centre in Wolfville was constructed from a chimney that is home to these lovely birds. Named after a migratory bird officer serving
Nova Scotia from 1919-1947, the Robie Tufts Nature Centre is a lovely place to pass the time. Wine Bus Tour My mother is a lover of wine, so when I was choosing which University to go to she was sold on Acadia for the proximity to all the beautiful vineyards. The Magic Winery Bus Tour is a must for those who love wine. To be honest, though, I’m mostly in it for the bus ride. park
Explore the reservoir
Out of all the time I have spent in Wolfville, I had never made it out to visit the reservoir park. Why? Mostly because I'm lazy and if I can avoid going up the hill, I will. But I feel like I need to make an exception since I have had three recommendations to do so in this last few days while gathering entries for this article. I have been assured that the view of Cape Blomidon and the Minas Basin are worth the walk. Inevitably Get Lost in the Corn Maze They terrify me. But I
am ready to conquer my fear. Every year I find an excuse to not go into the maze, and every year I am disappointed. But 2018 is my year. How can I pass on such a quintessential small-town treasure such as a corn maze? Visit the Museums Is anyone reading this as shocked as I am that Wolfville has museums? How have I not known this before? I feel that students have become extremely passive to the cultural opportunities around them because we are constantly swamped with work, or we have fallen in the same boring routine. Operated by the Wolfville Historical Society, the Randall House Museum has an open Summer season and various events during the off season. We should all learn a little more about the town we call our home away from home. Ghost Walk Speaking of learning more about Wolfville, the Ghost Walk is an excellent way to do so! The two-hour walking historical production takes participants through the streets and cemeteries of Wolfville to bring history to life. It's like going to see a theatrical performance but also participating. If you're anything like me, I can't sit still for more than an hour. So, the Ghost Walk is a great alternative! Deep Roots Festival We are fools if we don't take opportunity of the Valley music scene. The Deep Roots Music Festival can be a little pricey for the headliners, but there are many affordable and even free events available as well!
ath · features
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The Good, The Bad, and The Non- Compliant. Chris Vanderburgh EIC
The Valley is filled with a bevy of restaurants from which Acadia students are privileged to choose. Picasso's, Lib Pub, Sushi Fang, The Naked Crepe, and many more well-attended establishments. The wider Annapolis Valley area is without a doubt a fantastic place to eat. I'm sure that nearly everyone that attends Acadia has had at least a few delicious meals at one of the previously mentioned restaurants. Sitting in my living room, reminiscing with h friends about Wheelock Dining Hall and our days in residence, we began to talk about how dirty some people claim meal hall is. Instantly I was curious and began my standard Google-based investigation. I started by asking myself if I thought there were food safety or health code violations at Wheelock. If there were, how could they be verified? This led me to a larger issue. Are there health code compliance issues with the popular restaurants in town? Again, where would I be able to find this information? As always, Google had my back. Entering the phrase, 'Nova Scotia Health Inspector'directed me to public health inspection records.
La Torta Woodfired Pizzeria Sushi Fang Wheelock Dining Hall (Operated by our friends at Chartwell's) Subway
In order to get a better picture of historic compliance issues I examined the Nova Scotia Food Establishment Inspection Reports for these establishments from January 1, 2008 through April 5, 2018. Records are removed from the online database after more than three years so the records I have access to are no older than that. How do the various studentfrequented establishments stack up when compared to one another? As is the case of a few of these establishments, I feel it is necessary to get specific with what health inspectors revealed during their unannounced examination of these eateries. All health code violations are up to the interpretation of health inspectors. Not all violations represent a serious risk to health, however, it is worth noting that based on the documents I have examined, all of the restaurants do have some violations. I should reiterate, not all violations are serious. The definition of a 'Deficiency' under the provincial health codes according to the Nova Scotia Provincial government is 'Requirement(s) of The Province of Nova Scotia Health Inspec- the Regulations or Code not being achieved by the food tor's website provides a establishment. The word deform from which you can ficiency is often used interinstantly request the elecchangeably with the words tronic inspection records for any establishment in the violation, or infraction. Let's province for the last decade. see what the restaurants of Wolfville have crawling in All you have to do is input some basic information like their back rooms. the name of the establish Pronto Pizza is one ment, the address, and the of Wolfville's establishments period for which you would frequented by weekend warlike to see records. I decided riors and is also one of the to examine some of the most most concerning establishpopular destinations for stuments. On June 5, 2015, the dents both in Wolfville and inspection lists no deficienin the surrounding area. cies. On December 3rd, 2015, the remarks include a failure They include: to store potentially hazardous foods properly, cleanPronto Pizza ing required of all shelving, Picasso's Pizza rear wooden counter, milk Paddy's Brew Pub fridge and some shelving The Naked Crepe Troy's Mediterranean Res- and surfaces in 2 door commercial fridge, washroom taurant toilet fixtures, under and Library Pub
behind equipment some wall areas and all floors. Further, inadequate sanitation systems were observed. However, most concerning of all reported deficiencies is listed as, 'FAILURE TO OBTAIN A VALID PERMIT PRIOR TO OPERATING A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.' More than one year later on September 26th, 2016, The same deficiencies as December 3rd, 2015 reappeared but the permit issue was remedied. Picasso's Pizza makes a rad donair but during visits in October and December of 2017 the health inspector noted on both occasions that there was a 'Failure to protect food from contamination' and the comments from the October inspection read, 'Store chemicals separately from food & packaging. All food & packaging to be stored >6 in./15 cm. minimum off floor. Dry ingredients containers rusted and not acceptable for food contact.' Next we move to Paddy's ,The Naked Crepe, and Troy's Mediterranean Restaurant. All three of these businesses seem relatively well in order based on their inspection reports. Both Paddy's and The Naked Crepe received no infractions on their most recent inspections. In the case of Paddy's there were consistent infractions during four inspections over two years for 'failure to store potentially hazardous food at a temperature of four degrees celsius or less.' The Naked Crepe had only minor infractions revealed in their September 2017 inspection. Troy's received notices to comply over inadequate hand washing stations in their most recent inspection that took place in February of this year. Next we turn to the Lib Pub. There is nothing significant to report here other than excellent food and drink. It has been more than two years since their last inspection during which time some basic temperature monitoring devices were reported as not calibrated properly and a dishwasher
that could use 'Daily water temperature and chemical sanitizer concentration records.'
the issues did have to do with food safety and 'failure to protect food from contamination' the notes from the inspector indicate lack of La Torta Woodfired sneeze guards and uncovered Pizzeria, I’ve never person- food being left out for long ally eaten here nor have I periods of time. heard positive or negative reviews related to the pizza Subway has some place. Their inspection on pretty decent sandwiches April 4, 2018 revealed only but their record is rough. minor deficiencies that Over seven inspections in weren’t related to food the last three years there safety. were nine total deficiencies with nine notices to comply Unfortunately the issued. The comments 'The previous records of relative operator has failed to ensure excellence or acceptabilthe food handlers have the ity end here. Sushi Fang is necessary training' appears without a doubt the worst five times over two years. example of food safety I was able to find. There are With all that being some direct quotes from said, it seems these health their report that are worth codes are in some cases too sharing. All inspections took specific. They capture issues place between July 2015 and that are not related to food February 2018. There were safety. For example some of regular violations indicated these establishments were that suggest Sushi Fang's issued deficiencies based on operator does not adequately 'lighting intensity' or the lack train their staff in safe food of a schedule to maintain handling. Some noteworthy their dishwashers. On the observations from the Feb- whole, the restaurants I've ruary 2018 inspection, "Food examined here are probably handler certification of the ok to eat at. The fact is, you owner has expired."and, should always use your best "Raw foods must be kept judgement when eating out. separate and always stored For example, eating sushi in below ready to eat foods the Annapolis Valley is prob(corrected). All utensils and ably already a risky activity. work surfaces must be maintained in a clean and sanitary I would encourage my condition (corrected). Foods readers to verify the validmust be stored a minimum ity of this article by visiting: of 15 cm (6in.) off of the (https://novascotia.ca/agri/ floor (corrected). Foods foodsafety/reports/Request. when returned to storage aspx). must be labelled and dated to ensure proper stock rotation. Disagree with me? Write for Fresh raw seafood intended the Ath. to be consumed raw must be dated and ensure frozen >= 7 days at -20C to ensure parasite destruction."Or, my personal favourite, "Verminproof /seal small opening in building."This restaurant has some ridiculous violations that would indicate food safety is a serious problem there. Of course, we have to check out Wheelock Dining Hall operated by our friends at Chartwell's. During their inspections between the February 24, 2016, and December 18, 2017, there were eleven deficiencies noted with nine notices to comply issued. Some of
April 16th, 2018 3
ath ¡ news WISE Wins Inaugural Propylaeum Cup. Colin Mitchell EIC
Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) has won the inaugural 2018 Propylaeum Cup debate tournament and the accompanying $200 cash prize. Alex Brown and Amy Prescott represented WISE in the interdepartmental debate tournament, progressing through three rounds of debates. The introductory rounds, quarterfinals, and semifinals were judged by a mix of professors and Student Senators, while the final was judged by the House.
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The topic of the final debate was 'This House would make postsecondary tuition free for all learners.' Nolan Turnbull and Cam Davidson represented Kinesiology in the final, losing with 24 votes to WISE's 31.
we thought it would be a fun opportunity."
Over ten student societies from across campus were mobilized in late February to begin the debate tournament. Topics ranged from free speech to the FIFA 2018 World Cup to whether or not hot dogs 'We decided to make are sandwiches. a WISE debate team in honour of the long history WISE presented a of women's debate teams compelling case, touching here at Acadia.' Brown on fundamental rights noted. "Acadia has a afforded to all citizens rich history of women's and noting historical achievement, and we really precedents in international hoped to pay homage to treaties. KINE countered the women who came with powerful personal before us. Neither of us stories, utilizing points of have done any type of information to leverage formal debating before, so their position.
"We really didn't think we were going to make it past the first round, but are certainly glad we did!" Prescott said. "Alex's parents actually met on the debate team in their high school, so I guess you could say she's somewhat of a prodigy." WISE plans to donate their winnings to the Girls Get WISE Summer Camp, with the money being used to cover the cost of a girl attending the camp who would otherwise be unable to afford it. The next Propylaeum Cup debate tournament will begin in February
Issue 80.6
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2019. WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Acadia is a group of female faculty, staff and students who gather together to promote full participation by women in STEAM fields.
ath ¡ news Acadia Strategic 2025 Plan Begins Colin Mitchell EIC
Acadia will also have to respond to the Truth and Excellence. Engagement. Reconciliation Commission in meaningful ways, which Enlightenment. President Ricketts has These three words will already begun. begin the process of drafting Governments see Acadia's newest strategic plan. Tentatively titled Acadia universities as strong net 2025, President Ricketts contributors to the provincial and Atlantic presented the framework of economy the plan on March 14th in Growth Strategy, with the Huggins Science Hall. The immigration of high quality goal of the plan is to provide people a priority for Nova the university direction up Scotia. Ricketts noted that to 2025. This fulfills one of there is a necessity to cultivate the commitments Ricketts an image that universities are made while vying for the positive to the Maritimes, running contrary to popular presidency. perceptions in the 1980s. The first stage of Acadia Creating Acadia 2025 will 2025 is to formulate goals, establish priorities, and be a collaborative effort. The determine how to measure Strategic Planning Task Force impact. This will include (SPTF) will form strategic reflecting on Acadia's directions for the first steps current strengths and of the plan, informed by environment, in addition external expectations and to testing the resilience of accountabilities. The SPTF the 2006 Strategic and 2015 will work to develop a strategic directions document, which Senate Research plans. will form the next phase for There are many themes. The second step environmental realities will be crucial to identifying the university will have goals, objectives, means, and to contend with. Fiscal measures for success. constraints are paramount, March-June 2018 will with no annual increases in provincial funding or tuition serve as Phase 1 of Acadia beyond current levels for the 2025. This phase is tentatively foreseeable future. Acadia titled the 'Ideas for Acadia' will not take on any more debt phase. Town hall sessions will as the 18-25 cohort in Atlantic be conducted with faculty, Canada declines, while staff, the University Senate, recruitment is becoming and Board of Governors to increasingly competitive and solicit ideas. The goal will be expensive domestically and to create an Acadia ideabook and word cloud based on the internationally. submissions, with feedback External expectations and suggestions on possible have been set for Acadia. visions, values, and mission There are louder calls from statements encouraged. both provincial and federal June-December 2018 governments to make sure students are 'career ready'for will serve as Phase 2. This the 21st century economy. phase is tentatively titled the
'Strategic Direction' phase. The SPTF will be appointed to create an ideabook, and 'Acadia Circles' will be created to address themes, identify goals, objectives, and routes of action. A small number of external circles (E-circles) will be created to engage external communities in the strategic planning process. A strategic directions document will then be developed to outline the proposed themes of Acadia 2025. January-April 2019 will be Phase 3. This phase is tentatively titled the 'Drafting Phase.' The SPTF will conduct more consultation at the departmental and unit level to solicit feedback in hopes of producing a draft strategic plan to submit to the President for review. April-June 2019 will be Phase 4, the final phase. After review by the Senate, Board of Governors, and President the final plan will be approved. The President will then be responsible for ensuring its implementation and accountability.
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environment and social issues Emphasis on responsible, global citizenship
funding, increase operating revenues from tuition and other fees by reversing the decline in enrolment, and increasing external revenues However, right after from fundraising. 2006 things took a turn for the worse. The provincial The focus on student government reduced annual recruitment allowed for revenue by $6.8 million which a rebound to healthy led to unavoidable operating enrollment. Currently, 47.8% deficits, budget reductions, of students are from Nova and staff and faculty cuts. Scotia, 39.7% from the rest This limited flexibility of Canada, and 12.5% from 59 within the institution pushed countries around the world. enrollment to a low point in 2008 with around 2900 Labour stability, achieved full time undergraduate and during November 2017, plus graduate students, a far cry donor stability, stabilization from the approximate 3800 of funding from the we have today. province, and the adoption of a Senate Strategic Research The combined impact plan in 2015 demonstrated pushed Acadia into survival that Acadia was able to make mode. The university went it back from crisis to full from receiving 10.5% of the strength. funds from the provincial system to 8.5% of total funds, Ricketts noted during his a drop that President Ricketts presentation that Acadia is noted would 'normally sink 'the jewel in the crown'of the even the best organizations.' Canadian university system, providing enriched learning By the 2007/08 environments, undergrad academic year the university and graduate research, had accumulated $5.3 environmental stewardship, million in operating deficits and global outreach at a level and $70 million in long other institutions cannot. term debt, plus two faculty strikes, leadership change, major brand damage, and a 2% reduction from the provincial government.
Acadia's last strategic plan was completed in 2006, with the values of excellence in scholarship, close community, personal responsibility, and leadership The strategic response by the defining pillars. the university was meant to restore fiscal responsibility. The 2006 plan also This was achieved by identified five features that reducing operating expenses, made an Acadia education eliminating permanent distinct. These were: positions, selling assets and Personalized attention to reducing long term debt, and students as learners transferring to the provincial Undergraduate research pension plan by dissolving Education of the whole Acadia's. Coupled with these student initiatives were efforts to Focus on the recover lost provincial grant
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ath · opinions
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Why won't the Pope apologize for Residential Schools? Rachel McNally Contributor The short answer to this question is I don't know. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) requested a formal apology from the Pope as one of their calls to action for reconciliation. In March 2018, the Catholic Church publicly announced that the Pope would not be formally apologizing for the Catholic Church's role in running Indian Residential Schools or for the widespread abuse that Catholic priests, nuns and other church leaders inflicted on children in the Catholic-run schools. A letter from the Canadian Conference for Catholic Bishops explained that "after carefully considering the request and extensive dialogue with the Bishops of Canada, he felt that he could not personally respond." For over a century, about 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forcibly taken from their home to attend residential schools. The "schools" hardly taught academic subjects and most time was spent on manual labour and religious education. The last school closed in 1996, the year I was born. Children were violently separated from their families and were pro-
hibited from speaking their languages or practicing their cultures, with the goal that they would completely lose their cultures. Sexual and physical abuse, malnutrition, forced labour and disease were widespread in the schools. According to the TRC, at least 6,000 children died while attending schools or after being sent home sick. The vast majority of the schools, 72%, were operated by the Catholic Church. The TRC made 94 calls to action to address the legacy of the residential schools. Among them was #58, the call for an apology from the Pope: "We call upon the Pope to issue an apology to Survivors, their families and communities for the Roman Catholic Church's role in the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical and sexual abuse of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children in the Catholic-run residential schools. We call for that apology to be similar to the 2010 apology issued to Irish victims of abuse and to occur within one year of the issuing of this Report and to be delivered by the Pope in Canada." The other church denominations who ran residential schools formally apologized for the schools many years ago the United Church in 1986, the Anglican Church in 1993 and the
Presbyterian Church in 1994, and the Canadian government apologized in 2008. As the TRC notes, in 2010, the Pope apologized to Irish people who were abused physically and sexually by clergy, so apologizing to a large group of people for abuse by clergy would not be unprecedented. The refusal to give an apology has provoked strong and angry reactions from Indigenous and government leaders across the country. Senator Murray Sinclair, the former head Commissioner of the TRC said on his Facebook page that "Canadian catholic leaders who persuaded the pope to adopt this position should be ashamed of themselves. The shame of those who abused children in their institutions in the past is now theirs to wear." He also expressed his concern that the lack of apology supports the views of those who think residential school survivors are lying about the abuses they suffered. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde is trying to set up a meeting with the Pope to discuss the issue further and is urging the Pope to come and meet with Indigenous peoples in Canada. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his disappointment and Indigenous Relations
Minister Carolyn Bennett said the government will continue to push the Pope to give an apology. The NDP is planning to table a motion in the House of Commons calling on Pope Francis to apologize, and also for the Catholic Church to fulfill its financial obligations under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and to turn over documentation that they are withholding about the operation of the schools. Since the letter from the Canadian Conference for Catholic Bishops gives no satisfactory reason as to why the Pope will not issue a formal apology, there has been a lot of speculation. Senator Murray Sinclair shared in a Facebook post that: "Catholic leaders have deluded themselves into believing that Residential school survivors were lying despite the enormous amount of evidence of abuse in catholic run schools. There is also a belief among them that what is now called abuse, was simply discipline gone wrong, and that it was acceptable because at the end of the day, souls were saved through conversion to catholicism." Senator Murray Sinclair actually received letters from many people during his time as TRC Commissioner who believed that residential school survivors
were lying. Stephen Kakfwi, residential school survivor and former premier of the Northwest Territories, thinks that at least part of the reason that the pope did not apologize is that Canadian bishops are divided on whether there should be an apology. Others have wondered if the Church is concerned an apology might lead to financial liability. Some Canadian Catholic leaders have suggested that apologies are just words, and that local reconciliation initiatives between local churches and Indigenous communities are more meaningful (although it is unclear why there cannot be both an apology and local initiatives). Regardless of the reasons, Senator Murray Sinclair said that the refusal to apologize will exacerbate tensions between Catholics and nonCatholics, especially in Indigenous communities, and will get in the way of the healing and reconciliation process. The Church needs to take responsibility for the harm it has done if it wants to retain credibility as an institution and if it wants to contribute in any way to reconciliation. Refusing to do that will just make everything worse.
course I would say hi but that's really it." His general feeling was that at Acadia we are constantly being confronted with one another and you always have the feeling to go up to one another to make advancements. Whereas, in a city you are just a drop in the bucket. Of course, one of the known benefits of the app is that you get to set your orientation preferences and that way have you a singles bar in your pocket ready to go at all times. This way, of course, making it much easier to know who is on the market for you in Wolfville. One female friend commented, "Sometimes it's shocking to see who is on girl Tinder. Once, I just didn't swipe right or left I just set my phone down and paused for a minute because I had no idea that this girl would be on there." Of course it may be discouraging knowing all of yo ur options, and of course, she rightfully complained – "If I go on Tinder, it's like… ooop 2 swipes and I am done!" Perils of a small population unfortunately. Tinder is a representation of why I am obsessed with this little school and the interac-
tions that go on here. This app has made a virtual meal hall available in your pocket. You see people that you don't have classes with, on a frequent basis, make eye contact with, but don't really speak to them regularly or know well. But you might! The difference being that Tinder is free and you don't have to buy swipes to make googly eyes at some guy you don't know but want to. For some the match increases people's confidence to speak to someone they would never think of approaching. For others, the thought of excessive forced romantic endeavors just makes their palms sweat. All we know to be true is that it exists and has a considerable influence over a small population. If you think you can change my mind about saucing the app the old download, write for the Ath, or slide into my DMs like every other regular person that doesn't use Tinder. Preferably, write for the Athenaeum.
Tinder: The Meal Hall in your Pocket. I sat down with some second and third year students to blatantly asked them about what they thought about Tinder at Acadia. Dating through social media is something that we have all become familiar for with, but isn't it just a little different at here at our petite school? My anonymous friends and I thought so. Here is what we know about Tinder, and you can show this article to your Mum so that you don't have to explain why you don't really know who you are texting when she asks, "Who are you texting so much?", when you go home for break. Full disclosure on my perspective - I do not have said app or any other dating app. Not because I think I am better than you. Not because I think I am better than online dating. Not because I care about meeting someone 'the old-fashioned way' – whatever that truly means. Not because I'm 85% sure I need to reset my Apple ID password to download any new apps because I can't remember where I added the uppercase
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letter to my last password. No, it's only because I know that I would constantly be worried about how to act around someone I matched with if I ran into them. I just know it. So, no judgement Acadia, get on with your bad selves and get out there and meet people. But, it turns out, through my extremely informal and intrusive research, I am not the only one who feels nervous using Tinder here at Acadia. I thought the best way to tackle this dating app was to go right to the source: so, I went to a plug table on first floor of the library to ask some of my friends what they thought. What we found was the key element that was underlying in the discussion was the sense of anonymity. This is something that may be compromised once you sign up. One male student said that, "I don't use it here because I don't want people to know my shit. I have most likely talked to you in real life, so I am not just going to wait for you to come up to me". He has used Tinder in the past but never at Acadia, only when he was in Halifax or away in other cities. Whereas another female student felt dif-
ferently. I asked the group, would you feel more confident speaking to someone when you are out at the bar/social event? One girl joked, "Well yeah because I have no filter, especially when I am out. If you see them when you are walking by I will say hey but I am not going to go out of my way to run up to them". But what about if you are on campus? "Yeah, I saw someone just today I matched with at meal hall – and I was like – I can't even put this fork up to mouth right now," she laughed, "It was so weird." The group agreed that the places to run into your matches are always the Axe, Vil, or library. I hate that I just strung those places together and almost equated them - but here we are. So how many times do you run into matches would you say? "About three times a week", one girl said and the group all agreed that sounded about right. I don't think you could replicate that same frequency of run-ins outside of a university campus. "I wouldn't approach them at all," the same male student interjected later. "If he approached me approached me of
ath · distractions
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WHAT SHOULD YOUR COOL-KID CATCHPHRASE BE THIS SUMMER TO USE AT THE BEACH AND IMPRESS ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND MAKE EVERYONE FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU? Pick a frozen treat: a). Ice cream b). Frozen Yogurt c). Popsicles d). Ice cubes taken out of the tray prematurely so that there's still some liquid-state water in the middle. What is your go-to T-shirt color? a). Sunset Rust Boulevard b). Peach c). Tangerine d). Safety Orange Would you consider yourself… a). A pessimist b). An optimist c). An existentialist d). A Kevin Which word describes you best? a). Bones pressing against your skin like the weight that comes with unshed tears. b). An entire roast beef dinner c). A loose cannon who doesn't obey the rules. I don't care about the law. I only care about what's right. d). Zesty
Some people have pointed out to me, "Hey Greg, you're thirty-two years old. It's probably time to retire those waterwings." I don't need that kind of negativity in my life, you know? I'm a grown man. I can retire whatever I want, and right now, I am choosing to retire the haters.
I'm just a simple guy, trying to demolish the stigma around adult male waterwings. Yeah, I can swim just fine without them, and maybe I should, but I don't want to. There's just something about them that makes me feel powerful… makes me feel masculine. Is it because they feel like an extension of my own biceps? Maybe. Do I wear them in bed? You'll have to ask my lover that one. *wink* All I'm trying to say is that you intensify your swimming, you intensify your life, if you know what I mean.
Would I recommend waterwings to a friend? Absolutely. Put them on and never take them off. In a job interview, they're a separator for sure. You get the job. 5 years later, it's you and this other guy up for a sweet promotion? You're going to pick the guy in waterwings, no question. Slip a pair of these bad boys on, and you're set for life. Honestly, I wish I'd started wearing them sooner.
If you picked mostly A's, your most effective catchphrase will be… Ka-BLINGAW!
If you picked mostly B's, your most effective catchphrase will be… Ka-SHWINGA! If you picked mostly C's, your most effective catchphrase will be… Ka-CHANGA!
If you picked mostly D's your most effective catchphrase will be… Ka-PANGO! **If you have to ask why these catchphrases will be effective, they're probably not going to work for you very well sorry I don't make the rules.
-Greg 'Waterwings' Lloyd-George
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Fishing for Clues Athena Grantwell As we drove down the winding road that led us to the beach, all I could think about was how long it had been since I’d last dipped my line in the water. I snuck a glance at the woman beside me, and thought about how lucky I was to have her. She doesn’t even like to fish but she’ll get up at the crack of dawn, grab a book, and keep me company anyway. Once I parked the F-350 where the gravel turned to sand, not a second was wasted. We rushed out to where the low tide lapped along the shoreline. I cast my rod in the ocean blue, and continued to flick, reel, cast, repeat until I felt the line fight back. I wrestled with the line in hopes of a big catch, but it was branch. And then an eel. I noticed the tide moving in fast, but it didn’t bother me much. All I could focus on was the addicting sport. At first, I didn’t remember that she couldn’t swim, but it resurfaced in my memory when it was almost too late. I swooped in like Prince Charming and snatched up the tackle box, bucket, and rod and rushed us off to safety. We dashed through growing bodies of water, climbed the grassy dunes and ran through a stranger’s yard to escape the incoming tide. Once back in the truck, I asked her if she had had fun. She gave me the look, so I thought she still must be stressed out from the adventure. When we got home, I noticed the mountain of unfolded laundry, heaped from weeks’ worth of wear. Pant legs escaped from the laundry basket, hanging over the ledge with socks. Socks. And then I remembered.
Untitled Keisha Lent hollow scooped out scraping the edges with a spoon
Hermeneutics Edda Ahrent My father has begun to tell me his secrets. He does it in a language of his own, one I did not learn in school with clumsy crayons and pink patterned notebooks. He hands me books, and they are books with words that looks familiar. But their titles falls from his mouth and linger on his collarbone like odd creatures imploring me, like animals in strange lands at crossroads in fairytales, to think again, look again. I try to read them. Each time I open a new one, the spines crack and groan and a cloud of dust motes fly into a sunbeam, whispering. The books pile up around me in teetering hills of connotations, they press up against the ceiling, papers grating like teeth against one another. And I find that he has written novels, encyclopedias of pain under pseudonyms like Kafka, Strindberg, Dostoyevski, and Grimm. When I sleep, my mother tries to burn them. After that, I covet them like treasure. The burnt pages, I try to piece together when I have a moment in which no one looks at me. I keep them under my shirt and treat them like jigsaw puzzles I’d lay when I was little. The skin of my hands and ribs become smeared in ink. Grimm’s sleeping beauty lies on my larynx, Raskolnikov drinks in delirium on my diaphragm; in school, I read about inherited trauma. In the other room, leaning over his desk, my father’s back is tense like Kafka’s cockroach. There is an apple slowly rotting in the wound. This is the way he has to speak.
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I am empty inside and still I keep digging a bigger hole, removing the contents within. I have no heart to beat, to break to ache no lungs to hope, to scream to choke no stomach to shake, to flip to rumble, and roar I do not feel, exist, I do not hurt anymore.
ath ¡ science
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Conservation of Native Plant Species: Seed Bank and Tissue Cuulture at Acadia University. Hannah Machat Contributor
The information in the following article was obtained with the help of Dr. Robin Brown and April Muirhead from the Acadia Seed Bank. Nestled in the lower floor of the K.C Irving Environmental Science Centre there are several labs that many students and community members alike have little knowledge about. One of the research programs in this area is the Acadia Seed Bank. The prominence of seed banks has been heightened in recent years due to increasing concern over loss of habitat, decreasing species biodiversity and global food security. The seed bank at Acadia is predominantly focussed on the plant species from the Acadian Forest Region; a region that spans over most of the Maritime provinces, parts of the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec and northern New England. The Acadian Forest Region is a rich mix of Northern Hardwood and Boreal forest species which creates a unique habitat for animal and plant species alike. The main goal of seed banks is to preserve plant species for conservation of biodiversity, and protection of food and fiber crops. Many native plant species around the world are currently at risk of extinction. Seed banks offer one strategy to prevent this from occurring.
This can be accomplished for many species through a multistep process that typically includes; Collection: Seeds and other associated structure are obtained from mature plants Cleaning: The seeds are sorted and excess material is removed Desiccation: Seeds are dried in order to be ready for cold storage Storing: Seeds are stored at -20ÂşC until needed Testing: Seeds are tested in germination trials but before and after storage to ensure that the techniques that are being used are maximizing germination for the plant species Out Plating/ Regeneration: Depending on the outcome of germination tests, seed from the plant species may be used for research or conservation purposes. If a rare or endangered plant is being studied, it is also an objective to try and outplant the species in its native habitat. Tissue culture is a technique that can be used to propagate plants beyond the germination tests to study the species growth and development. Small portions of seedlings or mature 'mother' plants can be established on nutrient media under aseptic conditions which allow the plants to grow and multiply. Bacterial and fungal contaminants may risk the success of tissue samples, thus to minimize this testing is done in a laminar flow hood using aseptic techniques. Due to the strictly controlled microenvironment under
which the cultures are maintained, plants can be more easily manipulated and rapidly multiplied. This tool is especially useful for endangered or rare plants because of the potential for continuous propagation in the lab. This benefits the plant species because there is no need for repeated site collections or loss of the plants in their natural habitats. In addition to being utilized in conservation efforts for native plants, tissue culture has been applied in forestry, horticulture and agriculture. In recent years several honours, masters and research topic students have been involved in the Acadia seed bank and the tissue culture lab to complete their respective research projects. One of the plant species being studied is the Eastern Mountain Avens. This yellow flowering perennial is a rare endangered species in Canada, found only in Brier Island, NS. Therefore researchers have been seeking to conserve this species. Projects in the seed bank and tissue culture lab have been looking at the feasibility of different propagation methods and restoration strategies, which have involved tests of various culture treatments, biochar effects at the out-planting stage mycorrhizal relationships in the roots, and the foliar endophytic fungal diversity. On a global scale, there are many large seed banks with varying capacities to hold many of the world’s plant species. One of
the more famous ones, Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located in Norway is the largest facility created intended for the storage of seeds. This centre was built to be self-sustaining so that it would not be susceptible to a disaster situation. This particular seed bank was built in its current location due to many of the environmental factors in the area. The seed bank was built in to a mountain that gives it a layer of permafrost, low humidity levels and an altitude substantially above sea-level. Therefore, if there was a large global disaster and the building lost all functioning capabilities, the permafrost would hopefully help to keep the seeds at a viable low temperature for continued long term storage. Currently, there are close to 900,000 different samples of plants that are being stored in this particular seed vault. These species represent areas from all over the world, including samples that represent some of the most important crops . Ideally, the vault will store large samples from many different crops and their wild relatives in order to safeguard the bio-diversity of our food crops. One of the larger concerns with our current agricultural practices is the threat of an insect or disease wiping out mass amounts of plants due to the lack of diversity in the crops that are being grown. Storing diverse genetic seed samples also ensures that if there are threats arising due to climatic changes or other potential catastrophic
factors, genetically different crops could be developed and grown instead. Although the conservation and safeguarding of seeds is not a new idea, the conservation of wild species of crops to ensure world-wide food security has been expanding in the last 30 years. The Global Plan of Action was adopted in 1996 outlining policies to ensure best use and conservation of crop diversity. The seed bank and tissue culture programs are successful at Acadia in part due to the tremendous support of various donors, loyal volunteers and the staff that devote more time than prescribed in their contracts to keep the inner workings of the centre and the labs running smoothly. So far there are about 60 native species being stored and propagated in the Acadia seed bank and tissue culture lab, with the expectation of collecting and testing many more in the coming years. That being said, if you are interested in becoming involved, the K.C Irving Environmental Science Centre is continuously looking for volunteers to help with various projects. Additionally, if you have more questions about any of the concepts and activities discussed within this article, Robin Browne would be the best contact at: seedbank@ acadiau.ca, robin. browne@acadiau.ca, or (902) 585-1897.
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ath ¡ sport & wellness
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A Palliative Remedy Nolan Turnbull Sports Editor
I am all for living wild while you are young, A care free lifestyle, every day a new song to be sung. Just know though, that times clock ticks, Ever so fast we grow old and sick. Just know, I have looked into eyes so weary, Eyes that know so much, never again teary. Wrinkled faces and wispy grey hair, A lonesome soul forever wishing for a care. Just know, tomorrow is not promised, Just know, at times your plans will be compromised. Just know, nothing is a safe haven, The creaking joints and wise mind beg: "Please do not let a moment be forsaken." Just know, you must live each day to the fullest, Just know, you may just have to bite the bullet.
ath ¡ sport & wellness
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The Role of Volunteering in Ciizenship: Why You should give back to Wolfville. Nolan Turnbull Sports Editor
being a member of a community. Most people would think of these We are fortunate to attend responsibilities as things such as this wonderful recycling, voting institution that and being a lawis embedded abiding citizen. in the amazing However, being a community good citizen goes of Wolfville. far beyond that. Wolfville is supportive of the Citizenship should mean lifting the university, its bar to make your students, and its community a programs, and provides a plethora better place. Peter Druker once said of opportunities that enhance your that "the best way Acadia experience. to predict the future is to create Citizenship can it". So how can you be defined as the accomplish this? responsibilities In my opinion, the that come with
best way to do this is to volunteer. The smallest actions can help brighten everyone's day and create a chain reaction of good deeds. You can't expect your community to grow and flourish if you don't contribute. I was once told the quote: "a society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they shall never see." This quote shows that we may not reap the benefits of our actions, but it doesn't mean
that these actions go unnoticed. We are making a difference that will better the lives of those who follow us. Volunteering will allow you to say "I helped do that,"when you drive back through the streets of Wolfville in twenty years. By making a difference you are a part of the puzzle that makes up our community. Small actions both through volunteering and on the street define us both as people, but also
as committed and caring citizens. Volunteering allows us to give back and say thank you as well as help us continue the legacy of those who have shaped our society, and our time here at Acadia. Thank you Wolfville.
Road Trip
C. Nolan Turnbull
What am I supposed to do while grandpa slowly kills himself? What am I supposed to say while grandma pesters him about his health? What am I supposed to say while he huffs and puffs away? Why am I so helpless in the backseat of the car? Each wrinkle on his skin: a trace of a dying war.
Memories of a farm far away, Remind us of a more promising day. For I never wanted to leave, but perhaps in youth we were naĂŻve. Now, grandpa is slowly dying, and I wish the tape was rewinding.
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ath · resources
Student Supports at Acadia Jenna Purkis Acadia Counselling Services Phone 902-585-1246 E-mail counselling@acadiau.ca Address
Hours
Old SUB (Lower Level) 30 Highland Avenue Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6 Mon. to Fri., 8:30am-4:30pm
Acadia Personal Support Line Phone 902-858-TALK (8255) Hours Thurs. to Sat., 7:00pm-1:00am Online: Facebook: “Acadia PSL”
Peer Support Centre Address Students’ Union Building, rm. 503 30 Highland Ave, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6 Hours Anytime the SUB is open.
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Counselling Services are available to Acadia students seeking support for any problem impacting their mental health—no issue is ‘too big’ or ‘too small.’ Counselling offers both individual 50-minute sessions and group workshops. Book a 30-minute intake appointment to get started! More information about hours, booking, groups, and intake schedule: https://counsel.acadiau.ca.
The Acadia Personal Support Line is a warmline operated by Acadia student volunteers for students seeking support. Students may remain anonymous if they choose.
The Peer Support Centre is a communal student space in the SUB where students can seek support and resources, pick up safe sex supplies, or just relax! Pride, Women’s Centre, and Acadia Mental Health Initiative offices are located here.
Peer Support Organizations Three organizations operate out of the Peer Support Centre, all of which offer peer support and engage in advocacy in our campus community. Acadia Pride (SUB 504) Al Sweeting, Coordinator Email pride@acadiau.ca Hours Tues./Thurs. 11:30-12:30pm; Fri. 2:30-3:30pm Online Facebook: “Acadia Pride” Acadia Women’s Centre (SUB 505) Paige Krentz, Coordinator Email womens.centre@acadiau.ca Hours Mon. and Wed. 2:30-4pm Online Facebook: “Acadia Women’s Centre” Acadia Mental Health Initiative (504) Jenna Purkis, Coordinator Email mhi@acadiau.ca Hours Mon. and Thurs., 3-4:30pm Online Facebook: “Acadia Mental Health Initiative
Acadia Pride provides support and community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, two-spirited, and queer (LGBT2IQ) individuals, as well as friends and allies.
The Acadia Women’s Centre offers support and community to women and people of all genders, particularly for issues and struggles of a gendered nature.
AMHI offers support to individual students struggling with their mental health, and promotes mental wellness on campus as a whole through programming and advocacy.
ath · resources
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Acadia Student Resources Contact Sheet Peer Supports
Acadia Mental Health Initiative Email mhi@acadiau.ca Address SUB Room 504 (Peer Support Centre) 30 Highland Ave Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6 Acadia Women’s Centre Email womens.centre@acadiau.ca Address SUB Room 505 (Peer Support Centre) 30 Highland Ave Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6
Acadia Pride Email pride@acadiau.ca Address SUB Room 506 (Peer Support Centre) 30 Highland Ave Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6 Personal Support Line Phone 902-585-TALK (8255) Hours of Operation Thursday to Saturday 7PM-1AM
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