The Campus - October 31st '18 Issue

The Bishop’s University Newspaper Vol. 74, No. 5

OCTOBER 31, 2018

Release of the 2018/2019 SRC Strategic plan Page 3 Halloweekend Page 6

Spring flowers and Degrees since 1944

What is the land Acknowledgement for?

Page 4 Bishop’s Crown Jewel: The Old Library Page 8

Take back the night Page 5 New Policy Approved by U SPORTS for Transgender Athletes Page 10

Halloween WEekend!

Cover page design by Mallesh Madapathi.

Graphic by Kate Schwartzhe Townships

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NEWS

THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 31, 2018

Victoria de Morel, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com

THE EDITORS 2018-2019 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Helen Tintpulver thecampus.editor@gmail.com

COPY EDITOR Loch Baillie thecampus.copyeditor@gmail.com

LAYOUT EDITOR Mallesh Madapathi the campus.layout@gmail.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Marisa Lea thecampus.business@gmail.com

NEWS EDITOR Victoria de Morel thecampus.news@gmail.com

OPINIONS EDITOR Alexandre Marceau thecampus.opinions@gmail.com

FEATURES EDITOR Jess Lapenna thecampus.features@gmail.com

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Maryclare Maclsaac thecampus.ac@gmail.com

SPORTS EDITOR Graham Childs thecampus.sports@gmail.com

GRAPHICS EDITOR Kate Schwartz thecampus.graphics@gmail.com

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

MARIELLE CARUTH MEGAN CIPRO DARCIE DANESH ANNA M. GRANT JOSHUA HOEKSTRA BRONWEN HOLDER PHILIPPE LAPOINTE-LASSONDE BREA LATOUR ANIKA MALONE MATTEO NOBILE MEAGAN PARSONS PAMELA PASCAL ELISABETH PAUL MOLLY SWEENEY MAX TAYLOR EVELYNE VERRETTE

Bishop’s Ranks First in Student Satisfaction VICTORIA DE MOREL News Editor

Bishop’s University ranks first in student satisfaction among all primarily undergraduate universities in Canada according to the Maclean’s student satisfaction survey. Students recognize Bishop’s for its tightknit community, small size classes, and the myriad of research and exchange opportunities offered to students, as well as internships and on-campus jobs.

“This is the fourth consecutive year that we have been ranked number one for student satisfaction. It is a great tribute to our staff, faculty and to our students themselves that we have earned this recognition,” said Principal Goldbloom. Maclean’s article stated in 2017 that “not only did it top our student satisfaction ranking for primarily undergraduate universities, it received the

highest score for any school in the country, regardless of category.

And the enrollment numbers would agree as Bishop’s University marks a record year for enrollment. Last year, 2790 students enrolled for the Fall 2017 semester. For the Fall 2018 semester, official numbers show that Bishop’s currently has 2,340 full-time undergraduate students, 219 part-time undergraduates, 109 international exchange students, and 199 graduate students (both full-time and part-time) for a total student population of 2,867.

Université de Sherbrooke also ranked first in student satisfaction in the category of Medical Doctoral schools. “I am particularly pleased to see that both Université de Sherbrooke’s and Bishop’s students greatly

value the education they are receiving,” Principal Goldbloom added. “One of the characteristics that the two institutions share is that the majority of our students come from outside the region. Although we both believe that our students could succeed anywhere in the world, we share the objective of encouraging as many of our students as possible to pursue their careers here in the Eastern Townships.”

Bishop’s never fails to satisfy its students, ranking in the top 10 per cent of North American Schools for “collaborative learning, higher-order learning, studentfaculty interaction, quality of interaction and supportive environment” in Maclean’s 2015 National Survey for Student Engagement.

9th Annual Montreal Vigil to Commemorate Victims of Police Brutality VICTORIA DE MOREL News Editor

October 22 marked the 9th annual Montreal Vigil to commemorate victims of police violence. The date was chosen nine years ago, following The October 22 Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation, the annual National Day of Protest in the United States, which started in 1996.

As the vigil takes place every year, its participants continue to commemorate the first victims who led to this initiative, as well as new victims. Families come hoping to find support in their fight for justice. They also hope their mobilization will bring change so that people get the answers they deserve concerning a family member’s death. Police officers involved in such incidents are too often not held accountable for their actions and are rarely put on trial. Families are tired of seeing the officers’ actions unquestioned and unpunished.

A few months ago on August 21, Nicholas Gibbs was shot and killed by the Montreal Police. He was a 23-year-old black man and father of four. Nicholas Gibbs was allegedly in possession of a knife, so the police allegedly attempted to use a taser on

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Nicholas Gibbs’ family outside the Montreal Police Brotherhood office on October 22, 2018. Courtesy of montrealgazette.com

him. His family maintains that the use of a gun was unnecessary, especially as not all non-lethal ways were not attempted before shooting him, and that the police ignored the mental distress the situation caused him.

The vigil took place in front of the Montreal Police Brotherhood Offices, where Jeremy Gibbs, Nicholas Gibbs’s nephew spoke, along with Gladys Tolley, whose 61-year-old native mother was killed in 2001 by a Sûreté

du Quebec police cruiser, and Julie Matson, whose mother was killed in 2000.

The vigil also focuses on getting the media to recognize the murders in the context of the violence against indigenous people, black people, and people who suffer from mental illnesses.

In June 2015, progress was made when indigenous sensitivity training, developed and led by the Montreal Urban Aboriginal Community Strategy Network, was initiated. The training program took two years and thousands of dollars to develop, all in the hope of finally creating change. Nakuser, the Executive Director of the Native Women’s Shelter was not informed when the police decided to stop running the training, breaking the agreement that was put in place when the training began. Nakuser said the new training practices, which had previously been respected by officers, were instead being laughed at.

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SINCE 1944

NEWS

Release of the 2018/2019 SRC Strategic Plan The Students’ Representative Council’s Strategic Plan for the 2018-2019 year includes three pillars of action as designed by this year’s Executive Cabinet. The pillars, Longevity of Organization, Holistic Student Life and Cultivating a Culture of Advocacy, are to aid in the fulfilling of the SRC Mission Statement.

Organization Longevity refers to the efforts and actions being taken to ensure the Bishop’s University Student Representative Council (BUSRC), is active and running for future terms in order to fully and continuously represent the needs and wants of the body of students that make up Bishop’s University.

SRC Representation: Every year a new team comes into a place and a new impression is made on the administration. Years ago the SRC was not always seen in the best of lights, but with the hard work of the previous teams all that changed. Now the duty is to ensure that this does not revert to what it once was while making sure that we have recognition on all fronts and that it is equal recognition.”

“Money Matters: Focusing on The Gait, Doolittle’s and the SRC annual budget. Working to get new events on campus while improving ones that already exist to create a unique Bishop’s experience.”

“Transparency of Operations and Accessibility of Information: To ensure information regarding the operations and services of the BUSRC is available for access to the students. In addition, transparency refers to the way the BUSRC conduct hiring and the overall reputation and image of the organization The continuity of developing a holistic student experience refers to the way in which all groups of students representing the Bishop’s University community, are able to participate in events thrown by the BUSRC and feel like their needs are being met, inside and outside the classroom. This pillar is divided into three sections; Academic and Student Life Experience, and Student Empowerment and Access to Services.

Academic Experience: The newly formed committee, Student Success Centre is an integral part of the BU community. Its main function is to allow an open discussion and pooling of resources to create new and innovative ways to help the students achieve the ultimate success. Having new and revised policies will allow a more mutual and respectful learning experience. In turn, allowing all parties to be more accountable. Focusing on educating students on the current rights they have and acceptable expectations they should hold. One of the ways the SRC aims to bring forward positive change is through open communication, research, transparency and accountability. Striking the right types of ad hoc committees and ensuring students are always put first. One of the ways we can do this is by providing professors and students with the resources they need in order to be successful.

Student Life Experience: Bishop’s university is a small university and feeling at home and included in all things Bishop’s is a right that every student should have. By reaching out and helping to bring equal opportunity to all students, both Canadian and international, the SRC can evaluate student concerns and how to help them.

Cultivating an advocacy culture refers to the methods by which the BUSRC ensures for the safety and representation of all students both within the confines of the University and outside to other student unions. In this advocation, the BUSRC will place itself in comparison to other student unions to make sure the policies in place for our students are the best in terms of strategy, application and representation

Internal Advocacy: Internal advocacy includes the importance of physical and mental safety of all students. With discussion surrounding sexual assault on university campuses it was realized that a sexual violence policy needed to be put into place by May of 2019. The SRC will also be working with Student Services on bettering their offerings by keeping communications with them clear and open.

Creating events and encouraging discussion with university personnel regarding Disability Services and Accessibility for students.

External Advocacy: External advocacy and development encompasses the strengthening of partnerships with the Quebec Student Union and the Maple League. Increasing the Bishop’s presence and involvement in municipal, provincial and federal politics while engaging with student unions across Canada in order to find and establish best practice.

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OPINIONS

THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 31, 2018

Alexandre Marceau, Opinions Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com

Hubristic Historian: An Insult to the Black Community MOLLY SWEENEY Contributor

On October 16, the United States National Parks Service Network to Freedom celebrated their 20th anniversary with an event at the historic African Meeting House in Boston, Massachusetts. The intent of the evening was to honour the accomplishments of historians by commemorating the Underground Railroad. A group of 16 Bishop’s history students, alongside Dr. Gordon Barker, made their way to Boston to participate in the event.

The attendees were anticipating a beautiful and celebratory event, but were sorely disappointed when the keynote speaker began his oration. Dr. David Blight, a Yale professor of American history, who was invited to speak at the event, demonstrated arrogance and egotism while also managing to insult the entire audience.

Dr. Blight was presented with the most prestigious award of the evening and was invited to give a speech about his research surrounding the fugitive slave and abolitionist, Fredrick Douglass. Rather than sticking to the allotted twenty minutes, Dr. Blight went on for 55 minutes, promoting his new book, criticizing Douglass’s infidelities, and even making a dig at former U.S. President, Barack Obama.

The African Meeting House was founded in 1806 and served as a rendezvous point for hundreds of abolitionists and free black citizens. The building operated as a school, a church, and a town hall for the entire black community in early 19th century Boston.

Today, the building is a museum and meeting place that welcomes thousands of visitors and historians each year who find solace within its walls.

Its current exhibit on Fredrick Douglass displays pictures of Douglass in the meeting house addressing hundreds of abolitionists and inspiring them to rally with him to end slavery.

As Blight stood where Douglass once stood, the audience could not help but be struck by the irony of the situation and outraged by his words. He spoke of Douglass’s infidelities as a husband and a father, and poked holes in this celebrated abolitionist, a man that he was supposed to be celebrating.

Blight went on to tell the entire room that he was nothing before his education. Just minutes before this, we had heard millionaire Ray Rickman explain how he had been denied an education because of the colour of his skin in 1950s Detroit. Rickman battled his whole life for equal opportunities and Dr. Blight obliviously flaunted his white privilege in front of him. Blight was so self-absorbed that he failed to realize how insulting these comments were to Ray Rickman and the room full of African Americans with similar backgrounds to Rickman.

Dr. Blight exuded self-importance and didn’t seem to notice as numerous people got up in the middle of his speech and stormed out. Among those who left early was Lee Blake, a fellow award winner that evening. Blake has dedicated her life to compiling the works of Douglass.

Blake made sure that Dr. Blight was fully aware of her dissatisfaction as she stomped out, letting her heels click loudly on the wooden floor.

It is clear that Dr. Blight was lecturing for those within the Ivory Tower’s multiple institutions that have fawned

Self-Important Historian, Photo Courtesy Courtesy of The New Berry, from the collection Lincoln, the North, and the Question of

over him for years. Blight demonstrated that he is completely out of touch with the black community and is either unaware or indifferent to what Douglass means to their history.

For the Bishop’s students in attendance, the whole experience was an incredible learning opportunity, but not for the reasons it was supposed to be. Blight showed the students how privilege can blind you and demonstrated that even the top historians on African American history can be unenlightened on the subject.

It is a shame that those present were deprived of their chance to commemorate African American history as a result of Blight’s offensive and disappointing speech.

What is the Land Acknowledgement for?

MEAGAN PARSONS Contributor

We who are here to teach and to learn acknowledge that we do so on unceded Abenaki territory. Bishop’s University respects the diverse indigenous peoples connected to this territory on which we gather.

Most of us hear the words of “land acknowledgment” all the time. Maybe it is on a syllabus, at the beginning of a Donald Lecture, or a social event, but we have all heard the aforementioned message.

For a history buff like me, statements like this hang around in my head and provoke questions: what does this statement mean and what is its purpose? What does this mean to me as a settler or a resident on this land? What does this mean to the Abenaki and other indigenous peoples? What can we learn from these acknowledgments? What further questions can we ask?

In what spaces do we deliver these acknowledgments?

Where are they not found? What can exist beyond them?

I am not asking these questions with the intention

of answering them, because I do not have the answers, but rather to draw attention to the passivity that often follows these crucial statements of recognition.

A territorial or land acknowledgment is an act of reconciliation by recognizing the traditional territory of an indigenous people. It is a small but essential step towards reconciliation as it activates an awareness of indigenous cultures, a recognition of their history, and a way of showing respect.

Although land acknowledgements are important, I think they are only the first step, only a part of the learning process. It is not enough to continuously repeat this acknowledgment because repetition strips the statement of its power. The purpose is not simply to inform people that the Abenaki and the other Indigenous peoples exist, but to highlight Canada’s history of colonialism.

The statement is meant to cause discomfort by forcing the non-indigenous people, to confront their place on these lands and the history behind it; to get

people asking questions and actively seeking answers in hopes of bridging the gap. For this bridge to be built, though, we must actively search for the answers from the Abenaki voice and identify further steps we can take beyond the brief acknowledgement. The next step must be to consider what changes, as a Bishop’s individual student or as the university’s collective whole, can we make going forward in this reconciliation process?

For those who want to take the next step towards reconciliation, we should begin, not end with the acknowledgment. We should let it lead to discussions, which may challenge our awareness of our place as settlers and produce more questions and eventually, new answers.

This demands a conversation with indigenous peoples, asking tough questions and being prepared to hear the answers. It requires that we remain disruptors of the status quo: stepping beyond awareness and engaging in conversations and relationships to dismantle colonial structures.

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OPINIONS

SINCE 1944

Take Back the Night ANIKA MALONE Contributor

Gaiter pride boasts many beer mugs and little brown jugs, ridiculous costumes, and nights no one can remember. During those nights, the stress of the world stops and we come together to bond over Jager Bombs or Purple Jesus to melt away with our best friends, random strangers, and people we consider family. These can be some of the best nights of our lives, but for many individuals, these nights can be terrifying and life altering.

If we want to continue our wild and ridiculous ways, we need to unite and make sure that every member of our community feels they can do so without fear.

We’ve all heard the excuses: “Well, I didn’t know she/ he was that drunk”; “They shouldn’t have been wearing that”; “Well, you know, they were asking for it.” These are remarks which attempt to justify or ignore the issue.

Simply put, this is the perpetuation of rape culture. These types of claims are what make women and survivors alike experience fear on their precious nights out. What is supposed to be a time to let loose and escape the stress of the day suddenly becomes one more place to be tense and to fear the actions of others.

It’s time to take back our nights. Our drinking isn’t the issue, our clothing isn’t the issue and our friendliness isn’t the issue. Assault is the issue. The fault lies on the perpetrators and it’s time that we rewrite our narrative to represent this simple fact instead of blaming the victims.

As Gaiters, we are connected by our party culture. We see this from the moment we arrive and are embraced by an inviting orientation week that proves that we are, in fact, a family and while we party hard, we look out for each other. A tight-knit community implies a certain level of comfort, and if we value this, we need to continually fight to make Bishop’s a more inclusive and safe place. We love this school, we love our sendy culture, and we love our community vibes, but our family has some issues that need to be addressed.

Behind the scenes, events happen that need to be highlighted for what they are. Everyone needs to feel safe knowing that the community does not stand for the continuance of an abusive culture and that we plan to actively stand against it.

Of course, the extent of this issue is not confined to Bishop’s. It is an issue we see plaguing all universities, political systems, and daily lives everywhere. It’s an issue that reaches a larger scope and can be threatening to tackle, so let’s start the change with what we know.

Let’s join under the force of Bishop’s and begin the transformation within.

Bishop’s need to band together to make our voices heard. The night shouldn’t be a place that we fear; it should be ours to party away. “Take Back the Night” is an event to demonstrate that we stand for those impacted

by sexual harassment and sexual assault. We will march through the streets of Lennoxville to say that this is where tolerance or looking the other way ends.

Every Gaiter deserves the experience of feeling completely supported by his or her peers and bonded by the purple blood that courses through our veins. How can this be accomplished if we are not standing up to show our support for those who don’t get the privilege of a night out without fear?

Let’s Take Back the Night together as a unified Gaiter front to stand up against sexual, physical, and emotional assault.

Bleed purple. Bleed together.

Event Details: Thursday, Nov. 8th Start: 10:00 p.m. meeting on Optimus Field End: At the Gait to send it together the way we deserve. Come in your Snuggies, come any way you please. Just be ready to make some noise, stand strong and stand together.

Reflections of a Tree Planter JOSHUA HOEKSTRA Contributor

“I am in a deforested meadow that is sprawling with flowers, grass, and rows of tilled dirt. Today I’m working with Conor, a recent architecture graduate in search of adventure. Originating from Britain, Conor just finished being a ski bum in Fernie, B.C. and he’s strapped for cash – cash needed for more travel. And so here we are, pounding away in the dirt planting trees. It’s pouring and it’s cold; this sucks.

We’re working close to each other. Screaming about how gruesome our day is and how our fingers aren’t working. Singing, we’re doing anything to keep us distracted. Misery loves company.

Suddenly we hear thunder and we’re blinded by lightning. I fall over, start to shake, and then just run.

The thing is, I am not running to anywhere in particular because there is nowhere to run to. So I run and run then run some more. My heart is beating out of my chest and the adrenaline is pumping. Eventually, when I stop, laughter overcomes me and I see Connor beside me and now we both start to laugh. We high five, talk about how much fun that was, and go back to our work. Exhausted, in pain, drenched, cold, uncomfortable in every sense, and yet we are happy. We are alive and smiling.”

People often ask me why I love tree planting. Especially after I tell a few anecdotes, like the time my toe nail was ripped off or the time I got heat exhaustion so bad my body started to cramp up and I thought I was going to die. For a long time, I didn’t have an answer. Yet at some point this summer it clicked; I had an answer. Tree planting makes me feel alive. It constantly reinforces and reminds me of my own morality and humanity: the bugs, the pain, the exhaustion, the waking up in a tent for months on end.

Being back in civilization this year, I feel quite displaced. Society and the many distractions around me make me feel dull, a constant sort of buzzing. I don’t really worry about anything. Yet I worry. Something is missing. And I haven’t been able to find it on Instagram, Snapchat, or through getting blackout on a Tuesday. Life just seems way too easy. It seems like I am just going through the motions most of the time. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of school, work – anything.

We forget that life is for the living. We have to constantly seek that happy Pandora’s box, challenging experiences which engage all our senses. Tree planting is not for everyone, but all of us can find an activity that challenges us mentally and physically, so we can experience that irreplaceable feeling of being truly alive!

Photo Courtesy of Joshua Hoekstra

Every single moment, I am present. I am not anxious about what I am wearing, I’m not hearing about the latest celebrity marriage, and I’m not scrolling through Instagram feeling like crap. Away from societal standards and expectations I can be who and what I want to be. I wake up to beautiful views, breathe clean air, meet and live with other young people. We talk late into the night, experiment with substances and dance around fires. We go in helicopters, drive over mountains, cross rivers on barges, hike into remote areas. Working with my body and hands I am satisfyingly tired at the end of each day the way completing a paper at 2 a.m. never could be. I overcome challenges, grow and push myself every single day.

Graphic by Kate Schwartz

FEATURES

6 FEATURES

THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 31, 2018

Jess Lapenna, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com

Help Heal Your Sole!

MEGAN CIPRO Contributor

Did you see an encouraging note on the“Worthy Wall”?

Did you get an emotional boost during the midterms from someone else sharing an uplifting message?

The recent “Worthy Wall” programs were organized in the SUB building and Dewhurst Dining Hall, by the Residence Education Committee (REDucation).

The committee expresses their appreciation to all participants who made this kickoff project for the fall term a great success.

REDucation is one of the four committees coordinated by the residence life team and on-campus residents. It is intended to engage BU students in educating their peers about sexual health, alcohol and drug consumption, body love and self-care, consent, etc.

This semester the spotlight is on mental health. The purpose of the program is to sup-port and encourage our community by destigmatizing mental health and recognizing and validating students’ daily struggles.

The “Worthy Wall” project was aimed to share visible and accessible uplifting messages written by students to offer others an emotional boost during the midterm season

The Worthy Wall, REDeducation’s first event.

or overwhelming hardships one may have been or is still confronted with. Your stories will be printed and included in our final display to render them tangible, to legitimize them and to validate your challenges. We wish to receive a plethora of varied stories and to share them with you on November 12, 2018, during an on-campus exhibition.

We warmly invite you to participate via an online survey, https://goo.gl/forms/KWugPGtuTRJzugVr2.

We hope that it will convince you that you are not alone in the adversity you may be facing and that the burden upon your shoulders may be alleviated.

If you wish to get involved in The S.H.O.E.S. project, please send us an email at lturbide15@ubishops.ca or iaudet16@ubishops.ca.

Photo Courtesy of Isabelle Audet.

“The Worthy Wall” also served to prime the student body for our ultimate sessional event: The S.H.O.E.S. Project, or the Students Honouring Other’s Everyday Struggles/Stories project. This entails the collection of stories shared anonymously about personal struggles, whether these may be mental/physical health-related

On the Journey to Cultural Appreciation and Understanding ELISABETH PAUL AND EVELYNE VERRETTE Contributors

McGill Universities 17th annual Powwow was celebrated on September 21 in Montreal, but most importantly, it was held on Mohawk land. From raindrops to a sun-filled sky, it was a beautiful day to attend this sacred social gathering. Bishop’s students were all lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of it.

The introductory performance left us all in awe. The joyful celebration of life was evident through traditional drumming and dancing, The speakers thanked the birds for their cheerful singing that allow us to wake up every morning, the rain that waters our land and prevents us from experiencing dryness, the trees for giving us the oxygen we need to breathe every day, the mother moon for allowing us to count our days, and education for allowing the younger generations to have a stable and successful life in whatever path they choose.

Not only were the speeches powerful, but the showing of the feathers was impactful because it carried a meaningful message. The versatility of feathers allow them to be used for flight or to written expression. In either case, they allow one to express oneself and realize that returning to one’s roots is the road to self-awareness. Moreover, it was mentioned that one should also take into account that colours represent different

personalities, allowing one to identify with a colour and reach one’s full potential through their “spark.” Self-growth allows that very spark inside of you to shine to the rest of the world.

On the journey home, students were asked to describe their experience in one word. Here are the ones that stood out the most: “different,” “empowering,” “dignity,” “insightful,” “enriching” and “open-minded.”

The powwow took place on the main campus of McGill University, right in front of William Molson’s former abode, which was the territory where the indigenous village stood when Jacques Cartier arrived. During the very eventful day at McGill University and our overall experience in downtown Montreal, we had the opportunity to chat with different vendors and indigenous associations. The point that came out of every conversation was that integration is a lot more difficult than it looks. If acceptance, love and respect is what we need in order to live in a harmonious community, maybe a trip to a powwow could lead us to that place.

Want to learn more? Check out the film, Titulated Hochelaga. (Fun fact: at the beginning of the movie, McGill’s football team is playing against Bishop’s!)

Pushing the Limits MATTEO NOBILE Contributor

With the winter rapidly approaching, many varsity sports are coming to an end. Some of the Gaiters’ seasons have already concluded, while others are hoping for successful playoffs.

For the athletes still in season, the fatigue is at an all-time high. After all the practices, games, gym sessions and film reviews, on top of all the assignments, homework, readings and studying, motivation is hard to come by. For those whose seasons have come to an end, the temptation to catch up on sleep and relax after a tough season is tempting and maintaining a focus of academics is a struggle that requires additional discipline.

At this point, the ability to accomplish all that is necessary to be a successful student athlete is impacted by the effects of the sport. Although knowing that ‘student’ comes first in the classification of a student athlete, the distraction of glory through sport is becoming more and more prominent in the mindset of the athletes. Many sports psychologists address

the concept of an athlete burning out. This is when an athlete is unable to obtain their peak performance due to overtraining which affects both physical and mental abilities of the athlete.

Taylor Kauffeldt, captain of the Bishop’s Gaiters lacrosse team, expresses it this way, “It’s definitely hard to try and give 100 per cent effort to your team in order to succeed, and then turn around and give 100 per cent in classes, too.” He knows the effects of burning out very well as the team’s captain. Not only is he required to abide by the same regulations as the rest of the team, but he must also ensure that everyone is accomplishing what they need to thrive on the field.

Winning games requires much more than what fans see for the duration of a game. The sacrifice of a social life is usually what it takes to be successful. In most cases, a student athlete has to pick between a social life, academics or excelling at sport. If an athlete is good with time management, they can usually have two of those aspects of life. Sometimes an athlete will attempt

to make all three work, and it might all fall into place for a bit, but after a certain amount of time, they will feel the fatigue and their performance on the field or in class will show.

The life of a student is hard enough as many struggle with time management and being independent for the first time. The addition of sports makes it very challenging. The positives aspects, however, are what keep many student athletes afloat: the bonds with other teammates, and playing well and celebrating a big win always has the potential to reel the athlete back in and recharge them. Pride in their individual accomplishments or school pride is what allows student athletes to keep pushing when it seems like they have nothing left.

Student athletes are proud of the work they do on and off the field, but they are the first to recognize that just because they are doing what they love, doesn’t mean the athlete/student or student/athlete balancing act is easy.

SINCE 1944

FEATURES

Halloweekend BRONWEN HOLDER Contributor

It’s spooky season, and as all gaiters know, Halloweekend is by far one of the most exciting weekends of the fall semester!

Not only is it during midterms, but it lasts three whole days that could have been spent studying (but nonetheless, a necessary break from all the madness).

However, don’t be fooled, these three days take months of preparation in order to choose the right outfits. As we all know, three days means three different costumes.

However, the three separate venues make it easy to have a range of costumes, as each location is unique (with varying temperatures to worry about).

The first night of Halloweekend starts off with a trip to The Gait for the classic Thursday night happy hour.

With all the drink specials, it’s hard to resist going out.

As classes wind down for the day, students enjoy a few drinks with friends before heading to The Lion.

We get to dance the night away in good company all while being dressed like something we’re not. The Lion always maintains its reputation for being the energetic backbone of keeping the night alive.

On the second night of Halloweekend, a warmer costume is needed in order to survive the infamous

Photo Courtesy of Trinity Merrithew

outdoor Animal House party, where the party is wild, but the students are wilder. The music is loud enough that you can hear it from Provigo, and the party goes on until the last man is standing (around 3 a.m.). Unlike other

Halloween parties where you can dress in a bikini without repercussions, onesies and long johns are a must if you don’t want to freeze.

Here at Bishop’s, we end Halloweekend with a Saturday Gait night. This is when the weekend gets interesting as everyone is on their last legs of trying to stay afloat. The final touches on their third costumes are done, their final pre-beer has been consumed, and the final video they’ll be sending to Canadian Party Life has been taken. Finally, The Gait opens its doors.

Due to the great demand, The Gait needs to sell tickets to ensure they stay under their maximum capacity (so act fast!). Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., The Gait is transformed in almost a magical way, with revellers decked out as bunnies, kings and jailbirds!

As the night dies down and Halloweekend comes to an end, the smiles don’t fade from the masked faces because this is one of the best weekends we’ll have in a while. Well, until Gait Gatsby, that is.

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ARTS&CULTURE

THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 31, 2018

Maryclare MacIsaac, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.ac@gmail.com

Centennial Theatre Presents: A Musical Journey Through History MARYCLARE MACISAAC Arts & Culture Editor

Why settle for words when it comes to telling a story? Every story is better told with interactions, pictures, and music. Learn this for yourself and rediscover stories through music in Centennial Theatre. Centennial invites members of the community to gather on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. for Joue moi une histoire, in collaboration with the Association des auteures et auteurs de l’Estrie and Salon du livre de l’Estrie.

L’Ensemble à vents de Sherbrooke (EVS) was founded in 1982 by M. Brian J. Ellard, who was the first director of École de musique de l’Université de Sherbrooke, and by a group of local musicians. The founding musicians included professionals, amateurs, and highly qualified students who wished to join in sharing their passion for music.

Joue moi une histoire will feature works inspired by notable authors of literature and their works. Notable authors on the program include Shakespeare Pictures (Nigel Hess), Hans Christian Anderson Suite (Soren Hyldgaard), Les Couleurs de Tali (Thomas Doss), and Grimm’s Fairytale Forest (Jan Van der Roost).

Tickets to Joue moi une histoire are available for purchase at the Centennial Box Office from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets may also be purchased over the phone by calling 819-822-9692.

Tickets: Adults* (pre-sale / at the door): 15$ / 22$ Students* (6 years and up) (pre-sale / at the door) : 10$ / 17$ Children 5 years and under : FREE Services charges may apply.

Bishop’s Crown Jewel: The Old Library ANNA M. GRANT University Archivist/Contributor

At the top of the big wooden staircase in McGreer Hall, you will find Bishop’s University’s Old Library. Sometimes referred to as the “crown jewel” of the institution, it is a welcoming and traditional reading room with a woodpaneled vaulted ceiling, tall windows, and wooden furnishings that go back to the early days of the university and evoke the reading rooms of university libraries in Europe.

The Old Library houses the university’s archives, and within the archives we discover the story of Bishop’s University.

The school’s history is preserved in various mediums: correspondence and minute books, maps and blueprints, sketches and drawings, films and photographs, medals, trophies, bricks, an old dining room tray, a hockey puck, and even a croquet ball! All of this material tells the story of Bishop’s and reveals the richness of its heritage.

You, the students, have come a long way. The first class of students arrived by stagecoach in 1845 travelling over rough and bumpy roads. Studying was done by the light of oil lamps at rudimentary and comfortless wooden plank desks or tables.

This story began with fountain pens, gowns, typewriters and daily prayer or chapel attendance, and today, it continues with laptops, smart classrooms and social media.

The mission of the room is well suited to its own history. It has lived many lives and is currently back to serving its original purpose. The long-awaited first library at Bishop’s was added to the back of McGreer Hall in 1909, and soon after completion, it occasionally doubled as a lecture room or concert hall. In 1958, the construction of the John Bassett Memorial Library (now the Learning Commons) ended an era for

this elegant room which was later converted into office space during the 1970s when McGreer was occupied by Champlain Regional College.

The room suffered dark days, too, as it was crudely split in half horizontally to provide an awkward-looking second floor for extra office space. To add insult to injury, the attractive, rustic wooden ceiling was plastered with cheap ceiling tiles. But after Champlain moved into its own building in 1993, work on restoring the library wing was paramount and completed in time for the Sesquicentennial celebrations in 1993 and 1994. This phoenix rose from the ashes and the room regained its original name, the Old Library. When the Governor General was received there during the celebrations on the very birthday of the university, continuity with the past was further strengthened, for the space had once served as a reception room for dignitaries, welcoming Sir Wilfrid Laurier in 1912.

The history of Bishop’s is entwined with the history of this region, to which the archives bear witness. Today, the Old Library continues to impress visitors and researchers, containing approximately 6500 volumes of two of the University Library’s Special Collections, the Canadian and Eastern Townships collections, Photo Courtesy of Anne Grant and provides access to the University Archives and those of the Eastern Townships Resource Centre. The collection reflects Bishop’s ongoing commitment to act as steward of this rich regional heritage.

Used year-round by faculty, students and the local community, no matter what the research focus, the archive service and its activities strengthen the community’s own sense of its identity. As the university embarks on its 175th anniversary celebrations, it is fitting that the Old Library continues to play a highly significant role.

SINCE 1944

From Bosnia to Canada: Studying in a Foreign Language PAMELA PASCAL Contributor

According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s statistics, Canada is ranked as the 4th most popular destination for students around the globe wishing to pursue their studies abroad. In fact, no fewer than 494,525 scholars were originally from foreign countries in 2017. This symbolizes an important increase of international students in our country by 119 per cent since 2010 and 20 per cent since last year.

International students are often described as students who either desire to gain better career prospects through international studies or to simply become proficient in a foreign language. Speaking from experience, however, it is much more than that. Studying abroad has several benefits, amongst which are connecting with people, boosting one’s resume, and discovering new countries and cultures.

Allow me to introduce Kristina Cecura, a 3rd-year Applied Psychology student here at Bishop’s University.

Born in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kristina decided to apply to Bishop’s while visiting her aunt, who lives in Sherbrooke, back in 2016. They came to visit the campus and Kristina immediately fell in love with Bishop’s and applied as an international student.

Speaking Croatian as a first language, she has chosen to complete her higher education in English, while taking French courses as electives. Let’s see what helpful hints and insights this trilingual student has for us…

Before taking French courses at Bishop’s, did you have any knowledge of the language?

No, not really. In fact, I just knew some of the worldwide recognized French expressions and polite words such as: “Je t’aime,” “Merci,” “Bienvenue,” and so on.

Why have you decided to pursue your studies in a

foreign/secondary language?

Well, first of all, an English diploma is definitely going to open a lot of doors for me as English is the universal language that practically everyone speaks nowadays.

In fact, I would be much more limited with a Croatian diploma. Nonetheless, I love languages. Being able to speak more than one language gives me this whole new perspective on life; it is always nice to expand your horizons and understand things more holistically.

Do you face any language barriers, or have a certain area of comfort in French or English?

Yes, I am still facing some barriers, but it’s all a part of the learning process. When I first came to Canada, I had no experience in holding a conversation in English. My language knowledge was based on the courses I had taken, the movies I had seen, and mainly music I had listened to. Therefore, I would say that my comprehension was good, but having to suddenly express myself in English all the time was pretty stressful. However, after two years at Bishop’s, I got fairly comfortable with that, but I still can’t express myself quite as well as in my mother tongue. As for French, I would say that my grammar is the best. When it comes to comprehension, it varies: I understand everything my professor says, but I’m still not very comfortable with the Quebecois accent or slang expressions. To be honest, I don’t push myself to speak in French as often as I should.

I guess the downside of living in a bilingual community while learning one of the two spoken languages is that you always have the option to speak English. Thus, I do not feel the pressure to master another language as quickly as I otherwise would. Although overall, I am very

satisfied with my improvement!

What sources, online or physical, do you use to translate words or sentences that you do not understand?

When I am in a rush and I’m only missing a word, I usually automatically use Google Translate. However, if I need to understand the structure of the word more in depth, I use WordReference, as it is a great online dictionary that I would definitely recommend to anyone learning a new language. For sentences and expressions, I would use Linguee.

Thanks Kristina and good luck/bonne chance/ sretno in your studies at Bishop’s.

Be a part of the Bishop’s University Charity Fashion BREA LATOUR Contributor

For the past 13 years, the Bishop’s University Fashion Show has given back to the greater community. The show brings together over 130 volunteer students with a common goal to raise funds and awareness for a local charity. For example, the Fashion Show has worked to support NUHAB, the Bishop’s University/Champlain College student refugee sponsorship program.

During the time leading up to the show, the volunteers host fundraisers, fun events, information sessions about the charity, practice dance and walks, as well as put together all the elements for the big finale, the Fashion Show.

The show committee is getting ready to host the model and dance auditions. The model auditions are being held on November 4 in the Gait from noon until 5 p.m. and the dance auditions will be held November 2 in the dance room in the Sports Plex.

Any Bishop’s student is welcome to try out so come walk or dance. All models will

be scored out of 5 on their model form, their walk and their response to a personal question. For the form and the question, the key is professionalism and an interest in giving back. The walk will be scored on confidence, charisma and how comfortable you are walking in front of an audience.

During the dance auditions, you will be asked to participate in a quick warm up followed by a choreography piece (note: you do NOT need to prepare something in advance). Please dress in suitable dance wear (comfortable clothing you can move around in). For the jazz part of the audition, you may be barefoot, have foot paws or jazz shoes. For the Hip-Hop section, you must wear closed toe shoes.

The Fashion show Committee hopes to see you all on November 2 and 4! We are extremely excited to get the show on the road and to meet all the volunteers that will help us make this show the best one yet.

SPORTS

10

THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 31, 2018

Graham Childs, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com

Keeping the Dream Alive

Providing Opportunities for All in BU Intramurals

MARIELLE CARUTH Contributer

Many students are forced to abandon their childhood sports once they enter university. What’s the main cause? Being hit with the harsh reality that they may not be talented enough to make varsity-level teams. Regardless of their success during their primary and secondary school years, as young athletes enter their 20s, they are faced with nationwide competition and their dreams are quickly quashed.

High school is meant to prepare you for university; the stress, the workload, figuring out time management, and other “adult things” all contribute to such preparation. What many have discovered, however, is that the aspect of high school which does not properly prepare you for university is going from student athlete to simply a student.

Many students’ lives revolve around sports and they may even see athleticism as part of their identity.

Being a part of a team, being good at something you love doing, and simply getting physical exercise is a huge part of your daily life as a student athlete.

Suddenly having all of this stripped away from you in a new environment is an adjustment, to say the least.

Suddenly you are alone, part of your sense of self is gone, and you must find new ways to remain active.

Yes, there is always the option to pick up a soccer ball, football, or basketball and play on a field, driveway or road, but others yearn for a more structured way to continue playing sports. And what better way to do this than by joining intramurals?

Even if you were not an all-star athlete during high school, if you are a recreational player just looking to get active or to be a part of something, intramural

sports are a great way to let off steam and to continue playing the sport you love. You can play a variety of sports, such as badminton, basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, and men’s A and B hockey.

Further, intramurals at Bishop’s University are extremely inclusive. Both Bishop’s and Champlain students are eligible, and even Bishop’s staff and alumni are welcome to be part of the fun! If you are a beginner or are looking to improve in a specific sport, fear not – there are rules implemented to avoid having “stacked” teams. Varsity players are NOT eligible to participate in intramurals in their sport. However, indoor women’s soccer is an exception where there is a limit of three players with varsity experience allowed per team, as well as three players per team with varsity experience in basketball leagues.

Players who began playing soccer at an early age tend to love intramurals and claim that, “[they’re] competitive…and we get really into [them] which is fun but after the game it really doesn’t matter the outcome.” In the end, the participants just want to have fun. Intramurals offer students the chance to continue sports in a competitive atmosphere without the copious hours of commitment and stress associated with varsity teams. They love that intramurals allow them to play weekly without the added commitment of a varsity sport. Intramural soccer players even suggest entertaining the idea of tournaments! Students further attest that the university runs non-varsity sports extremely well. So, get out your gear and sign up. Intramurals are a great idea if you want to get involved at BU.

MARIELLE CARUTH Contributer

Keep the dream alive by competing in the intramural programs offered at Bishop’s.

Source: Bishop’s University

Most of the intramural sports that are offered are co-ed, with rules regarding the ratio of boys to girls on the teams. It is mandatory for two girls to be on the court or field at a time – a rule that is controversial for many players (specifically those who are female). For some, the rule is disheartening and feels as though girls are placed in an inferior position. Others believe it is a fair rule, as it ensures females can play, but think that it’s strange that it’s implemented in the first place. Another opinion is that by including a required number of girls on the court or field, very competitive guys are discouraged from becoming overly aggressive in these friendly competitions, ensuring no one gets hurt. If the rule was not implemented, teams could potentially be all boys or all girls, which would decrease the diversity amongst teams. This raises several questions: would students be able to create diverse teams on their own without this rule? Does there really need to be a rule that prevents guys from becoming too competitive or aggressive? Is a woman’s presence required in order to calm men down? For now, the rule doesn’t seem to be an issue for most and it does ensure recognition of the need for gender equity in BU intramurals.

New Policy Approved by U SPORTS for Transgender Athletes Anonymous

On September 27, 2018, U SPORTS approved a new policy with the aim of being inclusive. U SPORTS is the national brand of university sports in Canada and has a total of 56 member institutions.

Effective immediately, U SPORTS student athletes will be eligible to compete on the team that corresponds with their gender identity (provided that the student athlete complies with the Canadian Anti-Doping Program). This new policy, developed by the U SPORTS Equity Committee, was approved by the U SPORTS Board of Directors.

Lisen Moore, who is the Chair of the U SPORTS Equity Committee and who is also the Manager of Varsity Sports, Athletics and Recreation at McGill University said, “the members of the Equity Committee were driven to ensure that all students at our Canadian universities have equal opportunities of being selected to varsity teams regardless of their gender or their gender identity and expression.”

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports and the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport

and Physical Activity each helped guide this policy as well.Allison SandmeyerGraves, who is the CEO of CAWWS, stated that “diversity and inclusion are hallmarks of high-performing groups and are central to the future of sport.”

The new inclusive policy which caters to transgender athletes does not require student athletes to undertake hormone therapy in order for them to compete in the gender category that is consistent with their gender identity (USPORTS.ca).

U SPORTS works with over 14,000 student athletes and 700 coaches in 12 different sports. U SPORTS also organizes higher performance opportunities like Winter and Summer Universiades and multiple world university championships.

U SPORTS is the neighbouring organization to the NCAA which is the national brand of college sports in the United States. In a world that’s gradually becoming more inclusive, it will be interesting to see if the NCAA will follow suit with a similar policy. In the meantime, hats off to Canada for working towards inclusive change.

“We are proud of both the process and the outcome, and look forward to implementing this policy as we continue our efforts to realize and enact our vision, mission, and values.” -David Goldstein, Chief Operating Officer of U SPORTS

Canada’s university sport brand U SPORTS recently implemented an inclusive policy for transgender athletes. Source: usports.ca

SPORTS

SINCE 1944

Erika Scott named RSEQ All-Star Anonymous

The Gaiters’ women’s rugby team has posted one of their best seasons since 2009. The team finished the season 0-5-2, good enough for a 7th place finish.

Gaiters athlete Erika Scott is part of the reason why the team was successful this season as she led the team in several offensive categories. Scott scored the second most tries in the Réseau du Sport Étudiant du Québec with 12 in seven games. Scott was also an offensive threat with her kicking skills as she was able to post four conversions in her seven games.

Scott posted multiple tries over 50 yards in length and showcased her speed both offensively and defensively.

It was obvious that the last thing opponents wanted to do was to leave any sort of opening for her.Scott’s efforts landed her this year’s team MVP award in three different games, an RSEQ Athlete of the Week nod, as well as a Provigo Robert Lafond Athlete of the Week on three occasions (gaiters.ca).

Erika Scott of the Gaiters rugby team was named an RSEQ All-Star. Photo Courtesy of Gaiters.ca

The most impressive reward for her accomplishments, however, was being named an RSEQ First Team All Star.

In an eight team division, only 15 players are granted this title. Further, Scott was the only Gaiter to accomplish such a milestone. No Gaiter was able to achieve this triumph last year, but the women’s rugby team has proven that the future is bright.

Even though the cold weather has returned and the rugby season has ended, the team will still be training and competing throughout the winter. That’s right: the 15s season is done, but in the winter rugby is moved indoors to play Rugby 7s. Over the next several months, the Gaiters will continue to improve their competitive skills and hopefully Scott will continue to play at an AllStar level.

Stock Report: Montreal Canadiens PHILIPPE LAPOINTE-LASSONDE Contributor

Sell

The Montreal Canadiens have had an unanticipated hot start to the 2018-2019 season and Habs fans are elated. After an abysmal 2017-2018 campaign, to say that this team’s play is a breath of fresh air would be an understatement. With that said, it’s time to take an objective look at the Canadiens and to provide a stock report detailing the three best and worst player performances so far this season.

Karl Alzner: There are few positive things to say about Karl Alzner at this point in his career other than he seems like a very nice person off the ice. He is slow, struggles with moving laterally and is a complete nonfactor on offense. Alzner is perhaps the worst free-agent signing of the Bergevin era as he still has four years left on his contract.

Buy Mike Reilly: After being acquired for a measly fifth-round pick during last year’s trade deadline, Mike Reilly has absolutely flourished under Claude Julien. Reilly has demonstrated smooth skating, perfect breakout passes, great stick work on defense and a very threatening shot – something Montreal desperately needed since losing Mikhail Sergachev, Nathan Beaulieu and Andrei Markov. Reilly has emerged as the best-suited candidate to be partnered with Shea Weber on the top pairing once he makes his return.

Max Domi: A big part of Bergevin’s reset during the last offseason was a focus on improving the team’s attitude. Such an attitude shift was catalyzed by the Alex Galchenyuk-Max Domi trade acting, and although this shift has been criticized and ridiculed, so far so good for the Canadiens! Domi has been relentless on the forecheck, creative in the offensive zone and consistently wins his battles along the boards and corners. Domi’s transition to center has been seamless and his line with Artturi Lehkonen and Jonathan Drouin has been extremely dangerous. Although Domi has already pocketed two goals this season, he has missed numerous easy scoring opportunities making this the

Andrew Shaw is one of the players that Habs should look to sell. Source: Chicago Tribune

the area of his game in most need of improvement.

Tomas Tatar: What was originally seen as a near throw in for the Paccioretty trade has turned out to be another home run for Bergevin. Tatar has contributed to Montreal’s incredible forecheck all while averaging more than one point per game. Chances that this level of skill persists are slim to none, but the fact remains that Tatar has found a new home in Montreal after being rushed out of Vegas. Tatar has shown tremendous vision, passing, an accurate shot and great puck control, all while entering the offensive zone.

Honorable mentions: Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Carey Price, Brendan Gallagher and Jonathan Drouin.

Nikita Scherbak: After a strong end to last year’s season, it seemed as though Scherbak had secured a role for himself in the top 9 of the Habs’ forwards. However, after a disappointing training camp and perhaps even worst pre-season, Nikita has been a healthy scratch since the beginning of the season. He has shown to have all the requisite skills to play in the NHL and the potential to one day be a top 6 forward. However, he seems completely disinterested and unmotivated to play hockey so far this year. Nikita should have opportunities to prove himself if the injury bug hits Montreal, but if he hopes to stick around, he will have to show the NHL much more effort and determination.

Andrew Shaw: The issue with Andrew Shaw is not his ability; rather, it is a combination of his contract and injuries. Everyone needs an Andrew Shaw on their team. He is a good passer, tenacious on the boards, a shutdown defender, willing to fight for anyone on his team, and allows the more offensively talented players on his line to thrive. But with all the concussion issues he has had, retirement or injury reserve seem to always be looming over Shaw’s head. It is hard to see a scenario in which Shaw will play out the remaining four years of his contract with Montreal. Here’s hoping Shaw can keep a clean bill of health and stay out on the ice for as long as possible.

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SPORTS

THE CAMPUS OCTOBER 31, 2018

The Dark Side of Contact Sports MAX TAYLOR Contributor

Do the potential rewards of being an athlete in a contact sport outweigh the risks? Recent Studies are showing the degenerative effect of concussions and head injuries.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is the root of problems for many athletes. The symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, Parkinson’s disease, and eventually, progressive dementia. This list of symptoms is frighteningly long. The most common sport with links to CTE is American football. A study by the JAMA Medical Journal tested 111 retired NFL players for CTE and 110 of them tested positive. With that said, the NCAA estimates fewer than 2% of college athletes make it to professional leagues. Since that statistic is so small, it is often argued that people who don’t regularly train for contact sports are safer. Fair point. Except it’s not.

The same CTE study done by JAMA found that 48 in 53

Football is one of the main sports where athletes face the risk of developing CTE. Source: baltimoresun.ca

college players also had the disease. The training and play in college might be as vigorous as a professional league due to young players putting in extra effort to be scouted for a position. So let’s take it a step further.

If we extend the study back to high school, CTE would

still be found in three in every 14 players or 21%.. (That may not seem that high, but if one had a 21% chance of winning the lottery, one would jump for joy.) With all of this new research and information to connect contact sports to brain disease, the question thus becomes, “is it safe for children, let alone adults to play football?”

Bennet Omalu, the NFL doctor who is credited with finding CTE in players, has provided insight about how letting children play football could one day be considered “child abuse.” At the New York Press club talk, he stated, “someday there will be a district attorney who will prosecute for child abuse [on the football field] and it (the suit) will succeed.” With these new studies gaining more media attention, and the research available to players and organizations, it will be interesting to see what happens in the future to contact sports.

Graphic by Kate Schwartz

“L

and Acknowledgement: We acknowledge the Abenaki people and the Wabanaki Confederacy, the traditional stewards and protectors of the territories upon which we are learning. In performing land acknowledgment, we make what was invisible visible, and invite the land, the First Nations people, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into our conversations.

This act of naming – of inviting something into language – is an underlying principle of advocacy and lies at the heart of higher education. The etymology of advocacy is ad (to add) + vocare (call or voice): the origin of the word’s meaning is to give voice to something or to call out in order to initiate dialogue. The “ad” prefix makes explicit the importance of multiple voices – and by extension multiple perspectives. In this sense, advocacy compels us to acknowledge a diversity of thoughts and opinions as a starting point rather than as an ideal outcome. In institutions of higher learning, we have a responsibility to honour spaces for emerging and established voices to engage in productive, respectful, and sometimes even uncomfortable conversations where individuals are safe to speak truth to power, explore and challenge dominant ideologies, and call out injustices and inequalities in order to imagine new ways of existing.”

Dr. Jessica Riddell