The Navigator Vol 47 Issue 06

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Vol 47

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navigator VA NCOU V ER ISL A ND U NI V ERSIT Y ST U DEN T PR ESS

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Deck the streets with sturgeon and cheerleaders

Connecting countries with education

The third tier

VIU will be joining the Ladysmith Light Up and Nanaimo Santa Claus parades for the first time in recent memory.

"In response to the Syrian refugee crisis, VIU faculty, staff, and students have come together to initiate the creation of the VIU International Refugee Fund."

"There's something really amazing about alternate education, and this site is ground zero for significant change."

contents

NEWS

FEATURES 08

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08 04 shifts: Redefining our Paradigm Indigenous relationships

08 Editorials

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05 BC-born member of We Wai Kai Nation named new Attorney General and Minister of Justice

Connecting countries with education

14 08 08 04 Tartuffe

15 Unwrapped: A new peek into the product-packaging world

VIU Services: Food Services

Welcome to Night Vale book review

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ARTS

The voice of Rebel Mountain Press

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

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SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

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18 Hard work pays off

19 08 04 app reviews Health Mariners' schedule

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Netflix and Chill: O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Clippers' power play success at home leads to top-line scoring

Tzatziki and tunes: weekly live music at Marina's Taverna

Bulldogs beat Clippers in vicious victory Clippers finish strong, defeat Rivermen 4-3

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Deck the streets with sturgeon and cheerleaders Changes in Ottawa could be a "huge opportunity" for students, says Universities Canada

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Point of VIU

Movie night: Beyond Control

Mental Health Matters: Stigma

Seasons change at Pipers Lagoon

Shopping, burgers, and literature

Eat seasonal: November No more procrastiknitting

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Kicking the boredom out of board work

23 Calendar

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CON T EN TS

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letters

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CALL FOR RESUMÉS CONTRIBUTORS Hilary Britton-Foster Reid Eccles Farida El Sheshingy Denisa Kraus Zoe Lauckner Cameron Raynor (CUP) Jeff Sieniewicz Spenser Smith

Arts & Entertainment Editor Chantelle Spicer Elly Tomasson Sarah Torgerson

Send your resume to <editor@thenav.ca>.

THE NAVIGATOR IS Molly Barrieau Editor-in-Chief

Emily Johnston Graphic Designer

Kaytee Davis Art Director

Avery Crosson Graphic Designer

Alexandria Stuart Associate Editor

Gabby Fleming, Shaina Bolduc Ad/Sales Rep

Alyssa Morton Arts Editor Natalie Gates News Editor Catherine Charlebois Sports & Lifestyle Editor Kelly Whiteside Production Manager Lori Shwydky Copy Editor

Assumes editorial responsibility for the A&E section (four pages); arranges for contributions, writes reviews and features, and edits A&E submissions; monitors the editorial process for the A&E section and approves pages; gives approved pages to managing editor for final review; participates in copy editing for all sections and helps enter editorial changes on production Sunday, and distributes newspapers on campus.

Megan Wolfe Social Media Sp. Antony Stevens Web Editor Lynne Williams Bookkeeper Christine Franic Business Manager

THE NAVIGATOR WELCOMES READER CONTRIBUTIONS You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a journalist to get published in The Navigator.

We encourage creators to submit poetry, art, comics, photo essays, editorial cartoons, and coverage of events on campus.

Send any inquiries or content to <editor@thenav.ca> or visit <thenav.ca>.

All submissions must be original work of the author. Editors reserve the right to refuse submissions, and to edit for space or clarity.

Letters to the editor should be no more than 400 words in length.

The Navigator does not pay for letters. Opinions expressed in The Navigator are expressly those of the author and/or artist and do not reflect the views of The Navigator staff.

900 Fifth St. Bldg. 193, rm. 217 Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5S5 T: 250-753-2225 F: 250-753-2257

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L ET T ER S

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editorials

COLOUR ME FRUSTRATED Molly Barrieau Editor-in-Chief The other day, while wasting time at London Drugs, I came across a display of adult colouring books, and it wasn’t just the sale sticker that caused me to stop and browse. Catherine, our sports editor here at The Nav, wrote “Colour me interested” in our last issue, and we printed some cool mandalas for our readers to de-stress with. The following week, I was seen colouring the back page of our paper, printing the images again and again, searching for dry erase markers to fill the small shapes.

So, when I saw the extensive selection at the store, ranging from the original mandala, to winter and Christmas “magic,” I was convinced (thanks to Catherine via Snapchat) to pick one up. At $10.99, it’s completely reasonable for 70 detachable detailed images awaiting your choice of colour.

When I opened to the first page, I was excited at the chance, not realizing just how intricate the job would be. I gave up quickly, assuming that the washable Crayolas were my issue.

I brought the book and brand new Crayola markers with me to my mom’s house. Before I could show her my purchase, my sister drove off with the book in her trunk, professing her interest, and said it may return partially coloured.

I was so excited to show this trend to my mom, who has been looking for a creative outlet at home, that I ended up more stressed than de-stressed with the arrival of my new book. If I ever got it back, who knows what would be left black and white.

According to a recent search on Amazon, which garnered a CBC story, adult colouring books are on many online shoppers’ “most wished for” lists, making up nine of the 10 most popular books on the site. Along with about a dozen others, top-sellers include Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Doctor Whothemed books.

So, as I suggest to you and yours this holiday season to consider these trendy de-stressors, I also warn. Make sure you are prepared to share a page with a friend or sibling. If you plan on gifting one, do a little research and grab the right tools, wax, lead, or ink for your creative comrade. (I suggest opening the back page of issue five in front of them to see what they pick up to help.)

If you’re looking to skip the lines and find your own mandalas online, we provided links next to the ones we found and shared last issue. If reading is more your thing, open the pages and check out our story on Lori Shwydky, our very own copy editor, or our “Mental Health Matters” by column writer Zoe, who covers mental health stigmas on page 21.

It’s just too early

Alexandria Stuart Associate Editor

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EDI TOR I A L S

Never mind wearing white after Labour Day—if only it were so simple as stowing away those boat shoes and halter-tops. We’re far past the first weekend in September, and if you want to wear white, go ahead, fill your boots. Today’s battles aren’t nearly so frivolous as a fashion faux pas.

If I’m wrestling my mind back into the realm of academia, the soundtrack to an afternoon labeling school supplies should not be “The Monster Mash.” Let me have those last hazy days of summer. Please. And if you try to put pumpkin spice in my latte—or in anything for that matter—I’ll be throwing it to the ground.

My white capris are still hanging in the closet, but school supplies are crowded on Costco’s shelves to make room for flying witches and ghosts that hang from the ceiling. Never mind that I’m not ready to start thinking about falling leaves and bonfires—what am I supposed to do with the candy treats that line the shelves? Like I’m leaving the store without a sack of mini Mars Bars under my arm? Those things won’t make it to next Tuesday, let alone Halloween. And they knew it when they put them there. They knew we’d be powerless to resist. See, it’s just too early.

Once we start ordering our free-range, happy, hormone-free turkeys, I’m okay with double-teaming the lead up to Thanksgiving with Halloween. They both involve crisp leaves and a lot of orange, not to mention bounty, and I can live with that.

So I’m out buying candy (again) and there’s a flash of red on my cashier’s lapel—a poppy. But it’s just too early. If we’re still waiting on Halloween, put those poppies away. These days, we can scarcely clear one holiday or observance before we’re plunged face first into the next.

I respect the brave men and women whose sacrifices make our freedom possible, but can I please catch a breath before weaving that damn little sticky pin into my lapel? By November 2 or 3, even if I’m still pulling cobwebs out of my front bushes, I’ll happily put that poppy on (though

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it’s guaranteed I’ll need at least three replacements before The Day. No matter, it’s all for the veterans).

Which leads to the outrage du jour—Christmas before Remembrance Day. I firmly believe that Remembrance Day should pass before the carols hit the stores’ speakers. It’s just too soon. It’s an ultimate expression of tacky to start stringing lights before we’ve observed that moment of silence: 11 11 11. So yes, there’s an element of “the respect argument,” but, truthfully, I’m more selfish than that. I’m tired. I’m just plain tuckered out. For the love of Pete, keep Chris Kringle in the closet. Can I catch a break before beginning the long rev up to The Holiday of the Year? It’s just too early. It’s all so exhausting. But it’s even worse than that these days, because Chris seems to have trouble keeping his shirt on even in the face of Halloween these days.

Even once we’ve crossed into The Genuine Christmas Season, that isn’t good enough. We’re inundated by Boxing Day Sale ads. In the midst of the spirit of giving, they won’t let us forget that the best part comes after that—the spirit of giving to ourselves on December 26. Then, in the midst of Christmas and Boxing Day preparations, that baby’s out of the box—that damn New Year’s baby. I’m still eating jam tarts and they start crooning “Auld Lang Syne” at us. It’s just too soon. That champagne flute, well, that’s getting thrown to the ground, too.

Welcome January. For a while, we’re in the clear so we can pay down our credit cards and concentrate on getting the date right on our correspondence and assignments. Then February comes, with Valentine’s and Family Day. Don’t blink, though, because just when you think you’re out of the woods, you find that Bunny is hop-hop-hopping right behind you. We’re still searching for snowdrops, but the wait for those damn delicious cream eggs is over, dangerously early, in fact. It’s just too soon.

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BC-BORN MEMBER OF WE WAI KAI NATION NAMED NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE Natalie Gates

“Looking at this new government, it does seem to echo our need for positive The Navigator change,” said Lise Steele, the Director of Land and Natural Resources for the We Wai Kai Nation, based in the Campbell River and Quadra Island area.

She is referring to the fact that her cousin, and member of the We Wai Kai Nation, Jody Wilson-Raybould, is now Canada’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, as well as the first Indigenous person to hold this position.

Raised in Vancouver, Wilson-Raybould is a descendant of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk and Laich-Kwil-Tach peoples, and carries the Kwak’wala name Puglaas, which means “woman born to noble people.”

She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History at the University of Victoria, and earned a law degree from the University of British Columbia. WilsonRaybould then served on Council for the We Wai Kai Nation for two four-year terms, during which she was instrumental in aiding her community to develop a Land Code and moving out from under the Indian Act. The Land Code Wilson-Raybould helped develop is a framework agreement that allows First Nations to be more selfgoverning. “It provides a more realistic breadth of developing our lands as we see fit instead of someone in Ottawa doing it, which allows First Nations the autonomy to develop land,” Steele said.

Wilson-Raybould also contributed greatly to the creation of property taxation laws for the Nation. “If a First Nations community does not have their own taxing laws in place, the neighbouring one will collect that money,” Steel said. “For example, if we have a Shell gas station on reserve that is owned by the band, but we don’t have laws about tax, Campbell River gets that tax money, so it is in our best interest to develop those laws. Jody developed First Nations fiscal and statistical property

taxation and financial management, which was instrumental in bringing to our table those tools that are needed to allow for that transparent accountability we need.”

Wilson-Raybould resigned her council position to fulfill her commitment in her riding of Vancouver-Granville.

“LOOKING AT THIS NEW GOVERNMENT, IT DOES SEEM TO ECHO OUR NEED FOR POSITIVE CHANGE.”

“Our community is certainly proud of Jody,” said Vancouver City Councillor Brian Assu. “We were gathered around a computer watching the live feed and were ecstatic when the announcement came.”

In 1983,Wilson-Raybould’s father Bill Wilson, a First Nations politician, appeared on national television and informed thenPrime Minister Pierre Trudeau that his two daughters hoped to become lawyers and then Prime Minister someday, which was followed by laughter and a lack of support.

“It’s very powerful and poignant to be in 2015 looking back at that,” Steele said. “It’s serendipitous that the conversation went that way for both sides.”

While there is still more progress to be made, Steele said there has been much improvement. “I think there has been a transformation with Justin,” she said. “That attitude has changed, which is a huge step in the right direction, partly thanks to powerful leaders in our past that demanded change.

I see [that clip from the past] as more of a smugness on the other side of the table that was saying to Bill ‘Ha, yeah, okay.

Show us.’ And we did.”

Jody Wilson-Raybould tweeted this photo of her with Justin Trudeau.

Jody Wilson-Raybould

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Natalie Gates

one with the speakers and each other, Owen said.

In addition, there will be musical performances by local artists with stories of hope and healing, including young winners of Nanaimo Idol.

Vancouver Island loses more people to suicide than to car accidents and drug-related deaths combined. “This is fairly typical, but at the same time, we have a large First Nations population here on the Island, and that population accounts for about 20 per cent of the deaths,” said Owen. “Yet, even though it is so widespread, there is still very little education out there on how to support someone.”

The Crisis Society has held this event each year since 2006 and has tried several different formats; this year will be the first time it acts as an educational event rather than purely a time for remembrance.

Rather than charge a workshop fee, the Crisis Society will be giving back by asking attendees to bring a pair of socks and/ or shoes to be donated to locals in needs. Mambo Pizza will also be providing food in support of this community healing event.

The event is Wednesday, November 25 at VIU in bldg. 355, rm. 203 from 6 – 8 p.m.

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In support of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, the Vancouver The Navigator Island Crisis Society will be holding an educational evening on how to help those in need who have lost someone to suicide.

There will be speakers from the Crisis Society who all have experience coping with the effects of suicide, whether they have lost someone or have been exposed to it through working with youth and the community.

The speakers will provide participants with techniques on how to talk to people who have lost someone and how to deal with the loss of someone to suicide themselves. “We will talk about what could be most helpful to say if it is someone close to you who needs support, and what you can say to other family members,” said Heather Owen, the Community Relations Coordinator of Vancouver Island Crisis Society. “There are so many people out there who have lost someone by suicide, and there’s a round of influence, a ripple effect. Even if there was an incident a long time ago, if the subject comes up it can be re-triggered. People feel like if they cause someone to cry, they have re-opened a wound.”

Due to the sensitivity of the topic, there won’t be an open discussion, but attendees will have the chance to talk one-on-

“Even though it is so widespread, there is still very little education out there on how to support someone.”

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CONNECTING. COUNTRIES. WITH EDUCATION. Natalie Gates The Navigator A student from Saudi Arabia showcases his pride in the fashion show at World VIU Days.

Natalie Gates

“AMONG REFUGEES ARE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH GREAT PROMISE WHO HAVE LEFT BEHIND NOT ONLY A BELOVED HOME, BUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS THROUGH ACADEMIC STUDIES.”

On November 6, a band of drums and chimes filled VIU’s cafeteria with an energy that brought students and staff on the floor to dance and clap along. Along the entryway of the cafeteria, crowds of people browsed the booths that showcased information, cultural snacks, and pride from international students of many different cultures. World VIU Days is a time of celebrating, and this year there was an especially important announcement.

“In response to the Syrian refugee crisis, VIU faculty, staff, and students have come together to initiate the creation of the VIU International Refugee Support Fund,” announced Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. David Witty, on stage on behalf of Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor; and students, faculty, and staff who have formed a committee to respond to the Syrian Refugee Crisis.

Each year, VIU’s local World University Service of Canada (WUSC) committee sponsors two refugee students. This year, with an initial contribution of $10k from the VIU Faculty Association, and with all donations matched at 50 cents on the dollar by VIU, this initiative will fund and support a - DR. DAVID WITTY third student from Syria through the WUSC committee and its Student Refugee Program. In addition, it will also fund VICE-PRESIDENT (VIU) scholarships for university-aged children of sponsored refugee families arriving in Nanaimo in the coming months.

VIU will also be joining and supporting the Scholars at Risk program, which assists academics who must flee violence or persecution in their home country, and provides them with opportunities to study and teach at universities abroad.

“As we celebrate World VIU Days this week, VIU faculty, staff, and students are joining people across Canada and around the world in a commitment to do everything we can to assist hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who have fled civil war in their country,” Witty said. “Among refugees are young people with great promise who have left behind not only a beloved home, but the opportunity to pursue their dreams through academic studies and the rewarding careers and lives that follow. We think of those young people, along with our colleagues at universities whose work as scholars and professors has been cut short as they flee a dangerous and volatile situation and the threat of persecution.”

WUSC co-chair Jessyca Idi, an international student from Brazil, spoke about the importance of Jessyca Idi says VIU must continue to show the world it cares about refugees around the world. supporting refugee students. “Where Natalie Gates I come from, quality education is still

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A student from China showcases her pride in the fashion show at World VIU Days.

Natalie Gates

a luxury for many,” she said. “The pursuit of this is what led me to leave my country. The passion I’m pursuing in seeing my own education and the inspiration I feel really helps me emphasize with others that have no choice but to wait.”

Idi urged the crowd to get involved with WUSC by participating in events, volunteering, or showing support. If students cannot make the club meetings, they can participate in the event planning, volunteering at booths, raising awareness, doing media work, promotion, and sharing ideas, she said.

“One must not underestimate their own potential to change the world we live in and to make valuable contribution to society,” said Idi. “At WUSC, we say, ‘one volunteer at a time,’ but on the volunteer’s perspectives it should be ‘one step at time.’ Small actions for us are great efforts for those in need of help.”

In addition to financial support, the club must provide social support by welcoming the sponsored students and ensuring they successfully transition to Canadian life by helping them with things such as budgeting, finding tutors, and socializing.

“There is no way we can calculate the value of a human life, and yet statistics make us so indifferent to the individuals, families, and communities that are suffering,” she said. “Maybe when an entire country is lost, we will take notice. But by that time, generations have been lost and lives cannot be replaced.

By sponsoring a Syrian refugee, we are saving a life. We are making a new one possible. It is important to have students’ involvement because it is not just about funding—it is about raising awareness. WUSC Local Committees across Canada are all run by students, so if there is no involvement of students (if they don’t know about WUSC), the Local Committee and the work we do is not sustainable.”

VIU has students from more than 80 countries studying at its campuses, and international students comprise 17 per cent of the enrolment. Following the World VIU Days wrap up, some of these students put on a high energy fashion show displaying clothing from their cultures with pride.

The first fundraising event for the International Refugee Support Fund is December 7; more information will be available shortly.

WUSC meets weekly Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. in bldg. 255, rm. 135. Email <wusc.viu@gmail.com> and “like” VIU WUSC Local Committee (2014-2015) on Facebook for more information or to get involved.

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news

DECK THE STREETS WITH STURGEON AND CHEERLEADERS

The Ladysmith Light Up parade draws a large crowd each year.

Natalie Gates

VIU will be joining the Ladysmith Light Up and Nanaimo Santa Claus parades for the first time in recent memory with a bright float showcasing the school’s academic, athletic, and leadership success.

The float will feature a VIU band, student leaders, scholarship and award recipients, a DJ, cheerleaders, Mariners’ athletes, mascot Stewy the Sturgeon, and many lights, said Executive Director of Student Affairs and the float’s main organizer Carrie Chassels.

“The delegation will lead with a big rig truck, then a flatbed where there will be a stage for the band, followed by a white Toyota Tacoma truck for the lead speakers and DJ, and then a convertible for Stewy,” Chassels said. “It’s going to be pretty awesome.”

The float and delegation is a team effort. Some student The Navigator

Courtesy of <ladysmithdowntown.com>

ambassadors and volunteers are helping with the design and decoration of the float, the cheerleaders are developing their own choreography, and students from the trades programs are developing the large float by getting railings for the flat bed.

“The intention is to express appreciation for the people that helped us get to where we are today,” she explained. “The success of our scholarship recipients, student leaders, and the athletes performing at the level they do, they all have parents, mentors, coaches, friends, and teachers that helped get them to where they are. We’re here to celebrate and appreciate the people that lifted us up.”

The project has seen a lot of support from Deans of programs involved in the production of the float in the weeks leading up, and are expecting about 100 students to be in the parade.

“It’s great to see the positive energy we’re getting behind it,” Chassels said. “Sometimes people need to see something to

get a sense of whether it’s something they think is worth it or not. We’ve got a lot of awesome here, a lot of great things and creative people.”

The initiative to create a VIU float delegation was built on the smaller delegation VIU had in the Nanaimo Heritage Day parade in May. After that success, Chassels decided to get more support from the university.

“Hopefully we’ll build on it even more,” she said. “Once the word gets out, maybe we’ll get some more faculties and students that want to help out with it next year.”

The Ladysmith Light Up parade follows First Ave. beginning at 6:45 p.m. on November 26, and the Nanaimo Santa Claus parade is on Commercial St. beginning at 5 p.m., November 28.

Changes in Ottawa could be a “huge opportunity” for students, says Universities Canada Cameron Raynor The Dagligtale

Calgary (CUP) ­­­— Elizabeth Cannon, President and ViceChancellor of the University of Calgary, said students should be watching to see if the government follows through on election platform promises like co-op and internship opportunities.

“There are very important opportunities to broaden out the educational experience of our students,” she said. “We know that the world is becoming more global and we need to do our part as universities to help build truly global citizens. And I think mobility domestically and internationally can be key features to help make that happen.”

The change of government in Ottawa is a “huge opportunity” for Canadian universities, said Cannon—who recently began her two-year term as Universities Canada chair.

In the short time since the federal election, Cannon said Justin Trudeau has assumed a “positive tone.” She said the new government’s vision for the country is in line with the goals of Universities Canada.

“The government has signalled the importance of postsecondary education broadly,” she said. “We feel that we’re very well positioned, not only with respect to what we feel we can contribute, but where this new government wants to take the country.”

Universities Canada is the “voice of Canadian universities” at the federal level and advocates on behalf of 97 member

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universities. Each university is represented by its president, and they gather at least twice a year. At a recent gathering, Trudeau made a surprise appearance, which Cannon called a “huge signal” for Canadian universities.

The challenge, said Cannon, will be to get in front of the new MPs in Ottawa. “It’s going to take a bit of time,” she said, and that it’s important that Universities Canada is able to talk to new MPs and cabinet ministers and advocate on behalf of the university community: “We have to make sure that the university education, research, and innovation stays on the forefront because it’s so important to help drive the needs around talent, around productivity, and economic growth as well as strong societies,” said Cannon.

Priorities for Universities Canada include supporting TriCouncil funding, addressing aboriginal education and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations, building partnerships with the private sector and not-for-profits, and improving opportunities for students to learn internationally or out of province.

“Hopefully the things that we’re advocating for and the things we’re talking about reflect what students are looking for as well,” said Cannon. “We’re an ecosystem of university leaders trying to work on behalf of our students.”

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“We feel that we’re very well positioned not only with respect to what we feel we can contribute, but where this new government wants to take the country.”

– Elizabeth Cannon

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features

Paradigm shift: Redefining our Indigenous relationships Chantelle Spicer

Our society moves from one buzzword to the next: “organic,” Contributor “sustainable,” “green,” “growth,” and now, here in Canada, we have “reconciliation,” which I greet with open arms. Its meaning reaches far beyond its dictionary definition to exceeding social effects and redefining history, Canadian identity, and how we can relate to the land and all people on it. It is spoken by the voices of CBC, our government, the general public, and people of all ethnicities—it is a part of our current social psyche and it is incredibly exciting.

But what is it exactly and where is it taking us?

Reconciliation is rooted in recognizing and healing historical truths regarding the relationship between settler societies, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations across the country. These are truths that are painful, uncomfortable, and earth shattering; histories which are insidious and deceitful, histories which harm Canada as a community. These are truths that stem from colonization and the ideals that drive it, the creation of the “other” of our Indigenous peoples, the acknowledgement of the harm done by residential schools, and the legacy this carries. From this need to recognize the damage done by the past, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was created in 2010 “as part of an overall holistic and comprehensive response to the Indian Residential School legacy. [It] is a sincere indication and acknowledgement of the injustices and harms experienced by Aboriginal people and the need for continued healing.”

Reconciliation: When former enemies agree to amicable truce With this goal, the TRC traveled to all corners of the country, hearing the truths of individuals willing to tell their stories of survival in the face of what has been deemed cultural genocide.

Hosting seven national events, the Commission worked to engage not only Indigenous peoples, but all Canadians as work was done to understand our history and provide education on how this affects our current situation. After years of testimony—6740 witnesses and 1355 hours of tape regarding the inter-generational pains caused by colonization—the TRC released their final report on June 2 to recommend ways that we can begin to repair the relationships between indigenous people and the rest of Canada. It indicates that this relationship needs to be viewed differently in all levels of society, from government to schools, from hospitals to churches.

Societal shifts of this magnitude do not happen overnight— or even in years—nor do they happen without guidance.

Our new government is full of hope and promises of a more integrated Canada, but, as the Indigenous epistemic system teaches us, it is only through community that change is managed—in this case, global community.

The United Nations (UN) has been undertaking a framework of protection and rights entitled the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) since 1982, making it the most discussed international instrument for justice in the history of the UN. Created by Indigenous peoples around the world as well as the states involved in the UN, it emphasizes the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain their own cultures, traditions, and pursue their own development as sovereign peoples. The goal of this declaration is to encourage countries to work alongside their Indigenous peoples to the benefit of all— culturally, economically, and socially. UNDRIP is solidly placed as the framework to set in motion the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the recommendations put forward

by Canada’s TRC.

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UNDRIP was officially adopted by the UN in September 2007, with 143 countries voting in favour of its adoption and four against—the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. In fact, since 2006, Canada has made official public statements directly attacking the foundations of the Declaration, stating that it conflicts with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, especially Section 35 which deals specifically with the enshrinement of Aboriginal treaty rights.

By signing onto UNDRIP, Canada would be in a position where historical land claims could be re-opened and reviewed under human rights regulations. This is a realistic concern for the foundations of Canada as shown by the Confederation of Human Rights, which reviewed the treaties of various countries and found them all to be violated. In terms of the current Indigenous political paradigm of Canada, UNDRIP was poised as a powerful tool which could be used to reinforce rights in treaty negotiations. Finally, in November 2010, under pressure of other states with the UN, Canada signed on, supporting the spirit of the document, while stressing the fact that it bore no legal obligation.

Here in our own corner of Canada, with few treaties and the loud voices of Indigenous justice, these national and global movements sound like times of change. This represents a moment of time in Canada where we can truly begin to shift relationships between the government and First Nations, where all of society can redefine how we see one another. Here at VIU, there is a call to indigenize the academy, especially due to its presence on traditional Snuneymuxw territory.

This year, we have seen two totem poles raised in front of Shq’apthut, bldg 170; as well as the creation of the Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation within our own library walls. On November 2, VIU, the Treaty Centre, and Shq’apthut hosted a panel discussion on how the TRC and UNDRIP can be applied. Speakers included Jennifer Preston, who supported both initiatives; Paul Joffe, a specialist in human rights for Indigenous peoples who was actively involved in the creation of UNDRIP; and Craig Benjamin, of Amnesty

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International, in regards to Indigenous human rights. Leading the evening was Douglas White, member and former chief of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and director of the Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation.

The evening began with White stating how important initiatives like these are not only important to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, but for all citizens of Canada to begin to heal the truth of our national identity, leading to true justice for all people. “As Canadians, we are perpetuating denial of our history by not acknowledging these issues,” he said. As the evening unfolded, issues discussed included the trials of litigation for First Nations, which remove financial resources from the people who truly need them; the removal of children from their families, which now rivals the numbers seen at the height of residential schools and the ‘60s scoop; generational harm caused by institutionalized racism; and where we go from here in terms of how the government will react to the ruling of the TRC. As hard as this material is to face, it is through discomfort that we are able to question the current paradigm and create change. Much harm has been done to our nation, but this generation is not the one that caused it—we should not feel shame for things done prior to our birth; however, we should feel shame if we recognize and perpetuate colonial ideas and do nothing. We need to have the rights of all people recognized at all levels of Canadian society—government, economic, and social—and begin to heal the wounds of the people, of our cultures, of our history, and of our land. What we have before us are policies, standards, and frameworks, but this is not what creates an atmosphere of reconciliation. It is within us—individually, as a community, and as a nation—to create a new reality through which we can grow together. We are, once again, at the beginning.

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features

The voice of Rebel Mountain Press Spenser Smith

“I’ve always thought of myself as positions at a long list of presses, such as ECW Press, Beach a little bit of a rebel,” says Lori Holme Publishing, and Raincoast Books. She also teaches Contributor Shwydky, a fourth-year Creative at Simon Fraser University in the summer, and is an online Writing student at VIU. instructor in Substantive and Stylistic Editing at Ryerson That was Shwydky’s thought process coming up with the University, a course she created. first part of the name for her new publishing company, Rebel “After taking Joy’s courses, I started to think that it Mountain Press. The second part? Well, she loves mountains, was actually realizable. Before that, I thought it was just a but not actually climbing them. “I’m an armchair alpinist pipedream,” says Shwydky. because I’m afraid of heights, so I have to read about it.”

Shwydky’s pipedream became a reality when Rebel Rebellion. Reading. A set of seemingly contradictory Mountain’s first title, In Our Own Voice – 2015: An anthology elements that blend together better than you might think. of creative fiction by Vancouver Island young writers, It takes a certain kind of person to start a publishing was released in August of this year. company in an industry that has withstood sensational In Our Own Voice is a collection of creative fiction and headlines such as “Ebooks overtake paperbacks: is this the poetry by students from grade eight to 12 on Vancouver Island. death of the printed book?” (the Telegraph) and “The printed Submissions were received as part of the first year of the In book’s path to oblivion” <idealog.com>. It takes someone who Our Own Voice contest, created by Shwydky and her spouse is willing to take a risk, yet cares deeply about books and the Cherly Ann, offering winners cash prizes and publication of magical portals they can open. their submissions in the anthology. The prizes were paid out of Shwydky, small in stature, with short brown hair, is wearing Shwydky’s own pocket, and she says that the revenue from the a blank, logo-less t-shirt and blue jeans. She walks into VIU’s anthology will help pay the printing costs. Five contributors— campus coffee shop with her backpack slung over one shoulder, Morgan Cross, Lucy Dabbs, Andrew Jutte, Holly Moonen, and blending seamlessly, at 53 years old, with every other student Ashianna Ralynn—read some of their work from In Our Own who walks through the door. She seems a little nervous at first, Voice at Word Vancouver, one of Canada’s largest literary but when books get brought up, her passion is palpable. festivals, in September.

“I think I always kind of had a dream of having a publishing Cross, who won first prize in the grade 11-12 fiction category company. I love the whole book world, and just the idea of with her story “Sunday Morning,” says her experience with being part of it—it always struck me as something I really Shwydky has been immensely rewarding. “Lori has been a great wanted to do,” she says. mentor over the last few months. From helping me through Shwydky moved to the Island from Vancouver five years editing, to giving me the chance to read and have my work ago. She has studied everything from Environmental Sciences publicly known, she has been a very important person in my at Langara College to Video and Integrated Media at Emily life.”

Carr University, but the Creative Writing program at VIU will The theme for the contest was “issues facing teens,” such be her first completed degree. Her work background includes as self-identity, relationships, gender issues, body image, 25 years of accounting—not exactly what you would expect stress, sexual orientation, and environmental sustainability. from a Creative Writing major.

“I want to do issues that are relevant to teens. Things that Shwydky started her studies at VIU in hopes of writing they want to read about, things they want to write about,” and developing her own young adult fiction. She had the says Shwydky. dream of one day starting her own press, but never put much Gugeler believes the In Our Own Voice contest is a great thought into really doing it—until she took an Introduction to opportunity for young student writers. “I think that so many Publishing class taught by Joy Gugeler. high school students have creative aspirations and turn to Gugeler, who is also a publishing executive at Chameleon writing on or offline to express the turbulent feelings they Consulting, is an industry veteran, having held editorial experience at this stage of their lives in order to make sense

of them. Some publish fiction or journalism in newspapers or yearbooks, but a contest to be published in a book is a real boost to their career goals, as an impressive portfolio piece early in their life as an aspiring writer. It is a huge vote of confidence and great practice for their future.”

Ralynn, who won the poetry prize for her poem “On Survival,” says the experience has been dream like. “When I found out that I won the poetry prize, I was astonished. I had never won anything before, and I never thought that I would win a prize for my writing. I never dreamed that I would be published and get to speak in front of so many people, and especially at an event like Word Vancouver.”

In Our Own Voice is available in several bookstores throughout Vancouver Island, in high school libraries in Nanaimo, Comox, and Courtenay, and in the VIU and Vancouver Island Regional Libraries. The first printing of 100 books is nearly sold out. From young authors getting their first taste of publication, to the new friendships being formed, Rebel Mountain Press has been a success for everyone involved.

That success, Shwydky hopes, will help bring in young adult novel submissions in the future. Shwydky is excited about the prospect of Rebel Mountain Press publishing its first novel and says she has learned many lessons through the challenges she faced.

“The biggest challenge was the amount of work the whole process took. From the initial call for submissions to schools about the writing contest, to editing the stories, typesetting, design, and then organizing the book launches, and marketing of the book, it was a lot more work than I had originally anticipated,” she says.

Gugeler says she is proud of Shwydky and thinks she is exactly the type of person that the publishing industry needs to thrive.

“I think it’s a very ambitious and brave act in 2015 to start a press, but it’s also what the industry needs—a new vanguard of publishers with new business models and economies of scale that can spot talent and audiences and put them together. All hail the new generation.”

VIU SERVICES: FOOD SERVICES We’ve all heard of students who lived off of Mr. Noodles because The Navigator they simply couldn’t afford to buy proper groceries or make more nutritional meals. Perhaps you’re one of those students. There are also many students who buy fast food every day because, between classes and work, they don’t have time to cook for themselves. Thankfully, VIU has solutions for both.

Cafeterias tend to have a bad reputation. Everyone seems to think cafeteria food is disgusting and over-priced. VIU’s cafeterias prove that to be untrue.

There are two cafeterias on campus: the upper cafeteria in bldg. 300, and the lower cafeteria in bldg. 185, so no matter where your classes are there is food nearby. The upper cafeteria is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., while the lower cafeteria is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Breakfast is served at the upper cafeteria starting at 8 a.m. with a variety of breakfast foods to choose from. The Food Service Express provides a hot lunch, which includes French fries and hot dogs, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and there’s also a Panini grill available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a salad bar. Dinner is served from 4 to 7:30 p.m., and each day offers different options. Some days, you’ll find simple meals such as mashed potatoes, whereas other days you may find dishes that belong in a five-star restaurant. Often, food creations resemble something you might see on the Food Network. Regardless,

Kelly Whiteside

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the food is fresh, the quality is high, the service is fast, and the price is low. You can also purchase a Dining Card for the upper cafeteria, so if you’re too strapped on cash for groceries you still have money on your student card; if you put at least $100 on your card, you also get 10 per cent off.

The lower cafeteria, also known as “the vistro”, has a breakfast buffet with eggs from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. For lunch, there are two options: a grill menu that’s available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the Food Service Express hot lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays at the vistro are buffet day. When the Culinary Arts Program is providing lunch at the lower cafeteria, then the grill menu and buffet are suspended in favour of their delicious food options.

If you’d like to opt for a less crowded place to eat, there’s also the Discovery Room and the VIU Students’ Union Pub on campus.

The Discovery Room is also in bldg. 300, but offers a more formal eating area than the upper cafeteria, with five-star meals, fine wine, and panoramic views. Their lunch and dinner menus change every week as the Culinary students progress through their training, with level one students creating classic bistro-style dishes and level two students making more west coast contemporary food. The Discovery Room is open Tuesday through Friday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. for dinner. On Thursdays and Fridays, Hospitality students act as managers, bartenders, and servers in the dining room for both lunch and dinner.

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Reservations are recommended, and menus can be found online at <www2.viu.ca/discoveryroom/index.asp>.

The Students’ Union Pub is located in bldg. 193, and offers a casual restaurant space to eat, drink, and talk before, after, or between classes. If drinking a beer on a weekday on campus doesn’t interest you, they also offer non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate. When you’re done your meal, feel free to stick around to watch TV or play some pool with friends. The pub hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 11:30 a.m. to midnight Thursdays, but they stay open later for special events, such as open mic nights, karaoke, and music trivia sometimes on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

If none of the above meets your needs, there’s always Jumpin’ Java by the library, or Subway in bldg. 165.

With all the options for cheap, delicious food on campus, there’s no excuse to not eat something a little more nutritional than Mr. Noodles every now and then.

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features

THE. THIRD. TIER. Natalie Gates The Navigator

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F E AT U R ES

Walking through the bustling hallways of Nanaimo District Secondary School (NDSS), Brett Hancock smiles at, and fist bumps, every student he passes. Smiles form on their faces as they greet him back. “I learned a lot from traveling, but I sure as hell didn’t learn much in high school,” he says.

“The goal with these programs is to let students learn valuable things—like the acceptance of others, empathy, and respect.”

Brett’s wearing pointy leather shoes with an intricate gold design, a stylish blazer over a t-shirt, and various ear piercings that make him look more like a rock star than a high school teacher. He oversees the alternative schooling programs of Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District 68, known as “Tier 3,” which NDSS hosts alongside its mainstream classes for students with debilitating challenges in their iives, such as poverty, addiction, or mental health issues.

He comes to the first doorway of the Tier 3 wing, the OWL room. OWL stands for Outreach and Wellness Learning; it’s a short-term program intended to help students with major mental health difficulties, from serious anxiety to anger management issues. Inside, one student is gesturing to a bite mark on his cheek and talking about his run-in with a cocaine addict the other night. “Did it break the skin?” Hancock asks. Yes, it did.

In its third year, the OWL program teaches personal strategies such as mindfulness, anxiety reduction, and anger management. Its main purpose, however, is to provide a supportive place for students with serious mental health difficulties who might otherwise not be able to attend school. It’s a joint venture with the school district, Vancouver Island Health, Discovery Youth and Family Services, Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Nanaimo and Area Resource Services for Families (NARSF), and Nanaimo Family Life. Like all of the Tier 3 programs, students come to OWL from schools all over Nanaimo, after a screening by a committee that ensures the program is suitable for the student.

“OWL is short term, ideally on a part-time basis, and they come in with the intent to remain connected to their original schools because that’s where they would go back to school,” says Tom Boston, the primary teacher for OWL. “Some students in OWL take classes at NDSS part-time as well.”

Hancock thinks being on-site at NDSS is key to OWL’s effectiveness. “They’ve had a ton of success; they have students transitioning to other Tier 3 programs and taking mainstream classes at NDSS. Some are involved with the fine arts, which is huge to see. They wouldn’t have that opportunity off-site. I think some of the other

programs might benefit from being off-site, but not this one.”

Back out in the hall, several boys in muscle shirts and shorts are heading to the gym with a staff member.

“Gunna get a nice big swell on?” Brett teases.

“You know it,” they call back.

The boys are from the AbOut program, which stands for Aboriginal Outreach, or Adventure Based Outdoor Learning. In its fourth year, AbOut is geared toward vulnerable grade nine to 12 students and helps them complete their graduation requirements in unique ways. Being Aboriginal is not a requirement to enroll, and a few students are not, but Aboriginal culture is a large focus.

Students learn about career options and participate in experiential learning in the community, such as construction, farming, landscaping, maintenance, and carving. These non-traditional classes help engage the students, and inspire them to take on their own projects.

“One student made a Dragon’s Den-type proposal for a logo for the AbOut program,” Hancock says.

“It was a raven, which is known as a wise trickster, to symbolize the kids. It blew me away, the way that student sold his idea.”

The family-like element is what keeps the program together, says teacher Kathi Clapoff, who is known as the mother-figure of AbOut. “We have some older students who are really strong and act as Elders and leaders,” Clapoff says. Relationships and culture drive the program, which has built strong relationships with the Snuneymuxw and Snaw-Naw-As First Nations, Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre, and the Young Professionals of Nanaimo for support, which helps grow their self-esteem and goal-setting skills.

“The Circle of Courage is also a big focus,” Hancock says. The Circle of Courage is a metaphor used in education that says students must have a feeling of belonging in order to have a chance to become independent and the ability to show generosity. Without belonging, independence and generosity can’t happen. “And humour is a very important part of teaching. They learn to be able to laugh at themselves.”

Clapoff agrees that AbOut provides a sort of sanctuary to students. “There are kids that come in some days under the influence, but they come right into the AbOut room. AbOut is like home.

It gives them a sense of belonging, a safe place, and lets them focus on where they want to be.”

Across the hall is the room for the Ravens’ Lelum Teen Parenting Centre, a program for young parents to fulfill academic goals. In its third year, the Raven program was created as an extension of AbOut when enrollment numbers grew too big.

“It’s kind of like the dads are in AbOut and the moms are in Raven,” Hancock says. “At first we wanted them together to focus on joint parenting skills, but the kids seemed to need a break from each other sometimes.”

That, and the fact that having several babies in the room at once can make for quite a crowded space; this way, the mothers are able to bring their kids to school and interact with them.

Raven and AbOut graduation rates are up 20 per cent over the last six years, and more Aboriginal students have graduated from the program than at any other school in SD68, says Hancock.

Next door is the VAST room. VAST is designed for youth who struggle with behavioural, social, emotional, and/or addiction issues. It was previously located off-site but moved to NDSS in 2014.

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Seventeen-year-old Anna Rios is a VAST student set to graduate in June. After a couple of years alternating between the AbOut program and mainstream classes at two different high schools, she made the transition to the VAST program last semester.

“There’s a lot of support here,” Anna says.

“Brett has helped me hand out resumés, and if you ask a teacher for help, they help you, even on weekends. Sometimes the boys are too loud, but I like to see my brothers actually getting stuff done.”

Anna has known since age 12 what she has wanted to do when she graduates. “I want to get a Bachelor’s in Criminology and then go to law school to be a prosecutor,” she says. “I’ve applied to universities in Alberta, Toronto, Vancouver, and Seattle—and VIU.” It has not been all smooth sailing for the Tier 3 programs, of course. VAST Social Studies and English teacher, Chuck Young, sees the move to NDSS as a hindrance to student success.

“It was a big mistake moving us on campus,” Chuck says. “There are too many distractions, so it’s difficult to build a solid, positive culture, because there is a very wide variety of students, which makes the curriculum much harder to organize.”

Hancock explains that some students finish their high school classes while starting in the trades programs at VIU. This is done through the Career and Technical Centre (CTC), another innovative district program. Other students that may not have completed all the courses that are required for the program they want to attend at VIU will connect with Adult Basic Education.

“Many Tier 3 students take a number of tours to see all that VIU offers, and we try to connect them to staff at VIU that can be a positive support,” Hancock says. “And some of our students have gone straight to VIU degree programs with great success.”

Back at the main office, Vice-Principal and District Transitions Advisor Bob Brooks explains that he wants to build a new model for alternate learning that will maximize student success.

“I want to create better systems to track interventions and make it consistent for all students. Then the student can truly be able to say, ‘This is my portrait; this is where I’ve had difficulties and successes; this is how I learn best,” he says. “We would be able to apply much more accurate data on how students are learning, and if we did that, we would be able to revolutionize how we approach the supports for students.”

Bob explains that the system has been plateauing; while there are spikes of success, often times the students are waiting for the bar to be raised so they can go onto something else.

“It takes a special kind of teacher. It also takes that next step,” he says. “When we have these students come to us, we need to identify what we need to work on and communicate that back to the schools they come from and provide the supports we need, because would it not be our goal to get them back to a level where we can support them to be even more successful?”

“The people that we have working in our alternate programs are unbelievable,” he continues. “I get a tear in my eye every time I talk to them. Not because of the bad situations, but because of the hope, energy, will, and skill that our staff has. There’s something really amazing about alternate education, and this site is ground zero for significant change.”

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features

POINT OF VIU

“WHEN IS IT TOO EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS?”

JEFF SIENIEWICZ | CONTRIBUTOR .

EDWARD NEAGA

DANIEL LIN

LAUREN THOMAS

Computer Science

Psychology

Biology

“Any time before December 1, for decorations or music, is too early for me. Giftbuying before that is fine, but just no decorations or anything in your face.”

“December would be good.

I’ve already seen stores selling Christmas stuff, and for me that’s too early.

It just doesn’t feel like Christmas yet.”

PAULINE SAWYER-TARFIELD

“Anything before Remembrance Day is too early, because I think there are more relevant events going on around Remembrance Day than putting up Christmas lights or things of that nature.”

Child and Youth Care “The stores usually start right after Halloween on November 1. But I think that’s too early. At least wait until after Remembrance Day—that would be better.”

RILEY PROUT Bachelor of Science “Anything before December 5 is too early, because inside 20 days is when you start thinking about buying gifts for lots of people—if you even can as a college student.

And anything decorative in October is just silly and capitalistic.”

Seasons change at Pipers Lagoon 1 2

3

Spenser Smith

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Contributor

1 — A patch of Junegrass bends in the wind. In April 2003, invasive species, such as Himalayan Blackberry and Scotch Broom, were removed along the main walkway, and native plant species, including Junegrass, were replanted.

2 — A piece of driftwood lays halfsubmerged in the ocean.

3 — A great blue heron hunts in the lagoon. Pipers Lagoon is home to many other bird species, including the bald eagle, the ruby-throated hummingbird, and the mourning dove.

4 — Waves crash over loose rocks. The lagoon has a unique mix of landforms, including tombolos, lagoons, spits, bays, and beaches.

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F E AT U R ES

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TEAMWORK

PURPOSE

PASSION

SOCIETY

The Navigator

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F E AT U R ES

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VALUE ENERGY

DESIRE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

GROWTH

NETWORKING

STRENGTH

FRIENDSHIP COORDINATION LEADERSHIP

Alexandria Stuart

There are three non-profit societies directly connected to VIU, funded in part by student fees, and actively involved with students: Radio Malaspina Society (RMS) for CHLY Radio; the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (VIUSU); and The Navigator Newspaper Society (NNS), responsible for the editorial direction and publication of VIU’s bi-weekly student newspaper.

As recipients of student funding, their mandates include striving for the betterment of student life and expression, and providing access to media.

The work they do takes funding, staff, resources, and frameworks.

Non-profit societies are critical in our communities because they take on the kind of work that for-profit businesses often find unprofitable. Enter the non-profit board of directors. They’re the ones who drive the ship and keep it on track, meeting their mandate and serving their members in a transparent way.

“It’s a privilege to be on the board of a non-profit,” says Jesse Woodward, RMS Acting President. “You’re doing good work—not so much for the financial reward, but the other kinds of rewards you get from being part of an organization.”

Kelly Whiteside serves on the RMS Board as well as VIUSU. “Non-profits are about doing things for the community rather than the money. They do things because that’s what they want to do. I admire that,” she says. “I like helping out wherever I can. I like knowing that I’m making a difference wherever I am, and that what I’m doing actually matters.”

Ben Chessor, new President of the Board of Directors for NNS says, “I’m really thrilled to be President. As an alumni and former editor of The Nav, I joined the Board because I wanted to give something back to the organization that gave me so much. I wanted to make sure I did my part to keep something which contributed a great amount to my own personal growth, so that others could get the same benefits that I did.” He’s also excited to bring his front line experience at The Nav behind the scenes, and learn more about the inner workings. “You really have no idea how much behind-the-scenes work really goes into an organization like this one.” He looks forward to using his experience to “pay it forward,” while learning valuable skills for his professional life.

Non-profit societies are tasked with the challenge of recruiting people who will be a good fit. “It’s really important that a board is actively looking for members (students or others) to be on their board,” Woodward says,.“You don’t want to have just anybody show up. You want to ensure that you have people who can actively contribute to your board.” Ideally, members will have skill sets that enhance the board’s work. But in the absence of particular skills, energy, desire, and enthusiasm can go a long way, he says.

VIU’s non-profit societies each require a majority of current students (as opposed to alumni, faculty, or community members) make up their Boards of Directors. The spirit of these requirements is to safeguard the nature of these organizations as “student-led.” This is a challenge where

COMMUNITY

there aren’t enough students stepping forward to fill the positions to satisfy those requirements. The student population tends to be transient, and Board vacancies are common. Without ongoing recruitment activity, and a pool of members to draw on for Board service, a society can be forced to operate without enough student representation, in contravention of its own bylaws, which is a violation of the BC Societies Act which governs the rights and responsibilities of non-profits.

“It’s incredibly important for those who are members of an organization to ensure that they’re electing a board that will work for the society…they have to have the organization’s best interests at heart,” Woodward says. A strong board of directors with expertise in a variety of areas will keep the society’s mission statement in mind while guiding their actions and planning activities. “The expertise made available through a strategically-created board is invaluable to provide direction and support to management and strengthen an organization,” says Kim Smythe, Executive Director for the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

There are many benefits that can draw members to non-profit board work. As a Director-at-Large with VIUSU, Whiteside says, “Since becoming a Board member, I’ve become aware of all the amazing things the Students’ Union does, such as advocacy and services, and I’ve experienced a more fulfilling social life by volunteering at events and talking with other students.

As a Board member, I’m a leader at the university; I’m the one that people go to when they need help or when they want to know what’s going on around campus. I have the privilege of making important decisions that impact students’ lives. And most of all, I enjoy what I do.” Opportunities to network and boost their resumés by learning new skills also help board members find jobs, says Sandeep Chauhan, RMS Member-at-Large.

Board members often choose to serve because they have a vision for the organization and wish to be part of implementing it. “CHLY is VIU’s radio station, but I feel like it’s currently more community-run and communityoriented, which makes sense since it’s broadcast to the public,” Whiteside says. “But, as a student, I’d like to make it a little more student-focused.”

Chauhan, also a former NNS Board member, says that the society’s membership and Board haven’t always been very active. Chessor saw that the NNS Board needed strengthening, and wanted to be part of the solution: “A lot of issues need to be addressed so that everything can continue to run smoothly on the front lines.”

Implementing these visions can be easier said than done. A president with a strong understanding of where the society wants to go is essential, Chauhan says. “To have an active board, you have to have an active membership.”

While board members provide ideas and leadership, they rely on the general membership for additional volunteer assistance in committee work or during events and fundraising. Sometimes, activating that membership can require brutal honesty if the situation is dire, he says, but a personal

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investment in the future wellbeing of the society can be a good motivator.

Societies are living organisms, and their boards need care and feeding like any other human-driven aspect of business. Healthy boards nurture healthy memberships, and vice versa. Unfortunately, their reliance on volunteers, often well-meaning, but not necessarily well-equipped with the time or skills to complete tasks, makes societies vulnerable. Maintenance of a society’s Constitution and Bylaws is the cornerstone of the board’s work; everything flows from those documents.

“Bylaws are important,” Chauhan says. “I’ve seen what happens when a board and its staff haven’t followed policy and bylaws—have run roughshod over those policies—and what happens is, if you don’t follow these things, eventually they just fall away.” He equates the resulting lack of board cohesion with the Wild West. “I’ve seen consequences for a new board coming in without guidance, how difficult that can be.”

There can be a tendency to exempt board members from the kind of scrutiny or standards that “real workers” would be expected to uphold.

The consequences for their actions, or inaction, can be heavy for the society and its membership. A board can, collectively, even choose go to sleep for the entire year between their annual general meetings. Unless someone happens to wake them up, the organization’s staff are often left to fend for themselves, fulfilling their duties as best they can without any direction or oversight. This is not uncommon in the non-profit world, and can prove to be disastrous for an organization, ultimately causing its downfall. “Every non-profit society has its issues. It’s up to its members to deal with it,” Chauhan says.

Two years ago, the RMS underwent significant change. The Board at the time wasn’t meeting its mandate to the satisfaction of many of its members, and the society’s financial position was suffering. After a well-attended annual general meeting, a new Board of Directors was brought in, and the situation is getting back on track with CHLY focused on producing radio programming. Under the direction of an energized and engaged Board of Directors, the financial picture has improved and plans are being made.

Those plans include improving operations and putting safeguards in place, through the society’s bylaws, to prevent similar breakdowns in the future.

“We’re coming in to a really exciting time at RMS because there’s so much potential for that positive change,” Chauhan says. “There are four new students on the Board that seem really gung-ho to learn. When they learn, I learn new things too, so I’m really excited for that.”

There can also be a deeper satisfaction in non-profit work, Chauhan says. “Part of it is about trying to find your tribe or your place to belong. It gives you a sense of place, of trying to get some kind of work done—be it participating in governance or critiquing something—all of these things are about trying to find your place in the world, and trying to find your footing.”

The Boards for NNS and RMS are still seeking additional student members.

The work is rewarding, but it is work.

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ENTHUSIASM HAPPINESS

NON-PROFIT

FUNDING

SUPPORT DIRECTION

HEALTH

GOOD FIT

KICKING THE BOREDOM OUT OF BOARD WORK

VOLUNTEER

BENEFIT

COLLABORATION

NON-PROFIT SOCIETIES DO MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF WORK—THERE’S VIRTUALLY NO SECTOR THAT DOESN’T INCLUDE NON-PROFIT SOCIETIES: Nanaimo is home to over 200 associations and non-profit societies, including the Association for BC Arts Councils, the Association des Francophones de Nanaimo, and the Autism Society of BC. Further down the alphabet there’s a myriad of others, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Nanaimo, Cedar Community Hall, Habitat for Humanity Nanaimo Society, Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services Society, Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society, Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society, Nanaimo Unique Kids Association, Nanaimo Youth Services Association, Supporting Employment Transitions, Tillicum Haus Society, Volunteer Nanaimo, Haven Society, and Options for Sexual Health. Building houses, caring for the vulnerable, feeding the poor, building better business—these are just a handful of the kinds of work that non-profit societies take on.

NON-PROFIT GOVERNANCE 101: A typical board of directors includes a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary, with other Member-at-Large positions to make up a maximum number of directors.

The BC Societies Act requires a copy of each society’s Constitution and Bylaws for its files. These documents outline the mandate or purpose of the society; the requirements for board makeup, membership, and management; procedures for meetings and elections; provisions to report to members on the activity of the board and its record keeping; rights, responsibilities, and duties of the Executive Director (ED); and other elements dictated by the needs of the society.

The board of directors refers to its mandate when developing action items that are executed by committees and/or paid staff. The ED typically manages the execution of the organization’s work. This person will fill positions that have been created, approved by, and budgeted for, by the board; and is responsible for managing staff in their execution of their job descriptions. The board typically avoids direct contact with staff, relying on their ED liaison to receive reports from, and resolve issues, as necessary.

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arts

Tartuffe Elly Tomasson

The first two weeks of November passed in a blur for the students and instructors at the VIU Theatre, putting together a stunning production of Moliere’s comedy Tartuffe. The classic play follows the story of a family who is duped into signing away their entire fortune to a religious con-artist, who has manipulated his way into earning the trust of the head of the household.

The show’s construction started the last week of September, giving the department just over a month to bring everything together. The shows put on by

Contributor

the Theatre Department are designed, directed, and produced by professionals in their fields, but the students of the program are the ones who build it, and keep it all running smoothly. When asked about the weeks leading up to Tartuffe, stage manager Holly Karpuik, a student of the program, said, “This group of people works really well together, has a lot of faith in the show, and tries to make everyone else’s jobs easier, which is why it came together so well.” The next event coming up for these students is the Gong Show presented

by Satyr Players, November 27, for one night only.

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1 — Full cast; director Theatre Professor Leon Potter (top); and Holly Karpuik, Stage Manager (right of Tartuffe).

2 — Marianne (Aislynn Mede) and Valère (Tom Favreau) discussing wedding plans. Costumes by Laurin Kelsey and Tabitha McKechnie.

3 — Orgon (right), played by Jesse Wilson, a senior in the program. Tartuffe (Elly Tomasson), the titular lead, captured the audience with animated facial expression and maddening puppetry.

4 — Belle Werner opens as Madame

SHOW STEALERS

Pernelle, grandmother to Marianne.

• God-like cross hovering over the stage, following Orgon with its monstrous marionette strings.

Hilary Britton-Foster

• Dorine, the family’s housemaid, pictured second from the right in the cast photo, stole the show with her commanding presence, interrupting every private conversation, and questioning the intentions of just about every character.

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Tumultuous Tartuffe rolled across the stage, seducing everyone in his path. The male role played by a female allowed for a lively, wild-haired Tomasson to bring a feminity to the manipulative man.

• Also, her hair.

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arts

A new peek into the product-packaging world Molly Barrieau

From November 17 to 27, VIU’s third-year Graphic Design The Navigator students will be showcasing their re-designed packaging projects from the ARTG Packaging Studio course. The students researched a variety of products in their original packaging, pitching the idea to the professor, intending to change the way the product is sold.

Tim Yeung, a student working on the event, found that this project examined many aspects of the consumer industry.

The mandate for the project was to retain the business goals, allowing the product to still stand out.

“This is your opportunity to make it more eco-friendly,” Yeung says. “Some of us were trying really hard to eliminate the use of plastic packaging completely.”

Each student went about their project differently, intending to improve the product for the consumer, the company, and the planet. One of the students, says Yeung, used a glass

container to showcase the product, and, as a result, “elevate[d] the product’s perceived value,” as a collectible. This added weight to the packaging, but gave the item a cleaner look, compared to clear, hard plastic, which Yeung says is created using a lot of petroleum.

Another featured re-design, a favourite of Yeung’s, is the birth control packaging change. Ally Phillips took the packageheavy prescription and, instead of changing its materials, altered the way the pill is dispensed. “She made a completely unique dispenser mechanism,” Yeung says “It encourages people to keep it handy, and stick with it.”

“That understanding of the audience on her end really stuck out to me,” Yeung said.

Professor Nancy Page has been teaching the course for four years, and uses this class to encourage students to be innovative in their designs. Page chose to assign the packaging re-design project as the first of two in the semester to answer

WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE BOOK REVIEW

many students’ questions like, “Are we just designing beautiful garbage?”

Page’s focus for the project involved a not-so-typical physical aspect to the making of the three-dimensional packaging, as Yeung found working on a hands-on project allowed for new ideas to come through. “As opposed to digital manipulation only. It’s a bad habit,” Yeung says “[Graphic designers] tend to be very digital.” Highlighting the process from original package to redesign was a focus for the class, and will be demonstrated next to each project at the gallery.

The exhibit will run for 10 days, allowing for the public to see each re-design from start to finish, something that Page really wants her students to experience. “The gallery is a chance for them to celebrate their efforts,” Page says.

The event will showcase over 15 projects in VIU’s campus gallery, Tuesdays to Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.

TALKING POINTS • Washington Post’s top pick for sci-fi and fantasy in 2015.

• Topped Amazon’s bestseller list months before release.

• First novel for both authors.

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Alyssa Morton

Welcome to Night Vale (WTNV) is a strange podcast, so it would make The Navigator sense that the novel follows in a similar vein. Yet, the rambling narrative that created such a success for the podcast nearly sinks its written sibling, and needs a dedicated fan to enjoy the ramblings that give littleto-no explanation.

The book follows town residents Diane Crayton, single mother to a teen with morphing abilities, and Jackie Fierro, 19-year-old who has been that age for decades, as they deal with strange mysteries that have inched into their odd lives in the mysterious town. Eventually, the alternating stories collide, and they find themselves working together to solve these mysteries. Along with that, readers will find interjections from radio host Cecil, getting to learn more about show favourites like Old Woman Josie and the ravenous librarians, and explore the town in more depth.

The book shines through as an excellent world-building piece for the radio show. Many of the odd stories and quirks fans have come to love are explored on a much deeper level, and readers will find answers—although only a few—to many of the questions and mysteries about the little desert town.

Sadly, this world-building is what starts to bog down the book. Even fans might find it hard to pick out the plot as

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reference after reference is thrown at them. The flowing and rambling narrative that translates so well to audio at times is hard to pick through in written form at times, and readers might find themselves frustrated with the lack of knowledge in regards to a plot. Cecil’s interjections into the story, although strongly written and hilarious, divert too much attention from the actual storyline.

It’s in the final third of the novel that everything starts to solidify and come together, and it starts to work. The tale becomes creepy, pushing the fear factor that the podcast can introduce, and will have the reader gripping tight with the lights on as the two characters fight to solve their now-intertwined mysteries.

Fans of the show will surely find some enjoyment in the novel, but WTNV virgins will likely become frustrated with the loose narration and constant references. It would be more enjoyable if writers Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor had dispensed with large sections of the world-building. Their writing becomes sharp and powerful near the end when the focus does end up on the plot. Perhaps a sequel to the book will hold this element now that Fink and Cranor have worked through their world-building. It may be worth finding an audio copy of the novel so the well-loved audio narration can help readers/listeners with this particular Night Vale story.

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NETFLIX AND CHILL:

O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? CHILL FACTOR The soundtrack will make you want to snuggle close, the movie will have you laughing, and the episodic plot gives you the opportunity to get your chill on.

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It seems fitting that Netflix finally picked up the Coen brother’s classic The Navigator O Brother, Where Art Thou? It’s the perfect opportunity to bring a new generation of fans to this Oscar-nominated movie.

The 2000 release is an homage to The Odyssey and to one of the Coen brothers’ biggest influences, Preston Sturges.

Sturges himself intended to make a movie tale of the “common man” and his struggles in the journey of life, but was unable to finance it. The title of O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a line pulled from the original script Sturges created. His influence can always be found in Coen films, in varying strengths, but O Brother, Where Art Thou? is the one true homage to the man and his work.

The story follows self-proclaimed genius Everett and his tag-along cohorts Pete and Delmar as they escape a chain gang and head off to find treasure Everett claims to have buried.

Alyssa Morton

Along the way, the trio ends up picking up a man who claimed to have sold his soul to the devil, records a single that becomes a major hit (unbeknownst to them), and make enemies with the Ku Klux Klan, along with a host of other misadventures.

With a cast that boasts George Clooney, John Goodman, and John Turturro, O Brother, Where Art Thou? is able to support the strong and yet oddly kitschy script.

One of the interesting challenges the production team faced was the Coens’ desire for a sepia-coloured film. Filmed in the Mississippi summer, which can rival the greenery Nanaimo faces in that season, this gave them the opportunity to make the whole movie colour-edited. This was the first time a feat like that was made in a full-length movie, and paved the way for the colour editing we see in most large-scale films today.

The odd fault of O Brother, Where Art Thou? is the snippet pace of the plot. The protagonists find themselves in different situations, problems, adventures, and yet none of them truly

link together. For some viewers, this works perfectly, but others become frustrated with the staggered storytelling.

Boasting a Grammy-winning soundtrack, produced by the legendary T Bone Burnett, credited with breathing life back into the Folk and Bluegrass genres, O Brother, Where Art Thou? offers a wide mood of music, from the macabre “O, Death,” to the cheerful “Keep on the Sunny Side,” to the lonesome “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues,” and to the foot stomping “Man of Constant Sorrow.” If anything, the movie is worth watching simply for the unique soundtrack.

Whether you’re in it for the soundtrack, the homage to a great and forgotten film legend, or the amusing adventures of three men that find themselves in the strangest of predicaments, O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a movie that you should give a shot.

TZATZIKI AND TUNES: WEEKLY LIVE MUSIC AT MARINA’S TAVERNA Sarah Torgerson

There is something about a musicallyContributor accompanied dining experience: food is richer, conversation is more vibrant, and the world, with all of its countless stressors, is paused for a moment. Marina’s Taverna and Pizza, a Greek restaurant at 215 Terminal Ave. North, is offering Nanaimoites the opportunity to dine on authentic Greek food while listening to a live piano performance. We have all heard music at restaurants—Sirius Radio playing over speakers, either too loud or so soft you can hear your partner chew. But how often do restaurants provide live piano entertainment?

I was hesitant when heading to dinner on Thursday night—uncertain of what to expect from “live piano entertainment.” I couldn’t help but imagine a room full of seniors trying to chit chat over the obnoxiously loud plinking of the piano keys. It was either that, or I would

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end up being severely underdressed, and the pianist, sitting at his shiny black Baby Grand, would sneer, turning his nose up at my inappropriate, yet unimaginably comfortable, Chuck Taylors. I was quite pleasantly far off on my assumptions.

Greeted by the smiling owner, Marina Prodromou, my boyfriend and I were led to our reserved table—a beautiful corner seat adorned with plush blue and white pillows that complemented the decor. We had a view of the restaurant and the sea of satisfied-looking diners. Above us was a windowed ceiling, not unlike a sunroom, that was outshone only by the bluish fairy lights that embellished the room. But what truly impressed us was the music.

Set up a few feet from the door, Marty Steele, a local musician with a long history in Nanaimo’s live music scene, played a jazzed-up version of The Doors’ “Riders on the Storm.”

Jim Morrison and kalamari? I was warming up to this “piano and food” concept. By the time the entrées arrived, my date and I had caught each other tapping our fingers and bobbing our heads to the music many times. From Elvis’ “Love Me Tender,” to Lionel Richie’s “Hello,” Steele put his bluesy spin on a number of recognizable classics.

Danielle Cunningham, a server and Creative Writing student at VIU, has been a member of Marina’s Taverna’s staff since they opened their doors in April 2014. She says the restaurant has experimented with live music nights in the past, hosting “Greek nights—sporadic evenings featuring a live bouzouki band (a Greek instrument similar to the mandolin) and belly dancers.” Upon the success of such festive nights, Prodromou decided to make live music a weekly event.

Each Thursday, between 6 and 8 p.m., guests can enjoy a delicious Greek meal

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accompanied by Steele’s phenomenal piano playing. “His style ranges from the blues, to jazz, to classic rock,” says Cunningham.

“And his ability to play requests on demand is impressive.”

Marina’s Taverna and Pizza is changing up the run-of-the-mill dining experience, and offers something fresh and exciting. Be it a romantic dinner for two, a gathering of family and friends, or relaxed appies and drinks before hitting the town, Marina’s offers a comfortable, vibrant atmosphere.

The restaurant has no set date for Steele’s final Thursday night performance, and plans to continue the event into the new year. From incredible entertainment and a reasonablypriced menu, to friendly staff and decadent Greek specialties, Marina’s Taverna and Pizza is certainly worth a visit.

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MOVIE NIGHT: BEYOND CONTROL 1

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3 On Friday, November 13, The Projects, a creative studio on Commercial St., hosted an exclusive preview of Beyond Control, a feature-length thriller by local filmmaker Raymond Knight. The sold-out event included a screening of selected scenes from the movie, a behind-the-scenes presentation, poster signing, and live music from Monica McGregor and Roberts Hall.

1 — The core of Beyond Control. From left: Actors Spencer Rath and Jessica Wells, director Raymond Knight, actress Shauna Sedola, and cinematographer Jason Oakley.

2 — Raymond Knight during the behindthe-scenes presentation. The production of Beyond Control involved an extensive documentation of the filming and postproduction process.

3 — Raymond Knight presents selected scenes from his long-awaited feature film Beyond Control. After three years in production, Knight organized a preview night to raise funds to cover the final postproduction costs.

Denisa Kraus

SHOPPING, BURGERS, AND LITERATURE Molly Barrieau

Students across the genres in the Creative The Navigator Writing department are eager to submit their work to Portal 2016. Just two days before the deadline, the magazine publishing class is hosting a Beer and Burger Silent Auction on November 25 at Old City Station Pub from 6 to 9 p.m.

This year, as always, the class hopes to attract students from all faculties and their

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families to distract from the drag of the semester’s final weeks, bidding their way into the holiday season. Fortunately, “Wing Wednesday” and the Canucks’ game on the same night will fill the downtown hotspot, as Portal will open the auction to all patrons.

This year, the auction includes items from Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Tire, Fascinating Rhythm, Funk Your Fashion, and work by local artists.

Money raised from the ticket sales and

auction items will go towards the magazine’s increased print run and page count to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the VIU literary magazine.

“Whether you’re a Portal fan, a hockey fan, or a fan of early Christmas shopping, we look forward to seeing you there,” said Danielle Cunningham, Portal’s Managing Editor.

If you are still looking for something to submit to commemorate the silver anniversary, the Then and Now contest encourages art

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and written content that is inspired by the year 1991; being 25; or the contrast between 1991 and 2015, past and future. Submission guidelines can be found on their website: <mediastudies.viu.ca/portal/index.php/ submission-guidelines>.

Tickets are available from any Portal student, or by request through their email, <viuportal@gmail.com>. The $12 ticket includes a vegetarian or beef burger; fries; and beer, house wine, or pop.

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sports & lifestyle

HARD WORK. PAYS OFF. Farida El Sheshingy Contributor I’ve been told, on many occasions, that hard work beats talent; hard work goes a long way regardless of what you pursue in life. I understand this notion a bit through sports and education. I still remember how I felt the first time I achieved a major milestone back home in Egypt: the day I received my acceptance letter from the American University in Cairo, one of the most prestigious universities in the country—my dream university at the time.

It was a Monday morning, just like any other at school. I had worked hard since the ninth grade to get good grades, and it was a waiting game to see which of the two universities would accept me. With eight lessons a day in March, I could barely keep my eyes open, and when I did, I would daydream about college. I was mindlessly active, totally passive.

Later in the day, I got a text message saying, “Congratulations! You have been accepted to attend the American University in Cairo. Please visit the registrar building to pick up your letter of acceptance.

Looking forward to seeing you on campus!”

The first person I ran to was my English teacher, whom I admire and have learned a lot from since the eighth grade. She has always believed in me and pushed me to work hard and believe in myself. She helped me prepare for everything, from exams, soccer games, and my creative writing portfolio, to SATs—all four times. I ran downstairs and met her in front of the teachers’ lounge to tell her the good news.

“Ms. Rehab, guess what! I got accepted in AUC!” She didn’t seem surprised at all. In fact, she looked as relaxed as ever. She smiled at me, sighed in contentment, and uttered the most comforting, reassuring sentence that I have ever heard in my life: “Farida,” she said. “Hard work pays off.” That was it. Nothing else mattered in the world but that feeling of euphoria of seeing your work actually get you somewhere. “See? Now you know. This is for all the times you did not believe. You deserve this. I’m so proud of you.”

Since that day, I haven’t really felt like I have put in a substantial amount of effort into something worth notable recognition. Maybe I have, but you don’t really know when you’re putting a lot of work

into something until you start seeing results. Being a VIU varsity athlete, you’re always in constant battle with everything and everyone around you, and it gets difficult to see the light sometimes.

Last year, I worked at the VIU gym as part of the Game Day staff. Consequently, I was at every Mariners’ home game. Watching the women’s basketball team one day, I saw something that made me pause. One of the VIU players hopped on the cycling machine right after finishing her game, without cooling down—she was actually working out. I thought that was rather odd, since she had just played a 50-minute game.

Shocked and in awe, I had to find out what motivated her to jump on that bike after losing a game.

I sat down with Emily Clarke, PacWest athlete of the week, and had a chat about what drives her, who influences her the most, and what makes her wake up every morning and live the life of a VIU Mariner and a Physical Education student.

Emily is in her second year at VIU, after graduating from Penticton Secondary School. I asked her a few questions on what it means to be dedicated to becoming the best player and person that you can be, regardless of where you see yourself.

When asked how she does this after disappointing games, Emily said, “There have been a lot of inconsistencies. Seeing my improvement is a struggle , and getting over the downs is challenging, but I always look at the positives.”

I wondered if she had always been this way, and she confirmed this by referring back to her high school days, saying, “Everyone supported me. The work that I put in was kind of contagious.”

I watch her train her heart out and I think about all the time she commits to bettering herself—what does a day in Emily Clarke’s life look like?

“I wake up on an average day around 5:30 a.m.,” she said. “I’ll do homework quickly, then by 7 a.m. I’m at the gym, either in the weight room or on the court,” she continued, “for a two to three hour workout, or to work on my game. Then, later in the day, I have practice from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Any extra time in between is for homework and classes. I work four out of five school days a week. My day ends around 11 p.m. Oh, and I have games on weekends.”

I admire her so much for finding ways to be a varsity athlete and a student all year round—not just Emily but also all my fellow VIU athletes. Soccer season is so short compared to the rest of the Mariner sports, so I cannot imagine how physically demanding and emotionally overwhelming basketball season can be. With this snapshot into Mariner life, I now know who I am really cheering for when I watch games at the gym. I wish them all the best for the rest of the season, and I hope they start seeing some amazing results for all the hard work they put in every day.

Emily was more than happy to answer a few more questions for me.

How long have you been playing basketball?

“THE WORK THAT I PUT IN WAS KIND OF CONTAGIOUS.”

track, do a beach or stair workout, or do hill sprints.

In the evening, I play basketball for one to two hours, and then scrimmage for one to two hours (days vary).

Usually it’s five to six hours of physical activity after work.

Growing up, did you have any key mentors or motivators in your life? How have they affected your game?

My coaches always pushed me to be better. A lot of my teachers really pushed me, as well as my parents.

Everyone supported me. Lots of people came out in the morning to train with me, which was great. Lots of my friends continue to shoot hoops with me.

Did you have any life-changing experiences or major personal accomplishments that have influenced who you are as a player and person today? Tell me more about them.

I fell in love with working out in the gym around grade 10. Basketball was a great outlet to show my improvement in the gym. Working out helped me in basketball—and basketball helped me in the gym.

What motivates you to become the best player you can be?

Just actually trying to be the best I can be. People have different passions and put just as much effort into that, but for me, basketball drives my passion, and I want to be the best that I can be, not just for myself but for the world as well.

What has been the most challenging experience in your career so far? And how did you go about overcoming it?

I wouldn’t say anything specific, but I’m not naturally a basketball player—I’m athletic. There have been a lot of inconsistencies. Seeing my improvement is a struggle and getting over the downs is challenging, but I always look at the positives.

If you could replay your season last year, what would you have done differently?

I probably would have put in a little less time at the gym. I overworked myself to the point of burnout, especially in the end. I fell back on how athletic I was to compensate what I was doing wrong with basketball.

I should have focused on what I could control and be okay with what I couldn’t.

How have your teammates influenced you in your transition from your rookie season into your second year? Anyone stand out in particular?

A couple of them helped me tone it down to prevent a burnout like I had. They all pushed me to be better— Jenna Carver in particular. I spent a lot of time with her doing skill work. She is motivated and has such a passion for being there in the moment.

When you think about the future, what gives you hope? And what makes you concerned or worried?

I’m very excited because each year I’ve seen improvement. I think I will keep consistently getting better every year. I’m not too worried because I will put in the work, and with work I will see results.

What are you looking forward to achieving Since I was in grade six—more seriously since grade this year? (As a team and a player.)

Team-wise, I’d say provincial championships. We have a lot of talent on our team. As long as we play together and play our best, there are not a lot of teams that can beat us. I hope we eventually do well at nationals.

What is the highest level you aspire to reach As far as personal achievement, I want to see myself perform more consistently in games. Sometimes I’m with your talent?

I want to play it year by year. CIS or professional up, sometimes I’m down. I think it’s mainly mental, so if I get my mental game consistent, I will play really would be awesome. good games. nine and 10; that’s when I started to take my game further. I played for one regional team in grade nine, and club teams in grade 11 and 12.

Mariners’ player Emily Clarke shows off her moves.

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SPORTS & L I F EST Y L E

What does a day in your life look like offseason?

I work from 5 a.m. to noon, and then I go to the gym and work out for two hours. After that, I either run a

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sports & lifestyle

Health app reviews

Catherine Charlebois The Navigator

Not all of us can afford a Fitbit, the seemingly be-all end-all of sports tracking gear. However, almost everybody has a cellphone with a variety of sports app options. Hopefully this will help narrow down the selection for a better you.

8fit With a Google Play and iTunes rating of 4.5 stars, this app looks promising. The opening page, with its green logo and white background starts you off profile-building with the general questions of age, sex, height, weight, fitness level, etc., with the added bonus of asking your current estimated body fat. This seems innovative for a health app, as it even provides picture comparisons to help, and follows up with a picture comparison of desired body fat percentage.

After building a customized workout plan based on your estimated fitness level, this app leaves the hard work in your hands—work

hard and get the result, or slack off and wait longer for results. You can also get motivated by inviting your friends to join, or by posting your achievements on Facebook. The top-left corner shows you a “workout streak” with your recommended weekly activity level.

The app has short, intense pre-set workouts, but you can also make your own by picking exercises that target specific areas you want to work on.

Unlike most sports apps, 8fit does not combine nutritional help and meal plans with its workout incentives unless you purchase that option.

I was impressed when I first opened up this app with its nice tree-studded green layout. With a Google Play rating of 3.5 stars, I didn’t really know what to expect. After the usual profile-building, the app lets you run free (literally) by encouraging you to be active with a set time of daily activity.

With a pedometre and suggested activity-level tracker on the home screen, this app has a variety of tracking “add-ons,” like water consumption, heart-rate monitoring, caffeine consumption, sleep, and a variety of sports. You can also set

additional goals for yourself as you go not only to be more active, but to eat healthier or feel more rested. This app tends to focus on running as its main source of activity tracking, and even has built in programs like the “Baby Steps to 5k” and “First at 10k” to encourage the user. This app also displays monthly stats.

Cons: • Does not provide a calendar to view your progress on workouts—works on weekly progress.

• Asks to post workouts to Facebook and set a reminder for the next workout time with every input.

The Nav’s Rating:

S health Cons: • Only for Android phones.

• Outdated phones aren’t offered the same “add-on options,” like the heart rate monitor.

The Nav’s Rating:

LiveStrong’s MyPlate This app focuses more on nutrition than the two previous apps, though it does have an option to input activities. Available for both Android and Apple products, the app links your profile to your own account on the LiveStrong website and even sends you newsletters with suggestions and interesting articles on health. You start off with a suggested calorie intake per day, and getting more active gives more leeway with calories. You can also track your weight and water consumption.

On top of having a “food diary” by the end of the

day, a chart on the home screen displays estimated protein, fat, and carb levels found in the meals inputted. It also displays charts of weight trends— either on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis—as well as a calendar which shows you the days in green where the calorie goal has been met, and in red where it was exceeded.

Cons: • Assumes you know exact portions of food consumed when inputting.

• User is more or less left to own devices when it comes to encouragement and motivation for activities.

The Nav’s Rating:

App logos courtesy of <play.google.com>

Mariner schedule

(November 18-December 1)

BASKETBALL MEN’S

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VOLLEYBALL

DATE

AWAY

HOME

TIME

Nov. 20

Langara

VIU

8 p.m.

Nov. 21

Quest

VIU

3 p.m.

Nov. 28

Northwest Christian VIU NAIA

8 p.m.

Nov. 29

Northwst Christian NAIA

VIU

noon

Nov. 20

Langara

VIU

6 p.m.

Nov. 21

Quest

VIU

1 p.m.

DATE

AWAY

HOME

TIME

MEN’S

Nov. 26-27

COTR

VIU

8 p.m.

WOMEN’S

Nov. 20

VIU

Douglas

6 p.m.

Nov. 21

VIU

Douglas

1 p.m.

Nov. 26-27

COTR

VIU

6 p.m.

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sports & lifestyle

CLIPPERS’ POWER PLAY SUCCESS AT HOME LEADS TO TOP-LINE SCORING

Yanni Kaldis (#4, left) winding up for a slapshot at Friday’s game at Frank Crane Arena.

The Nanaimo Clippers have the best power play in the Contributor British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) when playing in front of a home crowd. With a success rate of 29.82 per cent at Frank Crane Arena, the Clippers boast the most effective home power play in the league.

The Clippers played seven home games in October and put on a special team’s clinic.

They won six of seven, outscored opponents 21 to 12, and potted 12 power play goals—at least one per game.

The power play has become the driving force of the Clippers’ offense because of what it offers: open space for the Rempal-line to move the puck.

Every man advantage presents an opportunity for the top three Clipper forwards,

Reid Eccles

Reid Eccles

Sheldon Rempal, Matt Hoover, and Devin Brosseau to cycle the puck with Yanni Kaldis on the point, who is second in defenseman scoring, and his 17 power play assists are the most in the BCHL. Once Rempal and Brosseau have room to skate, their chemistry becomes apparent. Their passing plays are on point, and with the addition of Hoover’s offensive prowess this year, the Rempal-line is even deadlier.

The Clippers’ league-leading 30 goals with a man advantage make up 38.5 per cent of the team’s total 79 goals. Rempal, Hoover, and Brosseau have tallied 21 of the Clippers’ 30 power play goals, which makes sense since the Clippers’ top line has scored over 50 per cent of the team’s total goals of the season.

Veteran sniper Rempal’s 19 goals make

up 24.1 per cent of team scoring, centreman Hoover’s 15 goals make up 19 per cent, and Clippers captain Brosseau’s 11 goals make up 13.9 per cent. In total, the Clippers’ top three have combined for 57 per cent of the Clippers’ goals so far this season.

Zach Court, Chris Dodero, and Corey Renwick are tied at four goals apiece, making them the next highest scorers on the Clippers team.

Away games have been a different story.

The Clippers are coming off a two-point road trip to start off November. They won one of five on the road and had next to no power play success, going five for 38 with a man advantage, a mere success rate of only 13.1 per cent.

While the Clippers are still ranked the third

best power play with an overall success rate of 23.62 per cent, the road trip surely left their locker room sour.

Now the Clippers are back at the Frank Crane Arena for four games with memories of last month’s success. They’ll be looking to capitalize on every opposing infraction, and the Rempal-line will be looking to add to their point totals both on and off the power play.

There are two more chances to catch Clippers home games this month: Wednesday, November 18, and the following Friday, November 20.

Tickets for Clippers games can be purchased at the box office at Frank Crane Arena starting an hour before puck drop. Tickets are only $10 for VIU students, and a free beer is included with admission.

Bulldogs beat Clippers in vicious victory

Clippers finish strong, defeat Rivermen 4-3

Reid Eccles

Reid Eccles

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs were in Frank Crane Arena Friday, November 13 to retaliate against the Clippers, who beat them 3-1 Contributor in front of their home crowd at Weyerhaeuser Arena on Tuesday, November 10.

The Clippers came out firing, and Matt Hoover opened the scoring two minutes into the first period. A Bulldog power play goal from Chris Schutz tied the score at one before the end of the period, but the Clippers were skating well.

The back-and-forth continued through the first half of the second period, but then the Bulldogs increased the pressure. The Clippers’ passing plays were moving the puck, but they couldn’t escape the physical presence of the Bulldogs. The Clippers’ game began to fall apart.

The Bulldogs took the lead when Schutz scored his second power play goal of the game off a hard rebound that Clipper goaltender Evan Johnson nearly got a stick on.

Two minutes later, Bulldog leading scorer Josh Adkins connected a beautiful saucer pass to an unimpeded Scott Clark out front, who put the puck past Johnson, to make it 3-1 for the Bulldogs.

Johnson’s night only got worse from there. Bulldogs’ Eric Margo put the puck into an open net off of another rebound, and then Margo scored again a minute later on the power play. Another 40 seconds later, Schutz completed his hat trick by deflecting a pass off a Clipper defenseman and through Johnson’s five-hole. With a total of five Bulldog goals in only five and a half minutes, the second period ended with a score of 6-1.

A Clipper goalie change to start the third period, and two late Clipper goals from Will Reilly and Corey Renwick wasn’t enough to change the outcome. The game ended with afinal score of 7-3 for the Bulldogs.

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SPORTS & L I F EST Y L E

The Clippers were back in Frank Crane Arena on November 14 to face the Langley Rivermen.

Contributor Into the second period, Rivermen forward Justin Fregona broke the scoreless tie when his wrist shot through traffic, beat Clipper goaltender Jakob Walter’s low glove side. The Rivermen capitalized again two minutes later when Walter’s stick caught in the mesh of his net, allowing Max Kaufman to tuck in an easy wraparound.

Seven minutes later, the Clippers’ power play got them on the board when Matt Hoover potted a Devin Brosseau rebound. Sheldon Rempal picked up the second assist.

Rempal assisted another goal late in the period by dancing around three Rivermen to enter the offensive zone. The puck ended up on Hoover’s stick and he found defenseman Yanni Kaldis with all kinds of time in front of Rivermen goaltender Bo Didur. Kaldis slid the puck five-hole on Didur and tied the score at two to end the second period.

The Clippers took their first lead of the game six minutes into the third when Will Reilly sprung Nolan Aibel and Zach Court for a two-on-one opportunity. Aibel faked a pass to Court before burying the puck himself off of the far side post. Then, with four minutes left in the game, Hoover ripped a one-timer above Didur’s shoulder for his second power play goal of the game and the 4-2 Clippers lead.

The Rivermen scored again to bring them within one, but a staunch Clippers defense held off the attack, even after Didur had been pulled for an extra attacker. The Clippers held on to win 4-3.

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sports & lifestyle

Eat seasonal: November

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: Stigma “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”

- Krishnamurti Zoe Lauckner

According to the Mental Health Commission Contributor of Canada, 20 per cent of the country’s population live with a mental illness (that’s close to seven million people, or one in five).

As we can see by these numbers, we all have some kind of connection to mental health issues, whether through personal lived experience, or in knowing someone who struggles. In 2009, VIU reported their student population was close to 20 thousand people (which has undoubtedly grown since then); meaning that almost four thousand of the student body potentially lives with a mental illness. Considering that university is a very common time for mental health issues to arise due to the level of stress and financial instability that accompanies post-secondary schooling, it’s quite possible that the prevalence is even higher than four thousand.

With these numbers in mind, I invite you to reflect on your own judgments or thoughts about those whom society labels as the “mentally ill.” Our media often portrays folks with these struggles as violent and unpredictable, and many people tend to adopt these beliefs without educating themselves on the topic and forming their own beliefs. These negative attitudes, overgeneralizations, and prejudices that arise from misinformation and misrepresentation create the stigmas that can haunt people who live with mental health issues. Stigmas aren’t held only

at individual or group levels, but exist strongly within society in general and create systems of oppression that can be hard to decimate.

In November 2014, a man by the name of Phuong Na Du was found in downtown Vancouver, distraught, talking to himself, and walking around with a piece of lumber in his hands. Du passed a number of people at a nearby bus stop without incident before the Vancouver Police came on scene. At least three officers were present, asking Du to put down the two-by-four and comply with their requests. When Du did not comply, the Vancouver Police Department opened fire on him. Eyewitnesses said the whole thing happened within a minute. Du, who was known by his (very supportive) family to have struggled with schizophrenia, was later pronounced dead at the age of 51.

While this situation is very sad and all too common, it highlights the need for more mental health-specific training for all first responders, and, frankly, for the public in general. It also shows how quick we are to make judgments about those we perceive as “mentally ill”—as being violent, unstable, and a threat to our society.

Stigmas create blame, shame, discrimination, and barriers to people who are perceived to have mental illness, and can become internalized beliefs about the self that are damaging to selfefficacy and esteem. Stigmas make accessing services, housing, and employment difficult, and sometimes impossible. Stigmas are living,

Catherine Charlebois The Navigator

breathing forms of oppression that many of us engage in unknowingly.

Discrimination, stigma, prejudice—whatever you want to call it—can take many forms. From subtle turns of phrases or jokes, to blatant discrimination, prejudice can be an intentional or unconscious cognitive process. As our media supports the creation of prejudices in a number of ways, it can be hard to be aware of times when you have adopted a negative belief with no foundation or factual basis. A common reason that people adopt negative views of those who struggle with mental health issues is that the very topic of mental illness makes them uncomfortable. It is easier to separate us from them than to admit to ourselves that we too are susceptible to these issues.

Now that the context is set, next column I am going to be challenging you, dear reader, to get more involved in mental health literacy. There are a number of ways that you can get involved in a process of decreasing stigma, including education sessions, community forums, volunteer work, and more. We’ll turn the page on this sad chapter of stigmatization and begin to talk about ways that we can work together to promote proper education and movement towards a compassionate perspective.

It’s hard to eat in-season when all you want is a nice pineapple or some raspberries—even more so when it comes to eating locally. Here is a short list of veggies in-season this month. Why not have a look at VIU’s very own Farmers’ Market every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the upper cafeteria?

You never know what could lead to a culinary adventure.

November: Apples

Fennel

Beets

Kale

Brussel Sprouts Parsnips Cabbage

Potatoes

Swiss Chard

Radishes

Cauliflower

Turnips

Broccoli

Yams

Carrots

Squash

Collard Greens

Stay sane(ish), VIU! Until next time…

No more procrastiknitting

Warm and cozy in a finished arm-knit infinity scarf A close-up of the stitches.

Knitting: it’s not just your The Navigator grandma’s thing anymore.

You’d be amazed at how many students regularly practice this art form, including yours truly. Knitting holds a world of possibility and allows the creative juices to flow. Once you get the basic knitting stitch down, and get good at counting your stitches (my first scarf resulted in a multi-coloured disaster with holes, dropped stitches, and an asymmetrical line), it becomes second nature. Now, I can watch Netflix and knit freely without even looking at what I’m doing. I find the repetitive motions are great for stress relief, like with

Catherine Charlebois

#006

Catherine Charlebois

colouring—as university students, we all know how essential decompressing is.

By mid-November, it’s almost time to start thinking about the holidays and start gift shopping. Though knitting a scarf requires hours of work, there are alternative options that make quick and easy presents for friends, or something nice and cozy for yourself.

Ever heard of arm knitting? How about finger knitting? A rising trend that takes an hour or less to learn, even less to complete a project (try 20 minutes), and needs no materials except your own handy limbs, it’s one of my all-time favourites. I learned most of my knitting from YouTube tutorials, and this one was no exception. What started as

Catherine Charlebois

an evening with nothing to do turned into a downright problem (or hobby—whichever term you prefer).

Arm knitting puts all preconceptions associated with knitting and turns it on its head. You don’t even need to know how to properly knit, since you aren’t using the typical paraphernalia—all you really need is the yarn.

Using thick yarn (usually a Level 6 Super Bulky yarn) creates a fuller, chunkier effect for scarves, and can be found for under $10 per ball at any craft store. For a local alternative, Mad About Ewe on Wesley St. downtown also has a wide selection of yarns. Personally, I found that two balls of chunky yarn at 106 yards (97 m) each gave me enough leftover not

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to stress too much about what length I wanted my scarf to be. Though the colour selection and chunkiness of the yarn is ultimately up to personal preference, I would recommend Loops & Threads Cozy Wool (90 yards/82 m) or Lion Brand Yarns’ Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (106 yards/97 m) as great starting points.

After binding off, or finishing, the scarf, all you need to do to make your creation an infinity scarf is to take your tail end (last bit of yarn) and thread both ends through each other—kind of like sewing the ends together.

Voila—there you have an easy Christmas present, or something to keep you nice and warm as the temperatures dip low this winter.

SPORTS & L I F EST Y L E

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Avery Crosson

Emily Johnston

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November/December

SUN

MON

TUE

WED 18

THU 19

Queer Movie Night: The Way He Looks

VISFF Annual Fundraiser Gala

VIU Nanaimo campus, bldg. 200, rm. 203

Firehouse Grill, 7 Victoria Rd.

7–9 p.m.

Doors 7 p.m.

FREE

$20

FRI 20 “Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves:” The Contrapuntal Rantings of A Half-Breed Girl Malaspina Theatre, VIU Nanaimo Campus 10 – 11:30 a.m.

SAT 21 Elf: The Musical Chemainus Theatre, 9737 Chemainus Rd. 2 and 8 p.m.

Call box office for ticket pricing

FREE

22 Breakfast with Santa Nanaimo North Town Centre, 4750 Rutherford Rd. 9 – 11 a.m.

Adults $12, children $6

23 Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy present “Two Fiddles Two Pianos” The Port Theatre, 125 Front St. Doors 7:30 p.m.

24 Wordstorm First Unitarian Fellowship, 595 Townsite Rd.

25 Movie Night: Girl Rising VIU Nanaimo campus, bldg. 200, rm. 203

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

7 – 9 p.m.

$5

FREE

26 Ladysmith Light Up Downtown Ladysmith

27 Kirkwood Academy presents The Nutcracker

3 – 9 p.m.

The Port Theatre, 125 Front St.

FREE

Doors 7 p.m.

28 Santa Claus Parade Downtown Nanaimo Begins 5 p.m.

FREE

$21

$49.50

29

30

Global Climate March

Fringe Flicks: Grandma

Maffeo Sutton Park, 50 Arena St.

Avalon Cinema, 6631 North Island Hwy.

1 – 3:30 p.m.

Doors 7 p.m.

FREE

$12

1 2015 Banff Mountain Film Festival The Port Theatre, 125 Front St. Doors 7 p.m. $12

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