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NOVEMBER 16
NOVEMBER 29
Vol 48
FREE
VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY STUDENT PRESS
7 12
11 everyday earth: consuming the world... and sturgeon
Liberal mp jonathan wilkinson talks climate change at viu
Canada's pipe dream
What’s the difference between the controversal farmed salmon and VIU’s sturgeon?
“It’s about engaging the Canadian public in a conversation about climate.”
The buzz around the new LNG plant has been a divisive issue in my little hometown.
CONTENTS
NEWS
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05
06
07
Editorials
VIUSU begins process to end union with CFS --New courses in gerontology offered to combat senior malnutrition
News in a Nutshell --Exploring historic Vancouver’s Hogan’s Alley through Wayde Compton’s eyes
Liberal MP Jonathon Wilkinson talks climate change at VIU --Anthology of Aboriginal writers and artists from BC released this month
FEATURES
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09
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Glorifying exhaustion: The student crisis --Positive Space Alliance says “Silence is not an option”
Point of VIU --Vancouver Island Leadership Conference inspires youth leadership development
Dirtyin’ The Nav: That goes where? --From hiding to Pride
Everyday Earth: Consuming the world... and sturgeon
Canada’s pipe dream
ARTS
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The Wailing: A Korean horror epic
Potted Potter: A review
11th Annual Urban Issues Film Festival reviews
A bite of France --Teenwolf & Static: Nowstalgic album review
SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
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Weekend volleyball: A clean sweep --Men’s basketball heating up
The Samaritan House: Affordable housing --Indoor rock climbing shuttle
Women’s basketball: Double defeat --Women’s soccer at CCAA Nationals
A stroll through Bowen Park
Comic: The glories of technological dating
CONTENTS
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LETTERS
NAV
.ca
CONTRIBUTORS Kennedy Baker Jessy-Lee Craig Gordon Hak Brandon Kornelson Krista Meckelborg
Sarah Packwood Kathleen Reed Chantelle Spicer Kelly Whiteside
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THE NAVIGATOR WELCOMES READER CONTRIbuTIONS To submit, visit <thenav.ca> or email <editor@thenav.ca>.
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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.
Fed up and fired up It is our responsibility as fed-up human beings to channel our terrified astonishment into thoughtful, critical education and action. That millions of voters are backing up Trump is a clear indication that the education, values, economy, and ideological perspectives of the American Empire are functioning “as planned”. How are we going to intervene? How, as citizens of the land we call Canada, are we going to respond in our own country? Trump has clogged up our media outlets, drained our political energy, dampened our spirits, and obscured all the important conversations we need to be having in Canada. Let’s talk about our precarious economy and the housing bubble. Let’s talk about the incredible ongoing governmental abuse and neglect of pressing issues in Indigenous communities, such as access to land, healthcare, social services, and even clean water. The inappropriate overrepresentation of incarcerated urban Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal children being snatched from families and into foster care. Let’s talk about climate change, and let’s actually work to reduce carbon emissions and create new cultural norms that help us live more sustainably. Let’s talk about minimum wage, the poverty line, and the billions of
dollars in student debt we, as youth, are bearing simply to be funnelled through schools into a precarious workforce shows little guarantee of a safe and comfortable retirement. Let’s resist the LNG Pipeline. Let’s talk about the danger of growth-at-allcosts economy, and the continued destruction of precious land and resources, which is a continuation of colonization and is also a senseless band-aid repair to an economy that has long relied on extracting endless oil. If multiculturalism is simply a trendy slogan that Trudeau uses while he flashes that shiny grin, we are f*cking hooped. The ideology of Canada as a “progressive and inclusive nation”, if it ever was, is slipping from our fingers while we watch the buffoon next door masturbating endlessly on repeat. I am fed up and I am sick of wasting political energy on reality-TV politics. And I am sick of feeling powerless, and apathetic, and hopeless about impending f*cking doom. Let’s focus on building our capacity to make positive changes. What is our education worth, if it’s not teaching us to be responsible citizens capable of responding to the crises we face? Let’s make the nation we now call Canada a respectable one.
- Diana Pearson
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Letters
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EDITORIALS
*Dial-tone sound*
Molly Barrieau --Editor-in-Chief The Navigator
You hear that? I do. That nostalgic, groaninducing screech, followed by the beeping and humming as your internet came to life. The vast green pasture under the bright blue sky of your desktop lights up, and you click on Internet Explorer to check on your Neopets. It’s hard to imagine that this was only ten years ago. That our generation (hi, Millennials) are on a constant, steep incline of the newest technology at our fingertips—and it still bewilders our parents. Last week, I went to my dad’s house. He told us that our eldest half-sibling Jolene gave him a tablet for his birthday. My dad needed help connecting to the almighty Internet. After an hour, he could now text me, message my sister in China, check CBC News and Snapchat us. It may take a few weeks before he can type with more than one finger with his reading glasses on, but he is stepping into the 21st century and I couldn’t be more proud. You see, my father had a landline up until this point. You couldn’t reach him outside his
house, and I think he liked it that way. It’s kind of unbelievable that his generation may never learn the technology to the extent we have. We learn to code in high school, create websites in college and learn shortcuts to make everything that much faster, that much more convenient. And so, I look to Generation Z—those born between 1995 and 2012. The possibly most tech savvy bunch. They are born surrounded by technology, holding iPads in their eager and adaptive hands. Since 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended prohibiting children under two from screen exposure. But this October, the AAP released a report that suggests a small amount of screen time could be beneficial long as a caregiver is “present and involved”. They also suggested that there be no restriction to video chatting, as this has become a new means of communication, and healthy as per the docs. An article from Scientific American suggests that parents should stop using screen time to soothe an upset child, and instead choose
quality programming and watch it with them. Imagine restricting the screen time for university students. There are days where I possibly spend an upwards of eight hours with my laptop in front of me. It’s a sad and necessary part of a learner’s life now to have your life saved to your cloud. (I watched a movie the other night based during the Cold War, and the soldiers almost threw away a man’s dissertation—his only copy—I almost cried at the thought of that not being saved elsewhere). We now live in a disparate time, with the older generation trying to stay afloat while their grandchildren are learning to unlock an iPhone with their fingerprints. As someone on the cusp of Z with a slice of Y, I balance the need for technology with the appreciation for bygone days—books, phone calls, and mail. I will always prefer physical copies to digital, paper to e-books. This newspaper is for all of you, those who still love the ink and crunch of the pages, and those who have too many tabs open.
Listen to Leo
Natalie Gates --Associate Editor The Navigator
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editorials
Sometimes I worry people are getting sick of hearing about climate change and the environment’s bleak future. At times it seems like there is nothing we can do that will really slow or stop the process because the Big Dogs’ power is just too strong. But I’m going to talk about it anyway. I got another whiff of motivation recently after watching Before the Flood with Leonardo DiCaprio. [Insert inappropriate joke about the Titanic not running into that iceberg if global warming had started sooner]. He and National Geographic posted the documentary on YouTube for anyone to watch free of charge. So far it’s got 10 million views—while the Pen Pineapple guys has 150 million (that’s the internet; I won’t deny how strangely entertaining that 45 second video is). Still, I hope many more people take the time to soak up Before The Flood. The good news is we’ve got a PM who acknowledges climate change exists and has a plan. The good news is that Obama made some serious progress on the issue. The bad news is we’ve still got a long way to go. The bad news is Obama’s pretty impressive progress could simply be undone under America’s new presidency. That’s terrifying. Leo’s been advocating for the environment since his late twenties when he interviewed Al Gore, and recently spoke at the UN Climate
Change Conference in Paris as a designated UN Messenger of Peace. Trump at one point called climate change a “Chinese hoax”, but China (one of the world’s most polluted nations) and some European countries have made amazing progress with solar and wind energy. Why isn’t North America taking the initiative to follow suit and aid in setting an example? And yet, some North American companies are proving that renewable energy is extremely efficient. For example, Tesla is making serious strides with factories fuelled solely by solar power by use of new, strong, cost-efficient solar panels and batteries. Imagine the progress if bigger companies followed their lead. It’s heartbreaking and infuriating that North American politicians have not yet made this effort—how they have not yet seen that shifting to renewable energy doesn’t even mean that fossil fuel companies will go out of business; they will just change. Doing so could help get power to people in developing regions extremely cheaply, if we show them that it can be done. Sometimes, when society’s ideas of an issue shifts, leaders’ stances also tend to follow suit. For example: as a candidate in the 2004 senate election, Obama stated he didn’t support gay marriage because that’s what people wanted to hear. 11 years later as President, he managed to legalize it across the nation. Maybe this will continue here in Canada
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until renewable energy becomes the focus in development. Maybe the Great White North can set the example. Until then, we can still do our personal part. You know the drill: recycle, buy and throw out less stuff, turn off your lights and the tap, vote for leaders who care about the environment. Be aware of your diet; eat local when you can. Eat less beef. I don’t mean become a vegetarian or even cut it out completely, but reducing your intake of beef can make a great impact. Beef cattle use more land than any other resource in North America and are serious methane producers. Buy fewer products that use palm oil. The palm oil industry is causing miles and miles of rainforest to be burned to the ground, which releases copious amounts of CO2 into the air and of course destroys fragile species’ habitats. These are largely the processed foods that are bad for your body anyway, so who needs to eat them all the time? These are just a couple things. If climate change has become a background buzz to you, take this little rant as a reminder and a suggestion to stop and listen again. Maybe if enough of us stay engaged enough for long enough, something will happen. Check out Before the Flood, or do some research elsewhere, or have a deep drunken conversation about it with your friends—whatever. Don’t wait for Earth Day.
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NEWS
VIUSU begins process to end union with CFS VancouVer Island unIVersIty student’s unIon completes petItIon requIred for member referendum on Issue of leaVIng the canadIan federatIon of students
Sarah Packwood ---
The Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (VIUSU) has been Contributor petitioning to leave the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) since the beginning of September. Representatives of the VIUSU said they are dissatisfied with the lack of accountability and mismanagement of resources by the CFS. Patrick Barbosa, VIUSU’s advocacy organizer, said a new group of students was elected to the CFS board three years ago, and the group has not produced an audit of expenses since being elected. They have also refused to provide information on how funds are utilized when requested by the VIUSU, Barbosa said. A petition of signatures from 20 percent of the union’s members (students at VIU) is required for the VIUSU to hold a referendum in which members can vote to leave the CFS or not. The VIUSU said they now have enough signatures to fulfill the CFS’ petition requirements. Barbosa said the petition will be sent to the CFS by mid-November where it will likely be audited
before receiving approval to hold a referendum. “The process for voting to leave the CFS infringes on students’ democratic rights,” Barbosa said. He also added that the CFS has a mediocre record of meeting the needs and requests of students. The VIUSU decided this past summer that it is in their members’ best interest to leave the CFS, as issues with the organization were ongoing even after Phoebe Lo Patigdas, a VIUSU representative, attended the CFS national meeting in June. “We were hoping we’d get answers,” Lo Patigdas said. “Disappointingly, we didn’t get those.” Lo Patigdas also said the CFS was meant to present their audit in the meeting, which they failed to do for a third year in a row. The CFS is currently working on campaigning for free post-secondary education in all Canadian provinces, and held protest events for the campaign across the country on November 2. Bilan Arte, the national chairperson of the CFS, said the VIUSU would miss the “opportunity to be involved in building national unity” among students if members vote
to leave the CFS. Arte said, “I think there’s an enormous amount of power in students working together, and I think that efforts that break that national unity only serve to play into the powers of those that would wish to see our education system become more and more inaccessible.” Elise Boulanger, a student at Vancouver Island University, said she is under the impression that it is a good idea for the VIUSU to depart from the CFS. Boulanger signed VIUSU’s petition in September after she learned from a union representative that the CFS lacks financial accountability in regards to their audit process, and that the resources provided by the CFS apparently haven’t been distributed equally to post-secondary schools in all provinces. In regards to VIUSU’s wishes to leave the CFS, Boulanger said, “I think there are some people paying attention, people who care about the betterment of the student body at VIU, so I trust their [roles] in that.”
New courses in gerontology offered to combat senior malnutrition Aislinn Cottell Statistics Canada states that the number of --individuals in Canada over 65 will double The Navigator
in the next 25 years, and according to a recent study, one in three seniors are considered malnourished. Seniors are at a higher risk of physical injury and illness already, and research has found that malnutrition only compounds these problems, leading to higher health risk and a greater tax on the health care system. Due to factors such as slower recovery time and enhanced risk of additional injury and illness during their stay, the average malnourished patient remains in hospital care 2 to 3 days longer than if they were properly nourished before entering. This costs the system approximately $1,600 per day. Earlier this month, VIU collaborated with Island Health to
host an informative and networking workshop event focused on combating older adult malnutrition in Nanaimo and North America. The event began with several speakers, including Paul Hasselback, Medical Health Officer at Island Health an and Monica Liefhebber, clinical coordinator of nutrition therapy services at Island Health; Marcy Cohen, research associate and adjunct faculty at CCPA and SFU; John Horn, Nanaimo city planner; and Peter Sinclair, executive director of Loaves and Fishes foodbank. They spoke to several issues including the causes and impacts of malnutrition in seniors, and strategies for both individuals and health care systems in improving nutritional health. Afterwards, a break-out session was held to discuss the information provided, and brainstorm solutions. In order to help meet the Island and country’s need for
services and care in this area, VIU will be offering a new diploma program in gerontology, the study of old age, the aging process, and the specific problems of elderly people. The first two 15-week fully online courses will be available to students in January 2017. GERO 300: Psycho-Social Perspectives on Aging will be an interdisciplinary overview of psychological and sociological theories, processes, and experiences of aging. GERO 506: Diversity and the Experience of Aging will explore how ethno-racial diversity, gender, and sexual orientation intersects with the experience of aging and consider how complex issues of aging uniquely impact diverse older populations. The courses will be offered as 3-credit electives to upper-level graduate students.
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NEWS
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NEWS
News In a Nutshell
Aislinn Cottell | The Navigator
WHAT
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WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
Cineplex Entertainment has announced that all seats at Galaxy Cinemas are to be replaced with automatic recliners, which will be phased in over the next several months.
All eight auditoriums of the Galaxy Cinema located in the Nanaimo North Town Centre mall.
According to Cineplex, “the high-back, extra-wide seats recline at the touch of a button for maximum comfort, and have proved to be very popular with Canadian movie-goers.”
WHAT
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WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
Construction of the College Park water supply main will begin this month, with the project expected to be complete by March 2017.
Nanaimo Parkway/College Drive.
The Parkway will have one southbound lane closed south of College Dr./Fifth St. during daytime construction hours until early January. From January to March, College Dr. may experience temporary co ete c os res n restricte tr f c ccess
WHAT
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WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
Starting November 4, the City is releasing a series of ten 60-second videos featuring a “Seagull Eye” aerial view of Nanaimo’s heritage buildings.
The videos can be found through the City website <Nanaimo.ca>, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
The series is intended to “promote awareness of Nanaimo’s built heritage in a fun and dynamic way.”
WHAT
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WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
VIU has announced the new International Refugee Newcomer Award, a $5k grant that will be given to refugees seeking post-secondary education to train or re-train for a career in Canada.
e istere st ents c n in o t the cho rshi w r n rs r ro e on their st ent recor cco nt making sure to clarify their refugee status in the Essay Section. Application deadline for programs starting in May through December is March 31.
The award is intended as a celebration and encouragement of diversity at VIU, and is available for any refugee who has immigrated to Canada within the st ve e rs
The movie theatre will remain open to the public throughout the renovations.
Exploring historic Vancouver’s Hogan’s Alley through Wayde Compton’s eyes Gordon Hak Hogan’s Alley was a neighbourhood in --downtown Vancouver. It was home to Contributor
Courtesy of Paul Watkins
Hogan’s Alley commemorative stamp 2014.
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News
Canada Post
many immigrant communities, but it is best remembered for the African-Canadian population that had established itself by 1923. In its heyday Hogan’s Alley was a focal point for black culture, known for its restaurants and home to the African Methodist Episcopal Fountain Chapel. Perhaps its most famous resident was Nora Hendrix, the grandmother of the musician Jimi Hendrix. Then in 1967, in line with the urban renewal and “slum clearance” thinking of the time, the City of Vancouver began levelling the western half of the neighbourhood to make way for a freeway. Over time the black community was displaced. In a 2004 collection of poems entitled Performance Bond, Vancouver-born poet, essayist, DJ, and historian Wayde Compton investigated the destruction of Hogan’s Alley. This was not a typical book of poetry. For one thing, it included a CD. Also, as The Georgia Straight reviewer Jim Christy noted, “This package contains spoken poetry, written poetry, reproduced photographs, excerpts from oral-history transcriptions, a playlet, even a news paper clipping. The concept of Performance Bond is exciting. Fuse all these elements and thus render a portrait of the artist; after all, we are all assemblages. Wayde Compton, a ‘Halfrican’, is even more of an assemblage, being of mixed race.” This work by Wayde Compton is the subject of a presentation by Paul Watkins, a VIU faculty member from the English Department. The talk is entitled “Hogan’s Alley Remixed: Learning through Wayde Compton’s Poetics” and will take place at VIU’S Malaspina Theatre November 25 at 10 am as part of VIU’s Arts & Humanities Colloquium Series. What makes Compton’s writing so engaging, said Watkins, “is his ability to create a unique mix that plays with various traditions—oral and written, sonic and visual, African and European, black and white, local and global, Canadian and
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American—in order to critique power, identity, and history. In Performance Bond, Compton reimagines and recovers Hogan’s Alley, using the methods of the DJ—mashing, mixing, sampling, spinning, signifying—to make the recent past more embodied and historically present.” Dr. Watkins’ PhD dissertation, completed at the University of Guelph, addresses the politics and ethics of Canadian multicultural policy and citizenship—focusing on intersections between music and text—particularly as voiced by AfricanCanadian poets. Watkins is an active scholar. He is a guest co-editor for a special issue of Critical Studies in Improvisation that focuses on improvisation and hip-hop. He is working on a paper on music and sound in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. Watkins has also written book and film reviews and conducted interviews with many writers. He is Project Director of VIU’s “Writers on the Hill,” a series that brings diverse writers to campus. Watkins is also involved in a variety of projects that explore the boundaries between text and sound at the MeTA lab in Nanaimo, and the Innovation (Sound) Lab in Cowichan. His Colloquium talk will look at how Compton incorporates hip-hop and turntable poetics in Performance Bond to recover the past and effectively blend such histories into the present. The presentation will mix images, sound, and text, and Watkins noted that “By listening and experiencing how Wayde Compton reimagines and recovers Hogan’s Alley, we can begin to think of the kind of work we do in literary scholarship as a kind of sampling and/or engaged poetics.” On November 25 Watkins will be joined on stage by bassist and student Darin Nicolle, who will provide some bass accompaniment during the presentation. The Colloquium presentation is free and open to all–faculty, staff, students, and community members, and refreshments will be provided.
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NEWS
MP Wilkinson with Michael Ribicic.
Courtesy of Kennedy Baker
Aislinn Cottell Jonathan Wilkinson, Liberal Party MP --of North Vancouver and Parliamentary The Navigator
Secretary to the Minister of the Environment, held a Q&A on climate change last week at the VIU Nanaimo campus. The event was organized by the VIU Young Liberals, a branch of the youth wing of the Liberal Party of Canada. “It was fantastic to have Wilkinson take time out of his busy schedule to stop by VIU,” said Michael Ribicic, President of the VIU Young Liberals. “Jonathan gets to hear people’s thoughts and fears on climate change on a daily basis. He lives in North Vancouver and therefore can see the same effects from it as we do.” Ribicic says they wanted to get someone from the Federal Government to talk about climate change, because it’s an issue that many people here are passionate about. “Student participation in Canadian politics is still not as high as it should be. Although in the last federal election we saw a rise in political participation amongst youth, it is still not good enough,” Ribicic said. “Almost everything we do has some sort of political link to it and if we as a younger generation continue ignoring those links, we are in for a dark future.” At the event, Wilkinson began by giving a short speech on the Liberal government’s views on climate change. “The world is, I think, at a turning point with respects to the effects of climate change,” Wilkinson said. “Over decades we’ve seen increases in temperature. Climate change is real, and it’s largely man-made. This government is not, at this stage, interested in a debate about whether man-made activity is causing climate change–we accept the science.” “It’s not something we can wish away, nor is it something we can simply push off into the future.” Wilkinson spoke to how the green movement could be harnessed to provide economic benefits. “[Addressing climate change] is a significant environmental imperative, but also for a country like Canada, it is a significant
Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson talks climate change at VIU
economic imperative,” he said. “We recognize the need for Canada to view this global transition towards a lower carbon economy as an opportunity to build an economy that will capture the value created through this transition.” He outlined the main steps the Liberal government is taking to combat climate change, specifically the Pan-Canadian Framework, which addresses Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and promotion of green growth. This framework contains four working groups: clean tech jobs and innovation, mitigation, adaptation, and carbon pricing. The first focuses on creating new ideas and companies that fit with the green movement, the second on how best to reduce emissions in Canada, and the third on strategies to accommodate effects from environmental change, such as prairie flooding as rising temperatures melt permafrost in the region. Finally, the fourth group looks into carbon pricing development as a means to incentivize companies to reduce emissions. “The near-term focus for us is on developing a pathway to achieve our 2030 commitments that we made under the Paris agreement,” he said. The Liberals are continuing with an agreement made by the Harper government that aims to reduce 2005-level emissions by 30 percent by 2030. “We would love to have adopted a target that was more ambitious, but one of the problems that we’re in right now is that we also want to be realistic.” Wilkinson then opened the conversation up to the audience. One student expressed concern over companies outsourcing their production and thus carbon emissions to countries overseas with less restrictions. “Canada can reduce our emissions, but we still outsource all of our products to India and China,” they said. “What’s stopping all our industries from simply outsourcing to countries that don’t have the cap because it’s cheaper?” “Most of the economic jobs have already gone to China, and are starting to come back for a range of economic reasons,” Wilkinson responded. “And I would say that none of the
developing countries have an unlimited blank cheque. They actually have made commitments on how [emission reduction] will go and how it will start to come down.” Another student inquired on the Liberal’s stance on longterm governmental planning, and how to manage the issue of climate change with the possibility of party turnover every four years. “It’s partly about engaging the Canadian public… to engage the vast majority of Canadians in a conversation about climate.” Wilkinson answered. “And to the extent that we are successful in having that conversation, we make this a sticky issue–an issue that irrespective of who wins in four years, whoever is in the government will address climate.” “I think that there is a real and genuine commitment on the part of this government to doing something to address climate change, and we understand that that’s a long-term process.” Wilkinson says he does not believe that we are “beyond the tipping point” in regards to stopping climate change, but he did emphasize that we “don’t have enormous amounts of time.” “If we delay for 10 years not doing anything at all, I think the magnitude of the challenge we face at that point is much higher,” he said. “I don’t know exactly when you get to the point where it’s so difficult you just throw up your hands, but we’re not there. But we can’t keep pushing it off.” Wilkinson had a hopeful note on the role of entrepreneurship in the green movement, saying that along with the gradual and widespread conversion of current technology to be more efficient, there are also many possible “breakthrough technologies” currently being researched. “These are the kinds of things that take a long time to know whether you have something or don’t, it costs a lot of money to get there, and nine out of 10 of them will fail. But that one will make a fundamental different in how we think about this whole situation.” “Human beings are most creative when they have to be.”
ntholog boriginal writers and artists from BC released this month Brendan Barlow On Tuesday, November 22, Vancouver --Island University will host a book The Navigator
launch event for In Our Own Aboriginal Voice, an anthology of both Aboriginal writers and artists from all over British Columbia. This launch will not only feature copies of the book available for sale, but also readings from a number of the contributing authors including Michael Calvert, Maryann Dick, Kevin Henry, Darlene McIntosh, Natalia Auger Nybida, Ry-Lee Pearson, Spencer Sheehan-Kalina, Kirsten Sam, Kris Skinner, and Joe Starr. Contributing author Spencer Sheehan-Kalina wrote a poem which is “a creative response to an explorative project of [his] Métis heritage and ancestry.” He submitted this piece
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to a writing contest which aimed to recruit Aboriginal author from BC for the anthology, and he won second place. SheehanKalina said he feels “very blessed and honoured to have the opportunity to share some of [his] poems.” When asked about the importance of the book and why people should seek out these perspectives, Sheehan-Kalina said, “I feel like people need to read this book because it offers a chance for readers to experience and connect with Aboriginal culture, in one capacity or another. The benefits of having [this variety of voices are] tremendous, for both Aboriginal and nonAboriginal people, but are so many that it’s a conversation in and of itself.” Speaking more to the importance of In Our Own Aboriginal
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Voice, this, the owner of Strong Nations Publishing House, Terri Mack said, “The time for our own stories has arrived, our own written words, our own voices. It is through our stories that we discover our roots. They feed us. They make us strong.” Further to this point, Sheehan-Kalina also said, “When we all stand together we’re stronger than when we stand apart. I hope this anthology facilitates much healing, understanding and a sense of hope for greater tomorrows.” In Our Own Aboriginal Voice will be launched on November 22 at Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place (bldg. 170) at VIU. This free event begins at 6:00 pm, and runs until 7:30 pm. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. For more information on the book, visit <inourownvoice.com>.
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FEATURES
Glorifying exhaustion: The student crisis Jessy-Lee Craig It’s that time of year again; between --the midterms, papers, and looming Contributor
final exams, people start to brag about how they are on their sixth extra-large triple-shot coffee, or that they pulled an all-nighter to get their paper in on time. Although I congratulate my fellow students’ dedication and hard work, I am also concerned. We’ve all been there, leaving our work until the last minute and spending endless evenings in the fluorescent light of the library. As students, we lead tremendously busy lives, balancing school, work, chores, family, pets, and—hopefully—a social life, but are we really doing ourselves any favours by over-caffeinating, skimping on sleep, and disregarding our mental well-being? Why are we glorifying our exhaustion? There is a trend in academics right now to prioritize short-term goals, like grades, over our long-term health. I am not suggesting that school and grades are irrelevant; I am simply trying to illustrate that mental and physical health are equally important. Besides, being in good health affects academic performance. Our classes, grades, and extracurricular activities are important to us. Whether our goal is to graduate school, become an informed citizen, to build an impressive resume, or all of the above, we take our academic endeavours seriously. So seriously, in fact, that we are willing to lose sleep over it. We know that sleep is essential. It affects not only our physical health but our mental health and cognitive functioning as well. Not getting an adequate amount of sleep can affect our ability to learn, problem-solve, and pay attention. So, in the long run, blowing off sleep to write a paper or study for an exam will likely actually hurt your grades instead of improve them. When we as students spend all of our time writing, going to classes, studying, and working on papers or projects, there is a tendency to let the “small” things, like self-care and mental
Positive Space Alliance says “Silence is not an option”
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health, slide. While I am all for academic achievement and dedication, I think we are doing a disservice to ourselves. I am here to remind you to take time for yourself. Self-care is important because it helps to counter stress. It also helps to prevent feelings of burnout, and you can keep doing the things you love without feeling over-worked. Best of all, self-care can help you refocus. So stepping away from that paper and eating a proper meal or chatting with a friend will actually help you with your writing. Here are some tips: >\k \efl^_ jc\\g% KXb\ k`d\ ]fi k_\ k_`e^j pfl c`b\ kf [f% Jg\e[ k`d\ `e eXkli\% >\k jfd\ \o\iZ`j\¹\m\e X c`kkc\ Y`k _\cgj% DXb\ k`d\ ]fi ]i`\e[j Xe[ ]Xd`cp2 k_\p n`cc _\cg keep you centered. B\\g X kf$[f c`jk Xe[ gi`fi`k`q\ fe\ k_`e^ Xk X k`d\% Ni`k\ `e X aflieXc2 ni`k`e^ [fne pfli ]\\c`e^j ZXe do wonders. I\X[ X Yffb flk f] `ek\i\jk fi \eafpd\ek# iXk_\i than requirement. A large problem students face is that we often feel guilty if we take time away from our to-do list for something that seems trivial, like going for a walk in the woods. However, it is so necessary for us as human beings to meet our mental and physiological needs by doing something as simple as spending time in a green-space. It is important to try and schedule time for ourselves amongst all our other responsibilities. Time management is an important part of self-care that deserves special mention when talking about students. It is crucial for students to learn how to balance due dates, meetings, readings, and deadlines within our schedules. A big part of this is learning to prioritize what needs to be done now, and what can wait until later. We need to be diligent about not
double-booking, taking on too much, and learning to say no when we’ve hit our max. If this is something you are struggling with, VIU offers success coaching and time management workshops. Check out the Success Coach segment in the Student Services section at <viu.ca>. I think the biggest problem is not that we participate in this behaviour, but we continually congratulate others for it. We are glorifying exhaustion to the point that it is considered normal. My theory is that we are encouraging others’ exhaustion as a way to feel better about our own. We are collectively putting exhaustion and over-extension on a pedestal in order to cope with the overwhelming amount of things we are taking on. Self-care and time management are useful on an individual level; however, we also need to consider collective solutions. It would be easy for me to shout, “let’s all just stop glorifying over-exhaustion.” Instead I’m simply suggesting that we need to acknowledge it—that we all take care of ourselves as human beings with needs. More importantly, let’s start to help take care of each other. Encourage your friends to practice selfcare, and congratulate them when they say “no” to taking on unnecessary work. Invite them to go on a short walk. Back in my first year here at VIU, someone shared with me their most effective study tip, and I’d like to share it with you. The night before your exam, stop studying, relax, get your mind off of it, and go to bed. I’m not saying that by practicing time management and self-care you will never have to stay up all night working on a paper again, because that’s just not true. While no one is perfect, it is important that we begin to start looking out for ourselves and for each other. So put down that espresso, take a nap, and take care of yourself.
Kathleen Reed The Positive Space Alliance (PSA) held --an impromptu drop-in meeting on
So what might the better response be? The second theme that emerged among participants is the need to build bridges among allies and learn how to challenge instances of racism, colonialism, hetero/bi/transphobia and heterosexism, classism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression. Drop-in space participants were concerned with the millions of voters who silently agreed with the President-elect’s racist and misogynistic views. To stop the spread of this ideology to Canada (more so than it already exists), participants spoke about the need for direct social engagement–reaching out to friends, neighbors, and classmates–as a means to challenge oppression. The group looked at the examples of the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1967 or same-sex marriage legalization in 2005. Both were hugely controversial when the ideas first emerged as possibilities, but as more and more queer folk came out and straight people realized the people demanding the right to live freely and marry were their friends, co-workers, and family, it became more difficult to deny rights. The same is true now: we need people to stand up and tell those around them that the racist joke isn’t okay, that the Residential School system really was genocide, and that trans people are welcome in the bathroom of their choosing. Silence is not an option.
Contributor
Wednesday, November 9 at 6:30 pm. The focus of the gathering was to provide a space of support for LGBTQ+ individuals coming to terms with the US election of Donald Trump. The PSA is concerned with Trump’s trans-, homo-phobic and sexist platform. Among the PSA’s concerns are Trump’s stated plans to overturn Obama’s federal trans bathroom protections and letting individual states decide, and VPelect Mike Pence’s support to allot resources for conversion “therapy” for LGBTQ2+ people. Two main themes emerged at the Positive Space Alliance’s post-election drop-in space. The first is that while many folks in relatively powerful social positions are stunned and fearful of the potential repression the Trump/Pence presidency represents, this fear isn’t new to trans people, and people of colour–many in these groups have faced this level of fear for their personal safety their entire lives: trans and non-binary individuals going into public washrooms, PoC passing police officers as they move through their daily lives. These fears in lived reality are nothing new. So it’s not okay to say “it’ll be okay” to people for whom it already isn’t okay.
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Cole Schisler | The navigator
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How do you feel about trump winning tHe election?
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“Trump is the lesser of two evils. Hillary is following the same mandate that George Bush and the other families are. She’s pretty much in that circle. Hillary would start wars, she’s a warmonger. Trump is a businessman, he’s got more practical sense, but they’re both idiots. The world is in very dire straits.”
“It’s fucked up. It’s actually really fucked up. When Obama won the elections, his speech was really good. When Trump won, his speech was awful. He was like ‘Oh where’s that guy? That guy’s a great guy, yeah.’ Honestly I don’t believe he’s going to be the President. Even though he already won, I still don’t believe it. I don’t really know what to say.”
“I think it’s disappointing being a person in North America right now. Even though it’s not o r co ntr we re f i te with America and it’s super disappointing that that’s how we’re viewed right now. Being a woman, it’s super upsetting as well. I could go a lot more into it, but I don’t want to sound ranty.”
“I’m very disappointed with it. I think it’s going to cause a lot of upset in America and everywhere else. I’m really concerned from an environmental point of view because Trump is a climate change denier. I also think we’re going to see escalated racial violence in the states because this was such a racially driven election.”
“It’s a tragic comedy. Nobody was expecting it, I wasn’t either. I fee i e there re ore i e candidates than him, but I guess that’s what the people want, and now we have to deal with the consequences. I’m afraid to say I look forward to it, but I’m excited. I’m kind of worried that the immigration in Canada might change, I heard the immigration page of Canada went down the night of the election, so I’m interested to see how that might impact me as a foreigner here.”
VAncouVer ISlAnd leAderShIP conFerence InSPIreS youth leAderShIP deVeloPment Jessy-Lee Craig On October 28 and 29, 113 students and --community members gathered at the Contributor
annual Vancouver Island Leadership Conference (VILC) as part of their own journeys toward becoming the next leaders of Vancouver Island and the world. Through a series of workshops and keynote speeches at the Nanaimo Conference Centre, these young adults were given tools and inspiration to help guide their leadership development. Highlights of the event included an inspirational speech by leadership educator, Drew Dudley, a number of workshops led by success coach, Lisa Michaud, the appearance of Green Party leader, Elizabeth May, the story of the man who worked 52 jobs, Sean Aiken, a masquerade gala, and a number of networking opportunities with community business leaders. Each presenter gave valuable insights on leadership and practical ways to incorporate leadership qualities into every day life. “The experience taught me that it doesn’t matter where you come from, what matters is how you lead others and treat them according to your values,” said Brandon Brown, one of the delegates from the weekend. I had the pleasure of attending the conference myself. I found the event to be very motivating, and by the end of the conference, I felt as though I was truly changed. Each of the speakers and workshops presented valuable ideas to ponder and challenged me in ways I never would have imagined. Many delegates described a similar feeling of having been inspired by the event. “It really made me think about how I can learn to recognize others’ values,” said Brown. “I feel inspired to incorporate self-reflections into my daily strategy.” Not only was the conference highly inspirational, it was also plenty of fun. The evening events were a great opportunity for the delegates to connect with one another and have conversations with speakers and community business leaders while enjoying food and music. “The masquerade gala was such a cool finale to the event,”
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said Christie Jones, another delegate. “Some of us even had the chance to eat at the same table as the conference’s speakers. The dance was a great way to let loose and have fun afterwards.” The conference was planned and organized entirely by an executive team made up of students from Vancouver Island University. A strong vision for the conference helped guide the team towards creating a successful event. “We wanted to inspire the leaders of tomorrow,” said Taylor Farrell, the conference Chair. “We wanted to connect them with like-minded individuals, community members, and other professionals. We also wanted to help them evolve–we wanted to see that personal growth where they want to go out into the world and make changes, and hopefully now they have a better skill set to do so.” However, as with any inspirational event or moment, it is easy to leave feeling refreshed and energized, but to lose sight of this inspiration the following week as reality sets in again. As a reminder to everyone who attended, and as an overview of the lessons learned throughout the weekend for those who couldn’t make it, here’s a brief recap of some of the highlights. “Define the things that define you,” said Dudley repeatedly in Friday night’s keynote speech. He spoke of the importance of taking time to reflect on the leadership qualities that are important to you. One of the greatest differentiating factors about leaders is their ability to verbalize their values and strengths. It’s easy to think of leadership values: courage, integrity, humility, kindness, respect, empathy. However, how many of us can truly define each of these words in a simple, easy-to-understand way? It’s impossible to fully embody any characteristic without a clear understanding of what each value means. In order to embrace true leadership, it is essential that desired values are verbalized in order to gain a full understanding of what each value entails. Success coach Lisa Michaud gave workshops on networking and personal branding. She discussed how growing your network is one of the most valuable things that you can do for yourself now, regardless of your current situation. The people you build relationships with today are the ones from whom
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you can seek help in the future. Michaud presented the idea of networking to be as simple as having a conversation with someone new and asking questions to learn about the other person. I tested out her strategy myself, and wound up having a few great conversations that have led to new connections and opportunities. Michaud’s second workshop focused on personal branding. Branding yourself in a positive light and creating ways to differentiate yourself from others can lead to anything from getting the job you desire to making it easier for you to ask for help from others. It starts with knowing who you are and what makes you unique, and moves towards finding a way to present this to the world in a way that helps them to understand who you are as well. “Take every opportunity to grow,” said Aiken as he shared his story of working 52 jobs in 52 weeks. After graduating university, Aiken felt unsure of what he wanted his future to look like. Supported through donations and hosted by those he met along the way, Aiken traveled the world for an entire year, taking on a new job every week. His search for his passion was successful, as he eventually discovered a desire to share his experience as an inspirational speaker. He encouraged the audience to actively search for their passions by continually trying new things. One of the goals of this year’s conference was to be inclusive of all universities on the Island and inclusive of many faculties. The conference had previously only targeted Vancouver Island University business students, but the executive team successfully managed to expand the 2016 VILC to include a much broader audience. Students from North Island Conference, Camosun College, and Nanaimo high schools attended the conference alongside VIU delegates. We are the leaders of tomorrow, and any chance to grow our leadership skills should be accepted with open arms. What we allow ourselves to learn today shapes who we become tomorrow. So let’s become leaders.
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dIrtyIn' the nAV: thAt goeS where? end
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Diana Pearson I pick up a blue, ridged Fun Factory --vibrator from the suspended display The Navigator
platform. I look at my partner, feel my face flush with a rosy glow, and press the button. “Oh my god!” I exclaim. “It’s self-thrusting!” We laugh as the vibrator takes on a life of its own in the palm of my hand. It makes me tingle. And him, too. We continue browsing along the wall, leisurely perusing the selection of vibe bullets, butt plugs, anal beads, and dildos–some that are so big, I wonder where they could possibly go. We take our time pulling items off the wall, comparing sizes, feeling the vibrations and textures, evaluating battery-operated vs. rechargeable, silicone vs. plastic. We talk to the young lady behind the counter. She’s about my age and is unabashed as she answers our questions thoroughly and playfully. After almost an hour, much blushing, and vulnerable but joyful conversation, we leave the sex store with a variety of new toys. Sex shops are a place of joy, shock, laughter, and arousal. They’re also a space for education and enlightenment. With an open mind, exploring the creative engineering of these colourful and titillating products can open your mind and
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curiosity to sensations you may have never imagined. The experience of going to a sex store with a lover is probably more valuable than the toys themselves. You don’t even have to buy anything–although you might not be able to resist. Interacting with the toys provokes conversation, breaks the ice, and can be a great way to playfully push boundaries in new and long-term relationships alike. Consent is ongoing and sometimes an afternoon at the sex shop can start a conversation that will lead to new sensual territories. There are sex toys for every interest and pleasure center: countless vibrators with many speeds, shapes, sizes, textures, and intensity. The same can be said for lubricants: water, silicone, and oil-based lubes, lubes that tingle, warm, taste good, and lubes specifically recommended for anal sex. There are endless items like strap-ons, fleshlights, cock rings, massage oils, kegel balls, cock cages (what?!), and double-ended dildos. Whips, rope, paddles, handcuffs, blindfolds, nipple clamps and collars. It is truly extraordinary to see the kinds of fantastic innovation dedicated to wild and erotic stimulation. Each toy is a conversation starter, and a great way to uncover what gets you and your partner(s) off. Holding a butt plug in your hand and asking your partner, “does this turn
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you on?” can start an intimate conversation. Quizzing the sales expert is an exciting new way how to learn the kinky uses for all these toys. Of course, going with a lover is not the only option. Why not take a friend? You’re sure to re-live hilarious memories of adventurous sex-mishaps and you’ll likely discover wonderful mysteries, differences, and similarities in the way your bodies are wired for pleasure. I went with a good friend a couple weeks ago, and it was so satisfying to hear a man waiting at the bus stop say to us, “What are a couple’a nice gals like you doing in a place like that?” November is an overwhelming time for students. Deadlines are piling up and the never-ending onslaught of rain is a huge drag. I don’t know about you, but for me, kitten videos, carving pumpkins, and dog therapy are, quite frankly, not enough to relieve that tension of late-semester stress and the dust settling over Trumplandia. In other words, set a bit of time aside from endless deadlines for some sexy time, and let your orgasms bliss you out with much-needed waves of endorphins, joy, sleep, and relaxation.
did you know? Nanaimo has two adult stores, Whispers Adult Superstore (2149-B Bowen Rd.) and Source Adult (2980 N Island Hwy.). If you want a more discreet option, try these Canadian retailers: <pinkcherry.ca> and <hushcanada>.
From hiding to Pride How one man went from being bullied to hosting pride in his hometown
Sarah Packwood Nanaimo Pride Society’s president, --Rick Meyers, is no stranger to making Contributor
Courtesy of <backofthebook.com>
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the best of any situation. Despite being bullied while growing up in Nanaimo, Meyers has carved himself a place to thrive with active involvement in the city’s queer community. As a youth growing up in the 1970s and ’80s, Meyers’ effeminate nature sparked school bullying, which impacted his school attendance. “I lived a pretty dark and shallow life,” Meyers says. “I didn’t have any friends, barely made it to school, hid in hallways. And then something changed. I just decided one day that I was worth staying on the planet.” After this realization Meyers left for what he calls the “gay ghetto” of Vancouver, where he lived for about twelve years, but never forgot about Nanaimo. “I always kept coming home because I’m an Island boy, and I like what the Island has to offer,” he says. “One day I just realized that I needed to go back where I’m happy.” Since moving home to Nanaimo, Meyers has stepped onstage as Vikki Smudge, his drag persona. “I was one of the first drag queens to ever perform at The Queens,” Meyers says. During his first appearance at The Queens hotel, a bystander went from hurling insults at the start of the performance to cheering and singing along near the end of the night. When that happened, Meyers knew he could win Nanaimo over one person at a time. Fast forward to today, and Meyers is far from being
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friendless like he was in high school. Walking into The Vault, he is cheerfully greeted by those familiar to him. Sitting at a table beside a window, he is interrupted by multiple acquaintances walking past. He makes kissy faces and waves excitedly to those who stop to say hello through the glass. “I was born and raised here,” Meyers says. “Got beat up in this town, got beat up right where the rainbow crosswalk is now.” The rainbow crosswalks in downtown Nanaimo were vandalized in September this year. Meyers says Nanaimo’s C>9KH" Xcc`\j¹`eZcl[`e^ DXpfi 9`cc DZBXp# n_f fi[\i\[ a clean-up of the vandalism, and a group who planned via social media to chalk another rainbow crosswalk opposite the vandalized one—showed love and support in that situation. “The strongest ally is the one that puts themselves in our shoes, and stands up wherever they can,” Meyers says. Meyers also says that Nanaimo’s queer community needs continued support from allies. Meyers says the most rewarding moment of the 2016 Nanaimo Pride celebration was standing at the end point of the parade at Swy-A-Lana Lagoon, where he saw thousands of parade on-lookers join the end of the parade by tagging behind the last float and marching down the Comox Road hill. “Next year is Nanaimo Pride Society’s 20 anniversary,” he says. “So I think [Pride] is going to be really huge. I love Pride week… It’s a real powerful thing for me to be involved and to see it grow so much.”
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eVeRyDay eaRTH: Consuming the world…and sturgeon
<economist.com>
Chantelle Spicer As a devout --foodie, one Contributor
of the key aspects of sustainability for me is how we consume the world, because, let’s face it, no matter if you are a vegan, pescatarian, or that person who orders the meat lover’s pizza—what you are eating was once living and is also necessary for you to do the same. I have an intimate relationship with my food. It is one of respect, where a meal is always prepared lovingly and eaten gratefully. I need to know about my food as part of my ritual of consumption (“Can you tell me about the chicken?”), which is why I was pleased to see many people questioning the ethics and sustainability of our recently introduced VIU-raised smoked sturgeon in The Nav’s first issue of 2016. I was very excited to add sturgeon to my repertoire of local sustainable food, so I decided to look into the opinions and facts of the issue a bit more before indulging. The world of sustainable eating is difficult to navigate and often leaves me feeling as though there is nothing I can ethically eat. Want organic veggies from Earthbound Farm? Not after legal controversies contending their methodology of production and $600 million sale to big business. Want to drink organic
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soy milk to reduce the impact on dairy cows? Maybe not after it was discovered that many companies were importing soy grown in environmentally hazardous ways from China. Don’t even get me started on open-water fish farms, although, that might actually be a good place to start on this journey to understanding our consumption of the sturgeon. What is the difference between the controversial farmed salmon and VIU’s sturgeon? First off, these fish are not exposing wild stocks to dangerous introduced diseases, hormones, or pesticides in open ocean conditions. Dave Switzer, head technician at the International Centre for Sturgeon Studies (ICSS), explains that there is no environmental impact from either exposure to wild stocks or from water waste, as 96 percent of their water is recirculated, while the other 4 percent is treated within the city sewer system. Furthermore, the reason for producing smoked sturgeon is completely different than the capitalistic motives behind most salmon farms. Because they are bred for research, thousands of sturgeon are raised each year, which results in a need to reduce the surplus populations as space in
the tanks diminishes. The sturgeon are contained in large tanks at the top of campus, and raised according to the highest standards set by the Canadian Council of Animal Care. By offering the fish for sale, the ICSS is able to put that revenue back into research activities, as well as raise awareness about the program, which creates a cycle of ongoing opportunity for conservation and education. Switzer states that the number of fish which go into the food system depends on the amount of sturgeon available, which is likely only 2000-5000 fish per year. Another issue raised is that white sturgeon—iconic to Canada’s rivers as a part of cultural and social heritage—is a red-listed species according to the BC Conservation Data Centre. Three populations from the Nechako, Upper Columbia, Xe[ Bffk\eXp i`m\ij Xi\ c`jk\[ Xj critically imperiled, the highest “at risk” ranking a species can receive. The ICSS has been essential to provincial recovery planning and education for the sturgeon since 1984, bringing together partners in the realm of industry, First Nations, NGOs, and multiple levels of government towards a common goal of conservation. As the fish are protected under the Species at Risk Act, most sturgeon consumed worldwide are
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acquired through illegal poaching of sensitive populations. Switzer explains that by offering sturgeon through these sustainable methods, those who wish to eat sturgeon are given a sustainable and ethical alternative to fishing wild stocks, while also supporting the educational mandate of the Institute. Furthermore, the fish raised by ICSS are legally not allowed to be released, which means they do not affect at-risk wild populations at all. Prior to the VIU fish stocks being smoked and canned, many fish reached their maximum size for the tank limitations and were simply killed and composted. Besides the issues of ethics and conservation is the locality of the product. It really doesn’t get any more local than eating from our own university campus, but knowing that all the smoking is done by St. Jean’s Cannery here in Nanaimo increases its appeal to my local mind. St. Jean’s has been a Nanaimo icon since 1960, is the last cannery on the coast, and employs 130 folks who are still processing fish by hand. It was also recently purchased by the Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood Development Corporation, which represents five west coast First Nations bands and thousands of years of Indigenous seafood
economy on the Island. I was hoping that I could try some of the controversial sturgeon, which excited me even more after doing this research, but unfortunately it was not available in our bookstore at the time of my writing. The bookstore did report that the last batch sold exceedingly well and people were very happy to buying such an ethical food source on campus. The next batch will be available in mid-November. Switzer stated that it is always a sad day when it comes time to harvest, as each fish has a personality and is appreciated by their caregivers, but that he is happy that they are given greater purpose. If you would like to get to know their personalities for yourself, tours for groups are available. Food is something that sustains us, in body, mind, and soul. The connections we have to our food are incredibly unique and individual, and should be viewed as a living relationship. As new information becomes available about our food sources, approach this relationship with an open mind. When in doubt, sink your hands into some local soil or engage with your local farmers and find your own place in the food system.
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CANADA'S
pipe dream oc tion of
Natalie Gates ---
A few weeks ago, a friend The Navigator on Facebook posted a photo of the new Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC Community Office in downtown Squamish, with the caption: “Whoever guessed an #LNG office that facilitates the exportation of fracked gas and global warming could be so ‘community’ oriented?” I gave it a “Like”. The buzz around the new liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Howe Sound has been a divisive issue in my little hometown. A group called My Sea to Sky has collected nearly 9000 signatures on a petition against the project and hundreds have voiced their dissatisfaction at town hall meetings. “Yes to LNG” and “No to LNG” groups have emerged on Facebook, protests appear around town, letters to the editor from both sides run in the local paper on the reg, and, of course, there are plenty of spicy debates fired up on this issue in supermarket lineups and pubs. Tourism and environmental advocates push against it, while those in favour of the economic gains and the improvements over using other fossils fuels try to sway them. The LNG market has morphed drastically in the last decade as predictions of a bountiful future for LNG in North America arose. Once focused on importing LNG into North America, Canada has shifted its industry to exporting LNG instead. The worldwide competition for investment into natural gas has
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created a small, high-pressure window of opportunity for Canada to capitalize on it. As a relatively “clean-burning” fossil fuel, natural gas has become expected to play an ever more important role in the worldwide energy demand. Since energy demand is expected to increase over the longterm, global LNG production is also expected to grow. The significant job prospects and economic growth have made developers’ eyes light up like an extraction plant against the night sky. At around 4 am on November 3, a blaze in the Woodfibre LNG office in downtown Squamish also lit up the night sky. Police quickly confirmed that the fire was arson. The next day, Premier Christie Clark and Woodfibre LNG announced the proposed LNG development in Howe Sound would proceed. This milestone announcement of the $1.6 billion development has slowly gained approval at the provincial and federal levels since its plan was officially proposed in 2015. If all permits are secured, it will process natural gas shipped by pipeline from Northern BC into LNG and is licensed to export about 2.1 million tonnes of LNG annually. With gas shipment to Asian markets expected to begin in 2020, Clark says the development will create 650 jobs during construction and 100 operational jobs over its estimated lifespan of 25 years. The Squamish Nation has been involved in the project’s planning
and put forth an Environmental Assessment with 25 conditions that were to be met before it was approved. But Squamish Nation Chief Ian Campbell was absent from the announcement; he told the Squamish Chief newspaper that the Nation’s work is not yet complete and the conditions have not all been met yet. District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman told the Squamish Chief she found out about the decision through the media and said it seemed to be “a little disrespectful” that the Nation’s process had been deterred. “The project has been and will continue to be a controversial proposal in Squamish,” Heintzman said in a statement released on the
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district’s website November 4. “We, as a community, have extremely high expectations regarding the safety of our community, the safety of our waterways, and the protection of our environment.” Woodfibre LNG is one of approximately 20 LNG proposals in BC on the drawing board. On September 27, Pacific Northwest LNG, a $27 billion project to be built on Lelu Island on BC’s north coast, secured federal approval with 190 conditions and is now being reviewed for final authorization. This project has also been met with deep concerns from Aboriginal and environmental groups that it would destroy a critical salmon habitat and produce a large amount of greenhouse gases; in response
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these groups have filed lawsuits towards the government to overturn the project’s permit. Pacific Northwest LNG has pointed out that it has consulted with five Tsimshian First Nations– the Metlakatla, Kitselas, Gitxaala, Kitsumkalum and Lax Kw’alaams. Four of those have signed term sheets intended to lead to impact benefit agreements, but the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation has refused to agree. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna has defended the approval, claiming that the environmental impact will be minimal and the economic gains abundant. “This project underwent a threeyear rigorous and thorough sciencebased process that evaluated
Courtesy of My Prince George Now
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and incorporated mitigation measures that will minimize the environmental impacts,” McKenna said in a statement issued by her department and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. “The only way to get resources to market in the 21st century is if they can be done in a responsible and sustainable manner. This decision reflects this objective.” But, despite the campaign promise and federal goal to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) states the greenhouse gas emissions would in fact be significantly increased, thus contributing to climate change. The CEAA has also ruled that the LNG proposal would likely harm harbour porpoises, but the agency sees low ecological risks to salmon as long as mitigation measures and monitoring programs are carried out. The promise of such measures being met is not enough for some Prince Rupert locals though; the major concern to Aboriginal and environmental groups is the threat that surrounds a sandbar next to the proposed export site called Flora Bank. Chris Tollefson, one of the lawyers representing SkeenaWild, told The Globe and Mail the CEAA did not properly assess and report on how the terminal would affect juvenile salmon habitat on Flora Bank. “This is really the cradle for the salmon,” The Globe quoted Tollefson. “When you alter or
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destroy the habitat, you really don’t know what is going to happen.” The Provincial and Federal Government state that LNG is in fact part of a strategy to combat climate change as projects begin to incorporate green technology, such as offering tax breaks for those plants that use electric drives for compression. Natural gas also burns cleaner than other fossil fuels like oil and coal, and emits less carbon dioxide for the amount of energy it produces. This has led the industry and governments to argue for an increase in natural gas production and claim it is the right next step. The thinking is that LNG acts as a “kick-start” fuel to begin reductions in the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. “It’s not that simple, though,” environmental activists David Suzuki and Ian Hanington write on <davidsuzuki.org>. “Especially when we consider the impacts of unconventional natural gas, along with extraction methods such as hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking’.” Fracking uses sand, enormous amounts of water, and chemicals pumped at high pressure into rock formations deep in the Earth to fracture the rock, allowing the gas to escape and flow into wells. Companies have not been required to disclose what chemicals they use, even if they are toxic and, in some cases, the process can also release methane, a greenhouse gas more powerful than carbon dioxide, into
the air, Suzuki claims. In addition, the immediate construction of these huge plants disrupt large areas of fragile ecosystems. These are all non-climate environmental impacts of LNG extraction; in regards to climate change itself, there are several concerns in the bigger picture. While LNG is cleaner than oil and coal, burning it still produces greenhouse gas emissions, like any industrial activity. But LNG plant production also takes away progress and investment into renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal power. BC’s reserves of natural gas are increasingly diminishing, so what will we do when it’s gone? Offering tax breaks to an industry that is indeed harming the environment acts as a simple distraction from the inevitable. Instead of putting time, money, and research into safer, efficient, renewable sources, we are riding a wave that will soon crash in favour of immediate gains. Suzuki acknowledges that LNG will exist in our immediate future; he says we must continue to push for renewable energy but also do what we can to hold LNG accountable for its effects while it is here. “Because natural gas will be with us for the foreseeable future, we must clean up practices associated with it as well,” Suzuki writes. “The report [by the David Suzuki Foundation and Pembina Institute, ‘Is natural gas a climate change solution for
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Canada?’] recommends requiring industry to disclose the chemicals used in fracking and calls for better regulation and monitoring. Right now, natural gas is exempt from normal provincial environmental assessment processes. Clearly, that must change.” The Haida Nation from Haida Gwaii are among the other First Nations opposed to the Pacific Northwest LNG terminal and Justin Trudeau wears a tattoo on his shoulder by Robert Davidson, one of the country’s top Haida artists. In Maclean’s piece “Skin-deep: The awkwardness of Justin Trudeau’s Haida tattoo,” Davidson says he was proud of this when Trudeau promised a better relationship with Indigenous populations and the environment during his campaign. But the natural gas development despite Indigenous disputes is one of several issues that have caused disappointment to replace that pride. “In accepting a tattoo, you commit to the values and laws that govern our nation,” Maclean’s quotes Davidson. “Maybe Trudeau really needs to understand what that tattoo signifies to the Haida… how do we react to what he’s doing, to the decisions he’s making?” How do you react? And does your reaction really mean anything? When I go home to Squamish in a few weeks for the winter break, I will likely see the fuming Facebook posts and debates come to life. People will stick up for the orcas and porpoises that frequent the Sound, the ozone layer, the marine plants, fish, their
own health, and even the view from the Sea to Sky Gondola. Others will brush them off for the job prospects at hand. For example, my dad, a pipe-fitter, is living near Delta Monday to Friday and working on the Tilbury LNG Facility Expansion Project. It’s given him a favourable alternative to the depressing worker’s camp in Fort McMurray he’s lived in for years, where the increased lay-offs are reflecting the dramatic decline of “that dirty oil money.” I can’t help but imagine what it would be like for him if there were a job like that available to home so close to home. But the argument that the immediate economic gains outweigh the environmental risks falls weak, as it ignores our other options. For example, China—one of the most polluted countries in the world—has become a global leader in renewable energy production, alongside many successful countries in Europe. Instead of pushing the trouble of researching and developing these methods onto the next person in line, we should be acting now to secure the future. Jobs will still be created, more people will have access to power, and we won’t have to worry about running our sun or wind dry of fuel. Yet, in the carousel that is politics, pipe dreams run the show, leading to the repeated conclusion that instant economic benefits outweigh our planet. It seems the hope for change is a pipe dream itself.
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The Wailing: a Korean horror epic
<barleydoeshorror.wordpres.com>
Brendan Barlow A stranger arrives in a little village --and soon after a mysterious sickness The Navigator
starts spreading. A policeman is drawn into the incident and is forced to solve the mystery in order to save his daughter. Well, my #31DaysOfHorror are over, which means I’m back to reviewing...horror movies still. Come to think of it, honestly, not much is going to change other than the tag is done, so welcome back. This issue, we’re taking a trip back to South Korea, because Train To Busan has ignited a genuine interest in me and I just need more Korean cinema in my life. So, this time we’re talking about a movie you need to get your eyes on: The Wailing. Through October you heard me complain and complain about movies being too long, you’ll probably be wondering why I don’t have that issue here. The answer is simple: pacing. The Wailing is a whopping two hours and 35 minutes long, but it doesn’t feel like it. The story is deep and complex, with a quick pace, kicking things off with an early bloody crime scene to get the adrenaline running. The setup is clean, and carries through without taking a tangent into brutal child abuse—looking at you, One Missed Call. This is one of those horror films that feels like a film first and a horror movie second. Much in the same way that The Exorcist does, if that helps to explain the reference. The story happens to be frightening and includes paranormal elements, and it’s not people trying to make a horror film, or trying to make it work for what sells. This feels very much like the
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story that the writer (and director) wanted to tell, and it comes across in a significant way. Speaking of which, the writer and director here is Hong-jin Na, who also wrote and directed an excellent film called The Chaser and one I haven’t seen called The Yellow Sea. It’s clear from the significant differences in these three films that Na is a filmmaker first, and a horror moviemaker second. I admit, I had to ask a friend of mine, who is a self-professed expert on all things Asia, for some context here. In the film there is some immediate hostility towards a Japanese man who has come to town, and everyone seems more suspicious of him for being Japanese rather than a stranger. As it turns out, there is some serious hostility between Japan and Korea from past war crimes from Japan to Korea. There’s a lot of history to unpack there, which isn’t my intention in this article, but knowing this tension exists there makes a story where a Japanese man is believed to be a murdering ghost causing death in a Korean village understandable with that historical context. The Wailing really works as a crime thriller, and a horror movie. The mystery is engaging and the ‘scary’ parts of the film are really effective and intense. There’s a scene involving an exorcism(ish) ritual conducted outdoors in the daytime, and it still manages to be a very intense and overwhelming experience. The writing here is spot on, and Na has pulled some wonderful performances out of his actors. The Wailing stars Jun Kunimura whom you might recognize as Boss Tanaka from Kill Bill. Everyone does a really excellent job in this film, and I particularly enjoyed Do Won Kwak (The
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Man From Nowhere) as main character Jong-Goo. It’s easy to get used to all police officers being hard-boiled action heroes, but Kwak’s character feels more grounded in reality. He is afraid, vulnerable, and impulsive throughout, and it makes for a great performance and a compelling character. The only issue I had was the tone of this movie, as it was challenging to pin down exactly what kind of movie this wants to be. There are moments of a dark, gritty crime story, and others that seem to be outright comedy. A scene in particular in which Goo and his compatriots fight a zombie (?) goes on for long enough that it becomes absurd, and feels a little bit out of place. There are a few moments that make this film feel like comedy, but the movie as a whole doesn’t fit into that category. Perhaps it feels uncomfortable or disjointed because life is that way, and the story manages to feel very real all the way through. The Wailing is a spectacular film in its scale, execution, and ability to make a nearly three-hour movie fly by. I can’t recommend it enough, as long as your brain doesn’t shut off as soon as subtitles appear on the screen. A great one, and a contender for the best of the year for sure. Look forward to me checking out a lot more horror films from South Korea—they seem to have a handle on it.
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Potted Potter: A RevIew
<kansascity.com>
Brendan Barlow For those who may not follow every --piece of writing I publish in this section, The Navigator
you may have missed the feature in the previous issue regarding the upcoming Potted Potter—a show that takes its audience through the seven books of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series in a blistering 70 minutes. Potted Potter came to Nanaimo from across the pond–from the jolly old United Kingdom. The show was conceived by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, both of whom wrote the piece and perform in most of its scheduled dates. I say most, because the November 8 show at The Port Theatre featured alternate performers Joseph Maudley and James Percy. Both actors have a long history of stage performances, although I was a little disappointed not to see Clarkson, who was kind enough to do an interview with me on CHLY’s The Masthead. My disappointment, however, almost immediately faded when Maudley and Percy began the show. The pair of actors had a fantastic chemistry, and even seemed to relish in causing each other to break character through the entire thing. While the primary part of the show is performing the sarcastic cliff-notes of the Harry Potter series, the play is also about Maudley and Percy and their relationship with each
other and with the audience. There is a lot of the pair of them interacting in a sort of meta-narrative that casts Percy as the Potter expert and Maudley as the bumbling idiot who manages to fumble his way through, along with the way that these personalities interact with each other. Of course, it’s the kind of feigned ignorance of the source material that only comes from a deep knowledge of the material, similar to the way that they say in order to properly fake being “bad” at something, you should be pretty good at it first. Potted Potter is an extremely high-energy show, and in spite of the short run time, they manage to throw a whole lot at you, including having the entire audience participate in a game of quidditch. The tone of the entire piece is quintessentially British, nearer to the Monty Python end of the spectrum than The Office. The humour is broad, smart, and occasionally quite topical. The performers suggested that Canada build a wall, and let us know that America would likely pay for it. There was a little something for everyone, and it served the incredibly (and surprisingly) broad audience. The crowd was young, old, and everywhere in between, and there wasn’t really a moment that wasn’t punctuated by laughter from someone. Even the Harry Potter jokes weren’t especially deep cuts,
and someone unfamiliar with the series would likely be able to jump right in and enjoy the show. Of course, there are plenty of jokes for the “true fans,” including a swipe at the American title of the first book being The Sorcerer’s Stone, instead of The Philosopher’s Stone. It’s a tricky show to properly talk about, because nothing that I put into this review could capture how much fun it was to be there. From threatening a child with a water gun, to genuinely funny written jokes, to beautifully unscripted moments, Potted Potter is truly one of those shows that deserves to be seen, rather than read about—a show written by Harry Potter fans, for Harry Potter fans. It’s also a show that’s not afraid to poke fun at the source material, including calling out the fact that Harry as a character is pretty dull if you’re being honest with yourself. Potted Potter is, first and foremost, a comedy show, and one that I feel deeply fortunate to have been able to experience.
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theMASTHeAD THURSDAYS 1-3 PM ON 101.7 FM CHLY
Podcasts available Saturday <themastheadradio.wordpress.com> #Mastheadradio #06
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<amandapalmer.com>
11th annual Urban issues
Film Festival reviews Aislinn Cottell VIU hosted the 11th Annual Urban Issues --Film Festival on November 4, where a variety of films investigating urban development projects and philosophies were shown and discussed. The following are my personal opinions on each piece, beginning with my favourites and working down in that order. Most of the films can be found online and I encourage you to check out a few of them at home—especially the first two TED Talks.
Funded by the Bikes Belong Foundation, this 5-minute street film looks at the Minneapolis Midtown Greenway, a 9.2 km, city-spanning bike lane installed on top of an old railway track. The Greenway gives cyclists and pedestrians a virtually traffic-free route through downtown Minneapolis, and this film shows how the new infrastructure has encouraged growth and diversification in the city. It is also a great example of “using what you have” when it comes to solving individual city problems.
#1 Want to Help Someone? Shut Up and Listen!
#4 Do Our Cities Still Work?
This first film was a TED Talk by Ernesto Sirolli, an “iron man” in the field of local economic development. In his speech, Sirolli describes how our modern models of entrepreneurship, business, and economic development are flawed. Offering a simple, yet groundbreaking remedial philosophy for how humanity should instead tackle the issues of the 21st Century, Sirolli explores both social and environmental perspectives. His talk is inspiring, enlightening, and funny—Sirolli is incredibly charismatic, and left me feeling quite galvanized. This film was my favourite one of the evening, and definitely worth the 17 minutes of your time.
A 20-minute CBC documentary which works as a great companion to the above. Although a bit cheesy at times, Do Our Cities Still Work presents some interesting ideas concerning the inherent flaws of our modern city designs; specifically, that we are currently building for a primarily cardriven society. The film also tackles the slow response-time of Western legislation when responding to urban problems, and juxtaposes some fascinating examples of foreign cities that have employed out-of-the-box thinking when solving social and infrastructure issues.
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#5 Stories from the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region #2 The Art of Asking My second favourite of the festival. Amanda Palmer, also known as Amanda Fucking Palmer, is an American singersongwriter, who in 2012 launched an album on Kickstarter that grossed a total of $1,192,793 from 24,883 backers. At the time, this was the most funds ever raised for a musical project on that platform. In this 2013 TED Talk, Palmer offers a fascinating and frank look at human connection and how our current culture of celebrity worship and monetarily-based entertainment industry is failing both artists and consumers. She has since released a memoir which expands on the topic. Good for a laugh, heartwarming, and thought-provoking—a definite recommendation. #3 Minneapolis’s Midtown Greenway: Good for Bikes, Good for Business Number three on this list, purely for the good vibes.
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This one was made by VIU’s own, originally being a project completed by students working as research assistants with the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI). In it, they interview 21 different people’s relationships with the amazing region that is the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere, a term given by UNESCO to areas exemplifying a close relationship between humanity and nature. Although this film didn’t give me any revelations, it was very locally educational, and boasted some absolutely gorgeous cinematography of our Island. #6 Cittaslow Cowichan Bay A documentary on Cowichan Bay being the first North American town given the designation of “Cittaslow”, a term coined by the Italian Cittaslow network. “Cittaslow” was inspired by the Slow Food Movement, and refers to a philosophy of “slow growth,” or improvement of urban
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life quality by reducing exponential growth outward, and focusing on inward strengthening of culture and local economy. This film looks at how the Cowichan Valley is implementing these principles. It is encouraging, albeit a little, well, slow. I suppose that could be the point. #7 Walmart v. Local Businesses In this short investigative film, CU-TV’s Darrian Rivera looks at the pros and cons of big box stores and their effects on small-town economies. He interviews several small business owners, as well as Dr. Gustavo Barboza, Associate Professor of Business at the Clarion University of Pennsylvania, for their thoughts on the topic, addressing issues such as market oversaturation and local employment. The film is not the most creatively shot, but has good content, and hey, it’s only two minutes and 42 seconds of your time. #8 Speaker’s Spotlight - Chief Clarence Louie This film is part of a talk given by Clarence Louie, Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band and CEO of the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation. In it, Chief Louie talks about his experiences with modern entrepreneurship, as well as how he thinks Aboriginal youth should interact with the Canadian economy. Chief Louie is a somewhat controversial figure for his “tough love” approach to First Nations community development, but the speech does provide an interesting conversation starter. #9 Save on Meats This film takes a short look at Save on Meats, the butcher and coffee shop operating in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that is providing employment and discounted food to locals. Although a heart-warming story, the effect is slightly marred by being an apparent ad for Vancity, who helped the owner open the business. In addition, after the film was shown several Vancouver residents mentioned how the store may be contributing to the increasing gentrification of the area. Nevertheless, an interesting story, but maybe take it with a grain or two of salt.
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A bite of France Kelly whiteside The Vancouver Island Symphony --(VIS) revealed their new mini-series, Contributor
Symphony SoundBites, on Thursday, October 27. This series contains two shows (one of which was in October, the other in March) that give the audience a more intimate experience with only 11 core musicians present. Continuing with the theme of their symphony season, Lifting the Human Spirit, the first SoundBite performance was based on the French spirit. Featuring composers Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, Claude Debussy, and VIS artistic director Pierre Simard, the performance focused on impressionism in music. The VIS opened with excerpts of Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit, based off poems from Aloysius Bertrand’s Gaspard de la Nuit, fantaisies à la manière de Rembrandt et de Callot. The first movement, “Ondine,” tells the tale of a water nymph seducing men. With my eyes closed, the music led me to a calm river, where I could hear the water run over smooth rocks and see beautiful nymphs bathing themselves. I became one of the men they were tempting, the music slowly turning dark as they dragged me under, sending shivers up my spine. The second part, “Le Gibet,” describes a corpse hanging from a noose in a desert. The VIS not only captured that image, but they projected it onto the audience, once again spreading
shivers. Simard’s arrangement for this challenging piano piece was hauntingly beautiful, and was a strong start to the hour-long performance. Continuing with Ravel, the VIS introduced guest singer Catherine Fern Lewis for Deux mélodies hébraïques. Accompanied by the orchestra, Lewis sung both parts, “Kaddisch” and “L’Énigme Éternelle,” in French, slowly filling the theatre with her powerful soprano voice. Ravel was considered France’s greatest living composer during the 1920s and 1930s, so beginning the show with some of his works was a good choice in showcasing the French spirit. Moving on from Ravel, the VIS introduced us to Stravinsky’s lesser-known work Pribaoutki. Though it has no direct translation to English, many have given it titles along the lines of Nonsense Rhymes, which, after hearing Simard’s English translations, I must agree is a suiting title. Pribaoutki consists of four movements, yet it only takes about four minutes to perform all of them. After the evocative music of Ravel, these strange, short rhymes sung by Lewis lightened the air with laughter—something not often heard at a symphony. Despite Pribaoutki first being performed in Paris, this song did not fit with the theme of the performance at all. It was written by a Russian composer who, at the time, lived in Sweden, and, though considered one of the most influential composers of
the 20th century, was not considered an impressionist. Simard then introduced his own work, Two Songs, which brought us back to the theme of death. The first movement, “Le dernier rendez-vous,” was inspired Marceline DesbordesValmore’s poem under the same name, which talked of her lover’s death. The second movement, “La mer pour le présence,” was inspired by a book of poems about the author’s dad dying. With these two songs, Simard took the audience through every emotion one would feel after the death of someone close to the heart. It was a moving performance by Nanaimo’s own French composer. The VIS chose to bookmark the performance with another leading figure in impressionism, Claude Debussy, and his well-known work Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun. It was a peaceful end to the night, and certainly spoke to the French spirit while setting us up for the next performance that focuses on the romantic spirit. The SoundBite series is a great addition to the symphony’s season, as it showcases challenging arrangements for the core musicians and allows for a more intimate, experimental performance. Also, who doesn’t love free food? This hourlong performance left me wanting more, but was still greatly satisfying, and I can’t wait for the next show.
Teenwolf & Static: nowstalgic album review Brendan Barlow Released October 1, and handed to me --in public outside The Vault Cafe on an The Navigator
actual cassette, Nowstalgic is the debut release from Nanaimo rappers Teenwolf and Static. It is an 11-song album produced right here at The Chamber studio right down by the CHLY headquarters. The album is presently available for whatever you can pay on <teenwolfstatic.ca>, and also found on a wonderfully nostalgic red cassette tape. There’s plenty to like about Nowstalgic, not least of which is the pleasant lack of blatant and outward misogyny, attitudes that can sometimes be found in some genres of hip-hop. Teenwolf and Static both focus on relatable issues that many of us face, like being broke, trying to make rent, and the struggle of trying to combine doing what you love with actually making a living while doing so. There is a real sense of honesty and reality present in the songs. It may seem a strange thing to praise, but Teenwolf and Static are white rappers who sound like white rappers. There is a tendency in hip-hop to put on a “voice”—making the artists sound more “hip-hop” (which usually means “black”). For a perfect example of this, listen to any song by Iggy Azalea, Riff-Raff, and even Eminem (particularly early in his career). I’d compare the sound of this album to other Canadian hip-hop acts like Classified or even Sweatshop Union, which I genuinely don’t know whether or not is an insult, but it’s certainly not meant to be. This honest representation of who they are and what they stand for does make the album much more enjoyable and fun to listen to. While Nowstalgic isn’t exactly treading any new ground, or making for a revolutionary piece of hip-hop, their self-awareness and their clear love of the craft is on display in every aspect of the production. It’s a great sounding album that comes off as being honest and manages to avoid problematic elements sometimes found in the genre. The album is free, or at a price you choose, and there isn’t a reason I can think of not to check this out if you’re looking for some new local hip-hop.
<bandcamp.com>
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Weekend Volleyball: A Clean Sweep
Cole Schisler The Mariners traveled to Columbia --Bible College on November 4 for The Navigator
back-to-back games against the
CBC Bearcats. In Friday’s matchup, the Women won in three straight sets. They took the first set 25–16, the second 25–23, and the third 25–23. Mariners’ right side Power Forward Mikayla Wagner tallied up seven digs, six kills, one block and a service ace. On Saturday, the Mariners won in three straight sets again, scoring 25–16 in the first, 25–13 in the second, and 25–16 in the third. Following their back to back victories over the Bearcats, the Mariners are the top ranked team in the PACWEST division, and the CCAA, with a 7–1 record.
The Men won their matches in straight sets as well. On Friday, they won the first set 25–22, the second 25–17, and the third 25–23. In Saturday’s match the Mariners won the first set 25–22, the second 25–15, and finished the match in with 25–23 in the third set. The Mariners men are undefeated this season. With a record of 8–0, the Mariners are the top ranked team in the PACWEST division and second overall in the CCAA standings. On November 18, the Mariners will travel to Capilano University to take on the Blues. The Blues are ranked 4th in PACWEST for Women’s Volleyball, and ranked 6th in Men’s Volleyball. The next Mariner’s home game is November 25 at 6 pm against the Douglas Royals in the VIU Gymnasium.
Men’s basketball heating up
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Mariners Guard Bryson Cox scans the court.
Cole Schisler On November 4, the VIU Mariners hosted --the Douglas Royals, and put on a clinic. The Navigator
The first quarter began at slowly, and was low scoring. The Mariners moved the ball well, and pressed the Royals into making some mistakes. The Mariners were also sharp on the steals and created a series of turnovers, ending the half with a 18–15 lead over the Royals. The Mariners came out strong in the second quarter and ran away with the lead, tallying up a score of 37–25 early in the second. Hayden Hall had a hot hand, landing four threepoint shots to extend the Mariners’ lead. The Mariners went into the half with a lead of 50–35. In the third quarter, the Mariners eased the pressure on the Royals, but still came up with 14 points in the quarter. Usama Zaid got a pair of three-pointers, and scored a total of 10 points in the quarter. The Mariners finished the quarter 64–53. The Mariners took it back to school yard basketball in the fourth, raining points relentlessly on the Royals. Usama Zaid and Hayden Hall both landed a pair of three-pointers. The Mariners were passing effectively, and managed to keep the ball away from the Royals for most of the fourth. The match ended 91–74 in favour of the Mariners.
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“We shot it well,” said Head Coach Matt Kuzminski. “We played with good spurts of energy defensively and offensively, if we could sustain that for longer that’d be even better for us.” The Mariners had high scoring performances from many players. Usama Zaid put up 34 points, Hayden Hall had 26, and Jalen Schlegel had 10 points. “We had good contributions from lots of guys,” Kuzminski said. “Usama Zaid was very aggressive, he made the right plays and the right passes. Across the board we had a lot of good contributions, Nic Maniatis gave us good minutes when we needed it, Hayden Hall had a good shooting night. Top to bottom everybody contributed.” Riding high off their victory against the Royals, the Mariners faced off against the Capilano Blues on Saturday November 5. The Mariners set the tone of the match early, and broke out to a high scoring lead in the first quarter. By the end of the first, the Mariners led the Blues 25–15. The Mariners kept up the pressure throughout the second quarter, and put up 20 points in the second, going into half-time with a lead of 45–31 over the Blues. Mariners’ Guard Bryson Cox led the team in scoring going into the half with 16 points. The Mariners were 30/65
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Montell Lindgren jumps up for the steal.
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in shooting, and the Blues were 19/64. The Mariners missed only one free throw in the first half. In the second half, the Blues came out looking like a different team. Within the first five minutes of the second half, the Blues were closing in on the Mariners lead, with a score of 49–44. The Blues were creating scoring opportunities quickly and were outshooting the Mariners at every opportunity. The Mariners led 58–54 at the end of the third quarter. The Mariners and the Blues traded the lead several times throughout the fourth quarter. With five minutes left in the match, the Blues took a 62–60 lead over the Mariners. The Mariners clawed their way back. As time was running out in the fourth, the Mariners regained the lead 67–66. In the final minute, the Blues surpassed the Mariners with a pair of twopointers and finished the match 70–67 over the Mariners. At the end of the match, the Mariners shot for a total of 46/111, and the Blues shot for 42/134. Bryson Cox had a big game for the Mariners, putting up 23 points. Usama Zaid was also a factor, finishing with 13 points, two rebounds, and a pair of steals. The Mariners will travel to Abbotsford on November 18 to take on the Columbia Bible College Bearcats. Their next home game is Saturday December 3 against the Seattle Blue Angels.
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The Samaritan House identifies lack a ordable anaimo housing a risk factor for vulnerable women Cole Schisler On September 2014, the Island Crisis Care --Society (ICCS) published a study on the
The Navigator state of homelessness in Nanaimo titled “Summary of Need for Emergency Shelter and Related Housing Services for Women in Nanaimo.” According to the summary¸ “census reports done over a four-year period prior to 2009 found between 100 and 300 people without homes in the city.” Between 2006 and 2011, the population of Nanaimo increased six percent and, assuming a future growth rate of another six percent, this summary estimates 645 people will experience absolute homelessness in 2021. To address the problem the ICCS proposed an expansion of their Samaritan House Emergency Shelter Program. Violet Hayes is the Executive Director of the ICCS and has overseen the Samaritan House for six years. “We’re very limited in what we can do because of our space,” Hayes says. “We’re in the process of trying to do an expansion project on Samaritan house. It’s an old Victorian house with very little space.” The Samaritan House is a low-barrier emergency shelter for women. Low-barrier means that absolute sobriety is not required for admission. Samaritan House has 14 shelter beds, as well as six transitional suites where clients have access to
an Outreach Worker. Outreach Workers provide clients with access to personal development training, and help them research affordable housing opportunities. Over the past few years, Hayes has seen the need for the Samaritan House increase. “Samaritan House has definitely been getting busier,” she says. “We thought maybe it would go down, but it hasn’t.” In August, Samaritan House operated at 111 percent occupancy, with some clients sleeping on mats, and turned away 51 people. In September, they operated at 115 percent, and turned away 36 people. As of October 19, the Samaritan House is operating at 121 percent occupancy and has turned away 61 people. Clients can stay in the shelter for up to 30 days; they then must find another living arrangement for seven days. After the seven-day waiting period, clients can reapply for another 30 days. Samaritan House only provides extensions to clients in certain cases due to the high demand for shelter services. Many people find themselves in need of shelter services due to a lack of affordable housing, however, Samaritan House also sees people who have struggles with mental health, addiction, the loss of a job, a family emergency, and a variety of other reasons.
“We may have in our mind an idea of what a homeless person looks like, but a lot of people live one pay cheque away from a disaster,” Hayes says. “It can happen to anyone.” Hayes believes affordable housing is the greatest contributing factor to homelessness among women in Nanaimo. She suggests more cooperation on affordable housing initiatives from all levels government, because it is more cost effective to provide housing for people than to keep them in shelter care. “Emergency shelters are extremely expensive to run because of 24-hour staffing,” Hayes says. “There would also be a cut down in hospital visits and visits by the RCMP.” Samaritan House embarked on a pilot project in 2013, which expanded their services and allowed them to provide rental subsidies for clients, as well as a high-barrier transitional housing shelter called Mary’s Place, for women who need less support in finding housing. Despite the expansion of Samaritan House’s programs, Samaritan House is still too small to meet demand. “Numbers have just skyrocketed, and the availability of rental units have gone down in the community,” Hayes said. “We don’t know where we’ll go from here.”
Indoor rock climbing shuttle
Keith Penner scaling a rock wall.
Cole Schisler Every Tuesday night at 6 pm, Campus Rec --runs a shuttle service from the VIU gym to The Navigator
the Romper Room Indoor Rock Climbing Centre for $7.35. VIU Campus Rec provides all the necessary equipment, including harnesses and climbing shoes. They also cover the cost of admission and transport students to and from the climbing gym. Regularly, admission to the climbing gym would cost around $22.
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Keith Penner, a second-year VIU business student, is an avid climber and a regular on the shuttle trips. “It’s an affordable way to have a good time and enjoy getting some good exercise,” Penner said. “If you enjoy getting a challenge out of exercise, climbing is definitely a sport you should try.” Going to the climbing nights is also a great way to make friends and interact with likeminded students.
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“I’ve made lots of good friends through climbing,” Penner said. “I’ve been outdoor climbing with many people because of the shuttle, and there’s a really great, healthy, friendly community that comes with climbing.” To sign up for the Rock Climbing shuttle, register online at <viu.ca/campusrec/> or head down to the VIU gymnasium on Tuesday before 6 pm.
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SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
Women’s basketball: double defeats
Cole Schisler
Mariners Guard Chanece Curtis leads the play.
Cole Schisler On Friday November 4, the VIU Mariners --took on the Douglas Royals in a close contest. The Navigator
.... Both teams came out strong defensively. The Royals relied on a few key players to make their shots, while the Mariners were varied in their shooting. The Mariners’ Emily Clarke came out with some impressive shots early on, and landed some big three pointers. The Royals led 18–15 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Royals created many turnovers, and used them to keep the ball on the Mariners’ end of the court. The Royals took 61 shots in the first half, compared to the Mariners’ 39 shots. But, while the Royals shot more, they hit less. The Mariners connected with 42.9 percent of their field goals, 57 percent of their three-pointers, and 50 percent of their free throws, compared to 32.5 percent, 26.7 percent, and 66.7 percent for the Royals. With their greater accuracy, the Mariners trailed the Royals by only four points at the half, the score 34–30. In the second half, the Royals managed to mostly shut down the Mariners offense. They ended the third quarter with only seven points, whereas the Royals scored 14 points. As in
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Mariners Guard Emily Clarke sinks a free throw.
Cole Schisler
the first half, the Royals made the most of their rebounds and capitalize on turnovers. In the fourth, the Mariners turned up the heat and sliced the Royals lead to 52–47 with four-minutes left to play in the match. The Royals held their composure and landed a series of shots to keep the Mariners down, ending the match 59–52 over the Mariners. “The effort was really good,” Coach Franjo Crankovic said. “The girls didn’t give up. They made some mistakes, but they learned from them. The team played well today.” Overall, the Mariners took 81 shots, compared to 120 shots for the Royals. While the Mariners were more accurate than the Royals in almost every category, the Mariners failed to capitalize on rebounds, which ultimately led to their loss. “Every day we focus on getting better than yesterday and that’s all I expect from the women,” Crankovic said. On Saturday November 5, the Capilano Blues came to town to test the Mariners after their defeat against Douglas. The Blues opened the scoring early and benefited from high accuracy, hitting over 50 percent of their shots in the first quarter. At the end of the first, the Blues led 27–10 over the Mariners.
The story was much the same in the second quarter, as the Blues led 45–22 going in to the half. The Mariners were 16/51 in shooting for the first half, whereas the Blues shot 27/44. The Mariners had 20.7 percent on their field goals, 20 percent on their three-pointers, and 66.7 percent on their free throws. Mariners forward Sienna Pollard led the Mariners in scoring going in to the second half with eight points. In the third quarter, the Blues were dominant. They ended the quarter with a lead of 60–26, the widest lead of the match. The Mariners fought back in the fourth quarter, they controlled the pace, were aggressive on their rebounds and put up 14 points in the quarter, but were unable to overcome the wide lead of the Blues. The Blues won 69–40. The Mariners finished the match shooting 27/95 total, and the Blues shot 41/111 total. The Mariners improved on their ability to recover rebounds, with 44 total rebounds to Capilano’s 49 rebounds. It was the Mariner’s accuracy that told the tale of this match. The Mariners will travel to take on the Columbia Bible College Bearcats on November 18, and their next home game is January 6 against the Quest Kermodes.
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2–1 Ooks. Kaylee Dodds was named VIU’s player of the game. For the final match of the tournament, the Mariners face the Holland Hurricanes. Mariners’ forward Chloe Gummer scored with precision at the 4-minute-mark. Ten minutes later, Mariners’ defender Nicole Foglietta extended the Mariners lead to 2–0 over the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes scored off a penalty kick at the 20th minute, but the Mariners kept their composure and continued to play well. Chloe Gummer found the net again at the 40-minute-mark, then scored again to complete the hat trick in the dying minutes of the first half. The Mariners won 4–1, Chloe Gummer was VIU’s player of the game. Many of the Mariners matches were close fought battles that could have gone to either team. While the record may not reflect it, the Mariners preformed well on the national stage, and will likely continue their success next season.
The Mariners were in Montreal for the CCAA National Soccer Championship over the The Navigator weekend, and ended the tournament winning the last of their three games. In their opening match against the Idiennes d’Ahunstic, the Mariners kept the game tied at 0–0 throughout the first half. While both teams created scoring opportunities, the Idiennes found the net at the 82-minute-mark, to win the match 1–0 over the Mariners. Harroop Mali was named VIU’s player of the game. Next, the Mariners played the North Alberta Institute of Technology Ooks. The Ooks opened the scoring early, putting away a goal at the 7-minute-mark, before scoring again to close out the first half. In the second half, Mariners’ midfielder Kaylee Dodds scored at the 50-minute-mark. The Mariners followed the goal with an aggressive offensive effort, however Ooks goaltender Kailey Harder managed to fend off the Mariners, ending the match
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SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
stroll through owen ark Cole Schisler ---
The best time to explore Nanaimo’s nature is after a good rain. The Navigator Bowen Park is a perfect place to start. Feel the soggy squish of fallen foliage underfoot as you walk alongside the Millstone River Side Channel among tall pines, hemlocks, and shedding maples. Stop and enjoy the sound and breathtaking view of the rushing Millstone River. While Bowen Park feels as though you’ve lost yourself in a lush forest, the park and the river have actually been highly curated. Millstone River originates at Brannen Lake and runs into Nanaimo’s inner harbour, spanning 26 streams, 16 tributaries
and eight lakes. In 2007, the City of Nanaimo established the Millstone River Side Channel in Bowen Park to sustain stocks of Coho Salmon that migrate along the vast body of water. The riverbed is on conglomerate and sandstone, which had to be blasted to ensure it was deep enough for the salmon. The city also laid gravel and cobble so the riverbed would be rough enough for salmon to make their way up the river. They added large stumps and logs to create pools which serve as salmon spawning areas. Salmon began to use the channel the first day it was opened in the fall of 2007. Along with Coho Salmon, the channel is also
home to Cutthroat Trout, Steelhead Trout, and various aquatic insects. The Millstone River Side Channel was built so well it appears as if it has always been a part of Bowen Park. Aside from the side channel, Bowen Park boasts a beautiful rhododendron grove, a serene duck pond, open sports fields, tennis courts, a lacrosse box, a disc golf course, volleyball courts, two playgrounds, and covered picnic shelters. Bowen Park spans 36 hectares along Bowen Road, and has two parking lots: one at 500 Bowen Rd. and the other on Wall St. across from the Nanaimo Curling Centre. From Vancouver Island University, it is a six-minute drive, a 30-minute walk, or a 10-minute bike ride.
Cole Schisler
A view of the Millstone River Side Channel.
Cole Schisler
The Bowen Park duck pond.
A map of Bowen Park.
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en fo i
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e on the forest floor
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Brandon Kornelson is a Sociology and History student. He hopes to become a journalist. Contact Brandon at <brandonkornelson@shaw.ca>.
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NOVEMBER
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
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Mise en Infamy: A forum for original word craft
Arty Crafty Bazaar
Meditation Workshop
Bowen Park Complex 500 Bowen Rd.
OmTown Yoga Studio 43 Commercial St.
10 am
6:30 – 8 pm
Speaker Series: “Reinvention of Radio Since the Golden Era”
FREE
$25
The Nanaimo Bar #2-75 Front St. 7 pm – 10 pm Doors $5
Nanoose Place Community Centre 2925 Northwest Bay Rd., Nanoose 10 am – 12 pm Students $5
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Buffy Sainte-Marie
Harbour City Newcomers Club
In Our Own Aboriginal Voice Book Launch
Living History Speaker Series
Tea by the Sea
Pub-Club Crawl 2016
Oliver Woods Community Centre 6000 Oliver Rd.
Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place Bldg. 170, Nanaimo Campus
Wellington Secondary School 3135 Mexicana Rd.
Deep Bay Marine Field Station 370 Crome Point Rd., Bowser
VIU Men’s and Women’s Volleyball
7 – 9 pm
6 – 7:30 pm
1 pm
11 am – 2 pm
Starts 6 pm
FREE
FREE
FREE
$22 (Reservation required)
FREE
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Star Wars Dive-In Movie
Fringe Flicks: Love & Friendship
Free Coffee Day
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre 741 Third St.
Avalon Cinemas Woodgrove Centre, 6631 North Island Hwy.
The Port Theatre 125 Front St. Starts 8 pm Students $15
1 – 3 pm $7
7 pm $13
VIU Gym Bldg. 190, Nanaimo Campus
Lighthouse Bistro & Pub 50 Anchor Way 7 pm – 12 am Tickets $20
Upper and Lower Cafeteria, Nanaimo Campus 8 – 10:30 am FREE
JOIN THE NAVIGATOR ONLINE
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CALENDAR
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Textbooks are expensive, this contest is free! The Navigator wants to help pay for next semester’s books. Share, commment or retweet and enter to win $100 gift card to the VIU Bookstore. Contest will run from November 2 to 23, winner will be announced in Issue 7. Here’s how: Facebook: Share our contest to your friends Twitter: Retweet our story post Instagram: Comment on our picture and tag a VIU student This contest is open to all Nanaimo residents, make sure you’re following us:
@THENAV_VIU /THENAVIGATORNEWSPAPER @THENAV_VIU