March 9, 2017

Your University of Saskatchewan student newspaper since 1912.

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CULTURE pg. 10

BREAKING THE SILENCE

CYCLING NORTH

SPRING FASHION

BYE BYE BONANZA

NEWS

SPORTS

FEATURE

OPINIONS

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U of S students raise awareness about the human brain SOPHIA LAGIMODIERE According to the Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatchewan has seen a significant increase in brain injuries in the last five years. To promote brain safety and health, the SHR and University of Saskatchewan students will host a campaign known as Brain Awareness Week.

From Mar. 13 to 19, the U of S will promote brain safety and health through a series of interactive activities called Brain Wave, held across elementary schools, and Brain Blast, a free public event at City Hospital’s Atrium.

BAW is a campaign that aims to connect global part-

Kaitlyn Kwasney, education and prevention co-ordinator at the SHR, is spending her second year planning BAW here in Saskatoon, and she sees a need for greater knowledge about brain protection in the community.

“The reason I got involved is because 2,000 people in Saskatchewan each year have developed acquired brain injuries. Our statistics through the SHR have gone up 80 per cent for injuries on things like off-road vehicles, snowmobiles and ATVs,” Kwasney said. “People are still drinking and driving, people are still not wearing helmets when they snowmobile and

quad. So we’re still seeing the injuries, and as long as there’s injuries for the brain, there’s a reason for us to go out there and talk about it.”

BAW features two main events: Brain Wave and Brain Blast. In Brain Wave, U of S students volunteer at elementary schools, presenting fun interactive activities to educate children about brain injury prevention. At Brain Blast, which will be held in the City Hospital Atrium on Mar. 19 from 12 to 3 p.m., the community can explore 12 stations to learn about different parts of the brain and external dangers to the brain.

Kwasney sees these events

as a great opportunity to spread awareness about brain safety, and she has encouraged all undergraduate students to volunteer.

“The presentations are very fun and very interactive. It’s a great way to put yourself maybe into a bit of a situation that you’re uncomfortable with and gain experience presenting and talking to people. It’s a nice way to get that experience in talking to large groups,” Kwasney said. “Last year, I had 18 classrooms that we were able to reach. This year we’re up to 31. I have more and more students getting involved.”

Lisa Poon, a U of S grad-

“

People are still drinking and driving, people are still not wearing helmets when they snowmobile and quad. So we’re still seeing the injuries, and as long as there’s injuries for the brain, there’s a reason for us to go out there and talk about it.

”

– Kaitlyn Kwasney, education and

prevention co-ordinator at the SHR

ner organizations, educate the public about advances in brain science and promote science funding. The event was originally founded by the U.S. based Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives in 1996 as a global celebration of the brain.

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

Photography Editor: Jeremy Britz, photo@thesheaf.com

Copy Editor: Larissa Kurz, copy@thesheaf.com

Graphics Editor: Lesia Karalash, graphics@thesheaf.com

Web Editor: Nicholas Kindrachuk, web@thesheaf.com

Editor-in-Chief: Naomi Zurevinski, editor@thesheaf.com

Culture Editor: Bridget Morrison, culture@thesheaf.com

Outreach Director: Sophie Kokott, outreach@thesheaf.com

Layout Manager: Laura Underwood, layout@thesheaf.com

Sports & Health Editor: Staff Writer: Emily Klatt, Jack Thompson, sportshealth@thesheaf.com staffwriter@thesheaf.com

News Editor: Jessica Klaassen-Wright, news@thesheaf.com

Opinions Editor: Zach Tennent, opinions@thesheaf.com

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Board of Directors: Ata Merat, Katherine Fedoroff, Kyra Mazer, Chennoa Tracey, Hasith Andrahennadi Cover Graphic: Lesia Karalash, Graphics Editor Advertising 306.966.8688 Editorial 306.966.8689

Ad & Business Manager: Shantelle Hrytsak, ads@thesheaf.com

The Sheaf is a non-profit, incorporated and student-body funded partially by way of a direct levy paid by all part and full-time undergraduate students at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). The remainder of the revenue is generated through advertising. The financial affairs are governed by a Board of Directors, most of whom are students. Membership in the Society is open to undergraduate students at the U of S who are encouraged to contribute to the newspaper. Opinions expressed in the Sheaf do not necessarily reflect those of the Sheaf Publishing Society Inc. The Sheaf reserves the right to refuse to accept or print any material deemed unfit for publication, as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. The Editor-in-Chief has the right to veto any submission deemed unfit for the Society newspaper. In determining this, the Editor-in-Chief will decide if the article or artwork would be of interest to a significant portion of the Society and benefit the welfare of Sheaf readers. The Sheaf will not publish any racist, sexist, homophobic or libelous material. The Sheaf is published weekly during the academic year and monthly from May through August.

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uate student in the College of Medicine’s department of psychiatry, is the university co-ordinator helping plan BAW with Kwasney.

She believes BAW is a beneficial way to get involved with the community.

“It’s a really good connection between not only the students, but faculty of U of S. I just really love that connection. I also love seeing how it’s been growing throughout time. How many schools we go to, and just being a part of the community that I probably would never be able to find a way to get involved with without doing something like this,” Poon said.

This year, Kwasney and Poon have 31 classrooms and over 700 elementary school children to present to for Brain Wave. Poon also encourages the campus community to get involved with BAW by attending Brain Blast at City Hospital.

“I think something like BAW is easy access. You can just show up at the hospital, or when you’re an elementary kid you’re already in school anyways,” Poon said. “I think it’s just a really neat and easy way to learn about research that’s happening right here in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is actually quite famous in the [neuroscience] field, and I don’t know if a lot of people know that.

By raising this awareness, it lets [people] see what amazing things we’re doing here.”

The mission of the Sheaf is to inform and entertain students by addressing those issues that are relevant to life on campus, in the city, or in the province. The newspaper serves as a forum for discussion on a wide range of issues that concern students. Written for students by students, the staff of editors, photographers, and artists collaborate with volunteers as studentjournalists to produce a product with relevance to the university community. With each composition, the Sheaf stays in touch with students on the U of S campus. It provides unique insight to university issues through a student perspective.

@thesheaf1912 /thesheaf1912 @thesheaf1912

If you would like to contribute to the Sheaf, email editor@thesheaf.com for more information.

corrections In last week’s issue, we incorrectly named the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the article “International politics and policies: U of S at Model UN and Model NATO conferences.”

We apologize for this error.

march 9, 2017

PAGENEWS TYPE

Pharmacist Awareness Month

educates on pharmacists’ roles in health care NATASHA HAUSERMANN In Saskatchewan alone, there are over 1,350 pharmacists working in community pharmacy, hospitals, ambulatory care and primary health-care teams, and the number is growing every year. To promote the importance that pharmacists have within the Canadian healthcare system, the University of Saskatchewan will host Pharmacist Awareness Month this March.

The month-long event, organized by over 60 student volunteers, will feature infamous events such as the Mr. Pharmacy talent pageant.

With each event, volunteers hope to engage health-care professionals and benefit not only current pharmacy students on campus, but also provide learning opportunities for all U of S students.

Darren Reithmeier, second-year pharmacy student and co-chair of the PAM promotions committee, encourages students to partake in events throughout the month to learn more about the U of S pharmacy program and what

pharmacists can do for their patients.

“We welcome students on campus to approach [us] and our other pharmacy colleagues at the booths that we’ll have set up around campus. PAM is about engaging patient understanding; thus, community members and students can feel comfortable approaching us for questions and concerns,” Reithmeier said, in an email to the Sheaf.

“PAM focuses on community outreach and education about what pharmacists are able to do for patients. This year’s slogan, ‘Pharmacists: Doing More. For You,’ portrays the excitement that our colleagues have to promote our profession to others.”

There will be many events for students to partake in throughout the month at the U of S. Reithmeier commented on some of their main events, including Admissions Night on Mar. 13 and the Mr. Pharmacy pageant on Mar. 24.

“Admissions Night is targeted at prospective university and high school students who are interested in entering the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. Mr. Pharmacy in-

cludes daring men and women in the college, nominated by their classmates, [who] participate in a pageant style event with the hopes of being crowned ‘Mr. Pharmacy 2017,’” Reithmeier said.

According to Reithmeier, the month will also feature a community outreach initiative, taking place on various days throughout the month, and an interprofessional case study on Mar. 30.

“The community outreach is an initiative where we get pharmacy students out into the community to educate and raise awareness about pharmacists to members of the public and campus community, and the interprofessional case study event is intended to be an open-format case study that brings together multiple health professionals. The case study will be on the topic of schizophrenia,” Reithmeier said.

Mr. Pharmacy is one of the largest events that the college will host during PAM. Reithmeier encourages students to attend the event, as all proceeds raised this year will be donated to charity.

“Our Mr. Pharmacy event,

Kathlyn Zales March is Pharmacist Awareness Month at the University of Saskatchewan.

one of the biggest events of our college, [is] frequently attended by students from other colleges. Attending Mr. Pharmacy is a great way to get a good first impression on the social and philanthropist side of what the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns offers. Segments of the show include runway walk, talent portion, group dance, questions and answers, etc.,” Reithmeier said.

Every year, organizers of PAM choose a different charity to donate to. Reithmeier explains that this year’s charity is Team Naomi-Get Well Now. “Naomi is an eight-year-old child in Saskatoon with stage four alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma,” Reithmeier said.

“Naomi is raising awareness and fundraising money to do-

Explore everything Arts & Science has to offer!

Monday, March 13, 1– 4 p.m.

Exeter Room, Marquis Hall artsandscience.usask.ca/mp Unsure of your major?

Want to learn more about a program?

Looking for research or graduate opportunities?

Tuition.

Budgets.

Building projects.

Policies.

nate to the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute.”

Reithmeier notes that U of S students should also attend PAM events because they will provide an opportunity to ask questions and learn from their peers in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, who will be able to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to educate others about the importance of pharmacists in health care.

“At some point in students’ lives, it will be necessary to utilize a pharmacist for medications, minor ailments and general questions about health concerns,” Reithmeier said. “Anytime is a great opportunity, but especially March, to talk to pharmacists about what they can do for you.”

Meet the people who make the university’s financial decisions—your Board of Governors.

Join the board members for an informal reception for your opportunity to chat with your board members one-on-one.

LOUIS’ LOFT MONDAY, MARCH 20 4 – 6 PM

INTRODUCTIONS AT 4:30 PM

EVERYONE IS WELCOME. A COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENT AND LIGHT SNACKS WILL BE SERVED.

MAJOR Possibilities is your chance to find your perfect major and learn where Arts & Science programs can take you.

FREE food!

Enter to win prizes and

FREE tuition!

Prize terms and conditions: Must be an Arts & Science student to win Tuition is for a 3-credit course (category 1) Will be applied Fall/Winter 2017/18

march 9, 2017

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Breaking one final silence:

U of S to host last Breaking the Silence conference

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

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This program has been made possible in part through funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

JALINE BROQUEZA

In 1997, Don Cochrane, emeritus professor of educational foundations, and his students at the University of Saskatchewan organized the first Breaking the Silence conference. At the time, Cochrane was teaching his course Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education, in which students wrote research papers about LGBTQ communities in Saskatoon.

Cochrane’s students produced such excellent papers that he believed they needed a bigger audience. Within a year, the annual Breaking the Silence conference was born. From Mar. 17 to 18, the College of Education will host the 20th and final conference, exploring LGBTQ themes.

Cochrane shares that the university was the right setting to launch such a conference, as it provided a forum for the community to explore issues not present in local media and offered a safe space for participants.

“University, with its guarantee of academic freedom, allows for the raising of controversial issues. The conference brought together academics, members of the community and young people. There were no gaystraight alliances in schools at that time, so kids who were questioning their identity had no safe place in which to feel comfortable and to explore,” Cochrane said.

General admission is $50.

Fees for post-secondary students, the unemployed or under-employed, seniors and retired individuals are $20 and free for high school students. Online registration closes on Mar. 15.

Margi Corbett, a U of S alumna and a member of the conference’s advisory board, believes that raising awareness of human rights is important in any community and that everyone involved in public education would benefit from the conference.

“Breaking the Silence is particularly important to the U of S because this is where people begin the process of learning to be good teachers in the College of Education. When they are armed with knowledge and empathy from having attended this conference, they can become great teachers who are equipped to change lives and, in some cases, literally save lives,” Corbett said, in

an email to the Sheaf.

According to Cochrane, this year’s conference will be the last, reflected in its theme: “Looking back, moving forward.”

“At sometime, you just have to let go and there’s now so much activity going on that the conference isn’t as essential as it once was.

The work will go on after at the end of this conference …

There are other places bursting with activities, so we are reflecting, in part of this conference, on our history and we’re interested in projecting how we, the movements, might go forward,” Cochrane said.

The conference will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Mar. 17 with the play The Pink Unicorn, followed by a discussion. Mar. 18 will then feature a range of speakers and workshops, one of which is a unique addition, according to Cochrane.

“We’re breaking one final silence and that is the experience and predicament of LGBTQ persons in our prison system. Nobody has talked about that and we have a workshop [on Mar. 18] devoted to the topic. It took us a long time to get around with it, I must admit. I mean, we haven’t broken that silence until now, but then neither has anyone else,” Cochrane said.

Corbett, also a retired high school English teacher, shares the changes she has seen in previous years and expresses hopes for the future.

“One of the greatest challenges of my career involved addressing homophobia in my classroom and school community. I was shocked and very nearly paralyzed by the narrow-mindedness that I encountered there, [but] since 1981, I have seen such great changes in attitudes toward LGBTQ people in this country, province and in my school community that I have a great deal of hope for the future,” Corbett said.

Cochrane encourages students to attend, as he believes the conference has something to offer everyone.

“Social workers come, nurses come, high school students come, teachers come, so it’s a really nice mix of the community … LGBTQ issues in university communities are probably fairly progressive and accepting, but it doesn’t hurt that there should be a place for formal and informal conversations, and the conference is that space.” march 9, 2017

SPORTSPAGE & HEALTH TYPE

The truth about students eating gluten-free ALEXANDRIA PAVELICH Although knowledge about celiac disease has become more common in recent years, a number of myths about the condition still persist — much to the frustration of those diagnosed with it.

I am still in disbelief over the frequency of which the words “gluten-free” are met with smirks or eye rolls.

Though I have been diagnosed with celiac disease for almost eight years, I am still uncomfortable inquiring about the ingredients in my food. My friends are accustomed to my compulsive label reading, and I am frequently known to avoid ordering food in a public setting altogether to forgo an awkward social interaction.

Celiac disease is a condition where the absorptive surface lining of the small intestine becomes damaged from consuming gluten-containing products. Gluten, a glue-like protein found in all forms of wheat, rye, barley and various other grains, often appears under disguised names — like maltodextrin — and is

unexpectedly found in many foods and medications. Over time, consumption becomes problematic for glutenintolerant individuals, as it leads to an inability to absorb crucial nutrients and vitamins necessary for good health.

Once out at a pub, I ordered a gluten-free beer, and someone from across the table laughed and said, “You must do CrossFit, too.”

Frustrated, I launched into a scathing explanation as to why I need my food and drinks gluten-free, and that no, it wasn’t a lifestyle choice.

In the last few years, many people have been opting for a gluten-free diet, because there is a myth that it helps with rapid weight loss and contributes to a healthier way of life.

According to Dr. Peter Green, director of the Celiac Disease Centre at Columbia University, going gluten-free is important for some, but for those who are not gluten

sensitive or intolerant, it can be harmful. Gluten-free diets entail ditching common, nutritious whole grains. When we skip these, we are leaving out essential vitamins, minerals and fibres which are not found in the empty starches

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that are used in most gluten-free substitutes. Those of us following a strict gluten-free diet do so because it is the only available treatment.

It has been estimated that roughly one in every 100 to

r

200 people are affected by celiac disease, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in North America.

However, the actual number of sufferers is likely higher, as it is one of the most difficult conditions to diagnose. Many live for years with health problems, unable to identity the source. Personally, I was ill and hospitalized on and off for six years before I found out in 2009.

The reason that diagnosis is so difficult is because the symptoms of untreated celiac disease vary in severity and mimic many other physiological and mental health disorders.

While not an exhaustive list, common indicators can include a combination of anemia, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, fatigue, intestinal cramps, bloating and mood fluctuation.

Before I was diagnosed, I was told by separate specialists at various points I was suffering from the following: bipolar type II, an eating dis-

order I was not admitting to, a neurological disorder, juvenile arthritis and attention deficit disorder. The latter came after I told the doctor I had trouble focusing, which I later learned was from severe malnourishment and nutritional deficiencies from my overlooked food intolerance.

So how did I figure it out?

Only after being medicated for numerous other problems with no success did I seek alternative treatment where I was issued a blood test, and later, an intestinal biopsy.

To my relief, I finally had an answer and all of my health symptoms resolved within four weeks of eliminating gluten.

While I will be in a perpetual state of dismay over never being able to eat an A&W mozza burger again, I leave you with one piece of advice on behalf of all celiacs.

For those of you who hear someone inquiring about gluten-free items, be sensitive to the fact that most of us don’t want to be eating this way. Please don’t let the fad dieters make a bad reputation for those of us who truly do have a health problem.

Bicycling North gets wellness rolling in northern communities

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor Brenden Groat works to promote increased health and wellness through cycling.

COLE CHRETIEN Through the ambitious Bicycling North program, Brendan Groat is advocating for increased health in northern communities through the practice of cycling.

Groat, a medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, plans to cycle between six primarily Indigenous northern Saskatchewan communities — Île-àla-Crosse, Dillion, La Loche, Buffalo Narrows, Beauval and Patuanak. At each stop, Groat will be gifting bike parts and tools to communimarch 9, 2017

ty centres, leading bike days and bicycle repair workshops and fulfilling clinic hours.

The project will begin later this year on May 15 and will wrap up on June 30.

Groat is involved in both the Student Wellness Initiative Towards Community Health clinic and the Making the Links Global and Indigenous Health program. He also does work with Mindful Living, an organization that advocates for the mental health benefits of mindfulness meditation.

The idea for Bicycling North came to Groat during his time spent in Île-à-laCrosse as part of Making

the Links. As part of a wider series of health days, Groat helped host a bike day for the community.

“In Île we did different days. The most memorable was the bicycle day. There’s 50 kids lined up with their bikes. All the kids, they ride their bikes everywhere but the tires are bald and flat, the brakes aren’t working, the pedals are busted but they’re still riding them,” Groat said. “It’s pretty geographically isolated up there in regards to getting supplies for repairs.”

Each of the communities are approximately 70 to 100 kilometers apart. Île-à-laCrosse was included because it serves as the health centre for the region, but the rest were based on distance in relation to each other.

“I wanted to show that covering 100 kilometres a day is fairly easy. Six hours at 18 kilometres an hour is a fairly gentle biking pace,” Groat said.

As part of Bicycling North, Groat will also be fulfilling clinic hours at each stop on his tour. The Making the Links program features three practicums: one at

the SWITCH clinic, one in northern Saskatchewan and an international practicum.

Groat chose to develop Bicycling North as the third part of his practicum, rather than travelling internationally.

“It’s great to help those that are in need worldwide but people also need some help pretty close by,” Groat said. “Having been up there and learning about what life is like up there and their health, and then seeing ways to help that, I feel like I’ve got to.”

Bicycling North hopes to focus on not just the improved physical health that comes with practicing cycling, but also the mental health aspects associated with the hobby.

“In speaking with people in the community, it’s something that they really want to support. They understand the physical health improvement but also the mental health in terms of the empowerment that comes with learning new skills,” Groat said. “It’s spiritual health as well. You’re on your bike, you’re in the air, you’re connected to land. That’s an im-

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portant cultural value.”

In addition to these health benefits, Groat says that cycling also offers benefits to nutritional and social health by providing a method of transportation that allows easier access to food and the ability to explore one’s community.

“It’s not just like you go in and you do something and then you leave. You want it to be sustainable … It’s like that old adage: you give someone a fish, they eat for a day, but you teach someone to fish, and they eat for their whole lifetime,” Groat said.

Groat views the practice of cycling as something that can help northern Indigenous communities reconnect with the lands they inhabit.

“It respects Indigenous perspective in regards to movement across land. My ancestry is Cree and Métis.

My granddad always wanted us to be more connected to that. If that’s something I can do, I’ll do it this way.”

Bicycling North is currently seeking funding through a GoFundMe page, and can be found on Facebook as Bicycling North.

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SPORTS & HEALTH PAGE TYPE

Pro-choice Awareness Week seeks to support, not shame EMILY KLATT Sports & Health Editor

Although abortion of some kind has been legal in Canada since 1969, reproductive choice remains a complicated and controversial issue. Through the upcoming Pro-Choice Awareness Week, the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union Women’s Centre aims to provide information and support to individuals regarding abortion.

According to the USSU website, both the USSU and the USSU Women’s Centre identify themselves as prochoice. This means that they believe that every individual has a right to choose what happens to their own body — and that includes the decision to terminate a pregnancy. This is a stance that is publically maintained regardless of the current USSU executive or university administration.

Pro-Choice Awareness Week runs from Mar. 13 to Mar. 17 and will include a

variety of features. Volunteers from the Women’s Centre will be present in the Arts Tunnel to promote the awareness week and provide information to U of S students.

The main message of ProChoice Awareness week remains the same, but each year focuses on one specific area of the movement. Ashley Clouthier, the co-ordinator of the USSU Women’s Centre, explained the central theme of this year’s campaign.

“This year we’re focusing a little more on supporting people who have had abortions rather than shaming, which is a universal problem. It’s not restricted to the pro-choice movement or the antichoice movement — it’s something that everyone perpetuates,” Clouthier said. “Our big tagline is ‘one in three people will have an abortion at some point in their lifetime.’ So someone you know has had an abortion and will eventually need an abortion, probably.

Support, don’t shame.”

Advocating for a contentious issue is not without its challenges, and the prochoice movement is no exception to this rule.

“It’s a really controversial topic. Very few people sit on the fence when it co m e s to

reproductive rights and access to abortion, so if we’re really obviously, blatantly declaring ourselves prochoice, obviously it’s going to rustle some feathers on the other side of the

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movement, so I think the biggest challenge is just engaging with that side,” Clouthier said.

She stressed, however, that the Women’s Centre and its volunteers aren’t interested in creating more conflict — but rather engaging in intelligent discussion.

“It’s not in our interest to start any fights. We don’t want to upset anybody, we don’t want to come across as being adverse, or bullies or anything like that. I guess the biggest challenge is remaining a positive presence without necessarily fueling the fire that already exists between the two sides Paige Sutherland of the movement,” Clouthier said.

Clouthier emphasised how the current political climate makes things like Pro-Choice Awareness Week more essential than ever before.

“It’s more important than ever that people are aware of how important it is that people who have an unwanted pregnancy and wish to end that pregnancy have every opportunity to do so, because we can see what’s happening in the United States right now is terrifying. It’s essentially a giant step backwards, for not just women but for reproductive rights in general,” Clouthier said.

For students that are interested in helping advocate for reproductive rights, Clouthier had a number of suggestions, ranging from stopping by the table during the week to doing a simple Google search to learn more about abortion stigma.

Despite the challenges facing the pro-choice movement and reproductive rights, Clouthier remains optimistic that even a few committed individuals can make a huge difference.

“In any small way, we can just stand up and say we’re unapologetically prochoice, we’ll support you no matter what you need to do — I think that’s helpful.”

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PAGE TYPE CULTURE

Artist watch: Stephanie Mah prepares for BFA show MACKENZIE PARADZIK For fifth-year studio art major Stephanie Mah, art has always been a driving passion in her life. As her time comes to a close at the University of Saskatchewan, Mah is the final stages of producing her BFA show.

Students at the U of S majoring in studio art are required to produce a BFA exhibit, where they are in charge of making a concept, curating the show, and of course, creating all of the pieces for it.

Mah has been passionate about creating art since before she can remember.

Earlier this week, she was looking through old scrapbooks only to find photos of herself in a diaper, drawing. She believes it’s a natural talent and one that she is lucky to have.

Inspiration for art can come from a plethora of places for Mah, and these places have changed throughout the years.

“I used to get a lot of inspiration from other peo-

ple, people who are passionate in what they do, and exposing myself to a lot of art blogs. Now I feel more rooted in who I am as an artist and I feel like it is easier for me to know my style. I now get inspiration from past experiences and my feelings. I feel like that's a good thing because it's always a place I can draw from and build off of,” Mah said.

Her BFA show consists of six pieces, all of which vary in size. When asked about how she cultivated the concept for her show, she discussed finding ideas within herself and her thoughts.

“The past year I have been journaling a lot about relationships, experiences and recurring feelings, which has been a really big inspiration for me in all the pieces of this show. My show is called Conscious Subconscious,” Mah said.

For Mah, the work she has put together for this show reflects a lot about her personal identity.

“All of the paintings are

really personal to me and and mean a lot about how I feel about myself and my identity. A lot of it is relationships I have with other people and how I feel like that impacts my personality and who I am as a person — the awareness or unawareness of your sense of self in your personal life,” Mah said.

Although the pieces in the show draw from her personal thoughts and feelings, she wants people viewing it to be able to connect with the pieces as well, in hopes that they can find ways in which the art makes them feel something about who they are as a person.

Through the process of curating and producing this show over the past eight months, Mah feels she has grown as an artist.

“I think it’s really exciting to be able to have all these things that you can picture in your head as a cohesive body of work.

I’m excited to share it as a show. It can be hard to be creative … Some-

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The village that raises a child: Why mentoring youth matters LAUREN KLASSEN Whether a mentor or mentee, the community organization Big Brothers Big Sisters positively impacts the lives of those involved in the program. It also provides a unique opportunity for University of Saskatchewan students who want to help make a difference in Saskatoon.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon is an organization that has a variety of community programs that aim to help provide a positive inmarch 9, 2017

fluence in a child’s life. The organization has been in Saskatoon for over 30 years and currently has over 250 children matched with mentors, while Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada has matched over 40,000 children with mentors.

Two programs in particular have proved to be especially beneficial — the Bigs and Littles program and the inschool mentoring program, both of which U of S students can get involved with.

Children in these programs range in age, from six years to 18 years in the Bigs and

Littles program, and the inschool mentoring program involves those from grade one to grade eight.

The Bigs and Littles program involves a mentor, who becomes a Big Sister or Big Brother to their mentee, the Little Sister or Little Brother.

Mentors take their Little out to enjoy various activities, such as a walk in the park, community events or to the movies.

From sports to the arts, the mentors and mentees choose something they both enjoy doing. This program takes

Stephanie Mah / Supplied Mah’s BFA final show, Conscious Subconscious, is definitely worth checking out.

thing that’s not only good enough for your standards, but adequately explains what you want it to in your piece,” Mah said.

After graduation, Mah is unsure of exactly what her plan will be, but knows the direction she wants to go and where her passion truly lies.

“My plan is to pursue a career as a professional artist with a practice in exhibitions, showing in galleries. I want my work

to be everywhere, internationally known. I want to create a body of work and consistently put work out,” Mah said.

Mah’s exhibit runs Mar. 6 to 10 at the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for viewing. The reception will be held Mar. 10 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. To preview some of Mah’s work, check out her website at stephaniemah.com, or her Instagram @snmah.

place outside of a school setting, so it is done on the mentees and mentors own time, which they decide on collectively — these activities usually happen once a week.

The in-school mentoring program involves a mentor visiting a mentee for one hour each week at their elementary school.

During this hour, mentors and mentees can spend time together doing activities similar to the Big and Littles program, but, all activities take place within the elementary school. The activities can range from board games, arts and crafts, sports, baking, reading and various other options in which the mentor and mentee decide upon.

These programs are beneficial to those on both sides of the experience. For the children involved in this program, it provides them with a supportive and encouraging figure and friend who can help them engage with life in a positive manner. Having a mentor may even give the child a reason to look forward to attending school.

Anastasia Hauser, secondyear english student and Big Brother Big Sister mentor, explained to the Sheaf how being a mentor benefits her personally.

“It gives me time to un-

wind. I end up doing activities like drawing and painting for an hour a week that I wouldn't normally set aside for myself. It also helps me to prepare for my future career in teaching. It gives me a bit of perspective on my own life and the problems that I face,” Hauser said.

The program is a great way for U of S students to gain volunteer experience while getting involved in the community.

Students who are concerned that volunteering may interfere with their studies should be aware that inschool mentoring takes very little time out of a university student's schedule, as the program is devised around the mentor's availability.

The team behind the organization is understanding towards students’ academic situations, particularly crunch time when it comes to final exams.

There is a dire need for volunteers in these programs, especially for the Big and Little program — as boys must currently wait two to three years before being matched with a Big Brother.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with Big Brothers Big Sisters, check out their website at bbbssaskatoon. org.

www.thesheaf.com

∙ the sheaf publishing society 7

FEATURE

Where do you draw inspiration from for your outfits?

Rihanna is definitely the first person I look to for fashion inspiration, but I think it comes from anywhere — TV, magazines and just seeing people around campus. I also follow a lot fashion and street style blogs — some of my favourites are The Trend Pear and We Wore What.

What’s the best thing about spring fashion?

For me, it’s getting to leave the jacket at home. There’s nothing worse then putting something great on and then having to cover it up because it’s freezing outside.

Why is dressing well important to you?

For me it’s a form of self-expression. I’m quiet, so I feel like that’s how I communicate myself to others.

Andrew Slusar Edwards School of Business, marketing, second-year Where do you draw inspiration from for your outfits?

I try to stay current by watching runway shows and looking through men’s fashion magazines.

Rather than take exactly what I see, I work towards interpreting looks and ideas in my own way.

Do you have any tips for students on how to dress well on a budget?

Second-hand is the way to go.

Places like Value Village and Plato’s Closet are great. Make sure you have a decent amount of time to spend there, so you can really look around. Also look for places online that offer student discounts.

”

Kennedy Owen The College of Arts and Science, women and gender studies, third-year

spring fashion: Look good on campus this season

With spring on its way, your fellow University of BRIDGET Saskatchewan students are here to help you look your best MORRISON at school! After all, the saying goes “dress for success,” right? Culture Editor

What trend do you want to see come back into style?

I’m happy to see that wide-legged jeans are making a comeback!

They reflect the 1970s and 1990s style, and it’s always great when styles re-invent themselves.

“

What are some staple pieces in your wardrobe you couldn’t live without?

I couldn't live without a good pair of jeans, a pair of brown men’s loafers, a good belt and a sturdy leather bag to carry anything.

Do you have any tips for students on how to dress well on a budget?

When you walk into a store, always head for the sales rack where you can find discounted items that may have been beyond your budget. Also, rip through magazines and find styles you like, then do research and see what you can find at a lower price.

“

The bodysuit I’m wearing is from Missguided, the dress is vintage, the tights are Alexander Wang and the boots are from Zara.

My look embodies spring 2017.

I’ve paired together an orange trench from Zara with skinny jeans from TopMan, a white textured t-shirt from Sixth June Paris with a blue leather tote by COACH and brown wing-tip shoes by Cole Haan.

I’ve accessorized my outfit with a Tissot Le Locle watch and Versace aviator glasses.

”

All Photos By: Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor. Special thanks to Jackie Bantle & Eldon Siemens from the Agriculture Greenhouse.

8 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

march 9, 2017

PAGE TYPE FEATURE

Where do you draw inspiration from for your outfits?

Usually the people that I follow, like athletes from different sports, like NBA or singers — mostly hip-hop and jazz.

What is your favourite season to dress for and why?

I always love the fall, because of the rain and the fresh air you breathe.

Obviously, that means rain jackets, bombers and hoodies, which are my favourite.

Amirali Nazari The College of Arts and Science, physiology and pharmacology, third-year

Why is dressing well important to you?

I think you identify your personality and show your soul to other people in the way you dress. Not only that, but also for your own sake — you can stay positive and have good vibes.

“

What trend do you not want to see come back into style?

I never like the fact that some people wear pajamas to school.

I’m wearing an Adidas bomber jacket, Pink Floyd “The Wall” t-shirt, which I got when I went to their concert, navy jeans and a pair of red color sneakers from Adidas — I also have a chain on if that counts.

”

Where do you draw inspiration from for your outfits?

I draw a lot of my inspiration from images I see on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Pinterest, mostly of fashion bloggers and celebrity street style.

What’s the best thing about spring fashion?

In my opinion, the best part about spring fashion is shedding the weight of your heavy winter clothes. For me specifically, the spring weather encourages me to wear more than just black and grey, which is what I’m normally used to.

What item should students splurge on?

When it comes to splurging, you can’t go wrong with investing in a great pair of jeans. I never understood the hype behind expensive jeans before, but if I have learned anything, it is that the right pair jeans can be comfortable.

What are some of your favourite places to shop in Saskatoon and why?

I am a big fan of Aritzia because they are always stocked with great basics that complement anyone’s wardrobe. I also really love going to Winners since you can find some heavily discounted name brand items if you’re willing to do some searching.

Lyndall Mack

“

march 9, 2017

The College of Arts and Science, English, fourth-year

My sweater is by BDG, which is a brand carried by Urban Outfitters. My jeans are from Gap, my purse is Kate Spade, my watch is Michael Kors, my sneakers are by Vans and lastly, my belt is from my mother's closet. www.thesheaf.com

”

∙ the sheaf publishing society 9

CULTURE

09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Thursday

friday

saturday

upcoming events • Ballet Jorgen presents Swan Lake at TCU Place • Eric Church at the SaskTel Centre • First day of Homestyles Premier Home Show at Prairieland Park • Joel Fafard and Michael Jerome Browne at the Bassment • First day of Newman Players Excalibur at St. Thomas More College Auditorium

• Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers at the Broadway Theatre • CFCR presents Femfest!: International Women’s Day Fundraiser at Amigos • Duvet 50s & 60s Edition: Saskatoon’s Covers Night at the Capitol Music Club • First day of Rock the River Cup Curling Bonspiel at the Nutana Curling Club • The Slocan Ramblers at the Bassment

• Burger Revolution with The Faps, Chronobot, Orbital Express and Ancient Pig at Amigos • DJ Shub with Charly Hustle at Louis’ Pub • Firing At The Sky with Silver Hound at the Capitol Music Club • Post Jazz: David Braid & Oene van Geel at the Bassment • Snowed-In Comedy Tour at the Broadway Theatre

• Last day of Homestyles Premier Home Show at Prairieland Park • Rose Cousins at the Broadway Theatre

sunday

• Arrogant Worms at the Broadway Theatre • First day of USSU’s Pro Choice Awareness Week at the U of S

monday

• Global Village 2017 at St. Thomas More College • Overcome Fear of Public Speaking Workshop at Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre

tuesday

wednesday

• Health Innovation & Public Policy: Beyond the Bedside at room E1150 in the Health Sciences Building • Last day of Vigilante at Persephone Theatre • Mother Mother with K. Fay at O’Brians • Relief in the Crosshairs: International Law & Protection of Aid Workers During Conflict Conference at the College of Law

Cry me a river:

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

Best places to cry at the U of S EMILY KLATT Sports & Health Editor

With final exams on the horizon, a dark cloud of anxiety has descended upon the University of Saskatchewan and its students.

Stress always brings out the worst in people — and that can include tears.

Crying is something that’s still considered pretty taboo within public spaces. People who cry in public settings — particularly women — are often regarded as irrational, weak and unprofessional. We don’t know what to do when we see someone cry — it makes us uncomfortable.

Personally, I have reached a level of comfort with public crying that no one should really aspire to. I’ve cried just about everywhere on campus, from the middle of a lecture on American government to the storage room below Saskatchewan Hall. My declared major is English, but it should really be public displays of emotional distress.

Taking into account my high level of professional expertise, I’ve compiled what I believe are the best places to cry on the U of S campus. This is just a starter guide and by no means comprehensive. Crying is a very particular activity — you need to feel it out and find the space that suits your own personal taste.

A bathroom is by far

10 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

one of the best locations on campus for a good cry.

Washrooms are abundant, so you’ll be able to find one no matter where you’re having your breakdown.

They can also assure some level of privacy and are well-stocked with tissues to wipe your tears and mirrors in which to gaze at your red-faced reflection.

Outstanding crying bathrooms that have been indicated to me include: the women’s room on the second floor of the Arts Tower by the political studies department, the bathrooms in the basement of the Physics Building, the stalls in the sixth floor of the Murray Library and the gender neutral washrooms in the Memorial Union Building.

Each crier has their own preference.

If you’re at all involved in extracurricular activities, you’ve probably cried in an office or club room of some kind. Being an active member of the university community is both a very rewarding and a very taxing pursuit — of course there’s going to be emotions. Both the Sheaf office and the Arts and Science Students’ Union office have seen a fair number of my tears — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you haven’t had a breakdown in a professor’s office at least once, did you even go to university? Crying in front of your instructors isn’t necessarily the most dignified thing, but it will make everyone very uncomfortable and might

even score you an extension on your term paper.

For those of you that like to combine emotional stress with the beauty of nature, try the riverbank behind the Diefenbaker Canada Centre. Sit on a bench overlooking the frigid waters of the Saskatchewan River, contemplate and let the tears roll.

Tired of staying on campus? Why not hop on the bus and cry while riding on public transit! Put on some sad boy indie rock and stare out the window while pretending you’re in a movie.

Most of the bus routes even loop back to the university, so you can come back for round two.

In all seriousness, if you are struggling to cope with stress or other overwhelming emotions, one of the absolute best places to cry is Student Counselling.

Mental health is extremely important, and there are professional counsellors available to help you find ways to deal. Sure, I usually sob dramatically in my therapist’s office, but I always leave with support and solutions.

Crying is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a natural way of processing emotions and a part of life. Anyone who tells you otherwise kind of sucks and shouldn’t be in your life.

The more we can normalize the expression of all kind of emotions, the more we can create a campus that is inclusive and empathetic.

And that’s something to cry — happy — tears about. march 9, 2017

PAGE TYPE CULTURE

USask Improv to host first annual festival JACK THOMPSON Staff Writer

The University of Saskatchewan’s Improv team is set to add an additional event to their calendar that will soon become a staple in their yearly plethora of shows.

This year will mark the first in which the USask Improv team will hold a festival that will be bringing together several improv groups from Saskatoon and elsewhere. Titled the Good Vibes Festival, it is set to take place from Mar. 16 to 18. Each night will feature a set of shows from not only the U of S team, but also from The Saskatoon Soaps, The No-No’s, The Lady Bits and the University of Alberta and University of Regina improv teams as well.

Improv performances are essentially improvised theatre performances centered around restrictions and suggestions from the audience.

Restrictions include not

being able to use vowels or not being able to use certain words, and a staple of improv shows is turning to the audience for suggestions to drive the scenes.

While the general framework of what types of games are performed is decided beforehand, the performance itself is entirely done on the fly and without rehearsal.

Performances can be anywhere from a couple of minutes long to longer forms reaching 10 to 20 minutes.

Jeremy Bastian, president of the Usask Improv team and fourth-year marketing major at the Edwards School of Business, explained what the team hopes to achieve with the festival.

“What we want to create at USask Improv is not only a community of improvisers from the U of S, but in Saskatoon and in Saskatchewan, and get to know these other improvisers. Each group gets a set where they have prearranged for what they want to do. They can do long form or they can do kind of more

comedic short form games within those 20 minutes,” Bastian said.

Bethany Flegel, a member of the improv team and firstyear arts and science student, spoke on her experience attending the University of Alberta Improv Group’s festival this year with the USask improv team.

“Every single aspect of the festival that we went to was probably one of my best memories from first year university so far. It was cool to meet new people who also do the same thing you do and get to hang out with them,” Flegel said.

In addition to the social aspects of the festivals, it also allows the audience, and the improv teams themselves, to see new approaches to the artform.

“What’s also cool is getting to see the style difference between the improv groups.

A group in Edmonton might do improv just a little bit differently than the group from Regina and that’s what makes it so great,” Bastian said.

Bjorn Haave, director of marketing for the improv team, performing member and second-year computer science major, explained the benefits he receives out of being involved with improv.

“The people are so accepting and its very vulnerable. … They don’t know what they're doing and you don’t know what they're doing so if you mess up, it doesn't really matter. The other part of the artform that I really enjoy is how it forces me to be present. It forces me to be sort of

in the moment of my life,” Haave said.

The shows for this festival will be held in the St. Thomas More Auditorium at the U of S, with doors opening at 7:15 p.m., and the show beginning at 7:30. Tickets run at $5 for students and $8 for nonstudents. Additionally, festival passes are available at $12 for students and $20 otherwise — the passes allow access to every show over the weekend, as well as cover for the afterparty on Mar. 18, which will be held at the Capitol Music Club.

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor USask Improv is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and meet new friends.

COMING EVENTS

Did you know?

follow us

One Day for Students March 9

©

DaviD D. Orr

University of Saskatchewan Archives and Special Collections, ASM-96

Education played a major role in women’s suffrage?

A day of fun and philanthropy

Reading & Signing

Encountering Riel Thursday, March 9, 7 pm

Exhibit Closes March 14

Thank you for supporting #onedayforstudents.

Visit give.usask.ca/oneday to make a gift and read more about how students benefit.

Tim mccaskell

#onedayforstudents

Reading & Signing

Queer Progress:

From Homophobia to Homonationalism Wednesday, March 15, 7 pm

Free Admission Mon-Thurs: 9:30am - 8:00pm Friday: 9:30am - 4:30pm Weekends: noon - 4:30pm

Learn more www.usask.ca/diefenbaker

march 9, 2017

www.thesheaf.com

∙ the sheaf publishing society 11 sheaf mar 9, 2017.indd 1 2/28/2017 11:12:22 AM

OPINIONS

U of S should be honest about pot KAY-LYNNE COLLIER Despite our government moving closer and closer towards legalization and regulation of cannabis products for recreational purposes, and the medical community becoming more aware of the benefits of marijuana, there is still so much demonization of the substance, and the worst part is that it is mostly based on misinformation and anti-drug propaganda.

On Mar. 1, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that marijuana legislation would be ready by the summer of this year, to the dismay of all those Canadians that stand by anti-cannabis sentiments.

When you do a quick Google search of just the word “marijuana,” it yields some interesting results. The top results are all either websites about drug addiction, or they’re bordering on being just straight up propaganda.

I could not find a single nonbiased source about marijuana until I started really digging.

While some of these places actually had a bit of good information sprinkled in there, reading through all of these

websites about the “dangers” of marijuana use — some of which come with absolutely no evidence at all — actually reminded me of my grade school education about illicit drugs. I then realized that this misinformation is what is most widely available to people, and educational institutions then get brainwashed into believing that marijuana is as good as the devil.

This brings me to the marijuana portion of the University of Saskatchewan’s Student Health Services website. The webpage spews a few absolutely outrageous ideas about marijuana that are not backed up by any evidence.

Some of these cute little tidbits include, “Marijuana smoke contains 50 per cent to 70 per cent more cancercausing substances than tobacco smoke” and “Regular smoking of three to four joints per day is reported to produce as many symptoms as an average of 22 cigarettes per day.”

These notions are beyond ridiculous and most importantly, untrue. As reported in Scientific American, marijuana has no link in causing lung cancer, let alone a single death, while according to the Health Cana-

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor Bonanza was too beautiful for this world.

Bye bye Bonanza: A tribute to Saskatoon’s fallen landmark ZACH TENNENT

Opinions Editor

Late in the evening of Feb. 21, Saskatoon suffered a loss of innocence as 8th Street mainstay Bonanza Steakhouse was irreparably damaged by fire. As the dust settles, people continue to mourn, but it’s important to celebrate Bonanza’s life

rather than simply lament its passing.

While recent years have seen a great upswing in locally owned Saskatoon restaurants, Bonanza served as an elder statesman. Along with other 8th Street stalwarts like the 44-year-old Cave and the 38-year-old Granary, Bonanza was an example of an establishment that could stand the test of time.

It stood for 45 years in the same location. To put that

da website, more than 230,000 Canadians are killed by cigarettes per year, with one of the leading causes of death being cancer due to the smoking.

Furthermore, cannabis simply does not have 50 to 70 per cent more carcinogens than tobacco, and none of the sources cited in the U of S Student Health Services article point in this direction. In fact, a lot of the sources cited are either bordering on propaganda, or website links that don’t exist anymore so I am unable to check the validity of them.

What I did find — in an article written by Robert Melamede in 2005 for the Harm Reduction Journal — is that marijuana is not as harmful as most people tend to think.

“While both tobacco and cannabis smoke have similar properties chemically, their pharmacological activities differ greatly,” Melamede writes.

“Components of cannabis smoke minimize some carcinogenic pathways whereas tobacco smoke enhances some.”

You got that right, marijuana smoke can actually help to decrease cancer cells and prevent new ones from forming.

Not only that, but it has been found to help with a wider ar-

ray of symptoms such as pain, nausea, inflammation and seizures, just to name a few. No wonder more and more cancer patients are beginning to use it in conjunction with their treatment.

We need to hold our institutions accountable for producing reliable and accurate information about the substances we chose to put in our bodies. Promoting solely abstinence from substances such as marijuana is as effective and productive as promoting solely abstinence from sexual activities.

It doesn’t make students or the greater population safer, it

into perspective, if it were a person, Bonanza could conceivably have been parent to a university-aged student. The restaurant game is a fickle one, as anyone in the industry can tell you, so Bonanza deserves credit for its endurance and continued success all the way into 2017.

Like many — most? — lifelong Saskatonians, I ate there plenty as a young up-and-comer, and while I couldn’t recall the last time I had been there, I was still taken aback to hear the bad news. It was kind of like when you learn someone has passed and are left with a sense of regret that you hadn’t recently been in touch or you took their continued presence for granted.

Had I known its days were numbered, I might have liked to pay my last tributes to Bonanza, as it were.

Upon hearing the news, I also found myself wondering if I should visit some of those aforementioned other restaurants and celebrate their longevity with them while there’s still time.

The building represents more than just a restaurant

to me. Bonanza was, and remains, a cultural institution, a landmark and a distinct piece of our city.

Along with the remaining segment of the out-ofcommission Victoria Bridge, the fire-kissed exterior of the restaurant currently serves as a faint remnant of the not-so-distant past — a bittersweet reminder that the city I was born and raised in no longer exists.

I’ve lived here since 1994 and I still have a terrible time with the names of the streets I’ve travelled my whole life. Consequently, Bonanza — with its iconic, beaming red storefront, mostly still intact — has still continued to serve its lifelong utility of substituting for “Arlington Avenue” in the weeks since the fire.

Often, I see articles floating around about how by some year or another, Facebook will be riddled with more dead users than living ones. I was reminded of this phenomenon when I visited Bonanza’s website — bonanzasaskatoon.com — which at the time of print is still online and has yet to address the unpleasant news.

12 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

just makes them ill-informed, which can be dangerous when it comes to drugs. Reducing harm and providing solid, evidence-based information for students is the most responsible thing that any educational institution can do — and anything else is doing us a disservice.

Remember, we are still locking up scores of people every year for a non-violent, victimless crime. It is time that we remove this blemish from history and move in the direction of allowing consenting adult Canadians to participate in legal and informed marijuana use.

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor With legalization on the horizon, the U of S needs more honest info.

If you visit the site, you’ll be greeted by a pretty fucking cool looking sunglasses-wearing bull named Bo — whose last name I’m left to assume is Nanza. Bo encourages you to check out their great hours and learn a little more about the place. Needless to say, I would hate to be the one tasked with breaking the news to Bo. As reported by CBC Saskatoon, longtime owner Gary Baba intends to rebuild, and I think that’s great. Obviously, Bonanza can’t and won’t be around forever, but ultimately I think the burden of deciding when to call it quits rests on Baba’s shoulders and this tragedy shouldn’t be viewed as a nail in its coffin.

If I could leave you with something to chew on — since you obviously won’t be eating the all-you-caneat shrimp at Bonanza anytime soon — I would encourage you to stop and take a moment to think about its presence and role in this city and maybe even in your life.

Whether you admit it or not, if you’re from Saskatoon, Bonanza is in your blood. march 9, 2017

PAGE TYPE OPINIONS

What should the USSU do for you?

EMILY MIGCHELS Candidates will officially announce their run for the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union on Mar. 13 and voting will be carried out over Mar. 22 and 23. All students are able and encouraged to vote, so what should we be looking for in a new USSU? Surprise, the semester is more than half over, and that means it’s almost time for a great big turnaround in student politics and with that, new opportunities for student successes.

The USSU will soon be opening its doors to a brandspanking-new executive team and members of student council at the close of the ongoing term. The stakes can be high for prospective students — vying for a position means campaigning, attending events, connecting with student groups and maintaining a positive image.

First things first, a top pri-

ority for the USSU now and well into the future should be transparency. Building positive and healthy relationships means communication and honesty. This may seem like an obvious objective, but it’s also one worth active attention.

The USSU executive and council members are an elected body, and they are responsible to the students they represent, as well as the university as an organization. The upcoming election is an opportunity for discussion en masse of issues facing students, and the ability to facilitate positive communication should be a priority for those running for seats at the USSU table.

There are a host of positive policy updates to bring to that table. In the 2016 elections, executive candidates promised nap rooms, a more cohesive USafe interface, easily accessible information

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

Social media: The failed experiment BODAN WOROBETZ It seems with each passing day, each subsequent rising and setting of the sun, the world becomes a more confusing place to live. This confusion might be represented partly by regressive intellectual behaviour, and I feel that social media is largely to blame.

Social media hasn’t been all bad. The ability to share information via the WorldWide Web has aided in furmarch 9, 2017

thering our knowledge of the world around us, promotes international trade and commerce and allows for people to communicate with one another over long distances.

There are many more amazing abilities that this particular technological medium has given humans, but there is also a very dark and potentially dangerous side to the immense power of social media.

The appearance of widely popular social media plat-

about budget and spending, stronger support for students in academic disputes, a big old dose of Huskie pride for a boost to our sports events and more. This time around, the USSU should

and powerful body of Indigenous students studying here at the U of S. Support, respect and reconciliation are efforts to continually build upon, and frankly we could use the effort.

Perhaps the pursuit of greater availability of mental health support for students will earn some talking time on a soapbox or two this campaign season. Don’t be too quick to brush the discussion aside, as the U of S and its students and faculty alike would greatly benefit from more easy, open and accessible avenues for mental health support.

It’s hard out there Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor for a kid just trying look to continue these past to get a degree, and even initiatives, as well as pursue though there are a host of new ones. options already existing, it What about some possible would be great to see more moves? How about a push for conversation and some simgreater Indigenization? Our ple, straightforward direccampus is on Treaty 6 terri- tions to services. tory and there is an amazing Another worthy project

might be to build better connections between students and faculty. More often than not, the students that seem to be getting by are the students who talk to their professors, and for many that seems like an impossible or at least extremely uncomfortable feat.

The value of a good relationship between faculty and students goes beyond who gets an extension on their paper. We’re all in this together, and facilitating and encouraging communication can open doors and promote understanding and accountability from all angles.

There’s always room for improvement, and a USSU that works to build and support healthy, positive and meaningful initiatives and actions is a USSU for you.

If there are other issues on your mind, bring them out at the first USSU election forum on Mar. 14 at Louis’ Pub. Candidates will be present to answer questions and discuss their ideas for the year to come.

forms in the previous decade has formed the basis for what we know today to be modern social media.

Early intentions of these social media applications were similar to those of the creators of the early Internet — that is, to communicate with other people via computer over distance. However, social media has evolved immensely over the past decade into somewhat of a monstrosity.

People today frequently turn to social media to vent, to rant and in search of not-so-intellectual debate.

The majority of social media platforms have evolved from the benign communicative tools that they once were into locales that encourage the dissemination of garbage, negativity, stupidity and divisive opinions. Prime examples can be found in the comments section of almost any contentious issue discussed within the realms of social media.

It is all too easy for any individual with an opinion and an unwillingness to see the big picture to get involved in a heated online debate.

However, I tread lightly here.

I am by no means saying that any one person should not have the right to express their thoughts, beliefs or opinions. All people should

ble found throughout social media.

Rather than working together to solve problems, accepting opposing worldviews and conceding to the truth, people are blinded by confirmation bias and the validity effects resulting from misinformation and a lack of independent research.

With each passing day it seems these issues grow worse. Based on the “conversations” I witness on social media, I feel that society is taking a step backward in the evolution of intellect.

Critical thinking and structured debate are given a back seat as emotion trumps logic.

So maybe the solution to this great big mess is to just shut down our computers and phones for a bit. Go outside, see the world for what it is, and engage our fellow citizens in a civilized and structured conversation regarding solutions to the world’s great problems. It’s been done for thousands of years before the existence of social media and it’s what has made humans so successful.

It might just be time to accept that social media has simply been a human experiment. It’s been a human experiment that has failed.

have the right to freedom of expression and speech.

Simultaneously, I’m also a huge proponent for the promotion of debate, logic and critical thinking. The ability to think critically in order to solve problems is what sets humans apart from any other mammal.

Today, more than ever before, there is a need for critical thinking to solve the world’s complex problems, but this is certainly not what is being witnessed in many corners of the Internet and on social media.

Unfortunately, social media is a medium of communication that too frequently facilitates the exact opposites of debate, logic and critical thinking. This regressive behaviour is exacerbated by the fact that one can hide behind a computer and say things they might otherwise not say to someone face-to-face.

People become nasty on social media. They attack one another all too often.

Whether it be regarding a trivial matter or an intensely contentious issue, people insist on attempting to have their opinion oust and rise above any opposition.

Collaboration and the progression of intellect are not terms that would describe well the majority of the bab-

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∙ the sheaf publishing society 13

THROWBACK

Students working in the Arts Building in 1960.

The interior of the Arts Building with students studying in 1960.

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection, A-148

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection, A-147

Students gather prior to Convocation ceremonies in 1917.

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections , Photograph Collection, J.E. Murray fonds, E.VII.2 image 2

The Huskies men’s basketball team in action in 1962.

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections , Photograph Collection, A-921 A view of the campus in 1924.

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections , Photograph Collection, A-252

An academic procession during Convocation in 1928.

Working in the College of Agriculture animal science department in 1961.

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections , Photograph Collection, A-1666

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections , Photograph Collection, A-2318

14 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

march 9, 2017

PAGE TYPE DISTRACTIONS campus chat

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What’s something that drives you up the wall?

USSU issues apology after International Women’s Day screening of White Chicks

“Liars.”

Iqra Hashim

UPPER PLACE RIEL — The University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union is under fire after a film screening in observance of International Women’s Day drew protest from student groups. Speaking to the Sheaf, Chad Szyszka, USSU vice-president student-affairs, expressed regret over selecting the 2004 film White Chicks for screening.

“I don’t know,” Szyszka said. “I just saw the thumbnail on Netflix and it seemed like it would be fine. It

was recommended under movies you might like if you enjoyed Mad Max: Fury Road, so I thought, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ Don’t get me wrong — I do regret it, but everything else aside, it was still kind of a funny movie, right?”

While multiple USSU student groups and centres boycotted the screening, not all on the USSU are throwing Szyszka under the bus.

USSU press secretary Mark Irons defended the choice of film in a published statement.

“The uproar against the USSU’s screening of this important, thirdwave feminist artistic statement is wholly unwarranted,” Irons writes.

“White Chicks is an uplifting, intersectional story about women in law enforcement and the obstacles inherent in being a female in a toxically masculine environment. It even passes the Bechdel Test.”

At the time of print, the USSU is considering canceling next month’s Big Momma’s House movie marathon charity fundraiser.

EATMOREBIKES.TUMBLR.COM

“People walking slowly in front of me.”

Paige Sutherland

“Unnecessary Kanye West hate.”

Kehan Fu

XKCD.COM

DIESELSWEETIES.COM

HUGECARTOONS.COM

Drunk

by Thundercat TANNE BAYNE At the most basic level, this third release from bassist extraordinaire Thundercat is a breakup album. Drunk is a behemoth — at 23 tracks long, Thundercat creates a funky album that is equally poignant, vulgar, melodic and hilarious. Most importantly though, Thundercat’s silky voice will soothe your paper-writing blues away. march 9, 2017

www.thesheaf.com

∙ the sheaf publishing society 15

BACKPAGE PAGE TYPE

ELECTIONS For USSU Executive, Senate and Members of Student Council

EXECUTIVE FORUMS Dates available at ussu.ca/elections or at facebook.com/theUSSU

VOTE ON PAWS!

Polls Open MARCH 22 - 9:00 a.m.

Polls Close MARCH 23 - 4:00 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

USSU.CA/ELECTIONS

PRO-CHOICE

AWARENESS WEEK MARCH 13-17, 2017 ussu.ca/events 16 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

march 9, 2017