April 06, 2017 by The Sheaf

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Dental Day YXE: College of Dentistry

hosts first free day of dental care NATASHA HAUSERMANN

ental Day YXE, the first ever free dental day in Saskatoon, will be hosted by the University of Saskatchewan and the College of Dentistry. This event will bring together dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental therapists, denturists and specialists who are volunteering their time to offer free dental care to those who do not have dental insurance and cannot afford dental services. The College of Dentistry is collaborating with a community of oral-health professionals in Saskatoon

to make this first-time event possible and free for those in need of dental services. Dental Day YXE is part of the College of Dentistry’s vision to reach out to the community and engage the public. Alyssa Hayes, an assistant professor of dental public health with the College of Dentistry, further explains Dental Day and who qualifies to take part in this event. “Dental Day YXE represents a collaborative between all [of] the oralhealth professionals to provide free dental care for those who report financial barriers to accessing oralhealth care,” Hayes said, in

an email to the Sheaf. The event will take place on Apr. 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Dental Clinic Building at the U of S, where a range of oralhealth professionals will offer their time to provide services that some cannot afford. According to a CBC News Saskatoon report, some of the services the oral-health professionals will offer include exams, fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, cleanings and basic denture work. The goal of the college is to see around 200 patients during the event. Dental Day YXE is open to anyone in Saskatoon, and Hayes explains that

all U of S students can get involved in the future, if they feel they qualify for the event. However, Hayes also notes that the event has had overwhelming success with the public in Saskatoon and that it has already reached its capacity. “Dental Day YXE is targeted to those who do not have any dental insurance of any form. If U of S students feel this applies to [them], they would be welcome. However, we are no longer accepting patients, as the day is currently over capacity,” Hayes said. Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, and as there is no other event like Dental

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Dental Day YXE represents a collaborativebetween all the oral health professionals to provide free dental care for those who report financial barriers to accessing oral health care.”

- Alyssa Hayes, assistant professor of dental public health with the College of Dentistry

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Day in Saskatoon, Hayes states that the college already has plans to create an annual event in the future. She explains that this event also aligns with the College of Dentistry’s strategy to engage the Saskatoon public. “[An annual Dental Day YXE] is the hope of the College [of Dentistry], as this initiative will represent part of our outreach strategy,” Hayes said. Hayes is enthusiastic to see the collaboration between Saskatoon oralhealth professionals who have come together to make this first-time event a success and to reach the goal they set for the day. “I am most excited about the collaborative nature of the event and the ability to provide to 200 people in need,” Hayes said. Hayes further explains that this event is important for College of Dentistry students to get involved with, and she notes that the event would not be as successful without their help. “This event allows for the College of Dentistry students [to take] part [in] this day in various forms as volunteers,” Hayes said. “Without their participation, I am certain the day would not be as successful as we know it is going to be.”

Scholarly snapshots: U of S holds

annual Images of Research competition ADRIAN AQUINO

o most people, the process of research evokes thoughts of drab articles, strict deadlines and a large amount of time on word processors. However, behind the curtain of theses and peer-reviews, the fruits of research are often curiously captivating. The University of Saskatchewan is hosting its third annual Images of Research competition, a contest to find the most visually appealing and descriptive photographs of research conducted at the U of S. The contest is open to students, staff, faculty and alumni and aims to combat the misconception that research is a dull and monotonous process, calling attention to the beauty encountered by researchers in both scholarly and artistic fields. Daniel Hallen, a specialist in research profile and impact at the U of S and an organizer of this year’s Images of Research contest, believes that the competition provides people with the opportunity to engage more deeply with research practices. “The contest is really about trying to showcase the great work of researchers from across campus in terms of scholarly and artistic work, on and beyond campus. It’s not just about the research that goes on [at

the U of S], because research doesn’t end at the borders of the university. The motto of the contest is that ‘knowledge is beautiful,’ and we can see from what people have submitted that there’s lots of examples of beauty,” Hallen said. In order to accommodate for the broad range of shapes and forms that research can come in, the contest is divided into four categories: from the field, more than meets the eye, community and impact, and finally, research in action. This year, a new video-pitch category was added, which gives researchers one minute to pitch the significance of their work. Voting for the contest took place online from Mar. 18 to Apr. 1, and the winning images will be displayed from Apr. 11 to 13 and Apr. 17 to 18 in the North Concourse of Place Riel. Hallen believes that U of S students should pay particular attention to the contest, and to research in general, as it has the potential to inspire passionate intellectual pursuits and add excitement to university life. “The [U of S] experience doesn’t just have to be limited to going to class … Undergraduates could also be involved in research, and if it is interesting to you, there are ways to get involved … Research is not abstract, and by seeing this sort of

Taryn Roberts / Supplied As a veterinary student, Taryn Roberts submitted a photo of her internation veterinary experience to the Images of Research contest.

research, it’s much easier to envision yourself as a participant in it. So, I hope that people see the results of the competition and think, ‘I could be a part of this,’” Hallen said. While the contest provides a chance to display the aesthetic qualities of scholarship, Hallen believes that the event is also an effective platform to demonstrate that research is important both in and out of institutions. “The idea is to get a wider exposure, because it’s not just people at [the] U of S who are seeing this. The institution is not just an ivo-

ry tower separate from the community. The research that we do involves the community, and I think this is a good way that we can show the community what it is we’re doing,” Hallen said. The brand-new video pitch category added this year is dubbed the Making a Difference Video Pitch competition, and it extends the contest’s ability to deliver the benefits of research to a wider audience. “I think what photography does really well is capture a snapshot, capture a moment. The advantage of having a one-minute video-pitch category is that it

allows researchers to condense the essence of what they’re doing, and attach it to what impact they hope it will have … briefly, and [do] it in a succinct and digestible way,” Hallen said. Both the Images of Research and the Making a Difference competitions attempt to capture the essence of scholarly research, an essence that Hallen believes most people should engage with. “Some people have an impression that research is dry and boring, and I think we see from these examples that, no, it’s vibrant and interesting — it’s engaging.”

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.

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Open Education Week brings students and professors together LINDSAY ROSE

rom Mar. 27 to 31, the University of Saskatchewan hosted its second Open Education Week, holding many sessions on how Open Educational Resources can benefit students and how they can be used in an educational community, allowing professors and students to access and share these resources as a team. Open Education Week is not only a local event but is also a part of a global event that focuses on students and professors sharing their own knowledge. According to Heather Ross, an educational developer at the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning, OER give students the chance to work with professors on modifying textbooks and learning materials, shifting the focus from what students actually know to what the education system thinks students know, which in

turn creates an open pedagogy. Ross shares her thoughts on the international perspective of the event. “Educational institutions all over the world hold sessions to help share information and ideas about Open Educational Resources and how to integrate them into teaching and learning with instructors, students and administrators,” Ross said, in an email to the Sheaf. Ross explains that Open Education Week is not possible without the help of students and instructors willing to use OER. She also emphasizes the importance of the event. “Sessions and publicity about OER that happen [throughout] Open Education Week, and also throughout the year, help to raise awareness about the possibilities that come with using OER,” Ross said. “[Students] will see cost savings. They will see changes in types of assess-

ments, built around using OER and having students contribute to that OER, that some instructors are already starting to use and that instructors may hear about during Open Education Week.” Karla Panchuk, a geological sciences professor, shares how she uses OER within the courses she teaches and how she views these resources in comparison to textbooks. “My main reason for using an open textbook rather than a commercial one is to make sure students will be able to afford the textbook for the course. Secondary reasons are that it’s easy to update when new scientific discoveries are made, I can be sure it has the necessary content, and errors can be fixed immediately,” Panchuk said, in an email to the Sheaf. Panchuk explains that Open Education Week not only allows instructors to reflect on the cost of text-

books, but it also allows students to use a cost-effective solution. She also believes that making OER available for use all over campus is important to professors using these resources. “I’ve been working on adapting an open textbook for my physical geology courses, Geology 108 and 121,” Panchuk said. “I’ve been using my open textbook for a course at St. Peter’s College, but once we’ve [completed] the new U of S edition, it will be used more widely on campus. Open textbooks have low-restriction Creative Commons licenses. The best-case scenario is that they can be used by anyone in any way as long as the person who made them is recognized.” According to Ross, this new program will provide students with textbooks that are not only free but also without any legality issues restricting their access. “This not only saves students money, but improves access to resources and opens up new opportunities for students to engage with the materials, because there aren’t any copyright restric-

tions,” Ross said. Because of events like Open Education Week, the U of S has seen significant growth in the use of OER, and Ross hopes to continue to see it rise. “The U of S has come a long way in a pretty short time on this front. In January 2015, we only had about 300 students benefiting from the use of OER instead of commercial textbooks. This academic year, that number is more than 2,700, and we expect significant growth for the next academic year as well.”

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor

Former U of S Huskies football coach inducted into Hall of Fame LYNDSAY AFSETH

he Canadian Football Hall of Fame announced its 2017 inductions and among them is Brian Towriss, former University of Saskatchewan Huskies football coach of 37 years. Towriss began his football coaching career in 1979, when he became the assistant coach of the Huskies, but his love for football began long before that. “I played in high school and at the college level, and I was assistant coach for three years, and I certainly enjoyed the game,” Towriss said. “I don’t think at that time I ever thought I would spend the next 37 years as the head coach.” After becoming head coach at the U of S in 1984, Towriss led the team to many successes, including nine Vanier Cup games and three national championships. “I love the game, and once I got involved and was running the program, it became a passion, and we started to have a little bit of success,” Towriss

said. Aside from his passion for football, Towriss found friendship with the people that he worked with everyday. “It was a very rewarding run, and a lot of it had to do with the people and support staff that we had around us,” Towriss said. “We were great friends, and they are outstanding people, so in that way, it was easy. I [loved] to go to work everyday, and we certainly got along well and had a good time doing it.” Throughout his 37 years of coaching, Towriss has had many great moments to look back on. Among his favourites are the national championships and all of the home games. “Probably my favourite moments were all the big games at the U of S at Griffiths Stadium. I think there [were] three national semi-finals, in particular — all ones that we won at home,” Towriss said. “Those were special moments, as was the Vanier Cup that we hosted in Saskatoon … Although we didn’t win, [it] was a thrill to go out

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of the activities they are planning to host at Science Rendezvous. “We’re going to … identify the minerals on a bicycle [and] do a potash solution mining. [We’re] also going to learn techniques for panning for gold, and then we’re going to do stuff that we do with our fourth-year geological engineering students,” Beneteau said. Sacco explains that sci-

Johany Jutras / Supplied After 37 years as a coach, Towriss is honoured in the Hall of Fame.

ence attracts curious minds eager to explore the world and that one of her favourite things about science is that it allows her to discover new things. “My favourite quote is: ‘The more you know, the more you know you don’t know,’ and I think that’s why I love science ... You recognize that you don’t really know very much, but that’s really exciting.”

alice KuipeRs

Reading & Signing

Me (and) Me

Monday, April 10, 7 pm

n May 13, Let’s Talk Science will be partnering with Science Rendezvous to celebrate the wonderful world of science. From biology to geology to engineering, there will be activities, tours and fun from all areas of science for curious minds of all ages to explore. Science Rendezvous is an annual, nation-wide festival hosted in over 30 cities across Canada. The event will be hosted by Let’s Talk Science, a University of Saskatchewan group devoted to providing unique learning programs to youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and math. The day is packed with science-based activities that showcase some of science’s amazing feats to the community and help promote science literacy and interest. This free event is open to everyone and will be held at the U of S, with the main hub located in the Biology and Geology Buildings. Laurel Sacco, a graduate student currently studying brain parasites in fish, is one of the main organizers of

“You don’t have to have a science background. Enthusiasm is really what [we’re looking for]. Having people who are enthusiastic and want to educate the community is really all [we] need … I think it almost helps if you’re not an expert in that field, because I think if you’re an expert, you want to add in all this extra information, whereas you get to bring it down [a level] if you’re not an expert,” Sacco said. Sally Meadows, a local author and a U of S education alumna, found out about Science Rendezvous through the CSWA. She hopes that Science Rendezvous will help inspire kids, especially young girls, to take an interest in science. “I think a lot of young girls think that it’s boring or it’s not something that they can do, and one of the things that I want to do is help dispel [the] myth that it’s not something that [girls] can do or that it’s not interesting,” Meadows said. Donna Beneteau, departmental assistant of Mining for Civil and Geological Engineering, outlined some

team sport there is. “I think it’s the greatest team game out there. I love all team sports and all the values they teach you, but the thing about football is there’s so many different types of athletes who can play the game,” Towriss said. “A lot of people say it’s the greatest team game ever, and I believe that, because everybody has to contribute to be successful.”

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Science Rendezvous. She explains how events like this are a great way to connect the U of S to the community. “[They help] the university connect with the community, and I think that’s always wonderful, especially [when] the community can see that the U of S is doing these awesome events and wants [people] to come and join in. What we hope, here, is that not only do we get to showcase our activities, but we get to showcase different organizations … We also get to showcase research that’s going on [at the U of S] that maybe people wouldn’t [otherwise] know about,” Sacco said. Let’s Talk Science is trying to represent as may fields as possible at Science Rendezvous. So far, they have made connections with the Canadian Light Source, the U of S Department of Geology, the U of S Biology Club, as well as the Canadian Science Writers’ Association. They are still looking for student groups interested in participating, as well as volunteers. Anyone can volunteer for Science Rendezvous, and Sacco explains that excitement and interest are the only criteria.

as the Calgary Stampeders’ president, Stan Schwartz. “I’m humbled and honoured. It is a huge honour, and something I didn’t expect at this point in time. I’m very honoured to be included in that group,” Towriss said. Towriss has spent his life so far dedicated to his passion for football. Although Towriss explains that football is hard on the body, he still believes that it is the best

COMING EVENTS

A date with science: U of S to host Science Rendezvous TEEVIN FOURNIER

to Griffiths Stadium with 13,500 people there in minus 25 degrees.” After his long road of coaching the Huskies, Towriss has recently made the decision to retire. “It was a couple years earlier than I thought I might [retire], but just at this point in time, there’s a new structure for athletics coming in at the university … and it just became apparent that it was the right time to move on now — when everybody else is starting fresh, rather than a couple years from now,” Towriss said. Although he is officially retired, Towriss is not completely gone yet. He says that he will still be involved in Huskie football in different capacities. “I look forward to the next stage, but I will still be involved in the game somehow,” Towriss said. Along with Towriss, the others who were inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2017 include players Kelvin Anderson, Anthony Calvillo, Mike O’Shea and Geroy Simon, as well

Renée Kohlman Reading & Tasting

All the Sweet Things

with host Chef Jenni Schrenk Monday, April 24, 7 pm

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

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A glimpse into the Huskies’ off-season training NAOMI ZUREVINSKI

Editor-in-Chief

ith summer fast approaching, many Huskies teams are entering their off-season. The off-season doesn’t mean that they completely stop training though, and instead, teams focus on building up strength while also making time for rest. Jason Weber, the coordinator of the Human Performance Centre in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan, works on training with these teams and notes the most crucial part of the summer months. “The most important part of the off-season is to ensure [teams] take the appropriate amount of time off after the season to rest and recover, both physically and mentally. They all play long, gruelling seasons and are dealing with extremely busy schedules —

with school, team and individual practices, games, travel and part-time jobs,” Weber said. To make sure that the athletes get enough rest but still stay in shape, teams usually use April as a month of training, concentrating on heavy lifting, longer aerobic cardio and focusing on building a strong base during finals season — before they head home or begin summer jobs. Over the summer months, athletes are encouraged to stay active and often follow a program set by the team’s trainer. Mackenzie Pek, a fourthyear biology student and a member of the women’s volleyball team, explains what the volleyball team usually does in the off-season. “Our team trainer, [Weber], makes us do three workouts per week. It’s best to go with a teammate, as our focus during the summer is lifting heavy and pushing each other. If our jobs allow us to, a group usually goes in the morning at 7 or 8 a.m. If some members of the team have jobs that start early,

a group usually gets together after work at 5 p.m. to get our workout in,” Pek said. Pek explains that Weber designs workouts that focus on building strength for the first couple of months, and then they turn to cardio to get ready for the pre-season, which starts in August. “For me, personally, my main focus is on lifting heavy while still having good cardio. I’m recently obsessed with spin classes and try to go at least once a week — if I’m not too sore from Weber’s workouts,” she said. According to Weber, the workouts over the summer aim to increase athletes’ performance and also to prepare them for the upcoming season. “[It’s] designed to build strength, endurance, and then transition to power and explosive [training] prior to the season. [Students] will be given programs to follow in the weight room, for cardio and [for] track, and all programs are designed to focus on their sport performance,” Weber said.

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor Nutrition facts labels allows those who are food quality conscious to get an overview of what their food contains.

Reading the label:

The information behind nutritional labelling JACK THOMPSON

Staff Writer

ost packaged foods are required by federal law to include a regulated nutritional facts label, and while this is a valuable source of information, knowing the regulations that are not often stated is just as valuable. For starters, did you know that the Calorie count used on nutritional labels is actually in kilocalories? Actual calories are one one-thousandth of the

traditional Calorie used in nutritional labels. A tip for differentiating between the two is that calorie with a capital “C” denotes the use of kilocalories rather than calories. The labelling standards in Canada are quite helpful for those looking to watch what’s inside the food they eat, and they provide an easy-to-read rundown of the Calories and nutrients found within their food. The labels provide a suggested serving size and must state the amount of Calories based on that serving. Further down the label, there is more specific infor-

mation on nutrients. This portion of the label is based upon 13 core nutrients, which include dietary fats, saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fibre, sugars, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron. In addition to these 13 core nutrients, there are several other optional nutrients, such as folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B12, B6, D and E, among others. In addition to displaying whether the nutrient is present within the food, the labels also show an amount for each nutrient. Because the average person does not usually know how something

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Podcasting advice from America’s Best

“Worst Canadian Sports Podcast” COLE CHRETIEN

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor

Although not everyone can train like a Huskie in the off-season, Weber offered some advice for students who are looking to get in shape and stay fit over the summer months. “The biggest key to success for anyone looking to stay in shape or increase their level of activity is to be consistent and try [to] go as regularly as possible. It doesn’t work if you go hard for a few days, then take a few days off — unfortunately, that doesn’t help with long-

term gains. Try to add variety and do things that push you, but that you enjoy,” Weber said. Pek agrees, noting the importance of finding exercise that you enjoy, in order to make it worthwhile and sustainable. “For some people, it may be walking; for others, it may be completing marathons. Everybody has a different fitness journey, but finding something that you love to do will make it fun and fulfilling.”

like 220 milligrams of calcium relates to how much they should actually be taking in, daily value percentages are also included. An important fact to note is that all of these percentages are based on a 2,000-Calorie diet. This 2,000-Calorie-diet basis for nutrients is wholly inaccurate for males in general, from ages 19 to 30. Even at a low activity level, Health Canada recommends this cohort consume 2,500 Calories per day. At the highest activity level, 3,000 Calories are recommended, making these daily value percentages anywhere from 25 per cent to 50 per cent under what males from 19 to 30 are actually recommended to consume. For females aged 19 to 30, the numbers are a bit closer to the mark, as the recommended Caloric intake for females at the lowest activity level is 1,900, reaching up to 2,350 at the higher activity level. In general, when looking at the recommended Caloric intakes for females at all ages past about 13 years old, the recommendations are close enough for the daily value percentages on nutrition labels to be useful. However, after the age of 13, Health Canada recommends that men consume more than 2,000 Calories per day until they reach the age of 51 or older — thus,

making these percentages, and the very popular idea of a 2,000-Calorie diet, completely useless to males for the majority of their lives. In 2016, the Government of Canada mandated changes to food labels to better reflect how most Canadians eat and to highlight problem nutrients that Canadians struggle with. For example, the new label regulations mandate the addition of problem nutrients, such as a daily value percentage for sugars and sodium, while removing nutrients that are not problematic. Some changes will also be organizational, with adjustments to the font size of Calories and serving size so as to better highlight these areas. The serving sizes themselves will also become more consistent across similar foods, making comparisons easier and more realistic, and reflecting the amount that Canadians eat in one sitting. However, these changes, and others not stated here, do come as a five-year transitional period. So while these adjustments may be adopted in 2017, companies have until the end of 2021 to implement them. It is also worth noting that no change will be made to the use of the standardized 2,000-Calorie diet, so that must be kept in mind when using nutrition labels. april 06, 2017

Va n c o u v e r- b a s e d sports-comedy podcast has managed to find a cult audience among both sports and comedy fans, and the podcast creators are offering up some tips for those students looking to get started on their own podcasts. Real Good Show was born from a defunct British Columbia Hockey League podcast hosted by Justin Morissette, who has a background in radio, and John Cullen, who has a background in stand-up. Stefan Heck, better known by his twitter handle, @boringasheck, joined the project after being approached by Morissette. “I had roped in [Cullen] to be my colour commentary for the season. He lasted one game and one podcast,” Morrisette said. “But we had such a good time doing that. I thought it was the best thing that I’d done in an otherwise miserable season, and I really wanted to do it again.” The team behind RGS are all long-time sports fans who have managed to find humour in the crushing disappointments of sports fandom. “They say that comedy is tragedy plus time, but most of being a sports fan is tragic. It’s like your team just loses a lot, over and over again,” Cullen said. “There are so few times when the team that you want to win actually wins. I think that’s something that everyone can relate to.” The podcast started as a platform for the three hosts to irreverently riff on the world of sports, but since its inception, it has become something much stranger — and much more fun. Over the course of the show’s nearly 100-episode run, it has incorporated a collection of absurdist comedy bits centered around nu-metal music, Spike TV’s Bar Rescue and a seemingly bottomless box of Operation Desert Storm trading cards. “Most of our bits just happen on the fly, but evapril 06, 2017

eryone gets involved. Like nu-metal nook, for example, it was funny because I was playing nu-metal songs, but it was also funny because [Morissette] hated it,” Cullen said. “That was a very organic reaction from [Morissette], and that was what people really latched on to.” The RGS team has one major piece of advice for potential podcasters: make sure that your sound quality is competitive. “Even when we started, we were recording at my house in the kitchen. There was a dog barking half the time, and you could just hear all of this stuff in this tiny little kitchen. But because you could hear us clearly, it was fine,” Heck said. “It was like a professional sounding podcast, but there was just a dog walking around the studio.” Despite the importance of sound quality, the RGS hosts agree that it is equally important to actually just start podcasting. “It’s the same advice I have for people when they ask me about starting stand-up comedy: just start doing it,” Cullen said. “We talk about sound quality, but it doesn’t really matter if you do your first 20 episodes, and you don’t have a great mic.” According to Cullen, when it comes to podcast monetization, RGS uses the popular crowdfunding site Patreon for listener donations. “Just to have that extra money, it allows us to do cool stuff. When we needed to buy a new soundboard, we had money to buy a new soundboard. When we decided to sponsor a little-league team, we just took some of the money we made,” Cullen said. Morissette also appreciates the crowdfunding. “I think the number-one perk to being audience-funded is that I don’t really have to think of this as a business,” Morissette said. “I’ve never had to go cold-calling businesses and asking whether they’re interested in advertising or whatever.”

The RGS hosts also encourage potential podcasters to make the show that they want to make, regardless of its perceived appeal. According to Cullen, no idea is too niche for the market of podcasts. “There’s a podcast about marathon running in South America that is somehow bigger than our show, but that’s the beauty of podcasts. It’s radio designed specifically for people. If you have something you can do, you can find an audience.” Real Good Show is available on iTunes, Stitcher and wherever podcasts are available.

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PAGE TYPE FEATURE

FEATURE

GIRL WALKS INTO A HOCKEY RINK: My year as a wannabe sports reporter EMILY KLATT

Sports & Health Editor

Although Huskie Athletics is one of the most recognizable parts of the University of Saskatchewan, it is something that many students aren’t exactly familiar with. This was the position that I found myself in, when I began my year as the sports and health editor at the Sheaf.

n my mind, the job of a good journalist is to break things down and expose the truth — and that’s exactly what I decided to do. I set out this year to figure out Huskie Athletics for outsiders, myself included. Armed with a notepad, s o m e questions and a

sense of adventure, I dove into the world of Huskie Athletics. The first time I had to cover an actual Huskies sporting event, I had a panic attack. It was some track and field meet, and I had no idea where to start or who to talk to. It’s hilarious, in hindsight — the sports and health editor of the Sheaf, standing outside of the Saskatoon Fieldhouse crying and dry heaving because I can’t figure out how to talk to sprinters. Let’s get a few things straight: I am not a sports person. I might have grown up in the middle of Rider Nation and with a hockey fan for a father, but my interest in athletics has never extended beyond cheering for Team Canada during the Winter Olympics. My comfort zone tends to be in the world of politics, feminism and books. Simply put, I’m a huge nerd and about as far

from athletic as you can get. Although a panic attack is an extreme example, I think my discomfort with sports environments is part of a larger issue. Many U of S students are aware of the Huskies but have absolutely no idea what actually goes on. “When I think of Huskie Athletics, I think of when I go to the bookstore and [the logo] is on everything. I know it’s our sports team, but I don’t know what kind of sports teams we have. I know that it’s the name of our university, and yeah, if I go to the bookstore, it’s on the sweaters, it’s on the pins — Huskie, Huskie, Huskie,” said Kim Hudson, a second-year linguistics student. Although the Huskies are indeed everywhere, Hudson does not have a personal connection to any of the teams — or even a particularly favourable opinion of university sports in general.

“Though I’m proud of the university, I don’t have any association of pride with our sports teams. I feel like it’s a separate entity from the university altogether,” Hudson said. “I’m almost a little bothered that it’s the image of our university, when I feel like it’s not really — it’s not how I view the university — and most people I talk to, [that’s not how] they view the university — but it’s the image.” Why are students so uninterested in Huskie Athletics, or even adverse to them? One reason may be the perceived culture that surrounds college sports. For Anastasia Sylvestre, a first-year student with the College of Arts and Science, sports culture is something that she feels extremely alienated from. “Sports are intimidating. It’s very a hyper-masculine zone, as well as it’s meant for people that know what they’re doing … It’s hyper-masculine, that’s what it is. It’s scary, there’s big dudes and it’s scary,” Sylvestre said. Personally, I know a lot of the ideas that I had about sports and athletes are the ones that I carried over from high school. Sports are intimidating. Sports are meant for tough athletic people. Sports are for men. Athletes are taller and better than me. Maybe sports are for some people, but definitely not for nerdy feminists like me. Despite these preconceived ideas, I still had to carve out a space for myself in this world. Maybe sports weren’t for me, but I did need to find out why they were for other people. I recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Basil Hughton, the outgoing Athletics Director of the Huskies. If anyone knows a thing or two about university sports, it’s Hughton. He’s served as Athletics Director for the past nine years, following a long career in education and as a Huskie athlete himself. When I asked Hughton about the role he sees the Huskies playing at the U of S, he emphasized the unique role that university sports can play in campus culture. “This is a teaching, learning [and] research institution. That’s the prime focus of what we’re doing here. My background is in education, so I get that, but there’s all sorts of valuable things that go on

at a learning institution that are extremely important to the culture, and I believe the athletic department is one of those [things],” Hughton said. One major contribution that the Huskies make to the U of S comes in terms of media attention and positive public relations. “I always ask people, ‘What is the role of a strong, vibrant athletics program in the culture of a Canadian university?’ I always insert the word ‘Canadian’ because it’s much different here than it is in the United States. I think the athletic program has a distinct role to play in terms of providing positive public relations for the university. We’re always in the media [and] most of the time [it’s] good,” Hughton said. Hughton acknowledges that there are barriers that the Huskies must overcome in order to reach out to a wider number of students. “There isn’t a large following. First and foremost, I think we’re trying to change that. We have — there are some events that are well-attended in the fall — homecoming weekend and the Blackout game,” Hughton said. “I think a lot of students aren’t aware that their student card allows them to come to games without an additional charge, so it’s free to them.” There are two sides to every story. More than two sides, actually. The more time I spent in the world of Huskie Athletics, the harder it became to make any clear judgments. There are the ideas that I held going in, and there’s my own personal experience with sports. Then there were the experiences that were told to me as a journalist, and I found myself straddling two worlds: that of university sports and that of non-sports. I tried to see myself as a bridge between these two worlds — a translator, if you will. I tried to write about sports for people who don’t understand sports and to ask questions as some-

one who knew nothing going in. I don’t know if I always achieved this, but I definitely learnt a lot. The weirdest thing is that many of the ideas I held about student athletes turned out to be wrong. Some of the loveliest people I’ve spoken to this year have been student athletes. They’re incredibly dedicated and humble. I am in awe of the years and years of work that they have put into training for their sports and of the sacrifices that they have made. I’m so impressed by the people that work behind the scenes at Huskie Athletics, too. The coaches, trainers and support staff are extremely devoted and competent at their jobs, and the athletics program couldn’t go on without them. The second time I had to cover a Huskies event, I had a great time. I had the opportunity to attend a women’s hockey game, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Watching female athletes excel at such a high level — at a traditionally male-dominated sport to boot — was an incredible experience. Maybe there’s room for nerdy feminists in sports after all. I’m learning to see the value in Huskie Athletics. It’s a whole world at the U of S, full of people who show the same kind of love and devotion that I have for campus journalism or student politics. Like anything else, it gives people a sense of pride and a sense of community, and those are incredibly important things. Huskie Athletics is an important cog in the giant U of S campus machine. It makes up a part of campus culture that has so much to contribute. Just because something isn’t important to me, doesn’t mean that it isn’t important. And maybe the next time this nerdy feminist walks into a hockey rink, I’ll stick around.

“

I tried to see myself as a bridge between these two worlds — a translator, if you will. I tried to write about sports for people who don’t understand sports and to ask questions as someone who knew nothing going in.

”

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

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CULTURE

Netflix and finals: The Romeo and Juliet of university students KEZIA FOURIE

etflix and finals can be a potentially disastrous combination. However, with careful planning, an end worthy of a Shakespearean comedy is possible. Before you start committing yourself to a new show, plan how you intend to do so. Netflix does not have to be something that prevents you from studying — it can be the reward. My advice for this is to be prepared in advance by creating a detailed schedule that includes what you plan to get done each day. If you get all of your daily tasks accomplished, use Netflix as your reward. An episode or two once you’ve finished is a well-deserved reward. Beware, this strategy only works if you channel your inner self-disciplined Brutus. Self-discipline is something that is easy to talk about but much more difficult to execute. A 2014 Forbes article by Jennifer Cohen cites Wilhelm Hofmann, a social cognition researcher at Wesleyan University, on the benefits of self-discipline. “People with high self control are happier than those without,” Hofmann said.

According to Cohen, the reason for this is that self-disciplined people have a much easier time making positive, logical choices than those who struggle to accomplish their goals. To practice self-discipline with Netflix, start off with the simple rule: “out of sight, out of mind.” Remove as many, if not all, reminders of Netflix as possible for when you study. If you aren’t constantly thinking about it, chances are you can focus more easily on the subject at hand, and not on what your favourite character is going to do next. Once on Netflix, there is an almost endless amount of shows or movies to watch, if you want something new, something old or something a little bit strange. Whatever you decide, there is something for you to watch. One of the hottest, if not the hottest, Netflix shows at the moment is Riverdale. The story is loosely based on the Archie comics in the sense that the characters and story setting are like the original series. However, the storyline in the Netflix show is vastly different, and focuses on the murder of Jason Blossom. This murder in a seemingly innocent town shakes the community and reveals

dark secrets that were once buried. The success of Riverdale is due to how well-crafted and addictive it is. Every episode is packed with twists and turns, which keep the viewer on their toes. Riverdale also has the unique characteristic of being modern but also classic at the same time. It reminds viewers of their childhood and of reading old Archie comics while not having a care in the world. The comics were based in the 1950s era, but the show takes this for a different spin. The dress style of the characters has a 1950s flair to it, but the show also includes references to modern day influences from Twitter and Netflix. Watch this latest hit, and enjoy seeing teens text in a classic 1950s diner. For something a little bit different, Stranger Things is the show for you. The show fits in multiple genres, including horror, supernatural and science fiction. The plot revolves around the disappearance of a child — which involves the supernatural, as does the ensuing search. What the residents of the fictional Indiana town don’t know is that a nearby research facility experiments with the supernatural, and the results of these exper-

iments directly harm the community members. The show has been very well received, and like Riverdale, has the perfect amount of nostalgia without being tacky. Stranger Things is an excellent choice for viewers who

pril — what a time. It’s the month when winter transforms into spring, when the birds begin to sing, and when the horde of procrastinators who should have started studying weeks ago swarm the Murray Library. This spring-time migration often leaves Murray congested, rowdy and not conducive to any meaningful studying. Good thing there are alternative study spaces on campus where you can get some work done. The Health Sciences Building has a lot to offer for your study sessions. First off, the building is huge. There are five primary wings to the building, and each of them is equipped with common areas and private study rooms. If one wing is too crowded, you can simply move on to another wing. However, the Health Sciences Building can be a pretty daunting place. It’s usually crowded — thanks,

Tims — so finding a spot for you and your study crew can be difficult. If you’re like me and rarely spend time in the Health Sciences Building, then the building can also be terrifyingly labyrinthine. So, if you plan to study there, remember to bring a lamp, a week’s worth of provisions and a map. If the Health Sciences Building is a little more clinical than you like, the Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Student Centre is another great place to study. Like Health Sciences, Gordon Oakes boasts a mixture of private and communal study spaces. What’s more, the windows that encompass the building and the skylight in the roof provide some of the best natural light on campus. Gordon Oakes has a lot going for it in the way of amenities as well. On the second floor, there is a fridge, a microwave and an oven that are all for common use. This building may also have some of the comfiest chairs on campus to boot.

But, the hidden gem of study places on campus is the Spinks Addition, attached to the Thorvaldson Building. Spinks is quiet, comfy and always clean. In my opinion, the higher up you go, the better it is for studying. The view from the fourth floor overlooks much of campus and allows for some of that necessary day-dreaming. The best part of studying in Spinks, however, is that you can literally study in an ivory tower. Now that it’s April, you also have the opportunity to study outside, weather permitting. The obvious place for an outside study session is the Bowl. Essentially situated in the centre of campus, it’s ideal for studying, and all of the amenities that campus offers are within a short walk. Moreover, when the flowerbeds begin to blossom, you get all of that fragrant, fresh air that can clear your head for your studies. The main downside to the Bowl is that it is typically crowded and rowdy. Plus, you have to deal with all those damn Frisbee players.

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Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor The art around campus is definitely worth seeking out.

Hidden art at the U of S: A student’s discoveries LYNDSAY AFSETH

Lauren Klassen Using Netflix as a reward is a great way to prevent burnout.

Alternative study spaces on campus TANNER BAYNE

upcoming events

want a thrill. You can rest easy knowing that a second season is on its way. Regardless of what show you choose this final exam season, let finals and Netflix be your Antony and Cleopatra — Shakespeare’s power couple.

If you are looking to get away from the racket of campus life, but you still want to be on university grounds, the sculpture garden is your best bet. Located near the Education Building, and far away from the bustle of campus activity, the sculpture garden is one of the most tranquil study spaces. The garden is also one of the most unconventional places to study, as it is filled with dozens of unique and

thought-provoking sculptures. Additionally, you can see the Saskatoon skyline and parts of the river from the garden, a view that may even surpass the view from the Spinks Addition. At the end of the day, studying in an alternative space breaks up the inevitable monotony of the study-andpaper season. And, if none of these options are enticing to you, the good old Murray Library always has your back.

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor The sculpture garden is an unconventional place to study on campus.

april 06, 2017

he University of Saskatchewan is filled with art of all kinds and much of it goes unnoticed by students. In the time between classes, students are usually rushing to their next class or worrying about finding a place to eat or study, and often, the art that is on display is left unappreciated. Here is a list of all of my favourite art pieces and galleries on campus. St. Thomas More College: there is a small art gallery located on the second floor of STM, in the hallway near the Shannon Library entrance. The art is constantly changing, so it is good to get there every month or so to see the new displays. The current display features the art of Erin Sidloski and is dedicated to the beauty and diversity that Canada has to offer. These paintings are vibrant and colourful and definitely worth the trip to see. Arts Building: there are so many art pieces throughout this building, and taking the time to stop and look at them is really worth it. Some of the displays change, but there are many paintings that have been here for a long time. My favourite art piece in this building is “Blood Offering,” an etching done by Joe Toderian, which is located on the second floor, in the hallway across from the Neatby-Timlin Theatre. This piece is as bizarre as it is wonderful, and april 06, 2017

I recommend taking a look. Edwards School of Business: there is a wonderful display in this building of Indigenous art from the Pacific Northwest Coast. The pieces are carved in different kinds of stone, and there are images of animals, people and all kinds of other things. There are also interesting blurbs on the walls about the art, which provide a history of the period each display piece comes from, and the ways that the artwork was used by the people living at the time each piece was made. Education Building: in the Education Building, you will find a display dedicated to diversity and Indigenization at the university. Along with photographs of people and quotations celebrating diversity, there is a beautiful painting in the display that is uncredited. The two-wall spread is lovely to look at, as well as educational, and I highly recommend taking the time to see it. Thorvaldson Building: this building is home to a collection of Barbie dolls dressed in period clothing from 600 BCE up until the 1980s, which is delightful to look at and worth the time to see. However, my favourite art in this building is located in the stairwell. Between the first and second floor, there is an acrylic painting called “Metamorphosis,” by Heather Cline and Corinne McKay, that is absolutely stunning. The colours and composition of this painting almost seem to teleport you to an-

other place, so definitely check it out. Administration Building: in this building, you will find the Museum of Antiquities, which currently has a Magic Ancient and Modern exhibit, and always has something new and interesting. The Admin Building also features the College Art Galleries and the Kenderdine Art Gallery, all of which always have amazing art displays. These galleries also host artist talks and receptions regularly. The current displays are Material Girls in the College Arts Galleries and Towards Action in the Kenderdine Art Gallery. Apr. 21 is the last day to see both of these displays. Murray Building: the Murray Building, located next to Place Riel, is a surprising gem filled with student art. The Gordon Snelgrove Gallery is located within the Murray Building, with its main entrance opposite to the Murray Library entrance. Gordon Snelgrove showcases most of the art in the Murray Building, but there is also a plethora of great artwork located in other areas, too. If you walk up the stairs, past my favourite art piece in the building — “Surrogate Family,” by Marcel Kerkhoff — you will find the Two Ninety-Two Gallery, which has a hallway full of breathtaking portrait photographs. If you want to discover art on campus, you really must explore this building — you will not be sorry!

friday

• Last day of classes for most U of S colleges • The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer with Ryan McNally at the Broadway Theatre • In Ruin, Between Now and Then, Northern Fallout, and Thalass at Louis’ Pub • The Wrong Johnsons with The Puppets at the Capitol • Whitney at Amigos

• First day of final exams for most U of S colleges • Last day of the Warwick, Dale and Zdunich BFA exhibition at the Gordon Snelgrove Art Gallery • Myles and the Blanks, Filthy Senoritas, Good Enough and Dour at Vangelis • First day of the Saskatchewan Living Green Expo at Prairieland Park • First day of the Tattoo Expo at Prairieland Park

• Alive in Tuscon, Dr. Doak and FINN at Vangelis • Etsy SK Spring Pop Up Market at Station 20 West • Windigo, Dentist and TOAM at the Capitol

saturday

sunday

• Last day of the Saskatchewan Living Green Expo at Prairieland Park • Last day of the Saskatoon Tattoo Expo at Prairieland Park • Lisa Brokop: The Patsy Cline Project at the Bassment

• Alice Kuipers reading and signing for Me (and) Me at McNally Robinson • Heart Beach, Dadweed and Pure Bliss at Vangelis

monday

• The Grasslands Project NFB Documentary at Alice Turner Library • YXE Superstars Read YA Fiction at the Frances Morrison Library

tuesday

• James Keelaghan at The Bassment • Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine documentary at the Frances Morrison Library

wednesday

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You’ve got a friend in food TASNIM JAISEE

Laura Underwood / Layout Manager

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ith all of the chaos in the student world, one can be sure that food — no matter what kind you choose — will never let you down. The end of term brings a looming sense of despair for many students, and by now, everyone can use a friend to lean on. Food can definitely be that friend, and there are many establishments on campus just waiting to be utilized. Caffeine is one of the first vices students turn to for a little pick-me-up. To get your fix, you can partake in the Canadian flavour competition between Tim Hortons and Starbucks. At both of these establishments, you can get cold drinks that soothe and hot drinks that give you some necessary warmth. There are many culinary services on campus that offer a diverse assortment of food and drink to choose from. It’s never a dull day — or a hungry one — if you so happen to stroll through the many types of eating and drinking establishments surrounding the Bowl. Speaking of bowls, as an avid soup lover, I can always count on a bowl to cheer me up when I need it. The most popular soup spots on campus are the Agriculture Café and the Arts Café, and they usually have three soups of the day to choose from. If you are having a busy day and just can’t find the time to settle on a certain type of food, Marquis Culinary Centre offers a quick solution to that. Every day, a new menu is provided according to the specific meal times. This is not the only buffet on our campus, however, as St. Thomas More College also has a great buffet available at Choices, with a comparable meal plan. Trust me on this, nothing says “comfort

food” more than an allyou-can-eat buffet. If you’re still not satisfied, and you know how you like your food, there are options on campus where you can have direct input on how your food is made. Harvey’s in Lower Place Riel and Subway in the Physical Activity Complex both allow you to say what you want on your food. The Arts Café and Agriculture Café also have personalized sandwich options. Procrastination is bound to happen, and if you don’t have time to buy a meal, you can always find a treat to celebrate all of the hard work that you’ve accomplished. A simple chocolate bar from our many vending machines could just do the trick. You can never go wrong by adding a bit of sweetness to your life. Brownies are a personal favourite of mine, in terms of comfort food, that I make at home. They are easy to bake, and they bring comfort with the first bite. If you’re running low on ingredients, myfridgefood.com will give you recipes based on the items that you have in your own home. Pasta is another great comfort food that you can easily make at home. But if you’re like me and always on the go, Vanellis in Lower Place Riel offers all kinds of pasta — cooked right in front of you. All in all, comfort foods are absolute blessings. Whether you are stressed or just need an environment to settle down in, comfort foods allow you to take a break and treat yourself. Throughout the turmoil of finals, it’s a good idea to step out of the picture for a while and just relax. Though it may be difficult to control the things surrounding you, your choice in comfort foods can always be your guide towards a better day.

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Sailing the airwaves of community radio DYLAN COOPER

f you've ever wanted to be a pirate, to sail where no person has ever been, claim your stake and booty and follow no rules, then maybe community radio is for you. Aside from not actually sailing or claiming any booty, and following certain Canadian guidelines for broadcasting, radio is quite like being a pirate. The airwaves carry you to the people of Saskatoon from the world headquarters of CFCR 90.5 FM Saskatoon Community Radio. If you’re tired of those artists’ singles that combine modern folk guitar and autotune, or something about “cheating on your girl, because I love you the most, in this bar right now” — think of the music at the Physical Activity Complex for an indication of this — you can rise against the tyrannies of the mainstream through community radio. I get it, though, maybe mainstream radio gets you fired up to perform the guido pump in the gym — which is apparently a combination of bicep and tricep supersets.

But in a city with a blisteringly hot music scene right now, and a world where Neil Young still lives — he will never die, ever — somebody has to keep the spirit of pirate radio alive. Jokes aside, CFCR is the purveyor of community in Saskatoon. They not only have a strong focus on local independent music, from Saskatchewan to Nunavut, but they also promote spoken-word programs that are organized by anyone willing to volunteer their time. This, to me, is CFCR’s greatest attribute. Because of CFCR, I’ve learned about the effect of word usage on mental health on Let’s Be Real, Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; discovered comic plot lines — that I’ve never read but became captivated by — on Comic Chat, Fridays at 6 p.m.; and even listened to a talk with the glorious advocate of green energy and sweater vests, Peter Prebble, on Civically Speaking, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. To make the programming even more diverse, the weekends are dedicated to international programming. From German classical and Scottish folk to the Indigenous Radio

Show — which is my personal favourite, these guys are hysterical — there is something for everyone on there. Each show is a drop of water that together form an ocean of greatness. However, if you think there is any possible way that something is missing, there is something you can do to help. Apr. 3 to 13 is CFCR’s annual membership drive. The radio station is run by donations and volunteers, and the beginning of April is a time for the station to reach out to anyone who wants to help. You can purchase a membership for $25 — or $10 for students — and these memberships give you discounts to places such as the Capitol Music Club, Thien Vietnam and Bob HQ — insert your jokes about students being poor here. These can be purchased at the station on 267 3rd Ave South or at one of the CFCR-sponsored live shows at various venues throughout the week, which you can find on their website, cfcr.ca, or on Facebook. You might be saying to yourself, “Yes, I do want to be a radio pirate. How do I become one myself?” It isn’t

just for the royal elite at CBC anymore. You can be one, too! In fact, the station is always looking for volunteers. As a student and show host, I can tell you, you can do it. I’ve always been told that I have a face for radio, so naturally, here I am. Here’s why you should also be on the radio: no group projects, no math and no theory. If that’s not enough to convince you, then let this be it: you have a voice. Everyone has a voice. It might be your own voice, or it might be someone else singing it for you, but you matter. It’s not just you, either.

When you speak on the radio, you never know who is listening and who believes in you. When you get that first phone call asking you, “Who was that artist you just played?,” you get the feeling that someone else understands just how important that song is to you. Even pirates need that. So get down to CFCR, grab a host sign-up sheet, and board the black sails of community radio. If you have a voice, and you want to use it, let the open arms of community radio take you — sailing the waves of sex, drugs, rock and roll, and talk radio — but no sex or drugs allowed in the control room.

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

Why you should write for the Sheaf EMILY KLATT

Sports & Health Editor

f you’re reading this, you already know what the Sheaf is. Maybe you’re a long-time fan. Maybe you’re that frequent online commenter The Oatmeal Savage. Regardless, you’re reading the Sheaf, and now I’m going to try to convince you to write for it, too. I’ve had the privilege of working for the Sheaf Publishing Society for the last two years. In those two years, I’ve written a lot of stuff. Whether I like it or not, the Sheaf has become an irrevocable part of who I am at the University of Saskatchewan. I used to joke that working for the Sheaf had taken the place of a stable, longterm romantic relationship in my life. As that’s turned out to be true — somewhat hilariously — then this article is a love letter and a breakup letter all rolled april 06, 2017

into one. Much like any relationship, no matter how much you love something, sometimes you need to let it go. Maybe now that I’m done, I’ll have time to go on a real date or two. This is why I need you to write instead of me. The Sheaf needs and deserves the best ideas this campus has to offer. Write for the Sheaf because you think that it’s great. Some amazing writing has come out of this paper, and some great writers, too. Write because you want to be part of that group of writers and to see your name in print. Write for the Sheaf because you think that it kind of sucks. There are always ways that it could be made better. Don’t just sit around and complain — if you don’t like something, change it. Make it better. Write for the Sheaf because you want to contribute to your community. Student journalism is an important part of campus culture. Your student newspaper is an outlet for

student perspectives and a way to hold powerful people accountable. The pen really is sometimes mightier than the sword. Write for the Sheaf because it’s a chance to meet people who you wouldn’t meet under any other circumstances. During my time at the paper, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with everyone from the president of the university to famous journalists to eating disorder survivors. Each person I talked to has helped me to see the world in a different way, and for that I’m grateful. Write for the Sheaf for the chance to meet some of the best friends you’ll ever make while in university. To all whom I’ve made friends with through my time at the Sheaf — thank you. Nothing forms bonds like drinking too much and arguing over Canadian Press style. The Sheaf is in excellent hands. Write for the Sheaf because you know that you want to go into journalism or publishing. Not only do you get real, professional

job experience with writing, editing and copy editing, you might just get a great reference for your next job application. There’s no better place at the University of Saskatchewan to gain these skills. Write for the Sheaf because you have no idea what you want to do. Try stuff out. Do it because you’re bored. Fumble around and try sports reporting, or copy editing or drawing cartoons — or none of those things, but do something, because you might just stumble across the thing that you’re meant to be doing.

Write for the Sheaf to learn things about yourself. I have written about some of the most beautiful and painful and cathartic parts of myself for others to read. I wrote about my mental illness. I came out as bisexual to the entire university. I’ll never not be proud of those words. Be proud of yours, too. Write for the Sheaf, because at some point, someone will tell you that your voice doesn’t matter because you’re young. We’re here to tell you that it does. Write for the Sheaf because it might just change your life. It changed mine.

Jiem Carlo Narag There’s no place like the Sheaf office.

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Mayor Clark leads resistance against provincial austerity JACK FOTHERINGHAM

n response to substantial cuts to provincial funding for the City of Saskatoon, announced in the 2017-18 provincial budget, Mayor Charlie Clark and City Council are taking a stand. Facing the effects of similar cuts to education, students will benefit especially from Clark’s leadership. The most significant financial challenge for the city is the elimination of grants-in-lieu, which affects municipally owned utility revenues for provincial Crown corporations — like SaskPower and SaskEnergy. This funding reduction from the provincial government — totalling $11.4 million per year after 2017 — came as a surprise to the city, which had already released its operating budget in December. Sadly, Saskatoon is hardly the only one suffering as a result of the 2017-18 provincial budget, with cuts to municipalities across the province. For students at the University of Saskatchewan, the budget cuts will be felt

acutely. The Meewasin Valley Authority had its provincial funding reduced by $409,000 — nearly half of last year’s contribution. While we might not immediately think of the MVA as providing a service for students, the riverbanks are an integral part of the city, and reductions in funding put this beautiful ecosystem at risk. Further, by May 31, the provincial government will fully eliminate the Saskatchewan Transport Company, which provides long-distance bus services throughout the province. For students who live outside of Saskatoon and do not own a car or do not wish to drive, the STC served a major function in getting home to visit family and friends at a reasonable — and yes, provincially subsidized — cost. Similarly, the Saskatoon Public Library has lost 100 per cent of its provincial funding, making it entirely reliant on municipal revenue for its operation. Still more worrisome for students is the province’s 5.6 per cent reduction in funding to the U of S, and

its demand that the university allocate an additional $20 million to the College of Medicine. In conjunction with other reductions in provincially funded services for students and the suspension of the First Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit, tough times lie ahead. Certainly, the provincial government must find a way out of a deficit created through over-reliance on resource revenue and overly optimistic economic forecasting. However, students, municipalities, post-secondary institutes and public-service employees should not be the ones shouldering the burden, while corporate tax rates are simultaneously reduced. This uneven application of austerity, combined with the provincial government’s preposterous lack of consultation and communication with those whose funding they have stripped away, has done much to create adversaries at a time when the province needs co-operation more than ever. At the very least, we do have someone speaking out and defending our interests.

In the face of Premier Brad Wall’s very rich encouragement to dip into reserves and spend more responsibly, Clark has taken a hard line and made it clear that the citizens of Saskatoon should not be disproportionately responsible for remedying the provincial government’s financial mismanagement. Rather than meekly accepting the cuts, Clark and City Council are pursuing other avenues, such as court injunctions to restore the GIL funding and levy market-price municipal prop-

erty taxes on provincially owned infrastructure, like schools and Crown corporation buildings. In the wake of an austerity budget, which students at the U of S will feel the brunt of, we might take a lesson from Clark and the City Council in how we respond. Complacency and apathy often preclude us from acting when changes are small. Though many will be adversely affected, the 2017-18 budget may at least spurn on some action on the part of the student body, to fight for their own interests.

c a m p u s c h at

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If you were to be eaten by an animal, which animal would you prefer to eat you?

“A parrot, so it could repeat my last words to me.” Hasith Andrahennadi

Student nudists blown away GORDON SNELGROVE GALLERY — A long-standing campus student group, already grappling with a difficult year, was forced to postpone their annual slow-pitch game, citing inclement weather. The Arts and Science Nudists’ Union, founded in 1937, has been hosting the event since the group’s inauguration. In the past, the slow-pitch game was a great way for the group to reach out to the community and further engage students. In recent years, however, they have seen a steady decline in active members.

“It’s hard, you know? Back in the day, we could host the game with snow still on the ground. Now, you get a bit of a breeze, and no one shows,” said Garry Findman, the group’s president since 1984 and a thirty-third-year geology student. The slow-pitch game was set to take place on Apr. 2 at an undisclosed location. While Findman was delighted with the sunshine and warmer temperatures, many would-be goers were hesitant to bare to the wind. Others expressed concern when it was announced that teams would be indicat-

ed by shirts or skins. After a barrage of posts on the event’s Facebook page, Findman and the ASNU executive team opted to delay the event until further notice. With concern mounting about the group’s future, members are seeking new ways to engage the student body. “Recently, we’ve expanded our social media outreach, and we’re in talks with the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union about starting a Nudists’ Centre on campus, or at least a safe space where we can strip,” Findman said.

“A whale.” Erika Erlindson

Jiem Carlo Narag Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark and City Council plan to take action against cuts.

Triplicate

“Probably not a snake.” Samantha Perez DIESELSWEETIES.COM

photo of the week

by Bob Dylan TANNER BAYNE

Triplicate is the newest release from the legendary troubadour, Bob Dylan. Despite being a sample of a larger and forthcoming work, Triplicate feels whole. It’s sparse, morose and undeniably jazzy. Though unexpected, Triplicate isn’t unwarranted. At this point, we should all know that Dylan does whatever he wants.

Richa Jain XKCD.COM

14 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

april 06, 2017

www.thesheaf.com ∙ the sheaf publishing society

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Usask Matters Letter Writing Session April 13, 2017

Roy Romanow Student Council Chamber 1:30 to 3:30 pm Join the USSU for a break from finals, have some coffee, snacks, and voice YOUR concerns regarding the provincial budget to YOUR Member of the Legislative Assembly!

Refreshments Provided.

ussu.ca/usaskmatters #UsaskMatters

16 the sheaf publishing society â&#x2C6;&#x2122; www.thesheaf.com

BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR EXAMS!

FROM YOUR USSU EXECUTIVE april 06, 2017