The Sheaf - May 5 , 2017

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U of S celebrates Canada 150 with reconciliation MIKAILA ORTYNSKY To mark Canada’s 150 years since confederation, the University of Saskatchewan has unveiled its Canada 150 projects, a series of initiatives to celebrate the event with faculty, students, staff and alumni. The various projects all focus on providing resources to youth, enabling reconciliation and acknowledging outstanding work in the community.

The U of S is offering a wide range of events and programs, including the Youth Laureates Tour, an endowed Chair in Indigenous Spiritually and Reconciliation and the U of S “Canada 150” Citizens award,

among many others, to celebrate the country’s sesquicentennial anniversary.

Kehan Fu, outgoing president of the U of S Students’ Union and fourth-year political studies student, discusses why it is important for students to be actively involved in the conversation about Canada’s future.

“I think, one of the important things to note [is that] for students, their version of what Canada 150 could mean is, I think, in many ways ... different from what it may mean to baby boomers. I think that part of Canada 150, as we have these events that are being planned,

[is that] it’s also important for students, while they are attending these events, to ensure that their stories are being told,” Fu said.

Canada 150 is an initiative promoted by the federal government and the U of S that will allow Canadians from coast-to-coast-tocoast to celebrate shared values, achievements and their place in the world.

The Indspire Youth Laureates Cross Canada Tour will take place on May 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Convocation Hall, featuring four winners of the Indspire Award. These awards are granted to Indigenous professionals and youth who have demonstrated outstanding career

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

Photography Editor: Jiem Carlo Narag, photo@thesheaf.com

Copy Editor: Amanda Slinger, copy@thesheaf.com

Graphics Editor: Lesia Karalash, graphics@thesheaf.com

Web Editor: Jeremy Britz, web@thesheaf.com

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Culture Editor: Tanner Bayne, culture@thesheaf.com

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Sports & Health Editor: Jack Thompson, sportshealth@thesheaf.com

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News Editor: Nykole King, news@thesheaf.com

Opinions Editor: Emily Migchels, opinions@thesheaf.com

Staff Writer: Lyndsay Afseth, staffwriter@thesheaf.com Ad & Business Manager: Shantelle Hrytsak, ads@thesheaf.com

achievement, promoted self-esteem and pride for Indigenous communities and been outstanding role models for Indigenous youth.

In a panel discussion, the four laureates will engage in open dialogue with the Indigenous and nonIndigenous communities about the importance of education, and they will discuss how youth can overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.

Another addition to the project is the creation of an endowed Chair of Indigenous Spirituality and Reconciliation by St. Thomas More College at the U of S. The chair was formally inaugurated on May 17, 2016, and it is the first position of its kind in a Catholic institution.

Terrence Downey, president of STM and co-chair of STM’s Advisory Circle, recognizes the important role that reconciliation plays in Canada 150 and is pleased that it is one of the major themes.

“This is the first of its kind across Canada; no one studies Indigenous spiritualities,” Downey said.

The purpose of the chair is to analyze the complexities of the interactions between Indigenous and Christian individuals to advance

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

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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reconciliation and facilitate dialogue with the academic community, as well as Canada as a whole. The initial contribution for the chair was donated by the Basilian Fathers of Toronto, who originally established STM as a Catholic college.

Downey hopes the endowed chair grows to become a full-time position.

The U of S is also acknowledging those who have made considerable contributions to Canada and the U of S community through the “Canada 150” Citizens award. The themes of focus include promoting diversity and building relationships, supporting efforts towards reconciliation and raising environmental stewardship.

The U of S is accepting nominations for the Citizens award until May 1, and eligible candidates from the U of S community can include staff, faculty, students and alumni. Additional information about these projects can be found on the U of S Canada 150 Project website.

Fu explains that there are diverse groups of people all over Canada who are able to share their perspectives and goals for what they hope Canada will become.

“A huge part of Canada 150 is, I think, a stance made by both the government, which is the most obvious stance because of government funding, and … by different areas, different segments of our population, and what they want to see of Canada in the future.”

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

correc tions There were no errors brought to our attention in our last issue.

If you spot any errors in this issue, please email them to: copy@thesheaf.com

may 04, 2017

March for Science comes to Saskatoon to inspire U of S students LINDSAY ROSE On April 22, about 200 citizens in Saskatoon rallied together in Victoria Park against the recent budget cuts to federal science agencies by the Trump Administration.

There were University of Saskatchewan students in the crowd, many of whom hope to be members of the scientific community, both in Canada and throughout North America.

The March for Science took place in 500 countries, making it the largest co-ordinated science demonstration in history. The event had many links to the Women’s March that happened earlier this year.

Mary Ingram, a participant in the March for Science and organizer of the Women’s March, explains why the links between these two events are important for citizens to be aware of.

“These groups are linked together through the idea of the importance of both sci-

ence and women’s rights.

Both are currently threatened in the United States and both have been threatened by the Canadian government in the past. Both marches sent the message that these issues need to be addressed,” Ingram said, in an email to the Sheaf.

Many organizations, such as Climate Justice Saskatoon, Café Scientifique and Saskatoon Unitarians, organized this event with the Women’s March group, planning the Saskatoon march for the same day as the worldwide event.

Sydney Boulton, a second-year environment and society major, attended the event and discusses why students should be attending events such as the March for Science.

“I think, as students, it is important for us to stand up for science, and other causes we believe in. As the young generation, it is our future that we are fighting for, and our right to study and publish scientific data that can change the world. If we want to develop more sustainable

energy practices and reduce our dependency on nonrenewable resources, then we need to be able to depend on government funding and the ability to publish results,” Boulton said, in an email to the Sheaf.

Boulton also explains why younger generations should be focusing on important world issues due to the impact they can have on their futures.

“As young people who are getting an education and moving into the workforce — even if you aren’t studying a form of science — it is important to show support through political participation, whether that be voting for politicians and policies or gathering to march in an event like this one,” Boulton said.

Ingram also discusses her opinion that students should be attending these events.

“It’s important for students to attend events like the March for Science, because it shows a community of solidarity. It sends a strong

Bridging the gap: New WGST course connects academia and community MACKENZIE PARADZIK Many students wonder how to use the theory and knowledge they gain in university in a practical and beneficial way. To enable students to work directly with community organizations and expand their work outside the academic bubble, the University of Saskatchewan is offering a new women’s and gender studies class during the spring term.

WGST 242: Colonization, Migration, Diasporas: Critical Transnational Feminist Perspectives is debuting this spring term, and registration is available on PAWS until May 11. This class differs from many others offered at the university, as it explores community-based outreach and learning, with classes taking place at organizations all over the city.

Manuela Valle-Castro, the instructor of this course and a professor in the WGST and political studies departments, discusses how the course will use theory may 04, 2017

to examine how colonialism has shaped Saskatoon through narratives and histories told by dominant and marginalized groups.

“What we are really trying to do with this course is to develop a theoretical and conceptual framework that allows us to read the city as a space where there [are] a lot of overlapping stories.

To develop a critical eye on how to read those stories and how to read what historical forces have shaped this city. What kind of subjects and communities exist in the city and how we all inhabit this space, with all our different backgrounds, wounds and desires,” Valle-Castro said.

Some of the locations included in the course are Station 20 West, OUTSaskatoon, the Western Development Museum and Turning the Tide Bookstore. With hands-on assignments and direct involvement with community organizations, students will experience learning in a different capacity.

Valle-Castro discusses the focus of the course and

what she hopes students will learn from it.

“We will try to unpack the city as a space where all of these histories — colonization, migration, diasporas — are inscribed, but also what is erased in these histories? What kind of things are remembered and recorded, and what kind of stories have disappeared,” Valle-Castro said.

This course also acts a precursor for a subsequent study-abroad class that will be happening in Santiago, Chile. This upcoming 300-level WGST class will make connections to the material students learn in Saskatoon and its communities, creating transnational links between North and South America on gender and Indigenous issues.

Valle-Castro explains the connection between different geographies, their forms of resistance against colonialism and the way in which these two courses, both in Saskatoon and Santiago, will bridge gaps.

“There are so many issues here in Saskatoon and Santiago that are so connected.

message to your city, your province, your country and the world that you believe in something strongly enough to meet with like-minded people and give proof that these issues matter and need to be dealt with,” Ingram said.

Boulton explains how the event changed her personal perspective on science and how events like these bring communities together.

“The event really strengthened my ideas about how science, politics and public engagement go hand in hand.

Seeing the passionate and diverse group of people in the park on [April 22] made me think about what I can do to

advocate for science and for the greater good,” Boulton said.

Boulton explains how exciting the march was for her, with everyone moving as a collective as the drummers played.

Boulton also highlights the response from citizens not participating in the march.

“People would drive by, honk their horns and give us a big thumbs up. Other people walking by would smile, wave and take photos. People working in businesses as we passed by would come onto the street and support us, and even though only about 200 people marched, it felt like entire city was with us.”

Jiem Carlo Narag / Photo Editor Participants use slogans on their posters to represent their opinions.

The crisis with extractive industries that is happening here is happening down south. The Indigenous resistance is happening north and south. People are getting sick of neoliberalism, austerity and social cuts, profits before people. These are things that are happening all across the Americas.

There are so many histories and stories, big stories and small stories, to unpack and learn from them,” Valle-Castro said.

Valle-Castro is the creator of this course and has been working on it for a number of years, but it is now a tangible reality. Valle-Castro, originally from Chile, notes her love for

Saskatoon, its communities and the vibrant activism and movements that exist within it.

Valle-Castro explains that, in this new course, students will be able to build a bridge between academia and community-based activism and experience new ways of learning.

“This class aims to participate in other ways of learning and producing knowledge that are not attached to the university, but also how can we connect these spaces … to build those bridges and keep research and teaching practices relevant to what is going on in terms of social movements and activism.”

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

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How to keep an eye on liquid calories during the summer months FLORENCE SCHEEPERS The Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino was only available for a limited time, but most University of Saskatchewan students would recognize the pink, purple and blue sour-candy concoction, blended into the Starbucks trademark cup and topped with whipped cream.

News and magazine articles were quick to report how shockingly bad for your health the new drink was.

Your blood sugar definitely would have spiked, as the drink contained 59 grams of sugar in a 16-ounce cup.

The Unicorn had 410 calories, 16 grams of fat — 10 of which were saturated — and only 15 per cent of the recommended daily intake of any vitamin, meaning it provided lots of calories with little nutritional value. However, if you think the Unicorn was bad, a Grande-sized Starbucks Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino Blended Coffee has 69 grams of sugar. Yes, the Unicorn actually had less sugar than an all-year-round Vanilla Frapp. It might even be better to drink a can of Coke instead, as it contains only 39 grams of sugar.

With sugary drinks everywhere in sight, overwhelmed students looking for healthy

alternatives can turn to this handy Sheaf list.

Iced coffee: rather than succumbing to the Unicorn Frapp, an iced coffee can be a much better choice. If you monitor the added sugar used to sweeten it, an iced coffee can be refreshing and still fit into a healthy diet. It’s also easy to make, as all you have to do is brew extra-strong coffee, chill it in the fridge and add ice before serving it.

You can throw in a little milk and syrup to add just a touch of sweetness. An iced coffee like this can be comparable, nutrition-wise, to a normal hot-brewed coffee.

Iced tea: another frequently sipped beverage — store-bought, sweetened, lemon iced tea from Nestea — is often advertised as a healthy option, as it’s made with tea leaves. However, the drink contains 160 calories and 43 grams of added sugar.

In contrast, an unsweetened iced tea would have zero calories, although this can be too bitter for some.

Adding a little honey, chopped fruit and mint leaves to a large pitcher of hot water with three to four tea bags mellows the taste with a little sweetness but keeps it low on the sugar content. Steep it for four to six hours in the fridge before taking out the tea bags. If the tea is too bitter,

brew it for less time in future.

Sports drinks: while sugar and caloric intake are important to consider when making healthy drink choices, hydration is most important. Although water is the best choice, in some cases it may not hydrate as efficiently as other options. A mixture of water and electrolytes — including salt, magnesium and potassium — with some carbohydrates can replenish what is lost through sweat.

Common choices are Gatorade, Powerade and other sports drinks. However, one bottle of Gatorade can be more than enough sugar than what is necessary for fuel, as it contains 21 grams of sugar in a serving. Coconut water, however, is a natural source of electrolytes and carbohydrates, making it a great drink to sip during activities in the sun. It has less salt than other known sports drinks, so some people may want to add a little extra salt to make it comparable to Gatorade.

Smoothies: another great drink for when it’s warm out is a smoothie. They can be enjoyable to have as a meal or snack, but smoothies from popular chains such as Orange Julius and Booster Juice contain added sugar, little vitamin content and minimal fibre. The sugar content in

these smoothies is no different than frappuccinos, and the lack of fibre and protein leaves these drinks unsatisfying and hikes up the blood sugar, which is followed by a crash.

Alternatively, making your own smoothie with no added sugar, blended fruit and mixed vegetables will cut down on the unneces-

sary sugar, creating a drink to keep you satisfied. Add milk, plain yogurt or protein powder and some flax seeds or nuts, and it’s close to a wholesome breakfast.

No matter what your drink choices this summer, just remember that having a cool drink in the sun does not have to come at the cost of a balanced diet.

Jiem Carlo Narag / Photo Editor No matter your source of summer sippin’ , there is a healthy option.

Don’t like coconut water? Here’s a sports drink recipe that you can make by the batch full. Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com Ingredients: 8 cups of cold water (divided) 3 tablespoons of honey ½ teaspoon of salt ¾ teaspoon of calcium-magnesium powder (optional) ¾ cup of orange juice Juice of 2 lemons Juice of 2 limes Bring 1 cup of water and the honey, salt and magnesium to a boil. Set aside to cool once mixture has dissolved.

Add the juices and remaining water. Stir and chill.

Huskies cross country and track and field welcome new head coach LYNDSAY AFSETH

Staff Writer On June 1, the University of Saskatchewan will welcome Jason Reindl as its new full-time head coach of cross country and track and field.

Reindl is a U of S alumnus living in New Brunswick and is excited to get back to his home team.

Reindl graduated from the U of S in 2006 with a kinesiology degree and spent his four years at university as a proud Huskie athlete. He was on the track and field team at the U of S, and he looks back on his experience being a Huskie and remembers it fondly. “[My experience] was immensely positive.

I was part of the nationalchampionship-winning team in 2005, so being able to win multiple Canada West titles all in all was just a very amazing experience, and

I’m very humbled to have experienced it at the U of S,” Reindl said.

Not only was Reindl a member of the track and field team but he also started coaching early on. He has lots of experience with coaching cross country and track and field, which has been his full-time profession since he graduated.

“I started coaching in 2002, when I was still an athlete,” Reindl said. “Just after the 2006 National Championships, I started coaching fulltime and was an assistant coach with the Saskatoon Track Club and the assistant coach with the Huskies starting in [the] fall of 2006.”

For the last five years, Reindl has been the head coach at the University of New Brunswick, which he enjoys along with several other coaching pursuits.

“I am currently in Saint John, N.B. I am the highperformance coach for the province of New Brunswick, the head coach for the

University of New Brunswick and [the] club coach with the Saint John Track Club,” Reindl said.

Reindl’s passion for athletics started early on and stemmed from his positive experiences as a member of the track and field team.

These experiences made him want to continue to choose coaching as a full-time career.

“As an athlete, I was privileged to experience a number of positive events and activities that allowed me to travel across North America and make amazing friends and relationships ... [I have] the opportunity to be a part of that and [make sure] the athletes that I now get to work with … get to experience such amazing things and activities,” Reindl said.

Reindl will be the first person in the position of fulltime head coach for cross country and track and field, and he says that feels amazing.

“It’s just absolutely

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Kravest Photography / Supplied Jason Reindl has returned home.

shocking, still, that I got this opportunity to really lead the team and the program that gave me so much, and hopefully, bring it back to a perennial power in the nation. I’m humbled to be given this leadership role,” Reindl said.

After having the chance to leave Saskatchewan and coach in other parts of the country, Reindl has developed his coaching skills further, and he now looks forward to bringing those skills back to his home city.

“The big things [I will bring] are a new outlook and mindset for the team

and the program. [I have] had the opportunity to coach on the other side of the country and make a number of connections to the coaching community, internationally. I feel like I can contribute to the coaching staff [and] the culture of excellence that we want to pursue, and overall, bring a new level of leadership that the program can thrive under,” Reindl said.

For Reindl, this will be a welcome move.

“I’m very much excited to be coming back home and wearing the green.” may 04, 2017

The Huskies football schedule and what it means for fans JACK THOMPSON Sports & Health Editor

Next fall’s football schedule has been laid out for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, and the Sheaf is here to outline the games fans will want to pay attention to.

The Huskies will be on the road for their season opener as they take on the University of Manitoba Bisons on Sep. 1. While this game is an away game and many fans will be unable to attend in person, the results of this game will be relevant in the long run for the Huskies, as the Bisons were one of the three teams to defeat the Huskies in the 2016-17 season.

The home-opening game will be a week later than last year’s season, as the Huskies

take to Griffiths Stadium for the first time on Sep. 8. Every home-opening game is an excellent opportunity to see the U of S campus come together in support of their Huskies, making this game an excellent event for new students to get their first taste of Huskie Athletics and for upper-year students to get back into that Huskies’ spirit.

This home opener will be against the University of Alberta Golden Bears, and looking back to the Huskies’ previous showings against them in 2016, could mean a win early on to get the Huskies’ momentum building. While there is no way to guarantee a win for the Huskies, they have a good chance of beating the Golden Bears, as they did so twice during the previous regular season.

The Huskies will then spend two weeks on the road facing the University of Brit-

ish Columbia Thunderbirds on Sep. 16 followed by the University of Calgary Dinos on Sep. 23. Last season, the Dinos were definitely a threat to the Huskies, as the teams split the two games they played in the regular season, both of which came down to a matter of less than three points.

The Huskies will then return home to take on their provincial rivals on Sep. 29 to close out the first month of their regular season journey. The University of Regina Rams are traditionally a matchup that brings out fierce competition due to their longstanding rivalry with the Huskies. Additionally, this game should be a source of excellent football, as the Huskies were evenly matched with the Rams in the 2016 season, splitting the two games they played against each other.

Following the game against the Rams, the Hus-

Laura Underwood / Layout Manager

kies will have a bye week for Thanksgiving, after which they will move on to the last three games of their season.

Coming right off the break, the Huskies will face the UBC Thunderbirds for the second time in the season, and both teams will have had the time to rest up in preparation for this game, making for a night of action-packed football.

The following week, the Huskies take to the road for their second game against the U of A Golden Bears on Oct. 14, before returning home to close out the season against the U of M Bisons.

These last few games will

no doubt be crucial for the Huskies’ playoff prospects, and they could be under pressure, depending on how September goes for them.

However, speculation on the playoff games is best saved for when the Huskies football season is more established, as many of these games could go either way.

Every season can come with a few upsets against, or for, your team. No matter what happens, each Huskies home game will be an opportunity for students to get out and experience the Huskie spirit.

For the full schedule, visit the Huskies homepage at huskies.usask.ca.

Is the U of S capable of dealing with addictions?

ALEXANDRIA PAVELICH Problematic substance use can become a major difficulty at any stage in life, especially one as tumultuous as being a student, but is the University of Saskatchewan doing enough to help?

Student Counselling Services at the U of S does not provide resources on their website for those struggling with substances. Instead, students are referred off-campus to seek assistance. Considering we have a pub on campus, are facing national marijuana legalization and are in the midst an opioid and fentanyl crisis in Western Canada, I

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

may 04, 2017

find the lack of resources on campus ironic.

In 2016, a major health assessment was conducted on campus. Approximately 28 per cent of students reported that their academic performance suffered due to anxiety, and 56 per cent felt completely overwhelmed by anxiety at some point throughout the year. Yet, only 16 per cent of students sought any form of professional help for anxiety.

Anxiety disorders correlate with addictions, as substances are commonly used to self-medicate.

Many don’t realize that even mild alcohol withdrawal can lead to worsened anxiety, which de-

velops into a vicious cycle wherein each disorder exacerbates or maintains the other. The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse published a nationwide report stating that more than 50 per cent of individuals who seek addictions help also suffer from mental illness.

Considering the statistics about on-campus anxiety, it seems imperative to simultaneously assess and treat both mental health and substance use.

The CCSA openly admits that the current Canadian mental-health system is “fragmented and compartmentalized,” and many professionals are not wellequipped to treat mental health and substance use concurrently. This results not only in difficulty finding services, but also in poor treatment outcomes or relapse.

Not understanding why students must participate in a run-around to seek mental-health and addictions assistance at separate health agencies, I met with Jocelyn Orb, manager of Student Health Services, and Rita Hanoski, campus health education co-ordinator.

I explained that I know numerous students who have misused stimulants to help increase exam perfor-

mance or who actively use alcohol to self-medicate for anxiety.

Orb describes the situation on campus.

“Students are provided a diagnosis code, and under substance abuse, which is not used for alcohol, there [were] only six students [reported in 2016]. This doesn’t mean it’s not happening, but it is not being disclosed. We know there are drug users on campus.

There are active IV drug users on campus, crystal meth users on campus, but none of them want treatment,” Orb said.

Hanoski elaborates on the partnership between the U of S and the Saskatoon Health Region.

“If the health region is happy to see students with addictions in a really timely fashion, we are going to make use of that,” Hanoski said.

Both Orb and Hanoski touched on the importance of health promotion based on harm reduction, a model of care wherein no judgement occurs when patients choose to use, instead focusing on responsible and informed use.

When I asked if it was intentional that there were no resources on the Student Counselling website, Hanoski explained that the

service is unable to address all of the problems students deal with and that these resources have yet to become a priority.

I also asked if there were plans to provide more resources in the future. Orb explains that students need to be vocal about their needs, or SCS will continue to refer off-site.

“If [more resources are] something that students want, then they need to make it known. They need to disclose, be open and honest, and we will make it happen,” Orb said.

While Student Health Services has a naloxone kit available for emergency fentanyl overdoses, I do not foresee an addictions counsellor coming to campus in the future. If students feel it is important to have access to an addictions specialist on campus, they should make their opinions known at Student Health.

In the meantime, if you feel you may be suffering from problems with alcohol, substance misuse or addictions, contact Community Addiction Services.

This service functions through the Mental Health and Addictions Services branch of the SHR. Anyone can be referred to MHAS through Centralized Intake at 306-655-7777.

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School of girls’ rock: Girls Rock Saskatoon

hosts adult summer camp TRAVIS HEBERT With names such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Rihanna dominating the pop scene over the last few years, at first glance, it might seem that women are at the forefront of the mainstream music industry. However, outside of Top 40 radio, it is becoming increasingly apparent that, aside from a number of prominent female pop-stars, the music industry is significantly dominated by men.

As I was writing this article, I found myself looking through stacks of Guitar World magazines and looking at the lineups from some of the largest music festivals in the United States.

Although women make up about 51 per cent of music festival attendees, nearly 80 per cent of the musical acts at North American festivals are all male.

Noticing this discrepan-

cy, Girls Rock Camp Alliance began hosting annual music camps in the early 2000s. Since then, organizations have been popping up around the globe. The GRCA is a non-profit, volunteer-supported organization based in the US that burst onto the Saskatoon landscape in 2014, with the introduction of the Girls Rock Saskatoon chapter.

While it originally catered to female, trans and non-binary-identifying youth under the age of 18, GRS has extended its scope to include adult participants with the introduction of Girls Rock Saskatoon: All Grown Up. On May 19-21, GRS is back for the second edition of its adult camp, looking to expand on its incredibly successful first year.

Lisa Clark participated in the first adult camp and is now one of the organizers for this year’s event.

“We have doubled the

number of people that applied last year. Forty people applied. There’s only 20 spots, so we had to make some tough decisions,” Clark said.

Clark explains that GRS has been forced to put a number of applicants on the waiting list. While it isn’t ideal, it obviously speaks to the success of the first run of the adult camp.

“They’re running two camps this summer, and they’re full, but we’re still looking for volunteers,” Clark said.

The adult camp is structured similarly to the youth camp. Attendees learn the ins and outs of being in a band, from writing lyrics and designing a logo to receiving musical training to taking part in a live show that puts their newly acquired talents on display.

Participants show up to camp on the Friday, organize their bands and get specialized training from some of Saskatoon’s top female musicians.

Instructors who have previously volunteered their time to train these groups of aspiring artists include members of prominent lo-

cal bands such as We Were Lovers and The Radiation Flowers.

Clark shares that, after all of the practices and the workshops, the bands begin to prepare a song for the Sunday-night showcase on the Amigos stage.

“It’s a tall order. You’re kind of forced to get over the idea that this has to be perfect. [You meet] a lot of great people, and it’s a really supportive environment.

It was one of the best experiences of my adult life, for sure,” Clark said.

With any luck, the organization is hoping to gain the resources required to in-

clude vocal training and increase the number of people they are able to accept into the camp.

If you missed your opportunity to register, GRS will not be going away anytime soon. Don’t miss your chance to see some of Saskatoon’s rising stars at the Sunday-night showcase on May 21. The evening will even feature a surprise guest, and all proceeds will go to GRS. If you would like to stay up to date about events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities, be sure to follow GRS on Facebook or at girlsrocksaskatoon.ca.

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

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Fiery Joe: The Maverick Who LiT Up The WesT Featuring guest speakers Roy Romanow, Kathleen Carlisle, and David Goranson Wednesday, May 17, 7 pm

Steve (Fiddler) Fraser for Presidency of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MNS) A current University of Saskatchewan Master of Science Graduate student, Mr. Fraser is seeking the position of president and with nearly 100,000 Métis there is a much needed change and a refreshing vision for the Métis in Saskatchewan.

· · · · · · ·

Métis Citizenship

Anne CAmpbell Launching

The Fabric of Day Thursday, June 1, 7 pm

Federal and Provincial Government Framework agreements Health and Social Issues Hunting, Fishing and Land Claims Legal Matters Elders, Youth, Women and Childern Concerns Commitment to accountability and transparency of the MNS

Métis Nation of Saskatchewan Election Date - May 27, 2017

6 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

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may 04, 2017

4/25/2017 10:50:35 AM

Summer sippin’: A guide to the best patios in Saskatoon CANUTE ROSAASEN The true pinnacle of a Saskatchewan summer boils down to a single activity: patio-hopping.

There is no activity that says summertime quite as succinctly as happily bouncing around from venue to venue, reasonably buzzed, in pursuit of new friends, cold beer and a seat where the sun isn’t shining directly in your eyes.

To assist you in your quest for the perfect summer afternoon, here is a list compiling the best patio haunts that Saskatoon has to offer.

First up is the Irish favourite, O’Shea’s Pub. It has perhaps the nicest all around patio in Saskatoon.

In spite of a rather gloomy interior, O’Shea’s patio features a nice view, an open, modern layout and great company. The upper floor tends to be filled with college students and has a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for hanging out with friends.

Next on the list is another downtown classic, Hudsons. Although it is part of a chain restaurant and bar, Hudsons Canadian Tap House holds a special place in the hearts of many students. Seemingly immune to popular trends, Hudsons is frequently packed to capacity and often has a respectable line outside. Last year, Hudsons expanded and renovated their patio to include bench-style seating, allowing for easy and widespread socializing.

Hudsons has been and will remain a staple for Saskatoon’s college crowd.

Speaking of chain restaurants, Earls also has an exquisite patio. It offers a unique style, even from other establishments of the same name. The Earls patio, despite being in the centre of downtown, is generally quite peaceful and features huge amounts of greenery, which is a beautiful addition to an already beautiful patio. Particularly, Earls has a certain aged feel to it, because it was

built in what was once an early-1900s bread factory.

This feeling is frequently lost in bars that undergo continual renovations. It really makes Earls stand out in a crowded bar scene.

Broadway’s own Yard and Flagon is frequently referenced as having one of Saskatoon’s finest patios. Historically, it has lived up to its reputation.

The Yard features lovely staff, a modern feel and a quiet atmosphere. The Yard is also noted for its exceptional food and has a great location in the centre of Broadway. This makes it the ideal place for an impromptu walking pub crawl. Make sure to arrive at a reasonable time, as there is limited seating. You will surely enjoy it!

The Canadian Brewhouse is a frequent choice for both University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic students alike, and it features a large, modern patio. Additionally, the Brewhouse is a popular location for various pre-parties, whether

Kathrine Fedoroff Saskatoon boasts a variety of great bar patios.

it is for a concert or just an average Longbranch Thursday. This makes it an ideal location for socializing with people outside of your normal circles.

Finally, there is always Louis’ Pub. Louis’, above all, holds a special place in the hearts and minds of U of S students. While the Loft has great natural lighting, the Pub basement features an excellent restaurant and a stellar patio. It’s the first place to go to relax after a round of difficult finals. Louis’ will

forever be a central feature of university drinking.

While a good patio is never a bad thing, ultimately, it’s not the venue that makes for a good time. Sunshine and liquor are certainly important, but it’s the company that makes memories. Call your old friends or make some new ones, and any patio can be the highlight of your summer, whether it’s on a beachfront or in a back yard. We’ll most likely see you out there.

Cheers!

Grey Records: A label for the artists TANNER BAYNE

Culture Editor

Keep your ears to the ground — or to your favourite venue — music fans, for Saskatoon’s newest label is generating a whole lot of noise in the local scene.

Grey Records is one of the newest record labels to come out of Bridge City.

Founded and run by two former University of Saskatchewan students, Duncan Pickard and Lenore Maier, Grey Records is a label that seeks to put the needs of the artists at the forefront of the operation. And judging by the conversation Maier had with the Sheaf, it’s about damn time.

This artist-first emphasis comes from an empathic understanding of the trials that local musicians encounter, as both founders have been active participants in Saskatoon’s music scene. Maier plays in the sister three-piece The Garrys, and Pickard plays in the may 04, 2017

psych-rock outfit Shirley & The Pyramids.

“Being musicians ourselves has given us the experience in knowing that it’s really tough to make any significant kind of money for the creation of your art.

But we both also know that if you plan things properly and chart a logical path, you can be sustainable and stay above water. It’s just math, really,” Maier said, in an email to the Sheaf.

In addition to knowing the difficulties of making money while being an artist, Maier and Pickard’s experiences as musicians with other labels in town have given them information on how a label should be run, as Maier explains.

“I have been approached by ‘labels’ a few times in the past year that didn’t want to do anything more than put their logo on my music. I feel that this is a half-hearted approach and decided that promoting and supporting bands both publicly and financially to help them excel and develop is more the way to go,” Maier said.

Aside from being artist

centred, Grey Records also looks to be sustainable, accessible, inclusive and helpful for artists and showgoers alike. They plan to host shows in a variety of venues and to help the artists who play in a plethora of ways.

Despite the issues that Grey Records seeks to fix in Saskatoon’s music scene, Maier remains hopeful about Saskatoon’s sonic future.

“Every city’s music scene has it strengths and weaknesses. Lots of Saskatchewan bands get overlooked by other provinces, and that’s a major disadvantage in my opinion … We are trying to build upon the great things that Saskatoon currently does well and improve upon the things that kinda suck a bit,” Maier said.

Maier insists that, although Grey Records is a business, it is ultimately fueled by a simple love for music.

“Starting a label is also just a super fun and cool venture. We are both music nerds, so this is something we are both really interested in. I’m currently active

in the music scene, but that won’t always be the case ...

It’s a way to stay relevant in the Saskatoon scene once my current projects run their course,” Maier said.

Although the official launch for Grey Records was only on April 7, they already have an impressive roster of artists — featuring Maier’s The Garrys, Pickard’s Shirley & The Pyramids, Owners, and the Sips, to name a few.

The next Grey Records show is on May 20 at PAVED Arts and will feature Ghost Twin, Waitress and 3 Ninjasks. The first official Grey Records release will happen on May 19, with the dropping of The Garrys’ second album, Surf Manitou.

Be sure to check out these events.

To find out more about Grey Records and their forthcoming events, visit their Facebook page.

Grey Records / Supplied Grey Records is a label for local music lovers.

www.thesheaf.com ∙ the sheaf publishing society

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PAGE TYPE OPINIONS

CULTURE

Spring is the time to do whatever you want

Summer Events

1781-4 152-1 223-1 ujne JULY A U G May

• May 2 First day of Cinergie: Saskatchewan’s Francophone Film Festival at the Roxy Theatre • May 4 Close Talker and Yes We Mystic at Amigos • May 5 Library Voices, Surf Dads and Alive In Tuscon at Amigos • May 5 Bombargo album release, with We Were Lovers, Castle River and guests at O’Brians • May 7 Last day of Cinergie: Saskatchewan’s Francophone Film Festival at the Roxy Theatre

AMANDA SLINGER

Copy Editor

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

• May 12 Shotgun Jimmie, Ariel Sharratt and Mathias Kom at Amigos • May 13 Tim Tamashiro and Tommy Banks at the Bassment • May 13 Vesna Festival at Prairieland Park

Halo, it’s me:

One student’s journey

to semi-professional gaming

May

COLE CHRETIEN • May 18 The Mahones and Wenches & Rogues at the Capitol • May 21 In With The Old and Micah Erenberg Band at the Capitol

May

• May 23 Amelia Curran at the Bassment • May 25 First day of Top of the Hops: Grapes & Grains at Prairieland Park • May 27 Last day of Top of the Hops: Grapes & Grains at Prairieland Park • May 30 The Head and the Heart and guests at O’Brians

May

• June 3 First day of Saskatoon Pride Festival • June 8 The Flatliners, The Dirty Nil and Sam Coffey & The Iron Lungs at Amigos • June 23 First day of Saskatchewan Jazz Festival • June 25 Last day of Saskatoon Pride Festival

• July 2 Last day of Saskatchewan Jazz Festival • July 5 First day of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan • July 6 First day of 2nd Avenue Sidewalk Sale • July 8 Last day of 2nd Avenue Sidewalk Sale • July 13 First day of Ness Creek Music Festival • July 14 Bob Dylan and His Band at the SaskTel Centre • July 16 Last day of Ness Creek Music Festival

• August 3 First day of PotashCorp Fringe Theatre and Street Festival on Broadway Ave • August 4 First day of Saskatoon Ribfest at Diefenbaker Park • August 17 First day of Folkfest ’17 • August 18 First day of Northern Lights Bluegrass & Old Tyme Festival at the Ness Creek Site • August 20 Last day of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan

8 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

Many gamers aspire to play video games professionally, and one former University of Saskatchewan student has done just that in the competitive Halo scene.

Simon Oosterlaken is a former U of S computer science student who has had a lifelong fascination with the Halo series. Leading up to the release of Halo 5: Guardians, Oosterlaken decided to follow his passion to play Halo competitively.

Competitive gaming may seem like an unconventional spectator sport, but with the rise of gameplay streaming services like Twitch, the eSports scene has steadily grown. The popular strategy-action game DOTA 2 drew upwards of 20 million viewers for the 2014 annual international tournament, and Street Fighter V, the latest installment in the famous fighting series developed by Capcom, is regularly covered by ESPN. The Halo series, renowned for its fastpaced, first-person-shooter gameplay, has remained a mainstay of the eSports scene.

Oosterlaken explains how his skill and love for the game presented a unique opportunity for him after his first year of university.

“I ended up finishing my first year of university and decided to take a break, because I had an opportunity in what I wanted to do, which was [to] play a video game at a competitive level,” Oosterlaken said.

Oosterlaken has been a fan of the series since the release of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001.

“I was pretty young then — I think I was five years old. So, obviously, I didn’t think anything of it other than that it was just a game. I played the other titles as they [were] released. I was actually able to play against other people online with Xbox Live towards the end of Halo 3’s competitive stage,” Oosterlaken said.

Though Oosterlaken has been a lover of the series for nearly two decades, he has been active in the Halo competitive scene for only the last two years. During this time, he gained sponsorships, and he has begun broadcasting his gameplay live on Twitch.

“I started playing in online tournaments in late 2015, but I didn’t feel like I was actually creating something real until late last year, in September, when I got the opportunity to travel to St. Louis [in Missouri] and compete in my first real tournament,” Oosterlaken said.

Oosterlaken explains how the recognition that he received in tournaments opened up a new facet through which he could pursue the game: streaming.

“I started streaming Twitch around the same time I started playing in tournaments. I used to watch a lot of gameplay of actual Halo professionals on there, so I figured I would start to share my own gameplay and try to create a positive community around myself,” Oosterlaken said.

Playing a video game professionally requires more than just showing up for tournaments, and Oosterlaken says he splits his time working and practicing with his team.

“We try to get a minimum of 40 hours of practice in per week, which is just practicing on top of our full-time jobs. We usually start [at] about 8 p.m. and play until at least 1 a.m. We get a minimum of 16 hours on weekends, and then scatter the other 24 hours throughout the work week,” Oosterlaken said.

As far as career highlights go, Oosterlaken fondly recalls his experience playing as part of a sponsored team at the Halo tournament in St. Louis.

“It’s literally the dream. A lot of gamers don’t get the opportunity that was given to us. We we’re lucky to have funding … The days were literally 9 a.m. until 2 in the morning. It was awesome.

You walk in, and there [are] about four or five booths, where people just get to scrim against other teams,” Oosterlaken said.

People looking to join the competitive gaming scene can take after Oosterlaken.

“If you really enjoy a game, keep playing it, and be consistent. Remember that you are playing a game that is meant to be fun. A lot of people will forget the fun aspect of a video game and just try to compete. That will never work out for the person,” Oosterlaken said.

Students can follow Simon Oosterlaken’s Halo career at XyttoXBL on Twitch, Twitter and Instagram. may 04, 2017

Spring is known to be a refreshing time in cultures across the world. It has long been the symbol of regeneration in literature and the liberal arts. Poets, especially Renaissance writers and the Romantics, have done their due diligence to exalt its many glories.

Yet, springtime in Saskatchewan holds a particularly dear place in my heart.

I posit there is no temporal season, no geographical location nor physical environment more positively hopeful and rejuvenative than Saskatchewan in the spring. Printemps on the Prairies is a time of airy breezes, golden rays of sunlight and the sweet, subtle scent of burgeoning plant life.

It is a time of earthly equilibrium, as we pass through the spring equinox and begin approaching the summer solstice, but it is also a time of continual seasonal

change. The best adjectives of calm recuperation, re- artist, an amateur yogi and to describe this seasonal laxed studying and peace- more. I love taking spring indecision include such lin- ful exploration. The air is and summer classes at the U guistic gems as mercurial, cleaner, warmer and scented of S, because this optimism tempestuous, irksome and with fresh flowers from our is prevalent across campus. inconstant. Snow comes campus foliage. Professors Saskatoon is beautiful and goes eternally — or so and teaching assistants are in the spring, so take that it seems — as does the sum- somehow kinder. The Bowl beauty, and do whatever you mer sun. is prettier. Students are want with it. Convert it into Change is the only con- more relaxed, secure in their creative energy. Like Donstant, at least meteorolog- knowledge of the steady ap- ne and the other Romantic ically speaking, poets, take it as but why stop with your muse. Use the weather? our Saskatoon What season spring to stoke is more full of your creative hope, ambition, fires, and have a burnout and respring fling with lief than termyourself. Explore two final exams? your own hopes, Moreover, as the hobbies and deanxiety, dread sires instead of and triumphs the more tradiof exam season tional whirlwind fade from recent romance, and Meghan Lett / Flickr memory, the A shift in seasons brings a chance for personal growth. really, just get tides of summer out and find your begin to speed up into a cur- proach of summer. People passion. rent of glass-half-full good- are just nice for a change.

I humbly put this chalwill unto studentkind. There Spring in Saskatchewan lenge forward to you, the is a subtle but pervasive op- is a time of new hope, new illustrious student body: timism in the air so sweet life, vibrant energy and use the last days of spring to you can almost taste it, and self-discovery, and I use do something daring. Join a the atmosphere on campus my new-found oomph to club, take an oddball elecbegins to shift in a positive explore unfamiliar personal tive, try a new sport or spray direction. and creative realms — trying paint a poster for your bedAt the University of Sas- on such possible selves as a room wall — or heck, send us katchewan, May is a month geology student, a bohemian an email and write an article

Wide open safe spaces:

tion without them. When those relationships go sour, the centres and everyone who relies on their services suffer.

If we’re to start at the pople who don’t have the same tential source, there is room access to literally everything to improve. If it seems like and everywhere else in the fellow volunteers are leaving the Women’s Centre, beworld.

Critiques have also been cause the space is too often raised about the two centres’ filled with men, we can ask to co-ordinators, particularly change the rules. In response, regarding their social media co-ordinators should ensure conduct. Leadership requires open discussion.

In fact, there was a group of volunteers who took on the task of addressing this particular problem with the co-ordinator, but many others simply stopped volunteering without bringing up the issue as a potential reason.

Laura Underwood / Layout Manager Spaces and professionalism, and some conversations are different, would argue that the centres when there are men in them. have seen less of it this Studies have shown that year with the standing co- women talk less, more quietly and with less confidence ordinators.

An important piece of the when men are in the converpuzzle for these centres is sation — because men often a healthy relationship with talk more, louder and more volunteers, as it is true that aggressively.

In spite of these difficulthe centres could not func-

Moving on in the Women’s and Pride centres EMILY MIGCHELS

Opinions Editor

The University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union offers support and services through campus centres, but with increasing apathy on the volunteer front, these resources aren’t living up to their full potential.

The USSU Women’s Centre and Pride Centre both offer incredibly valuable services to students on campus, so why is it that nearly every time you walk into one of these spaces, there are only a handful of the same faces?

Why don’t more people go out to events like Sexhibition? Why, oh why, are the centres so intimidating?

I had a conversation with a former longstanding volunteer to try to understand some concerns and issues that might be plaguing these spaces. Progress, after all, entails learning. may 04, 2017

While perhaps not visible to anyone beyond those on the front lines, the past year at the Women’s and Pride centres has been hectic. A lot of issues were raised, and in the opinions of many students involved and invested in the centres, none of these issues have been successfully resolved.

One regularly contested problem throughout the year, which some believe is a catalyst for further debate, has been the issue of men in the Women’s Centre. The truth of the matter is that the space is designed to be a resource for women. While it should and does operate as a social space, complaints from volunteers have too often concerned men who may only respect its social aspect.

It’s still undeniable that men take space away from women and non-binary peo-

for the Sheaf — but do something exciting. Something to stimulate your senses after the long winter months.

Something you’ve been wanting to try or putting off for too long. Something just for you.

Dig your metaphorical roots into the earth and regenerate yourself, so you can grow a little. Try something new, and above all else, take in the restorative power and verdant growth of a true Prairie spring while it lasts.

Breathe it in, soak up the solar power of the sun and distill this energy into concrete actions that you can carry forward into summer.

Springtime will roll over into summer, which will slide right into fall, and it will be winter again before you can say, “I want to take conversational Ukrainian lessons and learn to play Parcheesi.” So don’t say it.

In the immortal words of the late J. Willard Marriot, founder of what is now a massively successful American travel company — Marriott International — and Mormon business tycoon, “Do it and do it now. Err on the side of taking action.” ties, the year hasn’t been a write-off, and successes have amounted. A particular highlight has been extra training for volunteers. This year, an extra training session was set up specifically for those volunteers in the Arts Tunnel during Pro-Choice Awareness Week. In the past, this has been a stressful volunteer activity due to the potential for conflict and attacks, which are known to happen when groups of differing ideologies clash.

However, for many volunteers, these successes have been overshadowed by unresolved concerns. The bottom line is that the co-ordinators need to take volunteer concerns seriously, or the position should be filled by someone who will. If the centres cannot prove their necessity through their efficacy and frequency of use, they could be lost. This would be a real shame, because the services they provide are vital.

As the issue stands, a group of former volunteers have approached the coordinators and the USSU general manager with several ideas, such as increased coordinator training, volunteer workshops and bystander intervention training.

www.thesheaf.com ∙ the sheaf publishing society

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PAGE TYPE DISTRACTIONS

OPINIONS

Appreciation not appropriation: A guide for travellers LYNDSAY AFSETH

Staff Writer With summer right around the corner and finals behind us, it’s time to get some travelling in before the new school year. While it can be great to expand your horizons and experience different cultures, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and the impact of your actions around the world.

Cultural appropriation is a pretty hot topic right now, yet a lot of us might not completely understand it. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t fully understand all of the history behind the inequality that appropriation stems from, but I am always trying to learn more about it. The line between cultural appreciation and appropriation can seem a little blurred, and even I have problems distinguishing between the two sometimes.

Cultural appropriation can be summed up as taking piec-

es of a culture that you don’t belong to and using them as trends or fashion statements.

An example is wearing a headdress to a music festival because you think it looks cool. However, Indigenous headdresses mean a lot more than fashion to the people who first created them, and wearing them to be trendy diminishes their meaning.

The appropriation of culture continues to happen, because people don’t know that it is harmful and can often be exploitative.

Appreciating and even participating in culture is part of why people travel. This is certainly a good thing, but it is important to keep in mind when you are appreciating and when you are appropriating. Here are a three things to keep in mind in order to avoid cultural appropriation when you go travelling this summer.

The first is never to reduce a part of another culture to a trend or fashion statement.

If you are buying something that belongs to a cultural community that you don’t participate in or belong to

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

Canada 150:

A personal journey KEHAN FU Though responses to the ensuing Canada 150 celebrations will no doubt vary from scathing critiques to passionate defenses of the sesquicentennial celebrations, interpretations in the eyes of the individual might be key to understanding the event’s gravity.

In my honest attempt at navigating the complex relationship between our country

and its past, I ultimately drew from my own experiences. To me, the story of Canada 150 begins in a grade-three class in the suburbs of Ottawa.

How can a country be only 100 years old? I can remember asking my parents this question during supper the evening after attending my first-ever Canadian history class. I knew that China had been on the earth for over three millennia, but as a nine-year-old Chinese immigrant, I couldn’t wrap my

simply because you think it will look cool, then you probably shouldn’t buy it in the first place.

Second, cultural appreciation has a time and a place.

When you are travelling, it is a good opportunity to participate in the local customs, but it can turn into appropriation when you take a part of that culture home with you.

Third, make sure you pay attention to who is profiting off what you are buying.

Souvenirs are often manufactured and sold by big companies whose employees are separate from the communities that they represent.

Appropriation is at its worst when companies are profiting off the exploitation of a culture. Wherever you go, there will be local businesses where you can buy souvenirs, and that way you can give the profits back to someone who is actually part of that society.

While you’re travelling, I suggest you take the time to learn about each culture you encounter and what the different parts of it mean to local people. There are many

customs and cultural artifacts that have deep meanings and histories, and when you know what the meanings are behind them, it will be easier for you to see the ways that they are being exploited.

Appreciating a culture is participating in it while travelling, learning about it and contributing to local businesses. Cultural appropriation happens when someone is mimicking it, removing important parts of it from its context or exploit-

mind around the concept of nationhood.

Fast forward almost 15 years and I, like many others, am constantly bombarded with conversations about Canada 150 celebrations.

Fireworks and festivals are already filling up every weekend this summer. Canadian memorabilia line the walls of every aisle in Hudson’s Bay. The Constitution Act of 1867, the anniversary of which we will celebrate with Canada 150, formed the fundamental core of our constitution.

Since then, and also prior to confederation, countless tragedies in Canadian history can all be tied to our colonial past. If nation-building is an ever-evolving portrait, Canada’s canvas has its share of blemishes. Our mistreatment of Indigenous peoples and marginalized groups is undeniably woven into the fabric of our day-to-day lives.

Every Via Rail pass purchased is a reminder of the Chinese head tax, first levied after the Canadian parliament passed the Chinese Immigration Act of 1885 to discourage Chinese people from entering Canada after the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Every classroom presentation is a reminder that the last residential school, the

Gordon Indian Residential School located in Saskatchewan, was closed only 21 years ago.

How do we come to terms with our country’s history as we approach the eve of Canada 150? Truthfully, I don’t have an answer. That’s because my portrait of Canada is one that has been blessed with countless opportunities and privileges. For all of the hardships that I’ve endured — which my parents experienced tenfold — I wouldn’t hesitate to call myself Canadian.

Not all Canadians share my experience, because not all who live in our country have been given the same opportunities and privileges.

Not all Canadians can easily reconcile with our history, because not all Canadians bare its scars. I do, however, believe that we can acknowledge how far we’ve come while still grappling with how much more needs to be done. I have hope for Canada 150.

In part, through celebrating our Canadian identities and values, while imperfect, we remind ourselves of their relevance. We stand in the wake of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We live in a time where escalating tensions

10 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

ing it to make a profit. All of these things are pretty easy to avoid, if you can identify cultural appropriation when it happens.

Travelling is a great way for people to share their cultures with each other. Rather than spending money on exploitative souvenirs, spend your time participating in and appreciating the communities you visit. The memories you make and the knowledge you gain will be worth much more than a souvenir.

c a m p u s c h at

“

If you could do anything this summer, what would you do?

” Double trouble: Different crowds forced to exist in same space

“We’re international students.

If we could do anything, we’d go back home to see our families.”

Bowen Yang & Shiyu Xie

“I would go to Japan.”

Colby Alvorfer

may 04, 2017

goers well after the first slated band’s set, as the crowd was composed only of kinesiology students until the “cool threshold” had passed and it was deemed socially acceptable for concert attendees to actually show up.

“I don’t know, there were just a bunch of dudes standing around with Sanuks on,” one student replied, when asked what the atmosphere was like upon his arrival.

“All of the sudden there was, like, a lot of jean jackets,” commented another.

Disputes went no further than awk-

ward glances, despite the bar staff’s worries that each respective group’s visible anger would amount to physical violence.

“They were all talking to their friends, and it was getting really heated. Then they’d look over their shoulders at the people they were talking about and hush right down,” said Tasha Smith, a server working on the night of the event.

Both events ran smoothly, otherwise, and saw successful turnouts. The night’s earnings were divided evenly between both groups.

Pure Comedy Father John Misty TANNER BAYNE Culture Editor

Jiem Carlo Narag / Photo Editor Travelling is great, but there are plenty of wrong ways to do it.

in international relations are poised to fundamentally change global politics. In recognizing what we stand for as nation, we also remind ourselves whom to stand for and whom to stand with.

I truly believe in the power of dialogue and conversation.

When we share our own stories, we help give meaning to these celebrations. When we listen to others’ stories, we understand the impact of these celebrations. There will undoubtedly be contradictions and opposing viewpoints in this debate — such is the identity of our multicultural country.

Let’s think of these celebrations as an opportunity for reflection and expression.

Just as our votes can change a governing party, our voices can change the future of Canadian identity.

Canada 150 should mean a lot to us as students. The conversation surrounding our national identity and the debates fostered by these celebrations will shape the discourses in what’s to come: our futures. Canada 200 will be a reflection of who we are in 50 years. After all, the only way for us to have a more representative and inclusive bicentennial is for our peers to understand what was missed this time.

LOUIS’ PUB — A potentially raucous clash over a double-booked event at the University of Saskatchewan’s campus watering hole was resolved quietly after groups realized they were too freaked out to talk to each other.

On the evening of April 24, a fundraiser for the U of S Kinesiology Students’ Society coincided with a local band’s tour kickoff. Louis’ organizers defend the mix-up as a result of similar event titles, ‘Muscle Milk Monday’ being the name of both the opening band and the KiSS event.

Tensions mounted among event-

“I want to go to LA.” Mustafa Moin

Pure Comedy is the third release from Father John Misty. This time around, the lyricist extraordinaire sheds the satirical armour that has characterized his music thus far, and instead dons a mantle of sincerity that he uses to contemplate the absurdities of the times. If you’re looking for some solidarity in this wild world, Pure Comedy has just that.

HARKAVAGRANT.COM

XKCD.COM

may 04, 2017

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Your 2017-18 USSU Executive

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VP Operations & Finance

David D’Eon President

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VP Student Affairs

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may 04, 2017