Feb. 7, 2013 Vol. 46 No. 16
The Bulletin
umanitoba.ca/bulletin
University of Manitoba
Events
Feb. 8 Adair International Distinguished Lecture: Michael Harris Bond Feb. 11 ‘Idle No More’: The Ethical Issues– public forum Feb. 13 Native Studies Colloquium Series
Feb. 13 Storytelling workshop Feb. 21 Riddell Faculty Seminar Series Vaclav Smil See page 10 for more events
Taking a ‘matchmaker’ approach to bringing business, U of M research, together
Page 5
The story of the storyteller-in-residence: Clare Murphy
Page 9
An artful exploration of fear
Page 12
U of M hits refresh button with grand re-opening of library By Peter Dalla-Vicenza The Bulletin
The newly redeveloped Elizabeth Dafoe Library is quickly becoming one of the most popular student spaces on the Fort Garry Campus. On Jan. 17, the University of Manitoba community and its partners gathered to celebrate its rebirth as a modern, inviting and welcoming hub for learning. Continued on page 6
Photo by Mike Latschislaw
President David Barnard, speaking at the grand re-opening of Elizabeth Dafoe Library, outlined how the project is one part of an overall plan to “transform the Fort Garry campus”
The ‘tweet’ that is awakening change By Andrea Bilash The Bulletin
When Tanya Kappo graduated from the U of M with her law degree eight months ago, her colleagues and friends believed that her drive and passion would lead her to make an impact in the world. They were right. Six months later, Kappo started the #idlenomore Twitter conversation that is now spreading like a prairie grassfire. It is a new movement that is shaking up and waking up Canada. Kappo returned to Robson Hall on Jan. 25 to talk about her experience with Idle No More. The event, titled From Law Student to #idlenomore, sponsored by the Centre for Human Rights Research, was an opportunity to learn about the Law alumna, activist and “proud mama” of three, Tanya Kappo, speaks about Idle No More at the U of M
movement, and hear Kappo’s thoughts on its meaning and importance. Her message was one of strength and humanity. “All of this is about love,” said Kappo, “Because we matter. It’s about taking our place in our community, and taking our place in this country.” Kappo, who grew up on the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Treaty 8 territory in northwestern Alberta, organized one of the movement’s first teach-ins and advocates non-violent protest. She believes that the government’s changes to Bill C-45, which were the impetus to Idle No More, should be a concern to all of us. “It’s not only a First Nations problem; it’s a Canadian issue.” Kappo is pleased to see some of the results, especially since it’s a grassroots movement where young people have
been the driving spirit. “That’s the most beautiful thing. The awakening and awareness that it has brought among our young people,” she says. The talk closed with questions from the audience, during which even the youngest members participated. Grade 5 and 6 students from Rockwood School attended; one of them asked, “How can we help?” Kappo offered in response: “Attend an event. Talk about it with your classmates and peers. What does it mean to you? Because this is a conversation you will keep having over your lifetime.” For more insights into the Idle No More movement, see page 2. To watch this talk in its entirety, go to: www.youtube.com/user/robsonhallvideo