SPORTS
Justus, delivered
Justus Alleyn was one of the best to play in brown and gold
ARTS & CULTURE
Living gallery
NEWS
Expect rises
QTBIPOC encouraged to submit PAGE 13
University to increase tuition by 6.6 per cent PAGE 3
COMMENT
Calling Doctor Jones International students want healthcare by their side PAGE 9 VO L 1 0 4 · N O 2 8 · M A R C H 2 8 , 2 0 1 8 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M
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Index
VOL. 104 NO. 28 March 28, 2018
3 SPORTS
Best in Brown and Gold Bison athletes honoured over the weekend PAGE 15
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Garett Williams
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News
News Editors: Imreet Kaur & Shaden Abuselah Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770
Tuition fee increases coming to U of M
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Fees to rise by 6.6 per cent in September
EDITORIAL
SHADEN ABUSALEH, STAFF
MANAGING EDITOR Malak Abas
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ARTS & CULTURE
Finger flipping good Pinball pop up at Forth attracts league PAGE 14
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Let’s get ethical Put down that travel brochure and think twice about backpacking PAGE 7
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PHOTO BY MEGAN COLWELL
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uition fee increases are coming well as increases in tuition. the Manitoba Bursary Fund, however, with ensuring it meets its goals will be looking at lobbying the to the University of Manitoba. This is why, Danakas added, overall funding for post-secondary around “Indigenous achievement administration for a scholarship and Provost and vice-president (aca- Barnard “and his associates at the bursaries and funds will decrease by and attracting Indigenous scholars,” bursary aggregator tool where studemic) Janice Ristock has confirmed University of Manitoba have been $100,000. increasing opportunities for experi- dents can access all scholarships and the U of M plans to raise tuition for advocating for increased funding Further, the province will cut ential learning and undergraduate bursaries for which they are eligible. the upcoming fall term by 6.6 per cent and tuition [which is] in line with funding for Research Manitoba, research awards, and lobbying the Sanderson added that the union - an increase in fees for both graduate the kind of tuition that other uni- which provides grants and funds for government to increase funding for will look at other ways to make eduand undergraduate students across versities across Canada, especially research in health, natural, and social the university’s operating grant. cation more affordable by advocating all faculties. U15 universities, have been requiring sciences, engineering, and humaniUniversity of Manitoba Faculty for more accessible educational mate“The university is going to be of students.” ties - a reduction of more than $3 Association president Janet Morrill rial to be incorporated in courses such asking the board of governors to “The message has been those two million. said relying on scholarship and bursa- as free of charge, open educational increase tuition,” she said, adding things together are necessary for [a] ries is a “flawed way of offsetting the resources and course packs. that “because the province passed Bill sustainable post-secondary system in costs of post-secondary education." To minimize the impact of tuition “We’re going to 31, all universities in the province have the province,” Danakas said. “Expecting a student from a low- increases, Sanderson said “The uniindicated that they’re going to be rais“Even with this increase,” Ristock income family to earn scholarships is versity needs to make sure that its be continuing to ing their tuition at comparable levels.” said, “we will still be offering the not fair," she said. “Effectively, that focus is on students.” provide student In spite of strong student oppo- lowest tuition in western Canada student must meet a higher standard This would include diversifying sition, the provincial government and we will remain committed to in order to get a university degree classes, ensuring classrooms are aid and increase it passed the Advanced Education being an accessible and an affordthan a student from a wealthy fam- of high quality, and “trying to cut Administration Act in November, able university.” ily does." down on some extraneous spending where possible” removing restrictions on courseRistock noted that since 2011, the "Bursaries help," Morrill added, in advertisement and marketing,” he related fees and lifting a cap on university’s two major sources of rev- Janice Ristock, U "but even with bursaries, the costs of said. tuition hikes that, since 2012, held enue - the operating grant and tuition tuition are not as closely tied to family Morrill pointed to the “troubleof M provost and increases to the level of inflation. fees - have been squeezed. income as taxes are." some pattern” followed by provinces VP (academic) Universities across the province are “So this increase in tuition is not over the years where governments now free to increase tuition by five per bringing in new money or surplus What to expect from UMSU replace funding for operating grants cent plus inflation annually. dollars,” she said. UMSU president-elect Jakob with tuition increases, adding that, When the province f irst “I would say over the years, even Ristock said the university will Sanderson said he is not surprised “The university should lobby the govannounced plans to remove restric- within this period of constraint that make sure students’ needs continue by the 6.6 per cent increase. ernment hard to reverse these trends.” tions on tuition increases, U of M we continue to face, we have had to to be met through financial assistance. “I think it’s hard to, I suppose, get “The university should make president David Barnard said in a make some tough choices,” Ristock “We have more than $60 million extremely angry with the adminis- sure that its resources are allocated release that raising tuition will help added. “But some of those choices in scholarships and bursaries that we tration in certain aspects for raising towards its core mission of teachthe university maintain its goal of have been to strengthen student distribute annually,” she said. tuition, based on the fact that the ing and research, to provide the best being a “modern, well-equipped, supports.” “I want to underscore that we operating grant in the university has education possible for our students," nationally and internationally comdo understand that even with this just been cut significantly,” he said. Morill said. “We owe students that." petitive institution.” Support for students? increase in tuition, we know that that “A 6.6 per cent increase in tuition U of M executive director of pubIn its 2018 budget, the provincial presents challenges for many students is quite a lot,” Sanderson continued. lic affairs John Danakas said ensuring government announced that support who are paying for their education,” “I think there’s some wiggle room the “long term sustainability of the for universities and colleges will be she added. “We’re going to be con- to where we can probably see them post-secondary education system,” at cut by 0.9 per cent, or $ 6.3 million. tinuing to provide student aid and reduce [the] increase.” the University of Manitoba “would The $17.4 billion budget will include increase it where possible.” Describing the incoming UMSU require both increases in operating a $2.6 million increase in spending for Additionally, Ristock said the executive’s plan for the 2018-19 acafunding from the government,” as university plans to move forward demic year, Sanderson said the team
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News
VOL. 104 NO. 28 March 28, 2018
News Editors: Imreet Kaur & Shaden Abuselah Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770
UMFA challenges administration in open letter In an open letter to president David Barnard, UMFA lists priorities for U of M to focus on in upcoming budget.
News
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CFS-MB cries foul over UMSU act amendments Federation criticizes changes as “direct attack on students organizing against the government’s anti-education agenda” QUDUS ABUSALEH, STAFF
IMREET KAUR, STAFF
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mendments to the UMSU agenda.” Act are being criticized by the The UMSU Act has been Canadian Federation of Students - amended on only one previous occaManitoba (CFS-MB) as an assault sion, in 1990, as part of an overhaul to on students. make all the province’s laws bilingual. “The government should not medThe UMSU Act is a piece of provincial legislation and the highest dle in student association affairs and governing document of the students’ leave decisions concerning organizaunion. The proposed amendments tional membership with individual - which mandate referendum votes student members,” reads the release. Section 7 of UMSU’s bylaws states on any UMSU related fee increases, make the act gender-neutral, and call that any new fees levied upon memfor council votes on the union’s con- bers of the union must be approved tinued membership in external orga- by a referendum. This does not apply nizations every two years - passed to fee increases, which currently only require a two-third majority vote of UMSU council Feb. 15. The amendments dictate that if council “at a regularly scheduled council does not support maintaining meeting with two-third quorum” to membership in an outside organi- pass. zation, the question will be put to Speaking on the amendments to the act earlier this month, outgoing membership in a referendum. The amendments were intro- UMSU president Tanjit Nagra said, duced in a private member’s bill put “We want to ensure that students have forward by Fort Richmond MLA a say in any new fees.” Sarah Guillemard, and presented to In November 2015, UMSU counthe provincial legislature March 22. cil approved an omnibus motion In a release issued March 23, that made plans to fund child care CFS-MB called the changes “a direct on campus, bursaries for Indigenous attack on students organizing against students, undergraduate research, the government’s anti-education and renovations of UMSU-owned
space on the first floor of UMSU University Centre.
“What the UMSU Act does do is make UMSU far more democratic and autonomous by mandating that any sort of fee increase that we want to have has to go through the entire student body” - Jakob Sanderson, UMSU president-elect The motion included a $64 annual fee increas to fund the projects. The increase passed without referendum. Student union fees currently stand
at an average of $100 per term, not Federation of Students, even after including additional fees for other this UMSU Act [amendment] university services, such as health and passes, we cannot leave the Canadian dental benefits or the U-Pass. Federation of Students without a vote UMSU president-elect Jakob of all of our members,” he said. Sanderson said the proposed changes “What the UMSU Act does do is to the UMSU act have been “mis- make UMSU far more democratic interpreted” in the CFS-MB and autonomous by mandating that release - which claimed the amend- any sort of fee increase that we want ments would affect services includ- to have via UMSU has to go through ing UMFM, Engineers Without the entire student body.” Borders, the World University Nagra echoed Sanderson, saying Service of Canada (WUSC), and “At present, UMSU is not a member the Manitoban. of UMFM, or the Manitoban, and UMFM Station Manager Jared the structure of WUSC is that there McKetiak said that although the sta- is a U of M Chapter, not that we are tion is “currently looking into how a member.” any of the proposed changes to the “These are examples of external UMSU act will affect the station in fees that members of UMSU pay the future,” he does not think that into, not organizations that UMSU the concerns outlined in press release is a member of,” she added. will amount to any negative changes “The wording of the amendments to the station’s levy. apply specifically to the membership Sanderson said the goal of the of UMSU in an external organization, amendments is not to open the door rather than the fee itself.” to de-federating from CFS, adding that external organizations do not include services “that [UMSU] fees are directed to.” “With relation to the Canadian
Ace slate leads grad students association election Neumann re-elected as UMGSA president PHOTO BY QUINCY HOUDAYER
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he University of Manitoba the fall of 2018. allow deans greater flexibility in sections when they prefer an in-per- more affordable for students, too. I Faculty Association (UMFA) The letter recognizes that the planning for the recruitment of new son option, fewer course offerings, look forward to discussing this with is urging university administra- likely tuition fee increase will make faculty members,” he said. and more classes taught by overbur- UMFA and I kind of challenge them tion to increase full time academic up for the shortfall in operating The new budget model - approved dened sessional instructors.” to be of assistance after this.” staff, increase funding for students grants, and urges the U of M to invest by president Barnard in 2017 - aims According to UMFA’s letter, the enrolled in graduate studies, and to in the priorities identified in the letter. to increase transparency by allocating U of M held a surplus of approxi- Graduate student invest in a day care space closer to the "We expressed these concerns in an funds directly to faculties and depart- mately $102 million for the budget funding and day care Bannatyne campus. open letter to ensure they were heard ments for use as they see fit. year ending in March 31, 2017, which Danakas said the university’s The concerns were raised in an by administration, and to encourage Danakas said the inter-fund trans- was transferred internally for capital response to the letter will highlight open letter signed by UMFA presi- other members of the university com- fers - resources allocated for a par- projects or is “earmarked to be spent the importance the U of M places dent Janet Morrill, addressed to presi- munity to voice their opinions as well,” ticular designated purpose - account on capital in the future.” on supporting students enrolled in dent David Barnard, dated March 21. Morrill said. for “accounting adjustments” for “That is a huge surplus,” Morrill graduate studies - which he said has Morrill said the priorities were said. “We believe been accounted for in U of M’s advoidentified by UMFA members during Inter-fund more of it should cacy efforts on behalf of students to “The university has prioritized capital spending be spent on pay- various levels of government and in consultations leading up to two bar- Transfers gaining sessions with the University T he let ter over classes for years. We see larger classes, ing faculty com- budgetary decisions made by the U of Manitoba administration. expresses concern petitive salaries. of M. many students having to register in distance We should ensure “We can deal with many member regarding the "In 2016-17, we distributed almost concerns in collective bargaining,” administration’s that faculty have $10.5 million to graduate students via sections when they prefer an in-person she said. “However, others are a decision to spend permanent posi- our internal funding programs and question of how the university spends budget surpluses tions to give them we have every intention of continuing option, fewer course offerings, and more its resources and sets it priorities, on capital projthe academic free- to grow the funding available for this classes taught by overburdened sessional which have profound implications ects as opposed dom needed to function,” Danakas said. for faculty, staff, and students.” to investing in Commenting on the issue of instructors” - Janet Morrill, UMFA president fulfil their teachThe letter also expresses the asso- “core functions ing, research, and daycare spaces, Danakas said the ciation’s disappointment with the of teaching and service responsi- Bannatyne Campus master plan has provincial government's 0.9 per cent research.” capital assets that are “useful” and bilities properly.” already undertaking several measures cut to the U of M’s operating grant U of M executive director of “acquired using operating funds but Jakob Sanderson, UMSU presi- to review and invest in daycare space and its recommendation that post- public affairs John Danakas said recorded as assets as a result of their dent-elect, said professors and teach- at the Bannatyne campus. secondary institutions explore other president Barnard will respond to enduring value.” This, Danakas said, ing staff should advocate on behalf of "Several potential sites have been ways to generate revenue, including UMFA’s letter and “provide accurate results in an inter-fund transfer to students for more course offerings. evaluated but have not been detertuition fee hikes. information.” the asset fund. “UMSU and UMFA have a lot mined to be appropriate, either due Last November, the provincial Danakas said the university is “The university has prioritized cap- of room to work together as long to size, location, or cost to renovate government passed legislation that committed to faculty renewal and ital spending over classes for years,” as we are operating on the same to meet provincial code.” allows post-secondary institutions to retention. Morrill said in an interview. path and the same goal,” he said. raise tuition fees by up to five percent “We believe that the implementa“We see larger classes, many stu- “We will most definitely need more plus inflation annually, beginning in tion of the new budget model will dents having to register in distance faculty support to make education
DIANA UBOKUDOM, STAFF
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ce slate - led by current University student representation, as opposed to of Manitoba Graduate Students’ only the UMGSA council. Association (UMGSA) president “Right now we sort of just have Carl Neumann - nearly swept the our one UMGSA council and we’re 2018 UMGSA elections. thinking about creating facultyNeumann was re-elected to the level groups of graduate students,” position with a total of 497 votes out Neumann said. of 603 ballots cast. Neumann will lead the UMGSA executive, with the other positions “Right now we sort filled by VP external Skye Kushner, of just have our one VP academic Silvia Araujo, VP internal Cody Ross, VP marketing and UMGSA council and events Sakib Rahman, and Senators we’re thinking about Felix Nwaiwu and Laura Forsythe. Neumann, who ran uncontested, creating facultysaid he was pleased to be re-elected for the second time and is looking level groups of forward to the upcoming year where graduate students” he, along with his teammates, would have the opportunity to achieve the - Carl Neumann, goals which fell through in the past UMGSA president year. During the all-candidates forum March 14, Neumann said he intended However, due to an alleged violato promote policies that encourage Neumann also said his team tion of the campaigning process, only the engagement of graduate students would continue to increase its efforts 288 out the 320 votes were counted as “at the faculty level.” to ensure “Indigenous engagement valid for Elwali. As a result, Kushner Neumann said there was a discon- and reconciliation” at the University was elected to the position. nect among graduate students in the of Manitoba. Elwali said he had been penalvarious departments of each faculty Ahmed Elwali, a doctoral student ized by the UMGSA Elections and that his team plans to organize studying biomedical engineering who Committee for using email lists to different events which would not ran independently for the positon of solicit votes in the just-concluded only unite but encourage interaction VP external, initially received more elections. among students across departments. votes than his opponent Kushner, However, Elwali said he did not He added that his team will con- with a total of 320 votes cast in his send “unsolicited emails” as alleged sider having several levels of graduate favour out of 617 cast ballots. by the committee, though he did send
PHOTO BY ASHA NELSON
emails individually to let people know about his policies and goals, which he believes did not contravene the election rules. Elwali added that the election committee sent out emails which contained “incorrect information,” and was worded in a manner that aimed to discourage people from voting for him. Elwali’s name was not explicitly mentioned in these emails. Elwali said he was further penalized because one out of several posters
included in the “unsolicited emails” bore the UMGSA logo, another violation which he argued was unintentional. He said rather than being penalized for both alleged violations concurrently, the chief returning officer had insisted on punishing the offences separately, the result of which was his loss to his opponent.
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Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Garett Williams Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293
What not to do while travelling abroad This summer, think before you travel ASHA NELSON, STAFF
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ith the end of the semester in sight, summer travel plans are beginning to take shape. A year of desks and deadlines means that now is the time to break away and see the world. Some will opt for a road trip or a quiet summer at the lake. Others will pack 50 litre backpacks to head abroad where the global South awaits for an epic, supposedly “enlightened” escape. Visits to temples, ayahuasca retreats, and commercialized spiritual beads, however, do not make for a wise and worldly backpacker.
We should take issue with the blatant disrespect for other cultures, ignorance, and the long-term impact this type of travel has on local communities Despite a traveller’s education and Canada’s promises of a population acclimated to multiculturalism, cultural sensitivity and even simple human decency, these traits are too often left behind when Canadians depart on adventures to developing nations. A look at three backpacker profiles will help make this case:
The guilt-free globetrotter
We begin with our favourite local party animals unleashed unto the world, the guilt-free globetrotter. At night, you can find them partying it up at the pub crawl or the booze cruise, while mornings are spent recovering from a wicked hangover a sure sign they made the right travel choice. You can expect cheap drinks and relaxed liquor laws factored heavily into their destination decisions. It is not the desire for a little fun which is cause for concern. Rather, one might take issue with the blatant disrespect for other cultures, general ignorance, and the long-term impact this type of travel has on local communities. Anyone who has spent time in party hostels knows this all too well. In June 2015, four westerners, including two Canadians, were fined and sentenced to three days in jail after posing naked at Malaysia’s highest peak, an act considered to be of “disrespect to the sacred mountain.” A few years ago, I remember finding a bar on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand packed with tourists excitedly watching their drunk friends fight one another in their personal version of “muay Thai style” over a prize bucket of beer. Their shrill voices were heard across town and continued into the night as the crowd spilled out into the streets. Time and time again, backpackers
GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL
complain that Thai people are not friendly or hospitable - not much of a surprise, considering the country is known for attracting such rowdy types.
little to no grasp of the language industrial complex” to describe how spoken or any other relevant skills. powerful individuals simplify comHowever, while they may enter into plex issues in other countries so it these projects with the best inten- feels like their minor efforts make tions, their actions remain severely a major difference. In so doing, they misguided. neglect their own complacency in the Few seem to realize that the sev- matter at hand. eral thousand dollars they pay would When we travel, we actually be better donated to the projhave this unique ect itself and could even create new employment opportunities for locals. Travelling without a opportunity to As well, tourists - even those with critical awareness step outside of our the proper skillset - may actually do more harm than good. A report by of the culture and social confines and South African and British academics found short-term volunteers work- history runs the reflect on our own ing in orphanages can be harmful risk of supplanting culture and all the for traumatized children, resulting in abandonment issues when the vol- harmful stereotypes many areas where unteers return home. onto locals, many of it falls short. Don’t Outrage over an Instagram post by member of the “white saviour” trope which are built on miss this chance Jossa Johnson in November 2017 is an pre-existing notions all too telling case. Johnson posted a Even in the spirit of fun, this photo of her holding a little girl from of cultural superiority absent-mindedness often comes Kibera, Kenya, with a caption that and racism across as offensive, trampling on local included, in part, “one of the happiest customs and religious beliefs. moment[s] in your life was probably when you met me and my friends.” The white saviour Johnson later went on to write how The enlightened guru The white savior is the “altruistic” the child is likely destined to be an Finally, there is the enlightened traveller who devotes their vacation to abused child bride who would “sell guru. This travel type is more difa short-term volunteer project in the [her] body to someone else to earn ficult to recognize, especially with global South. From building houses money for your child,” concluding their two-dollar words and constant for impoverished communities to that dreaming was her only hope . flow of facts. They have done their “rescuing” turtles in animal sanctuarThis sort of “hold-a-child, save- research on the country they visit, ies, these “voluntourists” believe they a-life” mentality must be addressed. and might even identify the power can single-handedly save a place from Nigerian-American novelist Teju imbalance between tourist and local. its so-called unfortunate fate, despite Cole uses the term “white savior Back home, they may be emerging
scholars or self-proclaimed defenders of justice able to distinguish right from wrong. However, when confronted with ideas other than their own - like issues concerning religion, freedom, justice, or gender - they become tongue-tied, often resorting to immediate judgement, spending the rest of their trip surrounded by their own kind, rather than taking the opportunity to listen and learn. Travelling without a critical awareness of the culture and history of the places you visit runs the risk of imposing harmful stereotypes onto locals, many of which are built on pre-existing notions of cultural superiority and racism. It’s important to remember that such ideas, coupled with global inequality, are founded in a history of colonialism that gave the West its upper-hand. It is then our responsibility to educate ourselves before we travel, learn what is appropriate, and use the time abroad to reflect. These stereotypes exist, but there are also many backpackers that are challenged and transformed by their experiences. When we travel, we have this unique opportunity to step outside of our social confines and reflect on our own culture and all the many areas where it falls short. Don’t miss this chance.
Comment Comment Editor: Shawn Huberdeau Contact: comment@themanitoban.com
VOL. 104 NO. 28 March 28, 2018
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Comment
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Jazz festival corporatization reflects apathy for the genre
All students must come together to fight for our education
Years of innovation through suffering are sacrificed in the name of profit
Student solidarity is needed in the face of budget cuts
KENNY INGRAM, STAFF
JAKOB SANDERSON
GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL
is a truly unique art form. The Jazz result of years of suffering from
corporatization and, in turn, poor Garrett Quartet, and Al Green. leadership of the mainstream festivals. In late 2000s, Jazz Winnipeg slaves in North and Latin America, Unfortunately, these issues persist welcomed the financial support of its roots lie deep in oppression. today. several sponsors, including title Its history began under slavery For the 2018 New Orleans Jazz sponsor and local jazz radio station with field hollers and work songs, & Heritage Festival, musicians and 99.1 COOL-FM. This lasted for sevlater turning into spirituals. After bands including Rod Stewart, Jimmy eral years until TD Bank Financial slavery was abolished and African- Buffett, and Aerosmith are promi- Group replaced the station as the title Americans gained access to instru- nently featured as headliners. The sponsor leading up to the 2010 festiments, the tradition continued in the Montreux Jazz Festival prominently val. Then-Jazz Winnipeg executive form of country blues, ragtime, and features Elton John on its 2018 bill. producer Paul Nolin called the switch later boogie-woogie, Harlem stride, At home, Jazz Winnipeg is cur- “a huge step for Jazz Winnipeg.” Perhaps in the short term it was. and gypsy jazz. rently promoting, among others, The The next few festivals saw the incluAll the while, early jazz musicians Flaming Lips. like Louis Armstrong were congresion of jazz greats Sonny Rollins, gating into hubs - namely Chicago Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, and New Orleans - to create the and Bobby McFerrin. In the long If the main term, however, the verdict has come first era of jazz bands: Dixieland. attractions perform in: a change in sponsorship - being This progressed into jazz orchestras among the likes of Duke Ellington, backed by financial interests - has outside of the genre, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller. proven detrimental to the music. why bother calling it Subsequently, the genre branched In fall of 2016, Jazz Winnipeg executive producer Paul Nolin off into countless interpretations, a jazz festival at all? stepped down and was replaced by ranging from bebop, cool, modal, avant-garde, and free jazz, to Latin Michael Falk. Some of his credenjazz, as well as funk, soul, R&B, and If these are going to be the main tials included working as the artistic blues rock. attractions to these events, why director for the West End Cultural In the late 1950s, along with a bother calling it a jazz festival at all? Centre, producer of the indie music resurgence of the genre, jazz festivals With headliners like these, you pop-up party SpaceLand, and frontbegan to pop up in cities of histori- can be rest assured where the majority ing local indie band Les Jupes. To cal significance, beginning in Rhode of funding for the festival is going: say his hiring was a miscalculation Island in 1954 with the Newport Jazz non-local, non-jazz musicians. Jazz on the part of the board would be a Festival. These gave the genre a plat- musicians - and local talent in the gross understatement. With a huge financial institution form much larger than many typical jazz community - lose out year after venues would have, creating public year. The perfect local example of this sponsoring the festival, and in turn, a awareness among those not previ- phenomenon is the TD Winnipeg primary focus on monetization of the ously exposed to the art form. International Jazz Festival. event, it is little wonder someone with However, problems became eviOriginally called the Jazz no apparent background in jazz music dent early on. The Newport festival Winnipeg Festival, it first kicked off and the Winnipeg jazz community snubbed jazz innovators like Max in 1989. Jazz Winnipeg was - and still can become the artistic director of a Roach and Charles Mingus, paying is - the non-profit that organizes the major Canadian jazz festival. them far less than the more main- event, which was created by the grassFollowing the now-fundamental stream musicians on the bill - in turn roots organization. Between 1989 and focus on moving as many bodies and driving them to boycott the 1960 2009, some of the notable perform- selling as many drinks as possible, festival and create their own event. ers included McCoy Tyner, Dave the shift of attention from local and This breakaway was sparked the mass Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, Kenny mainstream jazz to indie and rock
artists has been noticeable. once-diverse festival gets less and During Falk’s Jan. 19 masterclass less diverse in terms of jazz and local with University of Manitoba Jazz participation, and more and more Studies students, he cited payouts profit-focused. between $50,000 and $100,000 dolIf board members would like to lars per night for headlining acts. Yet, change course and take such conwhen addressing student ensembles cerns seriously, the artistic director who submitted an application to per- must be replaces with someone who form at the festival, all he did was has a learned background in jazz. ridicule their promotional picture. An artistic director for a major jazz If the group will not sell thousands festival should not require listening of seats and drinks, and you cannot parties in order to understand the market the performance like a brand- basics. They should know this music new car, the ensemble clearly will not inside and out. be hired. Next, the focus of the festival should be primarily musicians of the jazz genre - headliners should include A once-diverse living legends like Ron Carter, Roy Haines, Wayne Shorter, and Dick festival gets less Hyman. This is not to say other, and less diverse jazz-influenced genres - namely soul, R&B, funk, and blues rock - should and more and more not be included. They absolutely profit-focused should. But not as the primary focus and main beneficiaries of funding. Finally, the leadership must once Of the initial list of headliners again reach out to the disregarded released by Jazz Winnipeg, only one and underpaid local musicians. of the five artists, Chris Botti, even In choosing to disregard the conclosely resembles jazz - a term so cerns of the Winnipeg jazz commugenerously employed here that one nity, Jazz Winnipeg has alienated should be clear to deduct it on a tax countless musicians and abandoned return. And while these folk, pop, any attempt to honour jazz culture. and rock artists are conceivably being To properly preserve the art form of paid between $50,000 and $100,000 jazz in our city, Jazz Winnipeg must dollars per night, it should not be sur- understand that it has an obligaprising why - as revealed in a recent tion to make sure it accurately and meeting between festival organizers respectfully promotes its traditions and union members - Falk has paid and artists to the fullest. local musicians as little as $14.29 per player, per show. And while some younger and beginning musicians and groups may play for virtually nothing, experienced local musicians simply pass on insulting offers. All the while, a
GRAPHIC BY ERNEST ZARZUELA
ust before UMSU election season, Jone of my best friends asked me:
ate student education and resources.” flaws or perceived inaction, and tell with thousands of students at our side. to change the discourse regarding This was a reasonable position you how my team will fix these issues At its core, the provincial budget students and student issues. Access "UMSU is facing impending tuition many students put forth, albeit prem- and go about our business differently. is a ranking of priorities. The gov- to, and quality of, post-secondary hikes and major challenges as a stu- ised on the hope government would But it is a lot harder to make mean- ernment is correctly saying that it education can affect our province’s dent union. Why run for president?” operate in good faith after being ingful change on this campus and in does not have funds to cover all the economic outlook and its future On the contrary, I do not see this offered this social licence. Initially, it this province when students make services we would like to see. But if generations. We need to take that year as one in which student leaders seemed to be backed up by statements up a minority of the votes on all uni- there is one thing that is clear from seriously and ensure these issues are are boarding a sinking ship. We have given by Minister of Education and versity governing bodies. Other than this budget, it is that students are a top priority for all Manitobans and an opportunity to define the type of Training Ian Wishart, who promised offering our best elevator pitches and not being prioritized. From a policy our government. But before we can education that will exist for current Bill 31 would provide “better quality attending whatever meetings they perspective, there is little sense in do that, we need to show that they and prospective students at the U of education […] and better professors.” are willing to grant us, we ultimately this decision. are a priority for us. M and across our province. This fight This has since proven to not be have little say with the provincial High rates of post-secondary Whether you are in favour of tuiis not about me, about UMSU, or the case. government. graduation are a strong predictor of tion hikes or against them, are eager about any subset of student leaders. It After releasing the Manitoba a successful society. High graduate to start a student strike or prefer to is about the students, and so it must budget, Minister of Finance rates are correlated with lower crime work behind the scenes, involved in Our increased emanate from a collective, educated, Cameron Friesen said post-secondary rates and graduates from post-sec- student councils or here to focus on and mobilized student body ready to institutions should look to the tuition ondary institutions become positive your degree, I promise that my team tuition money will define our future. hike as a way to make up for budget economic contributors to society and I want to hear from you as we effectively be used to - boasting higher earnings, paying take on this challenge to create an cuts. How we got here We are now in the least desirable finance the provincial more in taxes, and receiving less in accessible, high quality education for The latest provincial budget position for any stakeholder at our government transfers. But when post- students at the U of M. Above all else, government’s debt includes a 0.9 per cent cut of $6.3 mil- university. Costs are rising, budgets secondary education becomes more I promise we will work as hard as we lion to post-secondary institutions. are being cut, and our increased tuiexpensive, fewer have access to it, and can to represent your voices this year, The cut, which nearly triples when tion money will effectively be used to when budgets are cut, the value of our no matter how disparate they might adjusted for inflation, will result in finance the provincial government’s That is why we must look degree lessens. Further, why should be. But in order to represent them we a net negative in real dollar univer- debt. To make matters worse, inter- toward structural means of change. international students, who are a need to hear them. This is our fight, sity funding - even when offset by national students - who have long Advocacy can no longer be confined significant economic boon for our but in order to win we must be in it the impending tuition hike. Based been unfairly treated at this univer- to the boardroom. It must be a con- province, want to make their lives in a together. on reasonable estimates, increased sity and at others across the prov- tinual process of student leaders province where the tax-rebate incentuition would total approximately $7 ince - are now at risk of losing their making genuine connections with tive was taken away, their health care Jakob Sanderson is UMSU presidentmillion in additional revenue for the healthcare coverage. It is often said students, and with each other - even may be cut, and our university will elect and currently serves as Arts U of M next year. that the strongest actions are brought if we don’t always agree on every- soon offer a lower quality education Student Body Council president. If you At committee hearings on Bill forth by the direst circumstances. If thing. It means we must be making at a higher price? want to get involved in creating better 31 - legislation which allows for there was ever a time for students the effort to educate students about Perhaps what carries more weight post-secondary education in Manitoba, mild annual tuition hikes at post- to come together and take action, it the issues that face them. We must be with government than any policy please find him on Facebook or secondary institutions - a representa- has arrived. willing to take a stand and mobilize argument is the fact that students are email at jlsand16@gmail.com. tive of the University of Manitoba students to take action when they perceived as disengaged, apathetic, Engineering Society spoke in support The road ahead see injustices that face not only us, and - most importantly - non-voting of the bill as long as student tuition It’s easy for me, during an elec- but also face future students whose members of society: a perception that fees are used “to directly improve the tion campaign, to look back at past future will be shaped by us. When we is likely more factual than we would quality and quantity of undergradu- UMSU executives, criticize their do enter the boardroom, we must go wish to admit. We, as students, need
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Comment Editor: Shawn Huberdeau Contact: comment@themanitoban.com
Diversions Graphics Editor: Kelly Campbell Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com
Cutting international students’ health coverage inhumane policy DELE OJEWOLE
GRAPHIC BY ERNEST ZARZUELA
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he need for health coverage is critical for international students who face many challenges while studying in Manitoba. International students pay three to four times the tuition of a domestic student and deal with many of the same issues all students face - including food and housing insecurity, and securing enough money to cover rising costs of living and tuition. The inherent vulnerabilities associated with living abroad - lack of a social circle or support system, an unfamiliarity with cultural life - add to the government’s onus to provide international students with accessible healthcare. International students have a further right to access free health care not only as a result of their extensive social and culture contributions to the province, but also due to their economic input. International students bring in over $200 million annually to the province. Despite this need being recognized by the former NDP government, the current Progressive Conservative government is looking to help balance its budget by repealing basic health coverage for international students. The fight for free healthcare for
international students was a hardfought battle. Following extensive lobbying and student activism, coverage was extended to international students in 2012.
The Manitoba government is looking to further balance its budget by repealing basic health coverage to international students But now, with a continuing rise in international tuition fees, the passage of Bill 31, and the possibility of students losing basic health care while studying in the province - what message are we sending to potential international students? Access to basic healthcare and the welcoming nature of Manitobans contribute to the decision of international students to move to and stay in the province. In fact, many international students apply to become
permanent residents after they complete their degree. If Manitoba wants to continue attracting international students, retaining the basic health coverage will demonstrate it values their contributions and that they are welcome in the province. This will continue to incentivize international students to study in Manitoba and go on contributing to the province following graduation. One could propose that this government is relying on stereotypes of international students to navigate its decision to revoke healthcare - the stereotype being all international students are extremely wealthy. This generalization is fallacious. Just as there are many ways domestic students scrape together tuition and living costs, so too is this the reality for many international students. For example, some international students are self-funding their education, which means they are working and accessing food banks to get by. An additional issue is that international students will be made to depend on second-rate, poorly accessible healthcare. Private insurance is further limited in terms of accessible coverage compared to Manitoba health insurance, and this limitation may be detrimental to international
students' health should the proposed Canada, international students as elimination go through. a whole in Manitoba spend a total The elimination of international of almost $221 million on tuition, student health coverage will leave accommodation, and discretionary many students more susceptible spending yearly. It is unfortunate to illness and mental health issues, that the government has once again cornering them in a situation where resorted to cutting support to cruthey have to be their own doctor or cial programs and services that affect rely on websites to diagnose their the lives of Manitobans while rolling injury or illness. One would have to back years of progress in welcoming decide whether any given symptom international students who contribute would be worth a costly trip to the immensely to the economy. Making doctor. Alternatively, serious symp- precarious students shoulder the burtoms may end up ignored by virtue of den of a balanced budget is inhumane. international students’ oft-precarious Forcing international students to economic situation. The introduction pay a premium for access to healthof private health insurance coverage care fails to acknowledge the social, would be yet another cash grab and cultural, and economic benefits form of exploitation of international that international students bring students. to Manitoba and Canada. Not only The Pallister government’s will- unjust, eliminating health coveringness to reassess the importance age for international students is of providing healthcare coverage to shortsighted. tax-paying students is shortsighted, As a federation we will not relent, cruel, and confirms the government’s sit back, or give in to fear. We will lack of empathy and understanding continue taking action against the of the struggles of international stu- hostility of this government and dents. Instead of a cut to free health protect our hard-fought victories in coverage for international students, addition to realizing new successes. the Manitoba government should look inwards and consider cutting Dele Ojewole is the interim the salary increases that its cabinet chairperson of CFS-MB. received in 2016. According to Global Affairs
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Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Olivia Michalczuk Contact: arts@themanitoban.com
Building a diverse gallery in the School of Art QTBIPOC represented in current exhibit JEN DOERKSEN, STAFF
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he most recent exhibit at the School of Art Gallery sat empty for a week before curator Noor Bhangu began to install artwork. On March 15, the womenofcolour@soagallery opened, featuring the artworks of queer, trans, black, Indigenous, people of colour, (QTBIPOC) artists from the U of M and the wider community. Bhangu said the gallery was left empty for the first week to demonstrate the lack of art from women of colour she found in the school of art’s collection. Bhangu is also the gallery program assistant at the School of Art Gallery, and while she was hired to curate thematic galleries from the school’s collection, she said she found herself getting bored while sorting through it. “I found I wasn’t really interested by much stuff back there because there’s no women of colour in there, there’s three or four works by Indigenous women artists, so there’s a total lack, I feel,” she said. Bhangu said she considered leaving a gallery empty in protest of this lack of diversity, but was not sure if it would have any real impact. “Then I thought, three weeks having works from QTBIPOC students, faculty, and community members would be a generous turn on this lack [of representation],” Bhangu said. Artists are encouraged to submit works until the show ends April
PHOTO BY JEN DOERKSEN
13. All mediums are accepted, with Bhangu saying there is no theme to the show, other than QTBIPOC people being present in art. Former student Hassaan Ashraf is submitting a piece to the gallery that is made of all the scraps left over from his time as a student. Ashraf moved to Winnipeg in 2012 to attend the fine arts program. He did not graduate. “I was never allowed to show my work there, so for me it’s completing this whole loop of being a student there, not graduating as a student from the school,” Ashraf said.
“And now putting the piece there, which is sort of the ending of my student life in that school.” Ashraf said he was excited when Bhangu shared the submission call with him. “I’m really overwhelmed with excitement and a lot of different emotions because it brings back a lot of bad memories too, but it will definitely will bring closure for me and I’m really excited for it,” he said. Current fine arts students Annie Beach and Shaneela Boodoo said they have noticed a lack of representation
in their school courses. “Even art history courses that are offered, they always cater to white male artists, and like even just the staff here is primarily white males and so just having this space and this opportunity to showcase to the students that aren’t being represented in these classes and classrooms that their work is just as valid and important and just as good as anyone else’s,” Beach said. “I think it’ll be really cool for people to see that and be welcomed and be part of it and submit whatever they have.”
Bhangu said she hopes the gallery will serve as evidence that QTBIPOC artists are present and active. “I know two curators who are coming down to check out what’s happening, to keep these artists in mind for future stuff,” she said. The gallery is open and accepting submissions from QTBIPOC artists until April 13.
Royal revival in the Exchange Sunday night shows return to the King’s Head Pub and Eatery OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF
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he King’s Head Pub and Eatery has found success in revamping its iconic Sunday night programming. Local creators of Live at The Roslyn, the Village Idiots, have partnered with the Exchange District venue to host a small handful of local bands to play the weekly Sunday Night Revival. The King’s Head was once the go to spot on Sunday nights for live music. “Sunday nights were originally an industry night where those that worked in the hospitality industry on busy weekends could come in and enjoy some great live music on Sundays,” said owner Chris Graves. Graves said that his partnership with the Village Idiots has made the process of organizing the event easier and their knowledge of the Winnipeg music scene has brought together a group of young musicians that have filled in for the previous house band All the King’s Men who made Sunday nights at the King’s Head what it once was. “We have a fantastic relationship with the Village Idiots. They are the main promoters of our Sunday Night Revivals,” said Graves.
“They are putting together Winnipeg’s best bands that play anything from originals to covers, with guest appearances on many Sundays, with some of the most accomplished musicians [and] artists in this city.” The Village Idiots have also con-
“It is important that the city of Winnipeg have the opportunity to experience the vibe and feel of our room on a Sunday with it filled with live music” - Chris Graves, owner of the King’s Head Pub and Eatery
live local music from the comfort of their own living room 8 p.m. every Wednesday. The Sunday Night Revival is accessible to people who may not otherwise attend shows in the city in a similar sense - there is no cover charge, and music that starts and ends earlier than typical Winnipeg tributed to having a more accessible shows. music scene for music lovers worldJamie Buckboro is frontperson of wide with Live at The Roslyn, a local outfit Jivetown, one of the bands weekly online show that allows any- that will be in the regular three-band one with a Facebook account to watch rotation to play the Sunday Night
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOEY SENFT
Revival. The other two bands are Electric Feel and Brandon Transit Service. Buckboro said he couldn’t pass up playing the King’s Head . “I used to go and watch All the King’s Men every Sunday and be blown away by the level of talent,” said Buckboro. “When I heard there was an opportunity to carry on what they had created on Sunday nights, I jumped at the chance.” Graves said that the event picks
up on the old traditions of having a house band, All the King’s Men, play every Sunday and how important it is to keep the tradition alive. “The King’s Head was that iconic place for years,” said Graves. “It is important that the city of Winnipeg have the opportunity to experience the vibe and feel of our room on a Sunday with it filled with live music.” The event has already been well received and Graves thinks the draw of Sunday nights at the King’s Head does not just stop at good music. “The vibe on a Sunday at the King’s Head is difficult to put into words,” said Graves. “It needs to be seen and felt. I believe everyone will have a unique experience and leaving wanting more.” The Sunday Night Revival takes place every Sunday at The King’s Head Pub and Eatery. Cover is free, doors open at 7 p.m., and music runs from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. Check the Village Idiots Facebook page to see which band will be playing each week.
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Arts & Culture
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Arts & Culture Editor: Olivia Michalczuk Contact: arts@themanitoban.com
Sports Sports Editor: Ryan Stelter Contact: sports@themanitoban.com
Forth hosting nostalgic pinball pop-up More than 20 machines dating as far back as the 1940s set up in shop’s lower gallery JEN DOERKSEN, STAFF
Justus Alleyn, Venla Hovi highlight Brown and Gold banquet RYAN STELTER AND JASON PCHAJEK, STAFF
the league after travelling to pinball expos including the Vancouver FlipOut Pinball Expo. “I love competition and it only made sense,” he said. “I wanted a pinball community and competition, and we had none of the above here and I had to fix that.” The league is currently hosting a pop-up pinball arcade at Forth with twenty-one machines - dating from the 1940s to more modern machines - set up in the lower-level gallery space.
“I spent so much of my adolescence, and allowance, in arcades and pool halls it’s been a real blast from the past to get to play again” - Samara May, Manitoba Pinball League player
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ostalgia is the name of the game for pinball league member Grant Zeilstra, who will be able to play over 20 machines at Forth’s pinball pop-up. Zeilstra, 48, started playing pin-
ball while studying an arts degree in economics at the University of Manitoba more that two decades ago. “Where I got hooked was at U of M, at the UMSU arcade there,” Zeilstra said. “[…]They used to have
nostalgia with it,” he said. “I have really fond memories with it and it’s a thing that disappeared and then came back, so it’s exciting that way.” Zeilstra said he played a lot of video games when he was younger, but the physical nature of pinball appeals to him. “I really like pinball because it’s hands on and physical. There’s physics,” he said. “You can tell when you make a good shot if it’ll be a good shot or miss.” The main draw to pinball for recent league player Samara May is that it reminds her of her youth. The 45-year-old started playing again at the first women’s league event at the Good Will Social Club in February. “It’s all about the nostalgia for me,” she said. “I spent so much of my adolescence, and allowance, in arcades and pool halls it’s been a real blast from the past to get to play again.” May said she plans to attend the women’s league every month from now on. “I’ve attended two Manitoba Pinball League events since learning of their existence last month and now I’m hooked,” she said. For Zeilstra, the love of the game is so powerful that he recently purchased a pinball machine - The Cyclone - because he used to play the same machine in the tunnels under U of M.
The pop-up runs from March 15 to April 15, and will host tournaments, league play, and women’s league play at the venue throughout the month. Zeilstra said playing with the league was the first time he played in years. He first attended a tourna- The next tournament at the pinment at the Good Will Social Club, ball pop-up at Forth is tomorwhere he met a number of fellow row evening at 7 p.m. pinball fans. “I played with a bunch of guys,” Zeilstra said. “I think I came in 12th PHOTOS BY JEN DOERKSEN or 13th or something, and I’ve been playing in the league ever since. I try the best arcade in the city right in and play two or three times a month.” [University Centre].” Zeilstra has been attending the Zeilstra started playing again after events at Forth. Two weeks ago, he the Manitoba Pinball League formed placed second in the Forth Friday in January 2017. League commis- Night Knockout tournament. sioner David Morris said he started “For me personally, there’s a lot of
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he 2018 U SPORTS National Olympic bronze in PyeongChang Champions Bison women’s in February and dominated the hockey team cleaned up at the annual competition at the U SPORTS Brown and Gold banquet Saturday. National Championship one month Bison head coach Jon Rempel later. Hovi finished the year with took home the Bison coach of the four goals and eight assists in 12 year award, rookie goalie Lauren regular season games. Hovi assisted Taraschuk won female rookie of the on the all-important goal sending year, and 2018 Olympic bronze med- the Bisons to nationals in the fourth alist Venla Hovi was named the Bison overtime against the University of female athlete of the year. Brendan Alberta in the Canada West semiWarren from the men’s volleyball finals. She also scored the second team was named the male rookie of goal in Manitoba’s 2-0 win over the the year and Justus Alleyn from the University of Western Ontario in the men’s basketball team was named the national finals. Bison male athlete of the year. Coach of the year: Jon
Male athlete of the year: Justus Alleyn, men’s basketball
Alleyn saved some of his best basketball for his last season. The fifthyear guard won the Canada West scoring title, averaging 24.1 points per game. It was the first time any Bison player has won the title since Manitoba joined the Canada West in 2000. Alleyn made even more history by becoming the first Bison since 2000 to be named a Canada West first team all-star. To cap it all off, he has been selected to represent Canada at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia this summer.
Female athlete of the year: Venla Hovi, women’s hockey
Hovi added more hardware to her mantle, being named the female athlete of the year. The Finn won
Rempel, women’s hockey
Weeks after capturing both the Canada West and U SPORTS Coach of the Year honours, Rempel was named Bison sports coach of the year for 2017-18. In his 14th season behind the Bisons bench, Rempel led his squad to a number one national ranking, conference championship, and national championship. Rempel guided the Bisons to a 19-5-3-1 record in the regular season, finishing first in the Canada West.
Male rookie of the year: Brendan Warren, men’s volleyball
One of the many rookies starting this season for Garth Pischke’s squad, Warren was able to have an immediate impact. The six-foot-six middle blocker was one of the best blockers in the country in just his first season. Warren averaged 1.27 blocks
PHOTO PROVIDED BY BISON SPORTS
per set, placing him third in all of U SPORTS. He was also named to the Canada West all-rookie team.
minder was instrumental in Manitoba’s championship season. The graduate of J.H. Bruns went 7-0 Female rookie of the during the postseason with a 0.57 year: Lauren Taraschuk, goals against average. Taraschuk women’s hockey finished the regular season with a Even though Taraschuk missed 0.71 GAA which led the Canada out on being named the U SPORTS West, and a .961 save percentage rookie of the year, the rookie net- and finished with five shutouts. She
only allowed more than one goal on two occasions in regular season and playoffs. Taraschuk won the Canada West rookie of the year and was named to both the Canada West and U SPORTS All-Rookie teams.
Bison soccer wins pre-season tournament RYAN STELTER, STAFF
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he University of Manitoba Bison soccer team got a jump start on its 2018 season preparations by winning the pre-season tournament the club hosted this past weekend. Manitoba beat the University of Saskatchewan Huskies 2-1 Friday, then the Junior Bisons 5-1 Saturday. The Bisons capped off the weekend by beating the University of Regina Cougars in a penalty shootout after drawing 1-1. “One of our biggest goals coming into this tournament was consistency,” said Bison head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas. “Our team has shown that they can beat any team at any given moment, our problem was not keeping a consistent level.” The Bisons showcased that ability to beat any team when they shocked the University of Guelph Gryphons 5-1 at the 2017 U SPORTS National “We got the win after being down Championships in Winnipeg in by one goal,” Martinez Lagunas said. November. “It was another thing, mental toughIn their final game on Sunday, ness, no matter if we’re down we can Manitoba found themselves down but still change the result. They believe after some consistent pressure found in that and we pushed and pushed.” a late equalizer through Rebecca The tournament was a chance for Martin. The herd then got the job Martinez Lagunas to try some new done on penalties. things tactically and get ready for the
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KARL MENDOZA
upcoming season. “It was a great opportunity for me to give every single member of the roster playing time,” she said. “All of them contributed to this successful tournament and I’m really proud of them.” Another team Martinez Lagunas is proud of is the Junior Bisons.
Consisting of players from Grades 9 to 12, it was a big jump to play university competition. The Junior Bisons may have lost all three of their games, but they did not look out of place. The Junior Bisons only lost 1-0 to both Regina and Saskatchewan, before getting thumped 5-1 by the senior Bison team.
“I am really proud of them, they were not afraid, they held their own,” Martinez Lagunas said. “For them it’s a great opportunity because ahead of their university years they got to experience this level they got to experience the tactics and formations you have to deal with.”
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Sports
Sports Editor: Ryan Stelter Contact: sports@themanitoban.com
Leaving it all on the court Justus Alleyn leaves lasting legacy within the Bison men’s basketball program RYAN STELTER, STAFF
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t is hard to picture the Bison men’s basketball team without Justus Alleyn out on the floor sinking clutch threes or making a hard drive to the basket. It was five years ago at a preseason tournament at Queen’s University that Alleyn was given an unexpected opportunity. The day before Manitoba was slated to leave for the tournament, guard Stephan Walton got injured, opening a spot up for Alleyn. “I remember sitting on the bench and someone got an early foul so [Kirby Schepp ] threw me in the game really quick,” he said. “I completely forgot to take off my
Schepp has called Alleyn one of Winnipeg and Manitoba for sports, the best players to ever wear a Bison so every time you step on the court jersey. Alleyn said he was humbled with that Bison jersey it’s an opportuby the praise of his coach. nity to prove people wrong and show Having spent five years playing them that we can play ball over here under Schepp, Alleyn was able to in Manitoba.” completely understand his system Alleyn has come a long way in his and was able to become like a second basketball from an emotional freshcoach on the floor. man from St. Paul’s, to a calm, cool “We butted heads a lot at the start veteran leader. of my career,” he said. “I was really “I had to grow up really quick,” he young and pretty stubborn but it said. “I got thrown into the fire, I all worked out for the best, by the went from being a really emotional end of it we had a great relationship. player letting a lot of stuff affect my We knew what each other from one game. This year I was so much more another.” mature, I was more of a leader. I For the last two seasons, Alleyn understood that I had to carry myself has been a captain for the Bisons, in a way to influence the younger guys and in his first season as a cap- on the team and not be affected by tain Manitoba made an improb- anything other than what’s on the able run to U SPORTS Nationals. court.” The Bisons were the talk of the Former Bisons such as AJ Basi town, after beating the University and Keith Omoerah are off overseas PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOE OCZERKLEWICZ of British Columbia Thunderbirds playing basketball, which is somein the Canada West quarter finals, thing Alleyn hopes to do. For the warm up so I had to stop and get my West. He capped off the year by being then the University of Calgary Dinos moment, though, Alleyn said he warm up off. I think I did pretty well. named the Bison male athlete of the in the Canada West Final Four to wants to focus on finishing off his I think I hit my first shot so I didn’t year for his efforts. secure a berth at nationals in Halifax. economics degree and preparing for throw it hard off the glass or someIn his final act as a Bison, he “It just meant so much to the guys the Commonwealth Games. “That’s my goal to get overseas and thing but after that it was a wrap. It and head coach Kirby Schepp because we’ve been working three was good, it was fun.” will represent Canada at the 2018 years, most of us, and we thought play ball, I’m not sure exactly where Alleyn hit plenty more shots Commonwealth Games in Australia we were supposed to be there [a year yet,” he said. “Once I get back [from after that first game at Queen’s, at this summer. This is the second sea- prior] but it didn’t work out,” Alleyn Australia] I’ll start focusing on getthe end of his Bison career he holds son Alleyn will pull on the maple leaf, said. ting an agent and finding me some The 2017 Bisons proved to Canada contract. I want to keep playing as the all-time points lead. He won playing for Team Canada at the 2017 the Canada West scoring title this Summer Universiade in Taipai. there is some good basketball being long as I can.” past season, averaging 24.1 points “It’s a big sense of pride. You feel played in Manitoba, something per game. Alleyn became the first like you’re representing pretty much Alleyn said he did every time he Bison to claim the scoring title since all the basketball players in Canada,” pulled on the Bison uniform. “We really get an opportunity Manitoba joined the Canada West Alleyn said. “You just want to perin 2000. Alleyn was also named a form at your best and you want to to represent for Winnipeg and Canada West first team all-star, again bring home some sort of medal for Manitoba,” he said. “I feel like a lot of people overlook the first Bison to do so in the Canada Canada.”
Homecoming for Gabrielle Clark Clark is coming back to Canada to play at the school her parents attended RYAN STELTER, STAFF
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s the Johnny Cash song goes, so too has Bison soccer recruit Gabrielle Clark been everywhere, man. After being born in Centreville, N.S., moving to Faribault, Minn., in Grade 9, then being off to Ruston, La., to play soccer at Louisiana Tech University, Clark is coming home. Clark ’s family comes from Manitoba, and both her parents attended the University of Manitoba. Her mother Nancy was named the Bison female athlete of the year in 1982, back when the U of M had a gymnastics program. “I felt kind of homesick and wanted to come home,” Clark said. “Most of my family is from Manitoba and I also want to go to medical school in Canada after college in the U.S.” Clark was invited out to camp last summer, enjoyed her experience, and wanted to eventually play as a Bison. “I got to see the coaches, the players, and the facilities and I loved it,
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GABRIELLE CLARK
actually,” she said. “I was thinking about transferring and [Manitoba] was my first choice.” Clark’s sister, Emma, had already committed to the Bison program, and
Gabrielle said she is excited to get the After playing at Shattuck’s St. chance to play with her sister. Mary’s, Clark managed to get a “I don’t want to say it but I think full ride scholarship at Louisiana she’s almost better than I am,” Clark Tech and become a Lady Techster. said with a laugh. “I didn’t want to In her first season, Clark played in ride her coattails or anything, but she 21 of 22 matches and was named to was really cool with it.” the Conference USA All-Freshman Both of the Clark sisters went team. to Shattuck-St. Mary’s School and played soccer there, although Emma didn’t stick around the whole four “I felt kind of years and currently plays for the Junior Bisons. With Emma as a cen- homesick and tre back and Gabrielle as a defensive wanted to come midfielder, Manitoba will have a home” - Gabrielle strong defensive connection. Growing up in Nova Scotia was Clark, Bison soccer a good experience for Clark. she played in the small community of Centreville and eventually played “Coming in as a freshman is really provincially and went to Canadian daunting,” she said. “We have the nationals, but Clark was looking fitness tests and stuff and our fitness beyond Nova Scotia. tests are really tough but I passed.” “I wanted to do bigger things,” she When Clark first met Bison head said. “I wanted to see the world and I coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas, it could do that through soccer.” was at a restaurant when she tagged
along with her mom to talk about her sister. Clark said Martinez Lagunas was different from a lot of coaches she has interacted with. “She was really personal, telling us stories and stuff,” she said. “For me that was different and cool, you can tell that she really values each one of her players whether they play or not.” Clark said she never thought she would follow in her parents footsteps, but she is looking forward to it. “I never thought I would go to the same university that they went to, but it’s awesome,” she said. Martinez Lagunas said she is also looking forward to getting Clark back to Canada and in a Bison uniform. “I think she is ready to get back into the Canadian system,” Martinez Lagunas said. “I am just so happy to welcome her, to have her family here and reunite that family at U of M.”