BU at the Public Library returns

BU at the Public Library returns

BU NEWS

The popular BU at the Public Library Speaker Series is back!

The series features monthly talks by Brandon University (BU) faculty, staff, students, and community partners. All talks and presentations are designed to take the exciting research and work that is happening at BU and to share it with the Westman community.

BU has partnered with the Western Manitoba Regional Library (WMRL), which is hosting and co-organizing all the talks at the Downtown Brandon branch. The series is co-organized by Heather Tornblom and Deanna Smid at BU, and by Alex Rogowsky at WMRL.

“We’re excited to partner with the public library on this initiative,” said Tornblom. “Holding presentations off campus emphasizes BU’s engagement with our local community. Besides, the talks scheduled for this year look amazing!”

First held in 2018, the series went on a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, many Brandon University faculty researchers will be joined by their student or community partners, highlighting the collaboration that is so important at the university.

The first presentation is on Wednesday, Jan. 25, and will introduce a topic that is literally close to home. Christy Henry (University Archivist) and Morganna Malyon (Student Accessibility Services Associate) will be joined by research assistant Paul Refvik to present their research into the lives of unmarried, childless women in Westman, 1880-1985.

“We’re very proud of the research that our students and faculty do at Brandon University,” said BU Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Kofi Campbell. “This research is important and very relevant to our region. Community engagement is a crucial part of our mission, and so it’s very rewarding to be able to share this work, and I’m excited to have it presented in such a great venue.”

All presentations will be held on the last Wednesday of the month, from January to June, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the Program Room of the Downtown Brandon public library. The library doors will be open at 6:30, and visitors can enter through the Town Centre Parkade or the Rosser Ave. entrance. Parking at that time of the evening is free.

Each presentation will also be catered by a downtown eatery, so expect delicious food as well as stimulating conversations. The presentations will also include door prizes, so these are events not to be missed!

Schedule of Presentations:

January 25

Presenters: Christy Henry, Morganna Malyon and Paul Refvik

Title: Unearthing the Memory of Single Women in Southwestern Manitoba, 1880-1985

February 22

Presenter: Jack Lindsay

Title: 'What can disaster movies teach us about disasters?

March 29

Presenters: Christopher D. Malcolm and Daniela Paz Campama Gonzalez

Title: Visitor perception of black bears, bear management and compliance with the “Bare Campsite” program at Riding Mountain National Park

April 26

Presenter: Mostafa Torabi

Title: Applications of social media monitoring for businesses to improve customer satisfaction

May 31

Presenter: Emily Holland

Title: Called to the Stand: Forensic Anthropologists in Training and in Practice

June 28

Presenters: Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health

Title: A Warrior’s Red Path: Connecting to Culture through Drum Making

Alumni Night at the Games

Alumni Night at the Games

(brandonu.ca)

The Westman Alumni Chapter invites you to Alumni Night with the Bobcats.

Friday, January 13th. 

Catch up with your fellow Brandon University alumni as you cheer on the BU Bobcats Basketball teams as they defend their den against the University of Manitoba Bisons!

Join us for free pizza, refreshments and door prizes in the exclusive VIP area set up for BU alumni and guests!

Don’t miss this networking opportunity to make new connections and new friends.

We all have BU in common, so come join the Bobcats’ roar!

Women’s game 6 p.m. | Men’s game 8 p.m. | Healthy Living Centre

Assiniboine announces more than $600K in financial awards, celebrates recipients and donors at new event

Media Release

www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assiniboine announces more than $600K in financial awards, celebrates recipients and donors at new event

BRANDON, Man. (December 8, 2022) - Assiniboine Community College has announced that it has distributed $612,550 in financial awards for the 2022-23 academic year. The college is celebrating these financial award recipients and donors this evening with a new event, the #HumbleBrag Student Award Recipient Celebration.

“These students have worked very hard to advance their education and we feel they deserve to be recognized. That’s what inspired our #HumbleBrag student celebration event―the desire to shine a spotlight on these students and thank the generous community of donors who have made these awards possible,” said Derrick Turner, Director, Advancement & External Relations at Assiniboine.

“The goal of our fundraising is always to enhance the student experience. Whether it’s through learning tools and facilities or student financial awards, our efforts are student-focussed.”

This sum will help more than 350 students who are pursuing training at Assiniboine this year. Financial awards are given to students based on a variety of indicators, including financial need, academic performance, athletic participation and emergency needs.

Assiniboine has a strong community of supporters with a long history of giving to support student needs. Tundra Oil and Gas recently created a new student award for Indigenous learners, and sees the value in supporting students’ futures.

“Tundra is proud to support Assiniboine Community College students as they journey toward their educational goals,” said Jane Mactaggart, President & CEO of Tundra Oil & Gas. “Recipients of the Tundra Oil & Gas Indigenous Award demonstrate leadership and community service, in addition to their academic performance. Assiniboine Community College plays an important role in helping build pathways for Indigenous learners and we’re honoured to participate in events like this that celebrate these students and their achievements.”

Assiniboine’s #HumbleBrag Student Award Recipient Celebration, held at the college’s Victoria Avenue East campus, heard first-hand from student award recipient Charlene Nault, a Social Service Worker student who received the Tundra Oil & Gas award this year.

“I want to thank Tundra Oil & Gas for the generous scholarship that I received, as it has helped me to give back to other students. It is a huge benefit to not have to work through the school year and to be able to mentor others, be a student leader and gain so much valuable leadership experience,” said Nault. “As a Métis student in her 40s, who had everything working against her to be here today, it is both a miracle and an honour, so I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped in the process of making that happen.”

About Assiniboine Community College
Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years, offering unparalleled learning environments and responding to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market. Following the philosophy of “learn by doing,” programs combine theory with hands- on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college’s Sustainable Greenhouse.

Assiniboine offers more than 60 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

The college welcomed more than 3,700 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million. In the most recent survey of graduates, nine months after graduation, 92 per cent were employed, with 93 per cent remaining in Manitoba.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Kyla Cottom

Communications Specialist

Assiniboine Community College

cottomk@assiniboine.net

204.725.8700 ext 6043

Assiniboine offers Early Childhood Education Workplace program in two new locations starting in January

Media Release

www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assiniboine offers Early Childhood Education Workplace program in two new locations starting in January

BRANDON, Man. (November 23, 2022)— Assiniboine Community College is offering the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Workplace program in two new locations in early 2023. The diploma program is intended for those who are currently employed by a childcare centre and have a minimum of two years of experience in the field.

The college is currently accepting applications for the ECE Workplace program, which will begin on January 10, 2023. The program will allow students to remain working at the centre they’re currently employed with, attending classes two days a week.

“The Workplace reiteration of the ECE program takes into account the students’ prior experience in the field, which allows the program to be delivered in a concentrated format,” said Karen Hargreaves, Dean of Health and Human Services at Assiniboine.

“While the program is two years in length, comparable to the conventional ECE program, having two days of classes per week rather than five allows students to continue working while they complete the program.”

There will be cohorts in both Dauphin and Virden, with 20 seats available in each cohort. Students who complete the program will receive a diploma in Early Childhood Education, which will allow them to apply for their ECE Level 2 classification.

“Trained and certified workers in this profession are in high demand. This new program assists in meeting these demands with individuals who have previously invested time in learning about this profession,” said Rennais Gayle, Chairperson of Early Childhood Education at Assiniboine.

The Early Childhood Education Workplace program is offered every two years, rotating throughout the province.

For more information or to apply, visit assiniboine.net/ece.

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years, offering unparalleled learning environments and responding to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market. Following the philosophy of “learn by doing,” programs combine theory with hands- on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college’s Sustainable Greenhouse.

Assiniboine offers more than 60 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

The college welcomed more than 3,700 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million. In the most recent survey of graduates, nine months after graduation, 94 per cent were employed, with 92 per cent remaining in Manitoba.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Nycolle Adams

Communications Specialist

Assiniboine Community College

adamsn@Assiniboine.net

204-725-8700 ext. 6758

www.assiniboine.net

Recognizing Brandon Flight Centre learning helps students soar to new heights

Recognizing Brandon Flight Centre learning helps students soar to new heights

November 16, 2022

Chief Flight Instructor Keyano Ritter pilots a plane north of Brandon.

Brandon University (BU) and the Brandon Flight Centre (BFC) are working together to ensure that Manitoba-trained pilots shape the future of aviation on the global stage for years to come.

Brandon University is proud to announce it is integrating aviation options into several degree programs. Over the last eight months, Science faculty members including Dr. Dion Wiseman (Geography and Environment), Dr. Todd Fugleberg (Physics and Astronomy) and Dr. Tammy McKenzie (Psychology) conducted an exhaustive review of the ground school and in-flight training delivered at the Brandon Flight Centre. Now, BU students who have completed flight training can receive more than a full year’s worth of credit hours from those departments towards their chosen degree program.

This process was assisted by Jillian Borreson, BFC’s Student Services Coordinator, and Gary McNeely, BU’s Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR) Co-ordinator.

“During the assessment process, the three departments involved were keen to explore how this flight training could enhance their degree’s skills base” McNeely noted. “We are still exploring more ways flight training could elevate a BU education. It may also have applications in disaster management or in business administration and community economic development opportunities. Language studies may also play a role. Being bilingual in French or conversant in an Indigenous language opens yet more doors for our graduates.”

The interest from various departments is exciting for BFC’s team.

“Careers in aviation can be as unique as the people who fly,” Borreson stresses. “While the airlines are the main destination for many pilots, the industry also provides critical services to rural and northern communities, medical transportation, search and rescue, food production, conservation and more. Degree programs can also pave the way into support positions like airport or airline management, safety and incident investigations, or engineering.”

This recognition could not be coming at a better time. According to Boeing’s Pilot and Technician outlook, by 2041 over 600,000 new pilots will be needed worldwide, with nearly 130,000 required in North America alone. Canada’s robust aviation and aerospace industry makes it a key destination for flight training. More than half of the 1,200 new commercial pilots Canada trains each year are international students and nearly one in three graduates will find careers with overseas carriers.

“This faculty- and student-driven initiative is a great example of the importance of Prior Learning and Recognition in being responsive to our community and acknowledging that education comes in many forms,” said Dr. Kofi Campbell, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at BU. “Our goals as a university include cultivating student success and engagement, and building connections with the community. This project certainly checks those boxes, and I commend the members of our BU faculty and the Brandon Flight Centre for demonstrating how we can work together to create opportunities for our students while addressing the needs of the region and industry.”

“Take Back the Night” returns to Brandon University with march and rally 

“Take Back the Night” returns to Brandon University with march and rally 

Brandon University 

October 17th, 2022

Picture Credit: Brandon University 

An empowering event and annual tradition to end gender-based violence is returning to the city this week. “Take Back the Night” will march from Princess Park to Brandon University on Thursday evening, where refreshments, resources and more will welcome participants.

“‘Take Back the Night’ has been a tradition in Brandon for nearly 20 years,” said Sandy Smith, Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator at the Women’s Resource Centre, which is partnering with Brandon University and the YWCA to restart the event after a hiatus during the pandemic.

“The goal of this event is to build awareness in our community around gender-based violence and empower people in a collaborative way,” she said. “We stand on the shoulders of the women who have come before us and this event is about bringing all generations together.”

“Take Back The Night” starts in Princess Park at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, Oct. 20. At about 6 p.m., participants will march from the park to the Brandon University campus. On campus, a small resource fair and refreshments like hot chocolate and treats will await in the Mingling Area of the Knowles–Douglas Student Union Centre. The resource fair will include organizations like the YWCA, SERC, The Women’s Resource Centre, and Westman Teams Against Sexual Exploitation.

“‘Take Back The Night’ is the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence in all forms, dating to the 1970s, and we’re thrilled to bring it back,” said BU professor Dr. Kelly Saunders, who is involved in organizing the event.

‘Take Back the Night’ is open to everyone.

“We encourage allies to participate,” Smith said. “Come out and join us for a powerful, positive event with a great group. We’d love to see you there.”

Assiniboine launches the first 3rd Class cohort in the Power Engineering program

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assiniboine launches the first 3rd Class cohort in the Power Engineering program

BRANDON, Man. (October 05, 2022) – Assiniboine Community College has welcomed its first 3rd Class cohort in the Power Engineering program, transitioning students who’ve completed their 4th Class training into their final year of the two-year diploma program.

Across Canada, power engineers move through five classes descending numerically, with a 1st Class Engineer signifying the highest level of education in the occupation. The college previously offered 4th class training before the diploma program was introduced in fall 2021. Students who complete this second year of the program will be the first to receive their 3rd Class certification.

“There is a high demand for qualified power engineers in Manitoba, and it’s only expected to increase,” said Kevin Poirier, Dean of Trades at Assiniboine Community College. “Providing a fluent transition in training enables students to accelerate their certification and enter the workforce positioned for advanced career opportunities.”

Pfizer Canada, a local industry leader, played a significant role in kickstarting the program through its $75,000 contribution to curriculum development and student entrance awards.

“Pfizer was a proud partner in supporting Assiniboine Community College as it launched its 3rd class Power Engineering program,” said Ron Cherepuschak, Managing Director, Pfizer Global Supply, Pfizer Canada. “This program is meeting a real need to help grow the number of Power Engineers required for Manitoba to meet its growing economic demand. As an organization that relies on power engineers in our manufacturing, we see how much value this program brings to the local economy.”

The program, located at the college’s North Hill campus in Brandon, prepares students to operate and maintain equipment found in industrial plants and learn the mathematics, mechanics, combustion, thermodynamics and instrumentation needed for a career in power engineering.

“The hands-on aspect of the program lends itself well to in-class learning, especially in trades,” said Sheridan Sainsbury, second-year student in the Power Engineering program at Assiniboine. “Reading theories in a textbook and being able to apply them to real-life applications is very helpful in my studies.”

Graduates of the program will have the opportunity to build careers in various industries, including chemical manufacturing, food processing and electrical generation.

For more information on the Power Engineering diploma, visit assiniboine.net/powerengineering. -30-

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years, offering unparalleled learning environments and responding to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market. Following the philosophy of “learn by doing,” programs combine theory with hands-on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college’s Sustainable Greenhouse.

Assiniboine offers more than 60 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

The college welcomed more than 3,700 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million. In the most recent survey of graduates, nine months after graduation, 92 per cent were employed, with 93 per cent remaining in Manitoba.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Nycolle Adams

Communications Specialist Assiniboine Community College

adamsn@assiniboine.net

204.761.8403

www.assiniboine.net

Suddenly It Is Fall

Suddenly It Is Fall

by Ronnie Neiman

After a summer filled with high temperatures and not much rain, the season has changed to more of the norm expected for this time of year. The temperature has dipped to just above ten degrees C, with some exceptions. 

It is always a good thing to dress for the weather. No more shorts and tank tops as the sun-filled and humid weather is gone for now. It is also best to to prepare for what the weather will be like in the following months, and what to expect from the upcoming winter season. 

AccuWeather has released its annual autumn forecast for Canada with weather predictions and patterns.

This fall will be the “tale of two coasts” in Canada. The western provinces will see wetter and cooler climates this fall, while Eastern Canada is forecast to receive quite the opposite. Parts of the Prairies, including Alberta, should expect typical fall weather conditions, with fairly normal amounts of rainfall and seasonal temperature. Most of Saskatchewan and Manitoba will also see near-normal amounts of precipitation, though northern Manitoba may see above-normal levels as storms move across areas around Hudson Bay. Overall, temperatures will be mild this fall across the central and eastern Prairies, with some large portions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including Regina and Winnipeg, expecting above-normal temperatures this autumn. Mild seasonal temperatures are not expected to impact chances of snow late in the season.

The next few months are not expected to be too cold or dry, with the normal amount of humidity. So dress comfortable, paying attention to the wind of the day, as that will decide part of the coldness of the day. 

Those students who are not used to the coldness of the prairies of Canada, be sure you are prepared for the colder weather and any possible winter storms. Ask your fellow students, or staff at Brandon University. 

Candy Wrappers Can they be Recycled?

Candy Wrappers Can they be Recycled?

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of the Quill

Photo Credits: Google Images

Halloween means candy, candy, and more candy! Pumpkin-shaped chocolates, sour gummies, sugary sweet lollipops, the list is endless. Tons of sweet treats line the shelves at the grocery store this time of year. My sweet tooth is calling, but does the planet approve? Earlier this month, I said I was part of the 4R Waste Ambassador program and that I would provide tips on conscious waste diversion techniques. With Halloween fast approaching, these are a few things to keep in mind.

Most of our favorite candies are wrapped in not-so-eco-friendly materials that make their way into the Eastview landfill, even when dutifully placed in the recycling bin. These colorful little wrappers are simply too difficult to recycle. Furthermore, they can contaminate other recyclable material and, as a result, should not be placed in a recycling bin. 

You may ask yourself, But why? Aren’t wrappers made of recyclable materials? No, unfortunately, that is not the case. As mentioned before, they are made up of multiple materials mixed together, making it difficult, tedious, and expensive to recover each material for recycling. 

On another note, Manitoba is not participating in the Recycle Everywhere program. By downloading the app on your phone and recycling your empty beverage containers, you can be entered into a draw to win cash prizes! Downloading the app is easy, and uploading proof of recycling is even easier! All you need to do is take a picture of the beverage container as well as the barcode. Once it is approved, you are entered into the daily, weekly, monthly, and 4-month draw. Recycle Everywhere is an easy and rewarding way to have recycling on your mind constantly!

Keeping mental health in-check

Keeping mental health in-check

By Mary Okorie

Screen Shot 2021-02-23 at 9.38.08 AM.png

Mental health has always been of concern but has increased significantly during the Covid19 period. This is due to many factors such as isolation from people, changing daily routine, and academic stress. Isolation seems to be the significant factor that increases the chances of having a mental health problem. Being alone almost all day with no-one to talk to, not being able to hang out with friends like before, and interacting with new people can lead to depression, especially in students. Since there is no-one to discuss their problems with, they bear it alone, thereby increasing mental health issues. Change in their daily routine also has an impact on mental health. Before the pandemic, students woke up early to go to school. After school, students would have some other place to go. Possibly the gym, or even go to the mall. All of this has changed due to the restrictions placed during Covid19. Students' routines have changed. They now stay at home to have classes, gyms are closed or only allow a small proportion of people. There are not many places to go to because they are either closed, don't let people stay inside, or only a tiny proportion. Change of routine would take some time to get used to and can also affect their mental health. Also, academic stress has always been one of the causes of mental health issues, but with Covid19, it seems worse. Since there is no motivation, students might find it hard to attend classes. With the distractions at home, they might find it hard to complete all the assignments given to them. They might also find it hard to study since some people's style of studying is group learning. When exams are nearby, their stress levels heighten.

It is essential to keep mental health in check, and people should make sure that if they start to see symptoms, they should access the school's online mental health services. They should also invite few friends following the restrictions to not feel alone and interact with people. Time management and a reasonable timetable could help reduce academic stress. They accept the change that comes with Covid19, and looking at the positive side of things and how to best adapt and make a new routine would also help. We can make it through this pandemic!

Olivia Rodrigo is Driving Up the Charts 

Olivia Rodrigo is Driving Up the Charts 

By: Mallory Johnson 

Screen Shot 2021-01-26 at 8.16.38 AM.png

On January 8th, 2021, seventeen-year-old Olivia Rodrigo released her debut single called driver’s license, along with a stunning music video for the emotional song. At the time, Olivia had no idea how record breaking this song would be. The song is one of my current favorite songs, and I know that I am not the only one who can say that, as the song is everywhere. 

It has debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, broke Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music streaming records, and has gotten radio airplay. Olivia posted an emotional video on Instagram of her reaction to hearing her song on the radio for the first time. driver’s license is also very popular on the app TikTok, with people posting covers of it, rewrites of different perspectives, and more. The song is believed to be about Olivia’s ex-boyfriend and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series costar Joshua Bassett, with a speculated reference to Sabrina Carpenter with the lines “I guess you’re with that blonde girl/who always made me doubt/She’s so much older than me/She’s everything I’m insecure about.” It has not been confirmed by Olivia that the song is about Joshua Bassett or references Sabrina Carpenter; it is just fan speculation. 

 Olivia is a huge Taylor Swift fan, and you can hear that when you listen to the powerful bridge in this song. Taylor commented on one of Olivia’s Instagram posts about the song, and Olivia freaked out. Other celebrities that have discussed driver’s license are Halsey and Niall Horan. Halsey talked about how much she loved the song on an Instagram livestream, tweeted about it, and then sent Olivia a congratulatory cake, and Niall posted a screenshot of him listening to it on his Instagram story, which Olivia reposted. 

I highly recommend listening to this song if you have not already. There is an explicit version and a clean version. My favorite lines in the song are, “Guess you didn’t mean what you wrote in that song about me/Cuz you said forever now I drive alone past your street.” 

Christmas Gift Guide: 2020 Edition

Christmas Gift Guide: 2020 Edition

By: Mallory Johnson

Screen Shot 2020-12-15 at 10.31.33 AM.png

The Christmas season is upon us and this means Christmas shopping is in full swing. So I have come up with a COVID-19 safe gift guide. This means I will be discussing online stores and promoting small businesses. Many local shops are offering curbside pick-up or delivery services as an option this year, so make sure you call them or check out their websites. 

The first website that I recommend shopping on is Etsy. On Etsy, you can support a variety of small businesses. You can get personalized gifts for loved ones, cute hoodies, jewelry, and tree ornaments among many other items. Etsy also has pretty great prices, which I love. I have ordered from Etsy before, and I love it. A similar website is Depop. 

The next website that I recommend ordering from is Redbubble. On Redbubble, you can find designs from artists and order them to be put on hoodies, shirts, tote bags, device cases, tapestries, and more. I have ordered from Redbubble multiple times before and their customer service is incredible. Satisfaction is guaranteed. 

These next ideas are not a small business but are still COVID-19 safe gift ideas: a streaming and listening service subscription. Streaming services include Netflix, Disney+, HBO, Apple TV, Apple Music, and Spotify. Your loved ones will greatly appreciate all the movies and television shows they will be able to watch and all the music they can listen to in the coming year.

 My next idea is masks which are now mandatory in all indoor public places in Saskatchewan (where I am) and Manitoba. There are many local people making masks and you check them out on your local buy&sell sites.

There are also some singers/bands that are doing online livestream concerts. I have watched a Niall Horan concert and a Metallica concert, and am planning on watching a Louis Tomlinson concert on December 12th. A great gift idea for loved ones who miss going to concerts is tickets to shows like these. Every artist sells their tickets differently, so have an eye out on social media for announcements. I noticed The Barenaked Ladies have one coming up on December 18th at 9 pm. These concert tickets range from $10-$20.

Shopping is different this year, but always think about the local economy and the small artists. They need our business if we want them to be around next year, which of course we do.