A Legendary Actor’s Legacy By Ethan Cidro

Are you an avid film enthusiast? An occasional enjoyer of entertainment? Perhaps you haven’t watched anything new and only revisit movies for the nostalgic trip to remember better days? Whichever it is, you’ve probably come across a film worked on by the late legendary actor, James Earl Jones, who recently passed on Monday, September 9th, 2024 at the venerable age of 93 years old.

Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi on January 17, 1931, James Earl Jones was the son of Ruth Connolly, and actor Robert Earl Jones. In his early life, James Earl Jones suffered from stuttering and it made being social hard for him. James Earl Jones would overcome this problem after his English teacher urged him to read poetry during class after discovering his talent for writing it. James joined the military as a reserve officer, expecting to be sent to Korea during the Korean War, but instead was commissioned after the war, being discharged in the end attaining the rank of first lieutenant. James would attend and graduate from the University of Michigan as a Drama major.

James Earl Jones appeared only in television roles before his first appearance playing the role of Lt. Lothar Zogg in the 1964 movie titled Dr. Strangelove. James Earl Jones is one of the most notable, recognizable, respected and revered actors of our time. If not apparent by his name or appearance, you could certainly point the master actor out of a crowd by hearing his iconic deep voice.

James Earl Jones has largely been seen, or more accurately, heard taking the roles of narrators in various film and television projects such as Judge Dredd. He played characters such as King Jaffe Joffer in Eddie Murphy’s comedy classic Coming to America, and Admiral Greer from the film series adaptations of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan books. Of course, his most iconic roles would without a doubt be the voice acting role of Mufasa in the Lion King movies, and the voice for one of cinema’s most recognizable and best cinematic villains: Darth Vader from Star Wars, delivering many iconic lines with his deep iconic voice. In Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, for example, James Earl Jones delivered one of the most iconic lines during one of the biggest movie plot twists in the 80s or late 70s:“Luke, I am your father.”

A Glimpse into the Journey of Brandon University Student Union President, Chuwkuanugo Joseph Okudo

Glimpse into the Journey of Brandon University Student Union President, Chuwkuanugo Joseph Okudo

Brandon University's student community is soon set to bid farewell to their Student Union President, Chuwkuanugo Joseph Okudo, as his term comes to a close. In an exclusive interview, Okudo shared insights into his experiences, challenges, and aspirations during his tenure.

Reflecting on his term, Okudo expressed a profound appreciation for the opportunity to serve as a bridge between the student body and the administration. His favourite aspect of being president? The ability to be present and available for the students, offering support and addressing their concerns firsthand.

However, Okudo also candidly acknowledged the challenges he encountered, particularly in learning to delegate tasks effectively. Despite his inclination to take on responsibilities single-handedly, he recognized the importance of trusting others and distributing duties for greater efficiency.

Throughout his tenure, Okudo navigated various changes and uncertainties on campus, including advocating for international students by initiating the creation of bursaries, and standing up for student rights amidst potential campus strikes. He emphasized the importance of advocating for marginalized groups and expressed regret over not fully completing his advocacy efforts during his term, but remains optimistic about future progress in creating inclusive spaces on campus.

For incoming students, Okudo offered words of encouragement, urging them to embrace the unique campus life at Brandon University and to approach challenges with determination and resilience. To graduating students, he extended heartfelt congratulations, acknowledging their hard-earned achievements and wishing them success in their future endeavours.

Looking ahead, Okudo envisioned a stronger, more responsive Student Union, committed to continuous learning and improvement in representing the diverse interests of the student body. As he passes the baton to his successor, Okudo remains confident in the Union's potential to evolve and thrive in serving the needs of the Brandon University community.

As the Brandon University community bids farewell to Chuwkuanugo Joseph Okudo, his tenure of dedication, advocacy, and resilience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the student body and campus community alike.

The Quill’s 2024 Annual General Meeting

will take place over Zoom on March 26th at 11:40 AM. Join us and show your support for student journalism at BU!

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83029048856?pwd=0GBPsEKTlaC7eVKRu0xLYKGfEVlhyR.1

Meeting ID: 830 2904 8856

Passcode: Quill

Brandon University Jazz Fest Returns By James Waugh

Calling all music lovers, Brandon University Jazz Festival is around the corner! From March 14th to 16th, the School of Music will be hosting guest artists, adjudicators, and school ensembles for performances, clinics, and masterclasses. Over the three days, performances will be held in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall and the Kinsmen Rehearsal Hall in the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, the Evans Theatre in the George T. Richardson Centre, and at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Continuing the tradition set by the Brandon Jazz Festival after its several-year hiatus, the School of Music faculty are proud to be bringing an exceptional and diverse range of performers to our campus. The first Brandon Jazz Festival was held in 1982, and in 1983 it chose the BU campus as its home with the support of the School of Music and the Brandon School Division No. 40. Since its inception, the BU Jazz Festival has grown significantly both in the volume of its participants and in its prestige within the North American jazz world, hosting incredible performers such as vocalist Don Shelton, guitarist Gene Bertoncini, and the John McNiel Quartet. The final Brandon Jazz festival in its previous form was held in 2019, before the outbreak of COVID-19, but has returned for its 40th anniversary for your listening pleasure!

Faculty members presenting the BU Jazz Festival include professors of jazz and contemporary music Luis Deniz, Marika Gelea, and Eric Platz, trumpet professor Edward Bach, jazz piano professor Carter Graham, soprano voice professor Sarah Hall, Low Brass professor Nora Wilson, jazz guitar instructor Brian Zimmerman, and music education professor Wendy Zander. At the helm of the Brandon University School of Music is Dean of Music and saxophone professor Greg Gatien, whose passion for music education and performance is echoed in BU Jazz Festival’s values. The event has also drawn a number of exciting guest adjudicators from around the United States and Canada who will provide valuable insight and advice to the many middle and high school ensembles who are set to perform. Young vocalists will receive feedback from triple Grammy nominee Sara Gazarek, ByBlacks’ Jazz Artist of the Year 2019 Joanna Majoko, artistic director of Rainbow Harmony Brittany Mielnichuk, and director of several award-winning choirs Cynthia Peyson Wahl. Woodwind and brass players can look forward to connecting with prolific performers such as saxophonist Claire Devlin, trombonist Kelsley Grant, trumpeter Jason Palmer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Samuel Torjman Thomas, and trumpeter Rachel Therrien. All ensembles can benefit from the direction of conductors Kathie Van Lare and Rob Monson, as well as Brandon university alum Ana Peno, who is a music educator at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School.

The BU Jazz Festival prides itself on creating an environment that is more focused on education and interpersonal connection than competition. The festival features not only performances, but clinics and masterclasses hosted by faculty and guests which focus on building cohesion as an ensemble, enhancing listening and interpretive skills, and emphasize the importance of a personal connection to music, all within an hour of guided practice. The BU Jazz Festival is not only an opportunity for young music students of all abilities to show off their hard-earned musical skills and learn from experienced and talented musicians, but for the Brandon-area community to connect and be uplifted by the magic of live music.

Visit bujazzfest.ca to view daily performance schedules and purchase tickets. Performances by the Brandon University Big Band featuring several special guests will be held in the Westman Centennial Auditorium on the 14th and 15th, and tickets are $30. For those of us on a student’s budget, several free concerts by BU small ensembles will be hosted in the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, so be sure to support the BU community and enjoy the good vibes!

Free Concerts

Thursday, March 14

2:00 PM R.D. Bell Hall – Church & Geese

Friday, March 15

10:00 AM R.D. Bell Hall – CRock 

12:00 PM Lorne Watson Recital Hall – The Otters

2:00 PM R.D. Bell Hall – Jeremy & the 4 Non Blondes

Saturday, March 18

12:00 PM Lorne Watson Recital Hall – Marika Galea Small Group

Russian Politician Alexei Navalny Dead By Ethan Cidro

Russian lawyer and opposition leader to Vladimir Putin, Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny, was reported dead on February 16, 2024 while imprisoned. The follow through with the report of his death has shaken Russia, with multiple protests emerging within the country, holding the belief that something or someone has had a hand in the death of Navalny during his imprisonment, which was then followed by a crackdown of these protests, suppressed by the Russian law enforcement. While Navalny has faced threats to his life such as being poisoned in 2020, Navalny continued with his activities as the opposition and as an anti-corruption activist to President Vladimir Putin’s government. 

With Alexei Navalny’s passing, his wife, Yulia Borisovna Navalnaya announced during a video that Putin had killed her husband, and vowed to take on the mantle in their struggle against Putin and to continue her late husband’s work as the new opposition leader.

BUFA Letter Campaign By Renee Ferguson, BU Politics Society President

As most students are aware, there have been ongoing negotiations between the BU Faculty Association (BUFA) and the BU administration in the nearly one-year absence of a collective agreement. It has been a stressful time for everyone involved, as it becomes very difficult for any union when they are not able to make productive headway on their key negotiating points with their employers. Additionally, students have been very anxious to see how these events will unfold and what it would mean for our semester if the administration does not reach an agreement with BUFA and the professors go ahead with a strike. My name is Renee, and I am the President of the BU Politics Society. I am writing this article on behalf of our club to speak on our letter writing campaign and why it is important for any students who want to take action. 

There are two crucial aspects to stress before going further. First, no one ever wants to have to strike. It is often a very long, arduous process, and can last for extended periods of time. We must remain aware and respectful of the fact that if a strike occurs, it is because BUFA felt that they had no other feasible option to move progress forward on their collective agreement. Second, we must be sure to educate ourselves on what BUFA is asking for before we engage in any discussion about the nature of the negotiations or the potential of a strike. The best place to do so is the BUFA website: https://www.bufa.org/. I will briefly highlight the key points here to emphasize the multiple facets of the faculty demands. The main priorities are improving equitable compensation and pension benefits, establishing a greater balance of workload to ensure professors have time to conduct their important research, and crucial practical provisions related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID) and Indigenization. In addition, building provisions for BUFA to have improved ability to hold the administration accountable for their policies, as well as some ‘housekeeping’ on the agreement, such as shifting towards more plain language to ensure it is accessible for everyone. This is a very simplified overview, so please consult the BUFA website at the link above to gain a full understanding of what is at stake in these negotiations. 

Now that we have established the key information, I will now return to the building anxiety amongst students during this time. Many students are wondering if there is anything that they can do to help avoid a strike, which will inevitably impact everyone at BU in a variety of ways. As articulated by student resources available on the BUFA website, and as has been proven in the past in other circumstances, the best action for concerned students to take is to write letters expressing their concerns with the negotiations, demanding action on the part of the administration. There is by no means an expectation that students engage in this type of action, but as many students have expressed the desire to “do something about it,” the BU Politics Society felt that it was the right time to organize and guide students in the right direction in this regard. We would like to thank BUFA for making available a wonderful template letter on their website, which we repurposed for our social media campaign. Our goal is to be able to share widely amongst other student collectives, to reach as many students as possible. Engaging in a letter writing campaign during this time is incredibly important, as student voices can be a powerful tool in placing pressure on the university to come to a timely and equitable agreement. By regularly advocating for their key points, and further voting on a strike mandate, BUFA has shown the university their collective stance. Students can do the same by using their voice and expressing their discontent with the current situation. A critical mass of these types of statements sends a strong message that we want what is best for our professors, other university staff, our university in general, or for our ongoing learning and growth this semester. Many of those who are planning to graduate this spring started their degrees during online learning in the context of COVID-19 lockdowns, and it would truly be devastating for us to have to lose out on this invaluable time with our favourite professors at the end of our degrees. Anyone who is struggling with these feelings right now and who wants to ensure that our university’s administration sees and takes into account our perspectives is strongly encouraged to take part in our letter writing campaign.  

The information we have compiled is available on Instagram at the username @bupolitics if you would like to see the resources in context of our social media campaign and share it further. See also our outline of the simple steps you can take to provide your input to the administration! You are welcome to access the letter on the BUFA website, or if you’d prefer a different format, you can download our Google document, with our suggestions for where to personalize. It can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JgepJWlbWvDD9U_6FDFtJAk_RBIUUbXQ5SxGdR1ABl0/edit?usp=sharing 

We want to thank all the student collectives and individual students who continue to share our campaign. We express our firm support for our professors during this time, and we call on the BU administration to take immediate action to build an agreement that accounts for all of BUFA’s essential demands. 

Thousands Without Power as Winter Storm Takes Down Manitoba Hydro Lines

Thousands Without Power as Winter Storm Takes Down Manitoba Hydro Lines

Parts of Southwestern Manitoba are under a snowfall warning.

Reported by: Hannah Hiebert

February 8th, 2024

After an unusually warm spell, Manitobans are grappling with the return of winter weather to the southern part of the province. Manitoba Hydro blamed the rain, followed by snow and freezing temperatures for a series of outages that occurred Thursday afternoon, leaving more than 6000 customers without power.

“As the snowfall and wind picks up, a lot of that rain is freezing and causing us a little bit of problems in western Manitoba with ice on power lines,” said Hydro spokesperson Bruce Owen. Owen asked people to stay patient while Hydro crews scrambled to address the combination of downed power lines and broken poles that were responsible for the power outages, noting that wind and blowing snow are making highway travel difficult for everyone. He states that Manitoba Hydro crews are restoring power as quickly as they can, but they use the same roads to travel as everyone else, justifying why Owen urged customers to be patient with them.

Classes were cancelled for the day in all 10 schools in the Virden-area Fort La Bosse School division alongside 13 schools in Southwest Horizon School Division. Schools remained open in southwestern Manitoba’s Beautiful Plains, Park West, and Rolling River school divisions, but school buses were not running.

Snowfall that began in Western Manitoba Wednesday evening was expected to end Thursday later in the afternoon and evening. However, a return to colder but still above-seasonal temperatures is in the forecast for the weekend and into next week.

Additional Information Provided by: CBC News

BUFA-Administration negotiations: update on ongoing resolutions By Mehak ‘May’ Oberoi

BUFA-Administration negotiations: update on ongoing resolutions

By Mehak ‘May’ Oberoi

“The things we’re working on, the things we’re fighting for are things that allow us to deliver good classes and good services to students, and to do it in a way where we’re able to do it well. Where we’re not worried about having enough time to prepare, or in class thinking ‘oh my god, how am I going to balance my budget this month’ while we’re in class. Faculty who are well-treated, who can do their jobs well and who are respected in their jobs will benefit the students, directly and indirectly.”

If you’re a BU student, there’s a high chance that in the past month, you’ve heard rumors about an upcoming strike. Campus has been rife with rumors about the ongoing negotiations, many of which were proved to be, as I learned in an interview with BUFA vice-president Dr. Jon-Tomas Godin, to be false. As a representative of BUFA, Dr. Godin spoke with The Quill on February 2 about the current negotiations, including BUFA’s demands and whether a strike is imminent.

BUFA, or the Brandon University Faculty Association, is an organization that represents the needs of all Brandon University Faculty, which includes professors as well as other members, such as those part of departments like the library and student services. For current negotiations, a letter of intent to start bargaining was sent on February 7, 2023, marking a full year since negotiations began this month. Current negotiations are being made by BUFA on, as per representative Dr. Godin, “improving the language around EDID and around indigenisation, in our collective agreement, improving the language we have on workload and what’s on everybody’s mind when people are negotiating, which of course is compensation.” Unlike the last two rounds of bargaining (2015, 2019), this round stands out. “BUFA basically started those rounds of bargaining by saying ‘we don’t want to go on strike’. The big difference in the conversation this time around has been

that we didn’t start the conversation by saying that. We knew this was going to be a difficult round of bargaining, and we didn’t want to eliminate options from the get-go,” Dr. Godin states.

There have been a lot of rumors about an upcoming strike. What can you tell us about that?

Dr. Godin: “We have not called a strike vote. There is no strike. We are in negotiations. We know there are some concerns, and people have been talking about a potential strike, and we haven’t ruled out the possibility of a strike either. We’re in that weird situation where we might, we might not. And there are a few issues involved.”

What are the demands being made by BUFA?

On improving the language around EDID and indigenisation, Dr. Godin reported, “we have proposed two brand new articles to put into our collective agreement- one on EDID, one on indigenization, and the employer’s response to those articles, the union feels they set us back. In particular on the indigenisation article, we proposed some forward thinking language that would protect indigenous faculty members. Protect their time, protect them, give them some agency, give them some mentorship, make sure they have the resources they need and also protect the time of faculty members whose job is dedicated to serving indigenous students and make sure it can’t be taken away.” However, as he continued on to say, “the university came back and simply didn’t accept any of that language.”

Furthermore, faculty’s demands are two-pronged when it comes to compensation. Firstly would be to match salary increases to rising inflation. Secondly would be to reevaluate the pension cap set by the university, which for more recent professors leaves an unsustainable future for their retirement plans.

In relation to progress achieved by BUFA, they report to be happy on the continuing change to a fairer workload for professors. “One of the big issues

in workload is that we want to move faculty to a standard 15 credit hours, which we are well on our way to doing,” Dr. Godin reports. In the future, BUFA also hopes to improve per-course-salary for sessional faculty instructors. The purpose of this would be to better attract the instructors that are necessary for the continued running of the university.

What can students expect from a possible future strike?

On this, Dr. Godin reiterates, “a strike is a last resort. We will use every means we can to get a good collective agreement because the reality is, strikes have impacts on the people who are on strike too.” He continues on to elaborate, “If a strike were to occur, we would do everything we could that’s within our power to mitigate impacts on students, to resolve the strike as quickly as we can, and if at all possible to try to not have one in the first place.” As with the last strike, students can likely expect for both parties to agree to an essential services agreement, which makes sure students in need are not suddenly deprived of necessary resources such as counseling. BUFA faculty hope to minimize disruption to the term schedule as much as possible. It is important to note, as stated by Dr. Godin, that should a strike occur, it will likely begin by early March.

Historically, universities have run on a collegial governance system. Over the last several decades, there has been a significant shift to administration holding majority power over decisions regarding students and faculty, with faculty representation continuing to be lost. Faculty, however, as I discussed with Dr. Godin are the foundation of what a university is, and the people that best understand student needs. They are our direct contact to the student life at any university, and highly qualified to specialized caliber that is now demanding more respect for its knowledge here at Brandon University. After the PSSA reduced BUFA’s ability to bargain for compensation, forcing their hands to 4 year long deals in the last collective agreement, the current negotiation is BUFA’s effort in catching up to the lost representation and compensation, especially as the university rebuilds differently post-pandemic.

Note: Edited for clarification

TikTok Pulling Music by Universal Artists Amid Licensing Fight

TikTok Pulling Music by Universal Artists Amid Licensing Fight

Licensing Agreement between Universal Music Group and TikTok expired Wednesday

Reported by: Hannah Hiebert

Social Media platform TikTok began pulling music by artists with Universal Music Group on Thursday amid a fight over licensing rights, according to a report by The New York Times.

This means that music by Universal artists was removed from TikTok’s music library and music by Universal Artists on existing Videos was muted, as reported by The Times. Artists signed to Universal Music Group include big names such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, and Billie Eilish.

In a Tuesday letter addressed to artists and songwriters, Universal Music Group stated that it had been pressing TikTok on three primary issues: “Appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users” (Universal Music Group, 2024).

TikTok pushed back against claims by Universal Music Group saying that it has reached “artist-first” agreements with every other label and publisher.

“Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interest of artists, songwriters, and fans”, TikTok stated.

TikTok pulling music by artists signed through UMG concerns many. The way that music gains viral fame now is often through the social media platform and it rewards behaviour and features beyond just creating good music. It paves the way for new or underground artists to be recognized by TikTok users through the use and promotion of their music. Alex Gumuchian, the Vancouver rapper known as Bbno$, recalls how he saw the move as an opportunity back in 2019, when his single “La La La” grew in popularity through TikTok creators using the song in their videos. Additionally, he said it's a reminder of how much TikTok has come to dominate the music industry and artists' lives.

Additional Information provided by: CBC News

Saskatchewan Teachers Strike by Yensy Lopez Molina

On Tuesday, November 16th, teachers across Saskatchewan took action in a one-day province-wide strike, in -30C weather. The STF (Saskatchewan Teachers Federation) announced the planned strike on January 11th, giving the government a five-day opportunity to allow negotiations regarding issues impacting students and teachers. It is important to know that the STF needed to legally give a 48-hour notice, but chose to give a five-day notice in hopes of an agreement which the government refused and ignored. Samantha Becotte, the president of the STF stated that teachers DO NOT want to strike, and that the action could have been avoided at any point if the government was willing to discuss long term commitments to address class complexity. “Teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions” (Samantha Becotte). Teachers in Saskatchewan are overworked, underpaid, and taking on responsibilities they should not be required and are not paid to do. Saskatchewan is currently the second lowest-funded province. SK has 7 school divisions, each having a budget of $2.04 billion according to the Provincial Government of Saskatchewan. The STF has gained a lot of support from people across Saskatchewan as well as online, and 3300 letters have also been delivered to the Legislative Building in Regina in support of the cause. The Government of Saskatchewan continues to refuse their bargaining committee a new mandate to negotiate issues, therefore the STF has once again announced another five-day countdown. The next job action, announced January 18th, will be on January 22nd and will be another strike.

Story Contest Winner: A White Man’s Love Story by Blessing Onashile

It’s 5am and I’m staring aimlessly from your window in my silent cry for help, I’ve been hanging there for hours in the cold hands of the night. I lost my bus fare to the crust of the earth, I was kicked away by the narcissist wind and landed on your window. I watched you sleep so quietly, rolling and hanging on to the brink of your bed, one more roll and you’d hit rock bottom, the rhythm of your snore gave me strength in there all night. I swear I’m not a stalker, just praying the sun never comes out and smites all my household in a daytime genocide.

I couldn’t get you off my mind, so I begged God to send me on earth again, this time I came prematurely in anticipation to fall at your window again and watch you sleep. I thought I got the memo and pretended to have lost my bus fare so the wind would toss me to your window but this time around there was a free ride, it was New Year’s Eve. There was a long queue and I saw you were outside, I imagined falling on your eyelid so I could get a closer look at you, and you’d get to notice me. Or maybe your lips, so I could feel the love and probably have the best death like Romeo did, oh damn, I’m not a pervert. My ride came late so I fell to the crust right at your doorstep, hoping to grace your feet with my pure beauty, maybe you could make an angel out of me, but your housekeeper poured safe salt on me, I bet you, there was nothing safe about it. She sent me straight to hell and I couldn’t even see your face.

Scared but angrier, I faced the devil, but he told me he would set me free on the condition that I cause someone to hurt. I really didn’t know what to do, I was born as pure and faultless as a dove, but I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do, I’m just a white man in love. So, I came on earth and this time the devil got me stuck as ice in the middle of the road, I didn’t read the devil’s manual well, I was trapped. I caused cars to swerve, and brakes surely had nothing on me. I caused the children to swear at me and gave immigrants trauma, the old cursed me so bad that I got broken to pieces and died again.

This time I begged God with the psalms of David, a man after his heart. “The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in.” God indeed never turns against his words, so He sent me back to earth and landed me right on your window. You weren’t home, it was just your best friend and her toxic boyfriend begging to have her back, I could tell in about half a minute how gullible she was or rather cold so she let him stay. Oh, humans, I couldn’t stand it, I committed suicide before the sun came out.

I came back the next morning, I guess obsession took over my desperation, I knew where to find you, I fell right on your window but saw you laying weak in bed. Sad but happy to see you, I whispered through the window and somehow physics worked, you took a snap of me and sent it to your friends. That felt like a great step of progress to me. Introduction cleared, I felt we were a thing now and it’s safe to call you my girl. I got so delusional and stood all day for the longest time. Your mom called and you mentioned my name but you blamed your flu on me so I cried myself away.

Finally, I almost fell on the soft palm of your hands preparing to introduce myself all over again, but you shielded me with a thick heartless mitten. All I wanted was to know what your touch and pulsating vein felt like on the surface of your skin, but this time the rejection killed me. I disappeared in April, saying its over and I’m not going to try again, but, like your best friend’s boyfriend, I’d be back in November hoping we can make things work for a little longer. I guess our cycle of love will continue. Till then, I will give God multiple reasons to send me down to earth, and boast to the angels how beautiful you are and how I found love on planet earth. While I wait, I will think about you every day in this long distance relationship.

Yours coldly,

Snowflakes

Happy Birthday Bailey’s!

Happy Birthday Bailey’s!

Mahé Rabesa

Baileys has been an integral part of student life at the university for a year now. Between cafés, meals and even Socials, Baileys is everywhere. Students are happy to have a café nearby with so many food and drink choices. As well as accompanying them throughout the day, students can enjoy Baileys' delicious concoctions at evening Socials. The café's decor is modern, there's plenty of room to study with friends, and Baileys is often a victim of its popularity. Indeed, time and again at lunchtime, there's a queue to order. Fortunately, to alleviate the wait, a website has been set up where you can order online and collect your order. Students can order in advance, between classes, to avoid queuing and being late. The food is succulent, and the coffee is comforting.

According to general manager Sean Taron, "This last year has been a crazy and enjoyable year; it's hard to believe it's been a year already." 

Here are a few highlights from Baileys over the past year

Spotlight Meals

The concept is to create a new special meal named after one of our varsity athletes. It is to celebrate our teams and their athletes and encourage students to attend our athletes' games. For Sean Taron, these feature the senior athletes from the various teams we have on campus: Rugby Curling, Soccer/Futsal, Volleyball and Basketball. He sits down with every player to plan one of their favourite meals. Then, highlight Bailey's and on social media pages to help put a face with the name and hopefully get more spectators to support them at their games. 

Gift A Meal program

Another of Baileys' strengths is its commitment to helping the student community. In collaboration with BUSU, the program helps students finance their meals during the week. All customers coming to Baileys can add a $7.50 charge to their bill, with the proceeds going to help students. University students can be part of this program by contacting services@busu.ca and will benefit from this financial aid by receiving a biweekly meal free of charge.

This is just the beginning of the Bailey's adventure at Brandon University. We're looking forward to many more great years at Bailey's, with many new projects!

To conclude the article, here's a note from Sean Taron, General Manager :

I would also like to thank BUSU for the fantastic opportunity to bring back an essential part of the campus with Bailey's, my fantastic staff for all their hard work and dedication and the campus community for all of their support with Bailey's; without them, I would not have been able to succeed with this new adventure in my life, I look forward to what the future holds and hosting many more events at Bailey's.

Don't forget to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated with everything happening at Bailey's.

Instagram: @baileys.cafe.bu

Facebook: Bailey's Cafe

Rest in Peace, Zigi Opaso

The Quill’s featured poem, published under the pen-name Zen, refers to a recent event that took place in Manitoba’s capital city, Winnipeg. Afolabi Stephen Opaso (Zigi) was a 19-year-old international student from Nigeria. In the afternoon on December 31st, 911 was called, requesting assistance for a mental health crisis. According to a lawyer in charge of the case, “They made sure they said this was a mental health situation, that the person is their friend, you know, is not a danger to anyone. It was just they needed assistance,” (Statement to CTV News). Police showed up at the apartment and quickly discharged three shots, then took Zigi to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. There is no evidence that Zigi threatened or attacked the police officers, and according to some reports they may not have given him time to do anything at all before shooting.

Why did a mental health call lead to the death of a 19-year old Black man? Why have the Winnipeg police murdered at least six Black, Indigenous, or otherwise racialized  individuals in the past five months (several of which were in response to mental health calls)?

In 2021, the Winnipeg Police Service announced the Alternative Response to Citizens in Crisis (ARCC) project, which would involve mental health clinicians and plainclothes police officers responding to mental health crises, rather than uniformed officers. Why wasn’t ARCC employed in this case? Winnipeg Police claim it would not have been suitable, as the officers couldn't ensure the safety of the situation. Whatever excuse they make, there is NO reason to fatally shoot a man in the midst of a mental health crisis. The officers responsible need to be fired at the very least, and the ARCC program clearly needs to be improved and universalized. In what world do mental health crises call for uniformed, armed police officers and not doctors? Mentally unwell people need psychiatrists and treatment, not bullets in their chest. Zigi should have gotten the mental healthcare that he needed, and gone on to finish his degree and follow his dreams like any other young person.

Zigi is remembered as a passionate, caring friend with a deep love for music and especially dance. Prior to this event, he had experienced one episode of psychosis last July, but was otherwise described as an overall happy person. He is deeply missed by friends and family, both in Canada and in his home country of Nigeria. I hope there will be justice for this devastating loss.

Winter Preparation for International Students By Janine Campbell

As an international student, preparing for winter demands meticulous planning and adaptation, particularly when relocating from a warmer to a colder climate. This essential groundwork ensures a seamless adjustment and fosters a comfortable and secure experience amid the challenges posed by colder temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

Understanding the climatic nuances of your new location proves invaluable. Delving into the region's typical temperatures and weather patterns aids in selecting appropriate attire and essentials. Investing in adequate winter gear such as thermal wear, warm coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and insulated boots, is pivotal to shield oneself from freezing temperatures and maintain warmth.

Similarly crucial is becoming knowledgeable with winter-specific safety measures. Familiarizing yourself with frostbite and hypothermia symptoms and precautions is important. Understanding how to explore cold walkways or streets securely, particularly while driving or utilizing public transportation, forestalls mishaps and guarantees wellbeing. I remember last year when I almost slipped outside of Harvest Hall because I was not paying attention. Take it from me, ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION. 

Ensuring that your accommodation is winter-ready remains pivotal for a comfortable stay. Verifying the functionality of proper heating systems, insulation, and additional items like thermal curtains or draft stoppers ensures a consistently warm indoor environment. Knowledge in operating heating systems and securing access to hot water is relevant for managing the cold.

It's wise to stock up on essentials. Winter storms and cruel circumstances could disturb ordinary shopping trips, so having a stockpile of durable food, drinking water, batteries, electric lamps, and crisis supplies such as flashlights is fundamental to support oneself during unexpected circumstances.

Prioritizing personal health is also crucial. Cold weather poses challenges, especially for those that are not used to it. Emphasizing hydration, consuming nutritious meals, and maintaining physical activity are essential. Additionally, safeguarding against illnesses through flu vaccinations and adhering to good hygiene practices, including regular hand-washing, constitutes vital preventive measures.

Engaging with local resources and international student services at your institution proves highly advantageous. These platforms offer workshops, resources, or support networks tailored to assist international students in adjusting to winter climates. They offer valuable advice, tips, and guidance in navigating the challenges posed by colder weather.

By carefully preparing for winter, international students can ensure a smooth transition and establish a safe and comfortable environment, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their international experience.

Arson Destroys Brandon Building by Angel Anowuru

On November 20th, in the small hours of the morning, there was an arson charge at 144 12th St. in Brandon.

The building that caught fire was home to two businesses, ABC Taxi and a non-profit called Turning Leaf, as well as a few tenants, including several international students. A 33-year old man broke into the building and started the fire, and someone inside called the police to report the incident. The building was completely destroyed.

The police played a part in assisting in the safe evacuation of the building’s occupants. By effectively managing the incident, the Brandon Emergency Services did not fall short of expectations. The perpetrator was quickly arrested.

The extent of the fire was astounding, and among the losses were valuable resident records and possessions, among other things. Ese Auroror, a Nigerian international student, who was a resident of the building stated, “There are quite a number of things that are sentimental, some of them from my late father, some of them from my wife who’s not here with me in Brandon” (Brandon Sun).

The victims of this fire would require a great deal of care at this time, especially in terms of emotional and mental support. Those who are students will have upcoming final examinations. It could be difficult for them to concentrate on their studies following such an event. I sincerely hope that community members will be able to assist them, because they will require costly necessities like food, clothing, and housing given that all they had was gone in an instant. With the support of family and friends, these students can get their lives back on track. I would encourage everyone in the BU community to make an effort to get in touch with them and let them know that they are not alone through gifts, service or words.

Arson in Brandon by Janine Campbell

A 33-year-old man faces arson charges following a devastating fire that razed a building housing two Brandon businesses, a taxi company and a non-profit agency, as well as more than ten apartment tenants at 144 12th St. The incident unfolded in the early morning hours, prompting a response from both the police and Brandon Fire and Emergency Services. Thankfully, all tenants were safely evacuated by the authorities while firefighters battled the blaze for a substantial part of the day. The accused, charged with break and enter and arson endangering human life, allegedly initiated the fire after forcibly entering the building, prompting a swift police response and subsequent arrest.

The fire, instigated on November 20, 2023 at around 3 a.m. subsequent to a reported break-in, caused immediate chaos as an employee, seeking refuge in the office, detected the scent of smoke. Upon arrival, law enforcement apprehended the suspect, who had broken a front door window and ignited a fire inside. Despite police intervention and the successful evacuation of second-floor apartment residents, the fire quickly engulfed the structure. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, although the building collapsed around 8:30 a.m., presenting challenges for the firefighting crews throughout the morning.

Fire Captain Shayne Collister, speaking at the scene, noted the fire's containment around 9 a.m., despite intermittent difficulties in certain areas. Efforts involved employing heavy machinery to manage the burning wreckage. The incident particularly impacted Brandon University students among the tenants, raising concerns about their emotional well-being, having lost personal belongings and sentimental items.

The apartment building's disruption affected multiple residents, prompting police to relocate more than 10 individuals to temporary shelter through BPS. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign aims to provide support for those affected. Additionally, the fire ravaged the premises of two businesses: ABC Taxi and Turning Leaf, a non-profit with a staff of 16, impacting their operations.

Jeremy Randall, Turning Leaf’s supervisor, hurried to the site upon learning about the fire, while the non-profit’s Chief Operating Officer, Jennifer Biggs, affirmed the continuation of their services despite office destruction, owing to a digital storage system. However, they are still assessing the extent of their losses.

Regarding ABC Taxi, their operations are expected to continue without disruption, with efforts underway to establish a new location. An employee confirmed the company’s commitment to providing uninterrupted service.

The incident disrupted the lives of tenants and businesses, but it also revealed the resilience and determination of the affected organizations to ensure service continuity despite adversity.

Easts Meets West - Interview with Huu Back By Mahé Rabesa

Last Thursday at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall, the Huu Bac Quintet performed before the astonished eyes of the audience. The concert was part of the Pros Series, a professional jazz and classical concert series.

Huu Bac Quintet is made up of Émie Rioux-Roussel on the piano, Jean-Félix Mailloux on the bass, Zoé Dumais on the violin and Huu Bac. Initially trained on jazz guitar at McGill University, he continues to learn new instruments such as the dan bau (Vietnamese monochord), the erhu (Chinese fiddle), and the violin. Jazz music incorporates styles from many cultures. During his stay in Peru, he encountered the melodies of the Andes and the rhythms of Afro-Peruvian music, which prompted him to learn the quena (Andean bamboo flute). As the band's drummer could not travel, he was replaced by a student from the Faculty of Music, Esteban Seunarine.  

On stage, the quintet; a blend of cultures. Jazz melodies from the Andes, traditional sounds from China and Vietnam, and Afro-Peruvian rhythms blend perfectly under Huu Bac's mastery. 

During the concert, each musician gets a chance to shine in the songs. The audience applauds each musician warmly. There's an excellent collaboration between the musicians and lots of energy on stage, a sight to behold. Throughout the concert, there's a superb complicity between the drummer and bassist. At the end of the concert, the bassist showed us some dance moves.

It was an excellent performance; I wouldn't hide from you that I would have spent the whole evening listening to other songs. It was a beautiful moment, with musicians as talented as they are warm. A fabulous artist whom I recommend discovering and who works magic on stage. 

Huu Bac's first album is available on CD and streaming platforms like Spotify. Huu Bac is working on his second album, which will be released between March and May 2024. 

We had the chance to meet Huu Bac, and ask the artist some questions!

Interview

Q: Could you tell us the story of this Quintet? How did it start? 

After stopping my studies in jazz guitar at McGill University, I returned to my Asian roots and started to learn the dan bau at 23 years old, followed by the Chinese fiddle and the Andean bamboo flute. I wanted to have a band where I could express myself completely. I wanted a project where all those instruments and influences could be together. I went abroad and started to write my own music. Once back in Montreal, I met my friend, a pianist; we began to play as a duet. Later, a drummer joined, and Jean-Félix, who played the bass tonight, joined the band. In the end, a violinist completed the band, and there you go, I had my band. We did our first concert in 2013, which is almost ten years. 

Q: Where did you start incorporating traditional instruments into your compositions?

As I said, I never had the idea of learning all of those instruments. Until I was 23 years old, I only played guitar, and I thought I would only be a guitar player all my life. After many years of playing the dan bau in traditional settings, the Chinese fiddle in traditional settings, and some South American bamboo flute with South American musicians, I just wanted to put that all together. Because in the end, as an artist, I wanted to express myself completely and honestly, and I felt there was no other project I could present all that together. After a while, I thought I had enough experience and was mature enough to build this project to express myself fully as an artist. I believe it is the ultimate goal of every artist to tell in musical terms who they are and what their life has been like in their history.  

Q: What is your favourite song on the set, and why? 

We did not play it tonight. It is called Sea Roads; it is about my family's trip out of Vietnam as refugees. It is one of my most significant accomplishments as a composer because it is very complex, but at the same time, you do not hear the complexity of the piece. I was able to match the emotion with the intellectual complexity of that piece. I am very proud of that piece. 

Q: What inspires you? 

What inspires me is meeting other musicians and artists. Develop a chemistry that will lead to an influence of mine. I accidentally got into all those instruments (dan bau, erhu, quena) because I saw someone play. For me, music is a very people-oriented business. At least, I developed my own signature by playing with many different musicians from different backgrounds and musical cultures, and it inspires me a lot. For example, the first composition we played at the show was influenced by a Senegal choral player I played with at a festival in Montreal. Encounters inspire a lot of my compositions. Meeting and discovering different cultures definitely inspires me a lot. Unconsciously, I tried to find the shared human expression that is universal. The bottom line is that we all have the same human experience. We just express it in different languages and instruments. 

Q: How did you find Brandon? 

We had little time, but we ate in a delicious Ethiopian restaurant. It was so good, and we had too much food. The Brandon University campus is beautiful, and the people, too, are beautiful. For me, I am more interested in people tourism, meeting people, and getting to have local friends. Up to now, Brandon's people have been very friendly.

Q: How did you find the drummer Esteban Seunarine? 

He was so professional, so good. He was very well prepared; I am sure he worked very hard. He is very talented, has a good listening capacity, and has a good groove. I think he's got an amazing future. It was a pleasure to play with him. 

Q: What’s next?

The next thing for me is for the next two months, I have to finish my second album. Some tracks are recorded, I have to re-record some others, and I have to do the mixing and all of the post-production. I am also working on a CD in collaboration with a citare player. Also, I will go to Cameroon for six weeks in January to work with a vocal musician. I have been studying a lot of African rhythms for the last five years, and I worked hard to get a residency in Africa and finally got one in Cameroon. I am really excited to learn more about their music, especially rhythm since it is so groovy. I hope to work with some vocal musicians, record and have a concert at the end. I want to compose, meet some musicians, learn some of their music and, through that, find inspiration to write my own music. After that, I have a residency of two weeks in France, and then I am coming [back to Canada] in March. I will have one date in British Columbia, Alberta, Winnipeg, and perhaps more. Then, I will launch my second CD between March and May. We will also have a tour on the West Coast of the US and then a tour in China during the summer.

We at The Quill wish the Huu Bac Quintet all the best for the future! And we hope to see them again soon!

Parents’ Bill of Rights

Parents’ Bill of Rights

Passed in Saskatchewan on October 20th of this year, Bill 137, otherwise known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights, is and will continue to make an impact on those under the age of 16. Not only does the bill advocate for parents’ right to know what is being taught in the classroom, but, as stated by Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill, it is “an inclusionary policy that ensures that parents are at the forefront of every important decision in their child’s life.” At first glance, this may seem harmless, but when looking further into what this means for youth, it could very well have detrimental impacts.

Bill 137 requires that a teacher must inform the parent of any changes the child wishes to clarify about their gender identity (change of name, pronouns, etc.) and requires parental consent prior to seeing out the child’s wishes. Within the bill there is a section stating that no legal action or proceeding shall be brought against the government, school boards, independent schools, or employees of such. This means that if any harm should occur as a result of this bill, they are essentially denying legal responsibility.

For instance, let us say a child who comes from an abusive home discusses with a trusted teacher their wish to go by a different set of pronouns. Even if the teacher suspects abuse in the home, or has any reason as to why asking the child’s parent for consent (to refer to the child via different pronouns) may prove unsafe for the child, they are obligated to ask. This could bring about higher rates of child maltreatment while also creating a less supportive environment for that child as they now have less people to discuss these very personal matters with. Under this bill, given the child wants to keep this information from their parents, they also cannot tell any of their teachers, and must find a way to access someone bound by confidentiality. This could either be a school counsellor or a counsellor not affiliated with the school. In Saskatchewan, the counsellor does not have to inform the parents if they deem it appropriate to do so or if the child request their parents are not informed. As easy as it may be to make an appointment with a school counsellor, it is harder to keep private than just having a talk with your teacher. Especially in small towns, people talk. If a child talks to their teacher and their friend asks what they talked about it is easy to say, “Oh, just the assignment due tomorrow.” If a child makes an appointment with the guidance counsellor they have to walk to the office after possibly being called down on the intercom or being pulled out of class by a school employee, in front of their peers. All this to say, whether or not the counselling appointment is to talk about anything regarding gender identity, word can easily make its way back to the parents. This can then, in turn, cause suspicion and possibly escalate an already uncomfortable or unsafe home situation.

Following the passing of this bill in Saskatchewan the likelihood of a similar bill coming into place in Manitoba is increased. Furthermore, confidentiality between counsellors and their clients under the age of 16 may also be at risk in the future. Currently, if a child requests it, their parent(s) do not need to be informed that they are attending counselling and information about such will not reach the parents. But this could change. Naturally, if this changes for school counsellors, the next step for a child may be to find a private counsellor. However, many families do not have insurance and are not supportive of counselling, leaving their children in a significantly disadvantaged spot.

All of this is not to say that having parents be uninformed about what is happening inside their children’s school is bad, because it isn’t. Having informed parents is a fundamental part of encouraging their engagement in their children’s lives. Especially in these times, many children grow distanced from their parents as a result of different beliefs, parental over- and under-involvement, and a general lack of understanding of issues like mental health and gender identity, which may have been less stressed in the parents’ youth. All of these are reasons why it is currently important for children to have access to people they can talk to comfortably and confidentially. In an ideal world, this would be the parents, but that is not realistic, so there needs to be outside resources available for youths.

Taking all of this into account, what I would like to bring to light is that while it is important to encourage parental involvement, there are situations in which it is unsafe to inform a child’s parents of wishes to express their gender identity in a different way. While the bill does have some positive aspects, it also makes an already anxiety-inducing time in a child’s life more stressful, as they may need to go through more hoops in order to conserve their own mental health and wellbeing. While a parent should be supportive of their child in this time, some may become defensive and overly strict in an attempt to bring the child back to their beliefs. Parents need to be understanding of their children and provide a safe environment for them. It is not their job to agree with everything their children do, but it is their job to take care of them and raise them as best they can. Coming-of-age is a stressful time in itself - children do not know who they are and are desperately trying to find out. Why would anyone want to introduce legislation to complicate this?

References:

The information for this article came from the Saskatchewan government, CBC News, the Regina Leader Post article “Parents' rights bill wording anticipates harm, LGBTQ+ advocate says”, The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and saskschoolsprivacy.com.

Photo Contest #1 Winner

The winning photo for the first October Photo Contest can be seen below. It was taken at Pine Creek First Nation by James Waugh, who was helping to excavate a church associated with a residential school.

Photos for the second contest can be submitted anytime before Friday, October 20th. The winning photo from this second contest will be on the cover of our October 25th Halloween Issue, so a spooky theme is highly encouraged!

To submit a photo or for more information, contact us at eic.thequill@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @buthequill.

What Can We Do To Revitalize Downtown?

There are many great things that can be said for Brandon. Located on the Assiniboine River and within driving distance of numerous campgrounds, hiking paths, and lakes, the land offers many picturesque sights to those living in and around the Wheat City. As if the beauty of the landscape surrounding the city weren’t enough, the region itself is rich with both the history of the Cree, Dakota, Dene, Ojibway, and Oji-Cree peoples, and the various other peoples and cultures that make up the modern city of Brandon. The Wheat City can be best described as ‘working-class’, as it hosts a strong workforce made up of skilled tradesmen, emergency service workers, and educators of all kinds. Those worried for the future of Brandon can comfortably kick their feet up and relax knowing that the youth of Brandon – and by extension the student culture – have worked hard to develop themselves into a community that values acceptance, cooperation, and perhaps most importantly, understanding.

The Wheat City also happens to be the second largest city in Manitoba with an impressive 51,000 people recorded in the 2021 census, an uptick of five percent from the last census held in 2016. It’s safe to say that the city is growing and shows no signs of stopping. Typically a growth rate of this size is reflected by the beating heart of any city, its downtown. But downtown Brandon feels a little too quiet to be truly reflective of a city population of 51,000 and climbing. Most businesses and stores in Brandon close before ten, often making people feel like there isn’t that much to do here and leaving establishments such as Houstons, The 40, and the Great Western Roadhouse to appease the rapidly growing demand for an authentic late-night scene.

It must be stressed that downtown Brandon has everything needed to maintain an attractive and vibrant sense of community. The neighbourhood is walkable, taking maybe twenty minutes to cross the entirety of it. It’s already host to a variety of institutions and public services, and the municipal government has worked hard to create a lively centre for its peoples to use. A question formed one day driving through the neighbourhood, I asked why more businesses don’t take advantage of the commercial lots here. At several points in time I’ve looked at vacant storefronts and wondered what service or store would best be suited for it. What letters would rise to take the place of the Ginger Cat Café or The Cinnamon Tree? Who will turn old Abby Rose into the next café or restaurant that hosts a student body club? As fun as a day-trip into Winnipeg may be, why must the second biggest city in Manitoba rely so heavily on the provincial capital?

What about the businesses that are already there? What can the student body do to help the various public services, restaurants, and shops that have been there for quite some time? To start, we’ll have to follow the buck. Where we spend our money is perhaps the single most important motivator for new businesses wondering where to set up. By directing our money towards buying local as much as possible, we encourage potential-business owners to take the next step knowing that we as a city are ready to support them.

The Wheat City actually has quite a bit to offer to those willing to venture out while the sun is still high in the sky. Those yearning for a night listening to live jazz with a locally made drink should look no further than Section 6. One of our local breweries, Section 6 hosts a weekly Jazz Night for the talented Brandon University Jazz Program, which will be performing the jazz standards Take The “A” Train and Lester Leaps In on October 11th, this Wednesday. If live music doesn’t soothe that itch for culture and community, then perhaps the ‘Big One’, an upcoming arts and crafts fair held at the Keystone Centre might be better. If you find that your schedule for the weekends of the 14th and 21st are open, then bring five dollars to cover the admittance fee and you’ll find yourself browsing through the very best arts, crafts, and culinary treats that over 175 local artists and artisans have to offer. Not only will your attendance give you the opportunity to meet and support local artists and artisans, but part of the admission proceeds will be donated in support of the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation’s drive for cancer care. Those seeking films unlikely to appear in your local cinema or on your social media feed would do well to consider checking out the Evans Theater, which will host screenings of the film ‘Jules’ – starring the critically-acclaimed actor Ben Kingsley, from the 13th – a Friday, to the following Sunday.

Brandon truly has a great deal to offer its people, and it has a great deal more to grow. But frequenting the already-existing establishments such as the bars, boutiques, cafes, clubs, exhibits, museums, restaurants, and stores that litter the city may create a greater interest in the revitalization of downtown.