Arts & Life
On honouring Louis Riel
Robin Smyth / Monday, July 20th 2015
Louis Riel: his is a name that history will always recall. Exclusive to Manitoba is the holiday that bears his name. In 2008, on the third Monday of the month, Louis Riel Day was launched in recognition and commemoration of our provincial founder. Known as Family Day in other provinces, Manitoba school students voted in favor of naming the February vacation day “Louis Riel Day.”
Born a son of Manitoba, Riel blazed an unforgettable trail through most of Canada and several of the United States. He pursued his destiny of becoming a Canadian legend with passion was often chronicled as bordering on the insane.
Having met his death at the end of a noose at the early age of 41, Riel left behind a startlingly long list of accomplishments and addresses. In order to fully grasp the multi-faceted persona that was Louis Riel, a lesson in history may be required.
In a brief summation of achievements, titles held by Riel are as follows: provincial founder (Manitoba), spiritual and political leader, teacher, law clerk, poet, husband and father.
His residences included Montana, Saskatchewan, New York, Ontario, Montreal, Minnesota, the Dakotas and Chicago.
His nomadic lifestyle was largely due to a need to flee one circumstance after another. Riel’s political involvements and pursuit of justice for all frequently resulted in seeking safe haven across borders. Incredibly, Riel was able to secure enough votes to be elected to the Canadian House of Commons a total of three times, even while languishing in a fugitive state.
Regardless of his profession or location, Riel’s true calling would effectively lure him back to the front line of preserving Métis land and rights. As Riel held a firm belief that he had been divinely chosen to lead and defend the Métis, he enmeshed himself in rebellions and battles. He also began to title himself superlatively as “the Prophet of the New World” and even more outrageously as “the Joyful Telephone of God.”
An intriguing and enigmatic personality, Riel vacillated between the pursuit of fair and equal treatment towards all Canadians to violent outbursts accompanied by lunatic ravings. He was committed to the care and control of an asylum where he slowly regained his “right” mind.
Biographers and researchers of our time have indicated that Riel may in fact have suffered from narcissistic personality disorder. This condition of the mind is described by the Mayo Clinic as “an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others.”
While widely and deservedly touted as a man of honour, and in fact considered to be a hero, observations on Riel span a wide spectrum. The further one delves into historical data, the more complex a person Riel becomes. With myriad traits and opposing characteristics documented over time, the question begs asking, who was Louis Riel, really?
His attributes can literally be spliced into two columns: Hero and Heretic.
Through reviewing the chronology of Riel’s short life, evidence of an intensely refracted persona come to light. Not one, but two common themes thread their way through Riel’s history, making him an incredible character study alongside of his political achievements.
On one side of the coin, Riel is heralded for his political savvy, his unwavering support of the Métis, his bravery and his musing prose.
On the other, darker side of the same coin, Riel is described as mentally unwell, explosive and eccentric. With behavioral tendencies to disrobe and imitate the roaring of a mighty bull in public, it is a small wonder that Riel was labelled as having a mental collapse of sorts. The word “psychotic” also appears in numerous historical accounts.
Regardless of how Riel has been portrayed in multiple publications, he is widely recalled for his acts of bravery and heroism. Truly, who among us would not experience a fraying of the mind at the incredible pressures that he found himself exposed to? Compared to the forward motion that Riel achieved in his short life, the significance of a dark and troubled side fades into the recesses of our collective memory.
As Canadians, the moody, volatile side of Riel is not a factor in our memories. Is it because we have an understanding that without dark there could be no light? Or, do we simply choose to celebrate the pinnacles regardless of the pitfalls?
Regardless of our individual or collective reasons for honoring Riel, we as Manitobans respectfully cherish the life and death of Riel year round, and pay him utmost respect on the holiday that bears his name.
Arts & LifeJane’s Walks in Winnipeg: You are a part of this community
Robin Smyth / Monday, July 20th 2015
Born on May 4, 1916, Jane Butzner (nee Jacobs) went on to live a life of advocacy in pursuit of protecting urban communities. Ninety-nine years ago, John and Bess Butzner welcomed their daughter into the world, and during her lifetime Jane seemed to embody her home state of Pennsylvania’s motto: “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.”
Such were her contributions to communities across North America that, after her passing, Jane’s inner circle collaborated in an effort to honor their departed friend. Jane was laid to rest in 2006 and through the love and sentiment of her closest friends, the first ever Jane’s Walk was organized and launched in Toronto. The purpose of the walk was to connect neighbors at the most grassroots level: walking around their community and talking with one another. The event that was intended to be a commemorative tribute was overwhelmingly attended and drew intensive media attention. Toronto’s mayor at the time, David Miller, decreed May 5 to be recognized as Jane Jacobs Day.
To fully understand the depth of meaning of a Jane’s Walk, and how it has morphed into a globally observed event, one must gaze back at Jane’s lifetime of accomplishments. Starting in her youth, Jane began contributing to the Scranton newspaper as an unpaid intern. When she became of age her heart lead her to make the leap to New York where she reunited, and lived with, her older sister. Jane explored the city by foot and via subway, and eventually settled in Lower Manhattan for the next thirty years. Her passion for writing saw Jane writing articles on a wide variety of subjects. Her freelancing eventually culminated in an editor position with Architectural Forum magazine in 1952, at age thirty-six.
It was in this editorial role that Jane was able impact the evolution of urban planning. Her vision of an engaged and intimate community led Jane to author a book entitled, The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Her book defended and gave reason to the continuity of neighborhoods that were diverse in culture and building structure. The message that Death and Life delivered was that neighborhoods should sustain livable streets, where residents are able to feel at home and safe. Jane envisioned regenerations over renovations. Where city planners sought to destroy slums, Jane fought to rebuild and rejuvenate deteriorating neighborhoods. Jane saw a way to rescue and revitalize areas that city planners would have preferred to level and rebuild. Her perspective that cities were made for people and not for vehicles figured prominently in Jane’s work.
Jane’s approach to city planning was akin to the story of David and Goliath. Her stance that city streets that overflow with pedestrian traffic create an environment of safety and security was the driving force behind her adamant charges against urban renewals. Jane stood fast in her vision of bustling urban centers and intervened at every level, opposing urban planners through a series of lectures, articles and books.
Based on her own thought that “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody,” Jane dedicated a huge majority of her life to protecting neighborhoods where inner city and urban families could thrive. Jane’s achievements become even more remarkable when the fact that she had no formal city planning training is taken into consideration.
While Jane blossomed in her professional career, she also married and gave birth to three children: a girl and two boys. Jane dedicated her life fully to motherhood and authoring books in 1962. In 1968, Jane and her family made the decision to immigrate to Canada and took up residence in Toronto. Her family and career continued to flourish and Jane eventually gained permanent citizenship.
In Toronto, Jane was instrumental in some powerful movements with regards to sustaining intact neighborhoods. She was part of a group that halted the construction of an expressway through Toronto’s Chinatown, and successfully opposed the building of a bridge that was meant to join Toronto’s airport and waterfront. Shortly after earning her citizenship, Jane was presented with the Order of Canada for her dedication to and success in urban activism.
For all of the work Jane did — the writing, the protecting, the advocating — and for opposing those with greater power than her own, we walk for Jane. Those who participate in a Jane’s Walk come away with a sense of what Jane was able to accomplish during her lifetime, some so much so that they choose to volunteer with Jane’s Walk as an organizer or walk leader.
Because Jane had such an impact on cities and neighborhoods both in Canada and the US, Jane’s Walks are essentially a tribute to her lifetime of achievements. Around the world walks have been organized in honor of Jane Jacobs and her tireless efforts to protect the walkability of neighborhoods. After the first walk took place in 2007, city after city were added until, in 2014, a reported 40,000 people participated in twenty-five countries. A total of one thousand walks were observed in honor of Jane, her life’s work, and her commitment to stronger, more livable and connected communities.
With the 2015 Jane’s Walk only days away, the Spectator Tribune, along with event organizer Matt Carreau, extend an invitation to you and your family to lace up your shoes and join a local walk. Set some time aside on Friday May 1, Saturday May 2 or Sunday May 3 to get out of the house, meet up with some new friends, and tour about town the old-fashioned way. Winnipeg is hosting more than twelve of the free walks, complete details can be found on the Jane’s Walk webpage
While most of the Jane’s Walk events take place during the first weekend in May, there are many Walks scheduled throughout the year. Walks are led by everyday people like you and me. If you are feeling inspired by the life of Jane Jacobs and wish to share the enthusiasm for and joy of your own neighborhood or favorite local spot, Matt Carreau would love to hear from you. Matt told the Spectator, “The walks encourage urban exploration and celebrate Winnipeg’s vibrant neighborhoods.” Matt advocates Jane’s Walk as a great opportunity to meet people interested in urbanism and community issues.
Arts & LifeCommunity gardens offer more than a spot to grow food
Robin Smyth / Tuesday, August 18thFresh from the garden takes on a whole new meaning when the produce on your plate has been reaped from your own little plot. However, for residents of apartments and condominiums, or those otherwise short of yard space, cultivating a garden may seem like a bit of an impossible dream.
If you have resigned yourself to tending a tiny plot of soil on your balcony, perhaps community gardening is your perfect solution. While it might be a bit late in the season to take up a new gardening project, it might be perfect timing to lay the groundwork for your own grow space in a community garden plot for 2016.
With over twenty years of experience, Riverview Garden Society President Rod Kueneman spoke to the short and long term benefits of community gardening. Kueneman is considered an expert in the field, and highly advocates in favor of this lifestyle.
Besides the obvious benefit of supplying his own fresh food, Kueneman said that he and the gardeners he has worked alongside over the years have formed their own little community. Through sharing work and experiences, the gardeners have become a family, and enjoy the deep and abiding bonds of friendship.
While community gardens are found throughout the city, most are not accessible to those with limited mobility. Riverview Gardens are, so seniors residing at or in care at Riverview Health Centre are able to take advantage of the outdoor activities involved with gardening.
West Broadway community garden. Photo from www.westbroadway.mbSome of the benefits beyond having access to local, organic, fresh food are providing beauty and diversity to the community, and knowledge and skill transfer to the gardeners. Local community initiatives are a positive way to respond to the serious food quality and security issues that are a problem in our society, and are a way to help local communities become cohesive, prepare and become resilient in the face of the serious ecological, energy, and financial crises which are already unfolding.
Wayne Antony, community garden enthusiast, spent many years living in the country, and when he returned to the city he found that his passion for gardening required more space than a back yard could provide. In an effort to extend his growth potential, Antony joined the 120 strong community of gardeners at Riverview Gardens.
Antony fervently supports the idea of citizens supplementing their dining tables with home grown produce. He believes that working in the soil with plants and seeds has a huge therapeutic effect, by calming us and connecting us with the earth.
Gardening keeps the skills of growing food for ourselves alive, and takes it back from corporations whose interests lie in maximizing profit rather than providing safe and nutritious food. Gardening has a politicizing effect on everyone, and demonstrates that not everything in our lives should be controlled and duplicated by technology.
From the insights shared by Kueneman and Antony, we are able to derive a deep, direct, and meaningful connection to the Earth and the bounty that is ours to harvest. Through community gardens, we are able to join in with groups of likeminded people, sharing in the rewards of effort and reaping the gift of freshly grown produce.
When you layer in the health benefits of spending time out of doors and being active, gardening truly is an all-around rewarding venture.
Additionally, when your crops come in bumper, friends and neighbors alike will benefit from your excess of fall tomatoes and cucumbers! Another big plus is having the option to pickle and freeze excess veggies to sustain your family through our long Manitoba winters.
Garden plots are open from May through to October, giving gardeners many months with which to enjoy both the experience of gardening and the pleasure of filling their pantries. With multiple neighborhood locations to choose from, chances are strong that there is a community garden close to your home. Places like the West Broadway Community Organization, Elmwood Community Garden, Bishop Grandin Greenway, and St. Matthews Maryland Church all offer opportunities to get involved with community gardening.
Registration information and a full list of Community Gardens in Winnipeg is available on 311.ca.
On honouring Louis Riel
Robin Smyth / Monday, July 20th 2015
Louis Riel: his is a name that history will always recall. Exclusive to Manitoba is the holiday that bears his name. In 2008, on the third Monday of the month, Louis Riel Day was launched in recognition and commemoration of our provincial founder. Known as Family Day in other provinces, Manitoba school students voted in favor of naming the February vacation day “Louis Riel Day.”
Born a son of Manitoba, Riel blazed an unforgettable trail through most of Canada and several of the United States. He pursued his destiny of becoming a Canadian legend with passion was often chronicled as bordering on the insane.
Having met his death at the end of a noose at the early age of 41, Riel left behind a startlingly long list of accomplishments and addresses. In order to fully grasp the multi-faceted persona that was Louis Riel, a lesson in history may be required.
In a brief summation of achievements, titles held by Riel are as follows: provincial founder (Manitoba), spiritual and political leader, teacher, law clerk, poet, husband and father.
His residences included Montana, Saskatchewan, New York, Ontario, Montreal, Minnesota, the Dakotas and Chicago.
His nomadic lifestyle was largely due to a need to flee one circumstance after another. Riel’s political involvements and pursuit of justice for all frequently resulted in seeking safe haven across borders. Incredibly, Riel was able to secure enough votes to be elected to the Canadian House of Commons a total of three times, even while languishing in a fugitive state.
Regardless of his profession or location, Riel’s true calling would effectively lure him back to the front line of preserving Métis land and rights. As Riel held a firm belief that he had been divinely chosen to lead and defend the Métis, he enmeshed himself in rebellions and battles. He also began to title himself superlatively as “the Prophet of the New World” and even more outrageously as “the Joyful Telephone of God.”
An intriguing and enigmatic personality, Riel vacillated between the pursuit of fair and equal treatment towards all Canadians to violent outbursts accompanied by lunatic ravings. He was committed to the care and control of an asylum where he slowly regained his “right” mind.
Biographers and researchers of our time have indicated that Riel may in fact have suffered from narcissistic personality disorder. This condition of the mind is described by the Mayo Clinic as “an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others.”
While widely and deservedly touted as a man of honour, and in fact considered to be a hero, observations on Riel span a wide spectrum. The further one delves into historical data, the more complex a person Riel becomes. With myriad traits and opposing characteristics documented over time, the question begs asking, who was Louis Riel, really?
His attributes can literally be spliced into two columns: Hero and Heretic.
Through reviewing the chronology of Riel’s short life, evidence of an intensely refracted persona come to light. Not one, but two common themes thread their way through Riel’s history, making him an incredible character study alongside of his political achievements.
On one side of the coin, Riel is heralded for his political savvy, his unwavering support of the Métis, his bravery and his musing prose.
On the other, darker side of the same coin, Riel is described as mentally unwell, explosive and eccentric. With behavioral tendencies to disrobe and imitate the roaring of a mighty bull in public, it is a small wonder that Riel was labelled as having a mental collapse of sorts. The word “psychotic” also appears in numerous historical accounts.
Regardless of how Riel has been portrayed in multiple publications, he is widely recalled for his acts of bravery and heroism. Truly, who among us would not experience a fraying of the mind at the incredible pressures that he found himself exposed to? Compared to the forward motion that Riel achieved in his short life, the significance of a dark and troubled side fades into the recesses of our collective memory.
As Canadians, the moody, volatile side of Riel is not a factor in our memories. Is it because we have an understanding that without dark there could be no light? Or, do we simply choose to celebrate the pinnacles regardless of the pitfalls?
Regardless of our individual or collective reasons for honoring Riel, we as Manitobans respectfully cherish the life and death of Riel year round, and pay him utmost respect on the holiday that bears his name.
Arts & LifeJane’s Walks in Winnipeg: You are a part of this community
Robin Smyth / Monday, July 20th 2015
Born on May 4, 1916, Jane Butzner (nee Jacobs) went on to live a life of advocacy in pursuit of protecting urban communities. Ninety-nine years ago, John and Bess Butzner welcomed their daughter into the world, and during her lifetime Jane seemed to embody her home state of Pennsylvania’s motto: “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.”
Such were her contributions to communities across North America that, after her passing, Jane’s inner circle collaborated in an effort to honor their departed friend. Jane was laid to rest in 2006 and through the love and sentiment of her closest friends, the first ever Jane’s Walk was organized and launched in Toronto. The purpose of the walk was to connect neighbors at the most grassroots level: walking around their community and talking with one another. The event that was intended to be a commemorative tribute was overwhelmingly attended and drew intensive media attention. Toronto’s mayor at the time, David Miller, decreed May 5 to be recognized as Jane Jacobs Day.
To fully understand the depth of meaning of a Jane’s Walk, and how it has morphed into a globally observed event, one must gaze back at Jane’s lifetime of accomplishments. Starting in her youth, Jane began contributing to the Scranton newspaper as an unpaid intern. When she became of age her heart lead her to make the leap to New York where she reunited, and lived with, her older sister. Jane explored the city by foot and via subway, and eventually settled in Lower Manhattan for the next thirty years. Her passion for writing saw Jane writing articles on a wide variety of subjects. Her freelancing eventually culminated in an editor position with Architectural Forum magazine in 1952, at age thirty-six.
It was in this editorial role that Jane was able impact the evolution of urban planning. Her vision of an engaged and intimate community led Jane to author a book entitled, The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Her book defended and gave reason to the continuity of neighborhoods that were diverse in culture and building structure. The message that Death and Life delivered was that neighborhoods should sustain livable streets, where residents are able to feel at home and safe. Jane envisioned regenerations over renovations. Where city planners sought to destroy slums, Jane fought to rebuild and rejuvenate deteriorating neighborhoods. Jane saw a way to rescue and revitalize areas that city planners would have preferred to level and rebuild. Her perspective that cities were made for people and not for vehicles figured prominently in Jane’s work.
Jane’s approach to city planning was akin to the story of David and Goliath. Her stance that city streets that overflow with pedestrian traffic create an environment of safety and security was the driving force behind her adamant charges against urban renewals. Jane stood fast in her vision of bustling urban centers and intervened at every level, opposing urban planners through a series of lectures, articles and books.
Based on her own thought that “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody,” Jane dedicated a huge majority of her life to protecting neighborhoods where inner city and urban families could thrive. Jane’s achievements become even more remarkable when the fact that she had no formal city planning training is taken into consideration.
While Jane blossomed in her professional career, she also married and gave birth to three children: a girl and two boys. Jane dedicated her life fully to motherhood and authoring books in 1962. In 1968, Jane and her family made the decision to immigrate to Canada and took up residence in Toronto. Her family and career continued to flourish and Jane eventually gained permanent citizenship.
In Toronto, Jane was instrumental in some powerful movements with regards to sustaining intact neighborhoods. She was part of a group that halted the construction of an expressway through Toronto’s Chinatown, and successfully opposed the building of a bridge that was meant to join Toronto’s airport and waterfront. Shortly after earning her citizenship, Jane was presented with the Order of Canada for her dedication to and success in urban activism.
For all of the work Jane did — the writing, the protecting, the advocating — and for opposing those with greater power than her own, we walk for Jane. Those who participate in a Jane’s Walk come away with a sense of what Jane was able to accomplish during her lifetime, some so much so that they choose to volunteer with Jane’s Walk as an organizer or walk leader.
Because Jane had such an impact on cities and neighborhoods both in Canada and the US, Jane’s Walks are essentially a tribute to her lifetime of achievements. Around the world walks have been organized in honor of Jane Jacobs and her tireless efforts to protect the walkability of neighborhoods. After the first walk took place in 2007, city after city were added until, in 2014, a reported 40,000 people participated in twenty-five countries. A total of one thousand walks were observed in honor of Jane, her life’s work, and her commitment to stronger, more livable and connected communities.
With the 2015 Jane’s Walk only days away, the Spectator Tribune, along with event organizer Matt Carreau, extend an invitation to you and your family to lace up your shoes and join a local walk. Set some time aside on Friday May 1, Saturday May 2 or Sunday May 3 to get out of the house, meet up with some new friends, and tour about town the old-fashioned way. Winnipeg is hosting more than twelve of the free walks, complete details can be found on the Jane’s Walk webpage
While most of the Jane’s Walk events take place during the first weekend in May, there are many Walks scheduled throughout the year. Walks are led by everyday people like you and me. If you are feeling inspired by the life of Jane Jacobs and wish to share the enthusiasm for and joy of your own neighborhood or favorite local spot, Matt Carreau would love to hear from you. Matt told the Spectator, “The walks encourage urban exploration and celebrate Winnipeg’s vibrant neighborhoods.” Matt advocates Jane’s Walk as a great opportunity to meet people interested in urbanism and community issues.
Arts & LifeCommunity gardens offer more than a spot to grow food
Robin Smyth / Tuesday, August 18thFresh from the garden takes on a whole new meaning when the produce on your plate has been reaped from your own little plot. However, for residents of apartments and condominiums, or those otherwise short of yard space, cultivating a garden may seem like a bit of an impossible dream.
If you have resigned yourself to tending a tiny plot of soil on your balcony, perhaps community gardening is your perfect solution. While it might be a bit late in the season to take up a new gardening project, it might be perfect timing to lay the groundwork for your own grow space in a community garden plot for 2016.
With over twenty years of experience, Riverview Garden Society President Rod Kueneman spoke to the short and long term benefits of community gardening. Kueneman is considered an expert in the field, and highly advocates in favor of this lifestyle.
Besides the obvious benefit of supplying his own fresh food, Kueneman said that he and the gardeners he has worked alongside over the years have formed their own little community. Through sharing work and experiences, the gardeners have become a family, and enjoy the deep and abiding bonds of friendship.
While community gardens are found throughout the city, most are not accessible to those with limited mobility. Riverview Gardens are, so seniors residing at or in care at Riverview Health Centre are able to take advantage of the outdoor activities involved with gardening.
West Broadway community garden. Photo from www.westbroadway.mbSome of the benefits beyond having access to local, organic, fresh food are providing beauty and diversity to the community, and knowledge and skill transfer to the gardeners. Local community initiatives are a positive way to respond to the serious food quality and security issues that are a problem in our society, and are a way to help local communities become cohesive, prepare and become resilient in the face of the serious ecological, energy, and financial crises which are already unfolding.
Wayne Antony, community garden enthusiast, spent many years living in the country, and when he returned to the city he found that his passion for gardening required more space than a back yard could provide. In an effort to extend his growth potential, Antony joined the 120 strong community of gardeners at Riverview Gardens.
Antony fervently supports the idea of citizens supplementing their dining tables with home grown produce. He believes that working in the soil with plants and seeds has a huge therapeutic effect, by calming us and connecting us with the earth.
Gardening keeps the skills of growing food for ourselves alive, and takes it back from corporations whose interests lie in maximizing profit rather than providing safe and nutritious food. Gardening has a politicizing effect on everyone, and demonstrates that not everything in our lives should be controlled and duplicated by technology.
From the insights shared by Kueneman and Antony, we are able to derive a deep, direct, and meaningful connection to the Earth and the bounty that is ours to harvest. Through community gardens, we are able to join in with groups of likeminded people, sharing in the rewards of effort and reaping the gift of freshly grown produce.
When you layer in the health benefits of spending time out of doors and being active, gardening truly is an all-around rewarding venture.
Additionally, when your crops come in bumper, friends and neighbors alike will benefit from your excess of fall tomatoes and cucumbers! Another big plus is having the option to pickle and freeze excess veggies to sustain your family through our long Manitoba winters.
Garden plots are open from May through to October, giving gardeners many months with which to enjoy both the experience of gardening and the pleasure of filling their pantries. With multiple neighborhood locations to choose from, chances are strong that there is a community garden close to your home. Places like the West Broadway Community Organization, Elmwood Community Garden, Bishop Grandin Greenway, and St. Matthews Maryland Church all offer opportunities to get involved with community gardening.
Registration information and a full list of Community Gardens in Winnipeg is available on 311.ca.