Massive Snowstorm Hits Antigonish

February has been a snowy month for Nova Scotia, with record-setting amounts falling throughout the province. Beginning in the evening of February 2nd, Antigonish was one of many towns hit with a large storm. The snowfall was heaviest in eastern mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, with some areas being hit with up to a meter of snow.

Along with other campuses, StFX was one of many Nova Scotia schools that remained closed throughout the snow storm. The campus was closed for four consecutive days from Saturday, February 3rd to Tuesday, February 6th. During this time, emergency services such as security and Morrison Hall remained open for students. Online classes also proceeded unless otherwise stated by the professor. In addition to StFX, Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, as well as Mount Saint Vincent University were also closed at some point during the storm.

To assist with clean up, students, staff, and faculty were advised to stay off campus and avoid any form of pedestrian or car traffic that could interfere with snow removal services. In fact, the school was searching for student shovelers to assist with snow clean up, offering a wage of $18.25 per hour. Several cars in certain parking lots were required to move to make way for snowplows. Shovels were provided by Security Services for those without.

Due to the poor weather conditions, certain sports games (both home and away) were postponed and rescheduled. These games included: a women's basketball game, a men’s basketball game, a women’s hockey game, as well as a men’s hockey game.

The last thing StFX students expected following the four-day campus closure was yet another snow day. The following week, Antigonish saw more snow which resulted in two partial snow days on February 14th and 15th. On both days, campus remained closed until 11:30am. Afterwards, classes continued as per schedule.

Works Cited:

https://globalnews.ca/news/10281479/antigonish-woman-trapped-for-days-after-snow-storm/

https://globalnews.ca/news/10271529/halifax-schools-cancelled-nova-scotia-snow-storm/

History of the X-Ring

December 3rd: X-Ring Day. A highly anticipated (if not, the most anticipated) day for members of the StFX community every year. As the alleged third most recognized ring in the world, only following the Super Bowl ring and the Papal ring, the X-Ring holds strong significance for those who have attended StFX. It represents Xaverian spirit, community, the hard work of students, and the accomplishments they have made while at university.

Prior to the 1940s, a pin was designed every year for each graduating class at StFX. However, it was in 1942, during the Second World War, when the X-Ring was born. Senior Class President Willie MacDougall created the iconic ring that would forever hold tradition from that moment on.

In 1958, the first ever X-Ring ceremony was held. Beginning in the MacKay Room, the ceremony moved to the basement of the Chapel and eventually its main space. It is now held in the Keating Centre each year as a result of the growing number of senior students in every graduating class. It was in 1982 when the ceremony was decided to be held each year on December 3rd, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.

At the end of every X-Ring ceremony, X-Ring recipients tap their new ring on a wooden kneeler from the Chapel when exiting the Keating Centre. This tradition continued from when the ceremony was held in the Chapel, where X-Ring recipients would tap their ring on the wooden pews.

As a result of being copyrighted, the X-Ring is exclusive to only graduates and senior students of the university. Only those who have worked to achieve their rings may purchase one. However, one honorary X-Ring is given out each year to a deserving member of the Xaverian community.

The X-Ring represents the close, tight-knit community of StFX and the continuous connections that will be made with other X Alumni throughout the years. Years after graduating, whether you are still here living in Antigonish or on the other side of the world, your X-Ring is a token that will forever hold your identity as a member of the Xaverian community.

Congratulations to all X-Ring recipients this year!

Work Cited:

https://www.stfx.ca/student-services/support-services/chaplaincy/events-activities/x-ring

https://www.alumni.stfx.ca/s/650/standard.aspx?sid=650&gid=1&pgid=890

https://theu.ca/history-of-the-xring

https://www.stfx.ca/alumni/x-ring#:~:text=You%20can%20identify%20them%20easily,recognized%20ring%20in%20the%20world.

A Conversation with Alan Syliboy: A Childhood in Mi’kma’ki

On Thursday November 16th, students and members of the community gathered in Barrack Auditorium in Mulroney Hall to attend a unique event hosted by the German 200 class and the StFX German Society. The event was a conversation with Alan Syliboy about his experience and perspective growing up in Mi’kma’ki during the 1950s. The conversation was led by fourth-year students Maia Schisler and Gianluca Abrignani.

            Alan Syliboy is a visual and musical artist who was born and raised in Millbrook First Nation, where he still lives to this day. He is well-known for his visual artwork inspired by the Mi’kmaq petroglyph tradition, as well as his talented band, Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers. Alan has also written multiple children’s books which have all been translated to German by StFX’s German classes. In fact, he just released his newest children’s book, When the Owl Calls Your Name.

            During the conversation, Mr. Syliboy recalled the memories and individuals that had a significant impact on his life growing up. Living in a community with only 30-40 houses, he grew up having a close relationship with his younger brother, Dale, whom he remains close with to this day. His grandmother, whom he described as brilliant and someone who always had her heart in the right place, was also a strong role model in his life.

            When asked about how he got into artwork as a career, he explained how he always drew growing up and consistently got a positive response from others, which served as a big encouragement for him to continue. Mr. Syliboy attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and stated that his goal was not necessarily to graduate, but to gain experience. According to Syliboy, a coffee shop was practically his classroom; he would spend hours of his day there speaking with artists from all around the world.

            This is one of multiple visits that Alan Syliboy has made to StFX over the past several years. On September 29th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, StFX welcomed Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers for a concert that was organized by the German Department. Members of the band include: Alan Syliboy, Evan Syliboy, Hubert Francis, Lukas Pearse, Joanne Hatfield, Aaron Prosper, and Matt Gallant.

You may be wondering why it was a German class that hosted this event, and why they, in particular, are the ones who are actively involved with Indigenous members of the community. Marlis Lade, a German professor at StFX, explained during the event that everyone had a role to play in continuing the contributions towards reconciliation.

Overall, the conversation with Alan Syliboy was incredibly engaging to witness and enjoyed by both the students and members of the community who attended.

Works Cited:

https://alansyliboy.ca/band/

https://alansyliboy.ca/about/

Best Buddies Society: Friendships That Will Last a Lifetime

On November 25, the StFX Best Buddies Society hosted a Christmas party in Coady Dennis Hall. Those who attended enjoyed a Christmas movie, cookie decorating, ornament creating, and colouring. The event was a great way to spend the afternoon getting into the Christmas spirit before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins.

Best Buddies Canada is an organization that builds friendships between individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. Buddies are paired with one another based on similar interests and meet up at least once a month for some quality one-on-one time.  The organization runs programs across the country in different elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, as well as post-secondary institutions—including here at StFX. Best Buddies is an excellent way to get involved with the school and promote inclusion and acceptance within the community.

The Christmas party was the second group event that the society has hosted this year. On October 29, the Best Buddies society celebrated Halloween with a costume party that consisted of a movie, colouring, and treats. Returning members reunited with their buddies and new members were able to be introduced to one another.

I spoke with a member of the Best Buddies Society, Caroline Kelly, a second-year who has been an active volunteer with Best Buddies Canada since high school. Ms. Kelly spoke about her inspiration for becoming involved with Best Buddies, sharing that “my older sister was involved with Best Buddies in high school so that’s how I got to know the club. I thought it was a cool way to involve myself within my own school community.” She also explained how it can be easy for individuals with intellectual disabilities to feel ostracized in a school setting and wanted to create an inclusive environment for all.

Furthermore, when asked why students at StFX should volunteer with the organization, Kelly explained that it is a great way to get to be involved with the university in a hands-on and personal way. What she loves about Best Buddies at StFX is how you are not only getting to know students at the school, but also individuals within the Antigonish community. “It’s a wider, broader sense of community,” Ms. Kelly stated, “there are so many different people you get to meet. It’s a fun way to get to know people and it feels like you’re involving yourself in a different way compared to other clubs.”

If you are interested in getting involved with the university and members of the Antigonish community, applying to the Best Buddies Society is an excellent way to do so. The meaningful memories you will make and the solid friendships you will form will last a lifetime.

Ceilidh Series at X

What better way to celebrate Canadian East Coast culture than attending a Ceilidh? On November 25 at 7 pm, Flourish@X and Catholics@X invite you to a Ceilidh at St. Ninian Place consisting of live entertainment from students, square dancing, baked goods, coffee and tea, and a raffle. This can be a great way to de-stress after midterms and have one last hurrah with fellow students before final exams and the Christmas break.

Ceilidh is a Gaelic word for “party” or “social gathering.” They are a popular social event in Cape Breton and can be large fundraisers for the community. Though Ceilidhs frequently involve a square dance, they do not have to. Ceilidhs involve multiple live performers, generally including a local fiddler and pianist.

The Ceilidh series at St. FX is hosted by Flourish@X and Catholics@X who have also partnered with the East Coast Music Society and CFXU 93.9 FM “The Fox” to help run them. Joshua Kroker, a third year student who has been involved in organizing the events, encourages students to come give the Ceilidh a try, regardless of whether or not you have any experience square dancing. The Ceilidh series is an excellent way to get to know and celebrate Gaelic traditions in a fun and inclusive environment.

This is not the first time that St. FX has hosted a Ceilidh event. On March 31, 2023, members of the community gathered at St. FX for a spring Ceilidh to enjoy some Cape Breton music and square dancing. The organizations hosting the Ceilidh wanted to expand it to a series of multiple events leading up to one big one. Furthermore, Celtic traditions are a big part of the identity in this area, and the organizers wanted to provide students with the opportunity to feel the culture of Antigonish. So far this fall, two Ceilidh events have taken place, one on October 21 and another on November 2, both of which gave the opportunity to practice square dancing prior to the Christmas Ceilidh. Each event had a great turn out of around 20-30 people.

When asked why students should participate in the Ceilidh, Kroker said: “it’s a great way to get to know the community and to learn more about where you’re studying. When we come to StFX, we’re a part of a greater community which is Antigonish and these Gaelic and traditional roots that also go a little further than Antigonish.” Kroker recalled his first time attending a Ceilidh as someone who had no square dancing experience. He explained how it was an incredibly welcoming experience because everyone was patient and simply wanted to have a good time.

So, if you would like to expand your knowledge of the Gaelic roots and identity of Antigonish in an inclusive and welcoming environment, you are welcome to come out to the Christmas Ceilidh on November 25th!