From academic differences to new social norms, learn of the unique discoveries a UK exchange student faces while adapting to life in Canada
Jasmine Joseph is a third-year psychology, neuroscience and behaviour student at the University of Warwick in England. She is currently on exchange at McMaster University for the Winter 2025 term.
When reflecting on her decision to study in Canada, she emphasized the value of embracing opportunities.
"There's not going to be any other time in your life after this where you have so much free time to explore, study abroad and I was like let me try and just make the most of the opportunities at my university," said Joseph. "If money is a worry, money comes back. Time doesn't."
Despite initial anxieties about making friends and adjusting to life without her family, Joseph quickly adapted.
"There were some days where I was a bit anxious, going to a whole group at an event and just interrupting the conversation to be like, Hey, can I come and sit with you guys," said Joseph.
Joseph highlighted a memorable opportunity that she would not have had without actively seeking it out and engaging socially. "I've been on a cabin trip with the Mac Outdoor Club, which was so fun. And I met some such lovely girls on that trip," said Joseph.
One of the most notable aspects of Joseph's experience has been the cultural differences she encountered.
"People here are a lot friendlier. I knew people would probably be a bit nicer, but it's really surprised me," said Joseph, noting the contrast between the warm Canadian hospitality and the more reserved nature she’s accustomed to in the UK.
People here are a lot friendlier like I knew people would probably be a bit nicer. But it's really surprised me
Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University
She explained that people have sometimes mimicked her British accent, which she finds amuzing.
"I thought we were having a normal conversation. Now, this is like a British accent practice class," said Joseph.
Joseph also faced some language barriers due to slang differences. Words like "accom" for accommodation left Canadians confused, as McMaster students typically say "res" for residence.
"There are definitely some words when I'm speaking, they're just like, "Oh, what does that mean?" But they do know a few more. There are some crossovers that I wasn't expecting, especially in the Black community, they'll be saying words that we say in London," said Joseph.
Toronto and London share some similar slang due to their shared historical roots in cultural immigration, particularly from Caribbean and Middle Eastern communities. This diverse influence has shaped the local vernacular in both cities.
Academically, Joseph was shocked by McMaster’s teaching style. She noticed a significant difference between the UK and Canadian approaches.
"I go to a Russell Group University back home, it's like the British version of Ivy League and back home our academic system at my university is very rigorous . . . But when I came here, what I've like concluded and gathered after being here for 3 months now almost 4, is that the education system–at least I can speak on Mac–is a lot more relaxed," said Joseph.
When comparing both styles of teaching, Joseph concluded she prefers McMaster's environment to better understand and learn course content.
"It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising," said Joseph. "I've been lucky enough that the profs that I've had, you can tell they're passionate about the subject."
It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising
Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University
Joseph explained how her exchange has impacted her own approach to academics.
"I think it's even taught me the fact that yes, I'm here on pass fail, but just to give myself more grace when it comes to my academics," said Joseph. Being abroad has allowed her to focus on learning the content rather than obsessing over grades, something she hopes to continue back home.
Joseph also believes her exchange experience will help her career. Overcoming challenges and pushing past fears has strengthened her confidence.
"I betted on myself that, you know what, I'm going to go and smash this this semester abroad. And by God's grace it's been good, it's been successful," said Joseph.
The time Joseph has had at McMaster has been memorable and she encourages others to take on opportunities that promote cultural exchange. "Do it. Take that exchange, go on that semester abroad, go on that full year studying abroad. Just do it, because for me life is too short," concluded Joseph.
Through music, dance and theatre, Abju: to Dream brings a powerful story of tradition and ambition to life.
Afrofest, an annual event and celebration hosted by MacAfricans, will return on Mar. 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., at The Zoetic Company. This year’s production, Abju to Dream, showcases the vibrant and diverse culture throughout Africa and aims to captivate audiences with its rich narrative and creative performance.
Mitchel Ezan and Eniola Olawale-Yusuf, the co-president and communications associate of MacAfricans, respectively, shared how Afrofest is more than a cultural showcase; it is a deeply creative, community-driven experience.
"Afrofest has four major parts," explained Olawale-Yusuf. "We have the acting to tell stories, the modelling that showcases African culture through clothing and fashion. We have the music and we have the dance team that uses cultural references across [from] the diaspora."
One of the central elements of the show is its storyline, which tackles the theme of following one's dreams in the face of societal and familial pressure. Abju to Dream follows a character who defies traditional expectations within African culture.
"It touches on people's stories who try to break from the norm. It goes back and forth with the characters exploring their own dreams and future for themselves," said Olawale-Yusuf.
It touches on people's stories who try to break from the norm. It goes back and forth with the characters exploring their own dreams and future for themselves.
Eniola Olawale-Yusuf, Communications Associate
MacAfricans
"I feel like Abju is just very nostalgic. I think the audience is able to explore certain things that occur within African cultures that is not spoken about enough," added Ezan.
As an extension of community spirit, the event will conclude with an after-party at 10:00 p.m. "It's just a way to continue the celebration into the night and just have fun,” said Ezan. "You're still enjoying African and Caribbean music, still listening to dancehall, all that sort of thing . . . bonding and forming connections overall.”
The event is open to everyone, regardless of background.
"If you just want to embrace the culture, if you just enjoy stories and performance—everyone is welcome." shared Ezan.
If you just want to embrace the culture, if you just enjoy stories and performance—everyone is welcome.
Mitchel Ezan, Co-president
MacAfricans
Despite challenges, such as raising awareness about the event after having to cancel last year's showcase, the team is excited to see growing enthusiasm for this year's event.
"We've been trying our best to show that [Afrofest] is more than a regular talent show. There is so much more to it. And it makes me so happy knowing more people are so interested now," said Olawale-Yusuf.
For the broader community of the African diaspora at McMaster, Afrofest serves as a powerful celebration and reminder of African culture.
"We are here to represent you and teach the community about our culture," expressed Olawale-Yusuf.
Whether you are a McMaster student, a faculty member or visitor looking to immerse yourself in African art, music and storytelling, Afrofest offers something for everyone. Tickets and information on Afrofest can be found on MacAfricans' social media.
Red Packet Popups celebrated the richness of Lunar New Year traditions and local culture
Hamilton recently saw its first-ever Lunar New Year market, a public event that invited the entire community to celebrate the holiday. Organized by Red Packet Popups, a Hamilton-based pop-up event company, in partnership with the Hamilton Chinese Association, the event provided a space for cultural engagement and connection.
The event took place from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2025, at Hamilton Artists Inc., a central and accessible venue located in the heart of downtown Hamilton. The programming was designed to welcome both those who celebrate the Lunar New Year as well as those interested in the traditions surrounding it.
The market featured a variety of activities, including a lion dance performance, a calligraphy demonstration by Andrew Ha, and a dumpling-making session led by Joyce of Cooking, who hosts cooking classes for all ages all throughout Hamilton. Malaysian-Canadian musician Eunice Keitan also performed in both Cantonese and English, drawing a crowd to experience the fusion of neo-soul and world-folk genres.
Red Packet Popups is a relatively new initiative that was created in the fall of 2024. "My mission is to organize pop up events around Hamilton, focusing on community engagement and cultural celebrations," shared Jaycee Tu, the founder of Red Packet Popups.
Tu explained that the name "Red Packet" is inspired by the Lunar New Year tradition of giving red envelopes, which symbolize luck, prosperity and goodwill. She views each event as a symbolic red packet—a gift of shared joy and connection to the community.
Tu, who moved to Hamilton from Toronto several years ago, noted that she was surprised by the lack of Lunar New Year events in the city. “It’s my family’s biggest holiday of the year, so I was looking for places to celebrate. I was seeing celebrations in Oakville and Burlington but not in Hamilton,” said Tu.
It’s my family’s biggest holiday of the year, so I was looking for places to celebrate. I was seeing celebrations in Oakville and Burlington but not in Hamilton.
Jaycee Tu, Founder
Red Packet Popups
After waiting to see if an event would emerge, Tu decided to take initiative herself. Tu noted how having a child of her own instilled a sense of urgency and motivated her to start a new tradition. "Having a kid made me think about things in different way. I want to be able to raise my child in a city that celebrates her culture," said Tu.
The planning process was not without challenges. As a new organization, Red Packet Popups had to work hard to spread the word. “We had to do some very targeted, face-to-face outreach,” said Tu, explaining that their team compiled a list of Asian-run businesses and artists to invite to the event.
Additionally, the market was organized with no external funding. Despite these hurdles, Tu and her team were able to bring together a strong selection of vendors and performers.
More than 630 people attended the event throughout the day, a turnout that Tu described as both surprising and affirming. "We were expecting a much larger drop in numbers, but people showed up. The community showed up. Maybe we shouldn't have been shocked, but we were floored and so happy," said Tu.
We were expecting a much larger drop off, but people showed up. The community showed up. Maybe we shouldn't have been shocked, but we were floored and so happy.
Jaycee Tu, Founder
Red Packet Popups
While the event prioritized Asian-run businesses, Tu emphasized the importance of balancing cultural authenticity while making the celebration open to the wider Hamilton community. Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity was also a priority for the organizers. “We made it free because we didn’t want there to be any barriers,” said Tu.
We made it free because we didn’t want there to be any barriers,
Jaycee Tu, Founder
Red Packet Popups
Reflecting on the event’s success, Tu noted that it reinforced a sense of belonging in Hamilton. “After Sunday’s turnout, it’s clear to me that the city does embrace and celebrate our culture,” she said. “It just affirmed that Hamilton is home for me now.”
With such a strong response from the community, Red Packet Popups and the Hamilton Chinese Association plan to continue the Lunar New Year market as an annual tradition, growing it further in the years to come. The Hamilton Chinese Association regularly holds events, including an upcoming Chinese paper cutting workshop. Updates on future events from Red Packet Popups can be found on their social media.
Join the McMaster community for a vibrant evening of performances, food and exciting volleyball action
On Jan. 24, 2025, the McMaster Students Union will host MSU Cultural Night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Burridge Gym. This special event will serve as a platform for McMaster’s student cultural clubs to showcase their rich cultural backgrounds and foster a sense of community and inclusivity.
Rene Hares, clubs administrator of the McMaster Students Union, oversees all of the MSU's ratified clubs and is an organizer of the MSU Cultural Night. "This is an opportunity for all of these cultural clubs to come together and they get to see what everybody has been working on throughout the year, what they have to offer, what makes them proud about their culture," said Hares.
This is an opportunity for all of these cultural clubs to come together and they get to see what everybody has been working on throughout the year, what they have to offer, what makes them proud about their culture.
Rene Hares, Clubs Administrator
McMaster Students Union
MSU Cultural Night will feature six MSU cultural clubs that were selected on a first come first serve basis.
"We have limited space because we're limited to the space that is near the gym. We reached out to all of the cultural clubs and we asked them to sign up if they were interested in participating . . . So we ended up working with the first six clubs that applied because that was what we could accommodate for of the clubs," said Hares.
The clubs selected are macGEET, Mac Serbs, McMaster South Indian Students Association, McMaster Moroccan Students Association, Hindu Students' Association and McMaster Muslim Students’ Association.
The food at the event will be sold by McMaster Hospitality Services and will incorporate cultural elements to their menu. "We took a list of recommendations of food [from cultural clubs] and we submitted it to hospitality services to hopefully create a variety of options of things that maybe they would be interested in integrating into their menu," said Hares.
For those who enjoy friendly competition, the night will also feature volleyball games which will add an exciting element. The McMaster women's volleyball team will be playing at 6:00 p.m. and the men's volleyball game will begin at 8:00 p.m. while the cultural clubs are displayed at tables in a space near the gym. To kickoff the games, two members of macGEET will be performing the national anthem.
Hares discussed that all other cultural performances will be virtual and played on the video board in the gym. "Clubs have the opportunity to submit a 30-second clip about their club that could be played throughout the games," said Hares.
Beyond the competition and food, MSU Cultural Night will also serve as an opportunity for students to learn more about the cultural clubs at McMaster and how they can get involved. Four of the six clubs will have tables to showcase their club merchandise, answer questions and advertise their club to attendees.
Hares encourages students to explore the diverse range of clubs on campus and hopes attendees see what the clubs department has to offer.
"Obviously, not all of our cultural clubs are going to be at the game, but I hope that attendees can see, "wow, there is so many cultural clubs at the MSU. I should look into all of the other ones that I don't see here"," said Hares.
"I think it's really important to supplement focusing on academics with just social aspects of student life, and this is a really great way to do that. It's a way to find people that have similar values and visions as you and I think that that can help you become more successful academically if you have a well balanced social and academic career," said Hares when asked about the value of joining student clubs.
It's a way to find people that have similar values and visions as you and I think that that can help you become more successful academically if you have like a well balanced social and academic career.
Rene Hares, Clubs Administrator
McMaster Students Union
Whether attending to enjoy the games, the food or to visit the clubs, students will have the chance to connect with their peers and experience the vibrant cultural life here at McMaster. Keep up with the MSU Clubs Department's Instagram for more engaging events that showcase the diversity on campus.
In a world where rest feels like laziness and hustle culture is glorified, mental health is at an all-time low
By: Nada Bouchalkha, Opinion Contributor
When was the last time you felt that wave of unforgiving guilt for taking a lazy day? Maybe it crept in after skipping your workout or missing a lecture you knew wasn’t going to hold your attention.
That relentless voice urging you to do more, achieve more and be more - we all know it too well. But here’s the truth: that internalized voice has a name - hustle culture. Recognizing it is the first step toward taking back control.
Everyone’s relationship with hustle culture is different. But if any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to let go of its hold.
The mantra that "the grind never stops" becomes so deeply embedded in our thinking that we begin punishing ourselves, by depriving ourselves of sleep or denying ourselves leisure activities and forcing us to cancel plans or abandon hobbies. This misplaced sense of guilt often leads to deteriorating mental health, burnout, exhaustion and even physical illness brought on by stress.
The constant need to keep up, coupled with the fear of falling behind, can feel exhausting. But life isn’t a race and sometimes, slowing down is more beneficial than you think.
At university, an environment where success is measured primarily by your GPA and busyness, it’s easy to feel like taking time for yourself is a sign of weakness. Social media reinforces this pressure, saturating us with carefully curated videos of high achievers that highlight only their best days. The constant need to keep up, coupled with the fear of falling behind, can feel exhausting. But life isn’t a race and sometimes slowing down is more beneficial than you think.
This toxic cycle traps us in a state of perpetual dissatisfaction. It becomes near impossible to appreciate the little things in life when you’re constantly operating in survival mode. True satisfaction cannot be achieved when success is endlessly redefined around productivity because it leaves no room for self-acceptance.
Whether this resonates with you as a student taking on too many courses or as someone juggling multiple jobs at once, the question remains: if being productive comes at the expense of your mental health, is it really worth it?
Allowing yourself to rest is the first step towards balance and learning what healthy productivity looks like.
Healthy productivity is about achieving a balance between work and well-being. As a student, this means setting realistic goals and allowing yourself to slow down. After all, every step forward, no matter how little, will contribute to your growth.
It is important to grant yourself compassion for the days that you don’t meet the high standards you set. By nurturing both your personal and professional development, you can not only achieve success but also grow as an individual.
There is a unique tranquility in allowing yourself to embrace the little things like napping, spending time with friends, going on a walk, or even doing nothing at all.
It’s essential to discover your sense of purpose beyond merely material achievements and productivity-driven goals. There is a unique tranquility in allowing yourself to embrace the little things like napping, spending time with friends, going on a walk, or even doing nothing at all.
It has be said that the most successful animals are those that are the laziest. Even in nature, survival often depends on conserving energy rather than constantly expending it. Similarly, the constant chase of productivity without rest can leave us burnt out, detached from our goals, disconnected and unfulfilled.
You should feel a sense of pride not only during your "hustle" but also in your moments doing nothing at all. Though doing nothing may seem easy, social pressures can make it feel surprisingly difficult, especially for students who are endlessly pressured to prioritize grades and build a “perfect” resume.
Embracing downtime and investing in leisure activities that restore us are not signs of laziness or weakness. Rather, they sustain our mental health and make us more productive in the long run.
So, this isn’t to say you should drop everything and become a surfer, unless of course that is your true calling. But if being "lazy" means taking care of yourself, then by all means do so.
Newly formed McMaster Sudanese Student Association blends advocacy with community through a night of shai and wanasa
In its first official year of operation, the McMaster Sudanese Student Association hosted its Shai x Wanasa event. On Nov. 13, 2024, in the Burke Science Building, students gathered for a evening of games, Sudanese refreshments and conversation.
The MSSA is a student club that aims to empower and build the McMaster Sudanese community. Leen Elshikh is one of the two co-presidents of this association and highlighted the importance of club's recent ratification as a Sudanese student.
"I mean as a Sudanese person myself . . . there's this identity crisis, because some of us come in different shapes and colours obviously. But some of us have always felt like we're not African enough or Black enough to fit in with that side of the community. At the same time, we're also considered Middle Eastern and there is a lot of internal racism within the Middle Eastern community, so you don't fully feel accepted there either ... so it's honestly just great to see our community come together and build a home away from home at Mac," said Elshikh.
It's honestly just great to see our community come together and build a home away from home at Mac.
Leen Elshikh, Co-President
McMaster Sudanese Student Association
Elshikh recalled the tough beginning stages of the club's formation to truly gather the Sudanese community at McMaster. "It was tough last year, especially because I was not very well connected in the Sudanese community personally . . . also, we didn't have a big following, we weren't ratified, we didn't have the resources to build ourselves up so Sudanese people couldn't find us," said Elshikh.
Where as now, Elshikh has witnesses the club's current expansion and positive reception to their events. "I don't know what happened this year but I'm very thankful and very happy. Our events have been really, really big . . . Wednesday [Shai x Wanasa event] was over 60 people and that was shocking to me. I didn't even know there were 60 Sudanese people on campus that is crazy," said Elshikh.
"That's what Sudanese people call tea, we call it shai. And wanasa is what we call conversation," said Elshikh when asked about the title of the event. Traditional Sudanese tea was served at the event and baked goods that are normally enjoyed with it.
The event began with conversation among attendees to get to know each other. "A lot of people are first years and they really want to get to know people who look like them . . . so we gave them an opportunity to do that and then the rest of the time was trivia games," said Elshikh.
"Another thing I love about this club is we've also been integrating advocacy through our work in the club," expressed Elshikh.
One way the MSSA displayed their integration of advocacy was through a trivia game where participants guess the cost of items shown. "The prices of a lot of things in Sudan have gone up exponentially in the past year because of the war and because of a lack of access to resources. So we thought playing this game — yes, it's a game and people get to guess and have fun and work together in teams — but it was also a way to raise awareness," said Elshikh.
The McMaster Sudanese Student Association also provided a credit and debit card machine to allow participants to voluntarily donate. "We are working with a charity that's called Sadagaat Ontario. It is a Sudanese charity and they're working to help people in Ontario raise money and send it to Sudan in a way that's actually actionable," said Elshikh.
The night ended with a Jeopardy game where students were divided into two teams.
"We played a game of jeopardy . . . people got to remember things about when they used to live in Sudan and what they used to eat and where they used to go and stuff like that," said Elshikh. "Just to end it off on a light note and bring that semblance. We always want to end it off with community, we hope that people leave and think yes we did hear about some hard things but in the end we still have community."
We always want to end it off with community, we hope that people leave and think yes we did hear about some hard things but in the end we still have community.
Leen Elshikh, Co-President
McMaster Sudanese Student Association
Elshikh encourages students to become more educated on other cultures and diversify their McMaster experience. "Step outside of the same ideas and the same things that you're used to and learn something new. Learn about a new culture, learn about a new tradition, go to a club's event that you have no idea about simply to learn and to support and to just grow as a person and be more culturally aware," said Elshikh.
This club represents a beautiful culture that is working towards increased visibility at McMaster and bringing together its community. "For Sudani students at Mac I want to let them know they're not alone. I want to let them know that this is a space for them," expressed Elshikh.
The MSSA looks forward to continue bringing Sudanese culture to McMaster. Learn about a new culture or appreciate your own through the McMaster Sudanese Student Association's Instagram. Stay tuned for more culturally immersive and educational events!
Imposter syndrome is often viewed as a personal struggle, but for BIPOC students it’s deeply intertwined with societal expectations and barriers that influence their academic journey
Imposter syndrome is not a new phenomenon for many. It’s a sentiment that follows you through your academic journey. While imposter syndrome is often dismissed as self-doubt, for BIPOC students, it’s a complex issue shaped by societal barriers and stereotypes that have a life-long impact on their mental health.
For BIPOC students, imposter syndrome is often tied to anxiety over race and ethnicity and how these may affect you as a student. It is the hyper-awareness towards how you present yourself, interact with others and try to balance the burdensome feeling of knowing you are different that makes imposter syndrome uniquely challenging for BIPOC students.
From an early age, many BIPOC individuals feel a pressure to minimize their racial identities to make others feel more comfortable. This can begin with distressing experiences, such as comments being made about one's accent or about different cultural foods they may bring for lunch. For BIPOC students, these experiences lead to a hyper-awareness of how one is perceived and feeling a need to adapt and try to fit in as a means of self-protection against ignorance and intolerance.
From an early age, many BIPOC students become aware of the pressure to minimize their racial identities to make others feel more comfortable.
This feeling is further exacerbated in highly competitive environments like universities, where the feeling of the need to adapt is exacerbated by the pressure to perform. In this context, it’s the feeling that you have to work harder than your non-BIPOC peers to be seen as equally valuable. It’s the feeling of the need to defy the implicit bias of others that groups you with harmful stereotypes.
Constantly being hyper-aware of and adapting your behaviour produces a chronic sense of worry. This seriously impacts the mental health and self-confidence of many BIPOC students. The mental burden causes a heightened sense of imposter syndrome by reinforcing the narrative of race undermining your value. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health in many BIPOC communities often leads students to tough it out and endure the struggles that come with their identities.
The stigma surrounding mental health in many BIPOC communities often leads students to tough it out and endure the struggles that come with their identities.
As a BIPOC student, challenging these norms can be even more mentally taxing and isolating. So, surround yourself with friends, mentors and educators who validate your experiences and who help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to stay true to yourself. Such communities gives BIPOC students the courage to integrate racial and ethnic perspectives within academics, helping them to forge their own way. There is no need to justify taking space, or to wait for others to build their tolerance and make a space for you.
Imposter syndrome for BIPOC students is not just a personal battle but a reflection of deep-rooted societal pressures and persisting racial biases. The experiences of many BIPOC students surpass typical self-doubt and become a mental and emotional burden which ultimately impacts their societal views and academic experiences.
McMaster's second annual Cultural Fest held in the MUSC atrium celebrates McMaster's diverse student groups
Cultural Fest took place on Oct. 30, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as part of the programming for International Education Week. Seventeen different clubs had tables set up in the atrium of the McMaster University Student Centre. This event was organized by the McMaster International and Exchange Students Club in partnership with the Student Success Centre.
Each club showcased their culture and club events with poster boards, flags, books and slideshows. Some clubs also offered cultural foods to students.
Attendees were given a bingo card with all the clubs’ logos to encourage interaction. To complete the card, attendees had to participate in the activity offered by each club. These activities included trivia, drawing and trying on traditional clothing. MIX, the McMaster International and Exchange Students Club, provided treat bags or cupcakes as prizes for completing at least eight activities.
Humphrey Erizo, the co-president of MIX, explained that the idea for the event was modelled after Clubs Fest, which is held by the MSU during the first week of school.
“A lot of cultural clubs get to hold their booths [at Clubs Fest] but we have to kind of divide the attention of the people. Usually people who come to our booths or the booths of specific [cultural clubs], they come there because they are from that specific culture and so we don’t necessarily get that kind of a broader audience,” said Erizo.
Cultural Fest offers an opportunity for clubs to engage with students in a more focused setting. This event also emphasizes education about the cultures represented in addition to promoting club activities and events.
“Having culture fest concentrates it a little bit. When people who are not necessarily from any of the cultures that we have present in the event, when they see the crowd . . . they become interested . . . they get to learn about all of the clubs that are there,” said Erizo.
When people who are not necessarily from any of the cultures that we have present in the event, when they see the crowd . . . they become interested . . . they get to learn about all of the clubs that are there.
Humphrey Erizo, co-president
McMaster International and Exchange Students Club
Matt Min, one of MIX’s events coordinators, said that his favourite part of the event was meeting people from the various clubs. “I really enjoyed the fact that I got to like just talk with a lot of other clubs that I didn't know even existed. It’s really cool seeing how much I’m missing out on . . . I think talking to people with different cultures is a really cool thing. It helps me educate myself,” said Min.
Erizo shared that the Student Success Centre provided financial support and managed registration for the event. “Because it was so successful last year … the Student Success Centre caught wind of it and a sub-department of SSC which is McMaster’s international and exchange office. They coordinated a lot with us this year,” Erizo.
Min said that the number of clubs involved increased from 12 to 17 since last year. “Maybe it’ll just keep increasing. Maybe we’ll eventually have not enough space to help everybody. Seeing that diversity was really really cool,” said Min.
Maybe it’ll just keep increasing. Maybe we’ll eventually have not enough space to help everybody. Seeing that diversity was really really cool.
Matt Min, events coordinator
McMaster International and Exchange Students Club
Erizo further commented on Cultural Fest’s success and shared that roughly 450 people attended the event. “We hope to keep holding it. Even though it’s only been held two times, it’s quickly become a staple for our club,” said Erizo.
Although MIX is targeted towards international and exchange students, Erizo said they encourage domestic students to attend their events as well, especially if you are interested in going on exchange. MIX holds a variety of events throughout the year, including an upcoming pub night which will be held on Nov. 7, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Phoenix.
The McMaster Association for Caribbean and West Indian Students hosted their first Jouvert, a traditional carnival celebration of Caribbean culture
The McMaster Association of Caribbean and West Indian Students held their first Jouvert on Sept. 14, 2024 to celebrate the beginning of the school year. The event was titled “Summer Rewind: The Colours Experience” and ran from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ten Acre Field.
Originating from Trinidad, Jouvert is the kick-off of Carnival, the traditional cultural festivals celebrated across the Caribbean and features music, dancing and covering one another in colorful paint, oil, or powder. The MACaws had DJ Verse One HD playing music from a variety of Caribbean countries. When attendees arrived, they were given towels, which were available for pre-order and coloured powder.
In an interview with the Silhouette, MACaws co-vice president Zara Owen said that the club typically hosts a large event at this time of year and that she had suggested the idea of a Jouvert. “I’m an international student from Barbados and this particular type of event is very big. It’s a big part of our culture but it’s also a main event in a lot of our carnivals and cultural festivals back in the Caribbean. So we thought it’d be a good idea to get people engaged and introduce people to the club and a core aspect of our culture and how we celebrate our culture back home,” said Owen.
It’s a big part of our culture but it’s also a main event in a lot of our carnivals and cultural festivals back in the Caribbean. So we thought it’d be a good idea to get people engaged and introduce people to the club and a core aspect of our culture and how we celebrate our culture back home.
Zara Owen, Co-Vice President
MACaws
Owen mentioned that they spoke with other clubs for advice to ensure the event would be approved. One of these was the Hindu Students Association, which throws a Holi celebration that involves throwing colourful powder on each other. “We connected with them to figure out how they went about getting the event approved because it has similarities to what we do,” said Owen.
Owen also said that the club wanted to consider their environmental impact. “We also asked about what kind of powder, what kind of materials they use because the integrity of our fields is very important to the school and also very important to us. We wanted to make sure we weren’t using anything that would damage school property or negatively impact the soils, the environment or the grass,” said Owen.
We also asked about what kind of powder, what kind of materials they use because the integrity of our fields is very important to the school and also very important to us. We wanted to make sure we weren’t using anything that would damage school property or negatively impact the soils, the environment or the grass
Zara Owen, Co-Vice President
MACaws
Jouvert is traditionally held in the early morning. The name comes from the French words jour ouvert, meaning daybreak. Owen said that MACaws chose to hold the event later in the day to avoid disturbing the neighbouring community and to work around facility hours.
The event did not allow alcohol and was open to students aged 17 and older. MACaws president Leon Murray told the Silhouette this decision was received with some negative feedback because they often host events at clubs where alcohol is available for purchase.
Murray mentioned part of the reason they did not include alcohol was because the event was being held for the first time and it was on campus. “We're also trying to be inclusive of the first years who may not be able to attend those other events the throughout the year, so at least getting them in and having them kind of enjoy the culture for at least one party event was a big goal of ours,” said Murray.
According to Owen, the event was an overall success. “The majority, if not all the people that came said they had a great time. I had roommates of mine that have had no interaction with Caribbean culture ever before that took a plunge and came. They said this was one of the greatest parties they’d ever been to. I think it was, for people that went, a great experience,” said Owen.
I had roommates of mine that have had no interaction with Caribbean culture ever before that took a plunge and came. They said this was one of the greatest parties they’d ever been to.
Zara Owen, Co-Vice President
MACaws
Murray said that the club may consider holding another Jouvert in April, weather permitting. “Otherwise it would kind of be us handing it off to next year's team, and giving them the blueprint of what we did this year and then hoping they're able to replicate it and make it bigger for next year,” said Murray.
MACaws is accepting general members until Oct. 21. If you are interested in being involved with the club and hearing about future events, visit their Instagram page to stay updated.
The new experiential course immerses students in Haudenosaunee culture, reconciliation, and land-based learning through a ten-day canoe journey along the Grand River
This past summer, the Indigenous Studies Department ran for the first time a new course titled "Two Row on the Grand Paddle." Associate Professor Bonnie Freeman led this experiential learning opportunity, which was available to students for the first time.
The course aimed to deepen students' understanding of Haudenosaunee culture, treaty history, and reconciliation through hands-on participation in the annual "Two Row on the Grand Paddle" canoe journey.
Freeman, who is Algonquin Mohawk and a member of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, has been involved in the canoe journey for almost ten years. She sees the course as a chance for students to connect what they learn in the classroom with real-life experiences.
"It was important for me to show [students]… that when we learn from an academic perspective, these theories and experiences, it's so much different than when we put them into practice," said Freeman.
It was important for me to show [students]... that when we learn from an academic perspective, these theories and experiences, it's so much different than when we put them into practice.
Bonnie Freeman, Associate Professor
Indigenous Studies Department
She stressed that this course was not just an academic exercise but an immersive experience intended to build connections with Indigenous teachings, the land, and one another.
The "Two Row on the Grand" journey is based on the historical Two Row [Gaswéñdah] Wampum Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Dutch settlers. During the course, students canoed along the Grand River, which is tied to the Haldimand Treaty lands. They had the opportunity to engage with traditional Indigenous teachings and cultural practices and participate in discussions regarding reconciliation throughout the ten day journey.
Freeman’s engagement with land-based Indigenous learning began during her university days. The idea for this course stemmed from those early experiences. "It was a spiritual journey, and I was immersed in the ceremony, with horses, on the land, and learning those teachings," said Freeman, reflecting on her first exposure to land-based learning. Her passion for integrating these life-changing experiences into academic programs has driven her commitment to making the canoe journey a part of the Indigenous Studies Department's course offerings.
According to Freeman, the course was received with great enthusiasm from the student. "They said it was completely life-changing for them," said Freeman. She added that students appreciated the opportunity to apply what they had been learning in classrooms in a meaningful and practical manner.
The course involved facing physical challenges like navigating rapids and developing paddling skills. It also focused on promoting reconciliation in a practical and community-based manner. The course highlighted the importance of establishing connections with the land and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Freeman recalled how some students reflected on the experience. "What was important... about reconciliation is the day-to-day living and the importance of having those relationships and establishing them," said Freeman.
The "Two Row on the Grand Paddle" course establishes a standard for expanding experiential learning within Indigenous studies as the Indigenous Studies Department expands its course offerings.
To enrol in Bonnie Freeman’s land-based learning course, students should review McMaster University’s offerings in Indigenous Studies or Social Work. Registration opens on the Two Row Paddle website in mid-March 2025, and the course is primarily aimed at third —and fourth-year students with relevant academic backgrounds. For detailed information and guidance, students are encouraged to consult academic advisors. As the course involves hands-on, experiential learning, it offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with Indigenous knowledge and practices, fostering meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
