Latest News

Features

Learning to live regeneratively

by Jenna Durante on

More in Features:

A history of protecting, reconnecting, and restoring wildlife at McGill

In 1958, a soldier’s gift reshaped the future of a mountain. First World War veteran Andrew Hamilton Gault entrusted Mont-St.-Hilaire to McGill with a clear instruction: Protect this land so generations of Canadians can learn from it. Today, that vision extends across McGill University’s living laboratories of conservation, where community, science, and accessibility show us what regenerative living can look like. 

Every forest, wetland, and waterway is part of a living network, its fate bound with our own. To live regeneratively is to engage with this network of care through small acts of repair or renewal, aligning our actions with the rhythms and needs of the environment. At the Gault Nature Reserve, the McGill Bird Observatory, and the Morgan Arboretum, the narrative surrounding conservation is examined in a new light. Together, these three places reveal how much can be nurtured and protected when we engage thoughtfully with the land. 

Now more than ever, we must pay attention to the world around us and act to protect these ecosystems—their survival depends on us. 

For students like Madison Laird, a U3 major in Wildlife Biology, this vision of conservation—using nature sustainably while actively working to protect it—is a hopeful one. Throughout her academic journey, she realized that her care for nature can be more than just a passion.

“When I was younger, I didn’t even know you could do this as a job,” she said. “It wasn’t until I started learning about the environment that I realized I could actually do this.”

Laird carries her passion and enthusiasm for the environment into all that she does, discovering new ways to contribute to the future of conservation. And at McGill, this spirit of regeneration is carried forward. 

Upon returning to school this fall, I invite you to explore these wonderful places and the natural spaces that surround you. Each site bears a layered history and serves as a living classroom, where students, researchers, and nature-lovers alike learn what it means to build resilience through a time of ecological change.

//(1)   Science meets accessibility// 

Mont St.-Hilaire’s Gault Nature Reserve uniquely blends protected wilderness and a hands-on learning space. With the land entrusted to McGill University, Gault envisioned the mountain as a living classroom where people could explore and engage with the mountain directly.

Frédérique Truchon, Gault’s communications associate, sees her work as bridging science and community together to make research accessible.

“I’m in charge of connecting the science that happens here at Gault with the public because we have a lot of visitors. I do a lot of science outreach and kind of like translation, if you will, of these sometimes complex topics into something that is very tangible for the public,” Truchon shared.

That blend of education and accessibility has been part of Gault’s mission since its inception. In the 1970s, McGill commissioned the Audubon Society to protect the mountain, marking one of their first steps into conservation. The plan resulted in a balance between protection and accessibility. 

The eastern portion of the mountain remains largely off limits, reserved for research, while the western side welcomes the public. Gault Nature Reserve maintains 25 kilometres of hiking trails year-round, welcoming over 300,000 visitors annually. For generations, it has offered individuals the opportunity to experience both recreation and research firsthand. 

Behind the scenes, sustainability shapes even the smallest details of Gault’s operations.

“Everything from the way we design our buildings, to the way we manage, the lights we choose to light up our roads, and all the little decisions that we make every day are always guided by conservation’s best practices,” Truchon told //The Tribune//.

This commitment also extends to hands-on conservation work, from monitoring Peregrine falcons and bats to protecting turtle nests. Each summer, undergraduate field assistants join the team to carry out these tasks, gaining direct experience in the complexities of ecological stewardship. 

The team at Gault hopes to strengthen its connection with the McGill community to give students the chance to actively engage with the environment around them. 

“What we would really like is for more McGill students to know that we exist and this place is available for them to come,” Truchon said. “We would love it if every McGill student had a chance to come at least once during their time at McGill, and for us to continue to grow in the community.”

//(2)   Building community through conservation//

The McGill Bird Observatory (MBO) was born from a gap in Quebec’s bird research. In 2005, while completing her graduate studies at McGill, Barbara Frei helped found the observatory alongside her fellow students. At the time, no other station in the province monitored spring and fall migrations, which are both key for understanding bird movements. With climate change, habitat loss, and industrial pressures reshaping Quebec’s boreal forest, Frei saw a need to track how bird populations responded. 

Today, the MBO continues that mission, with Frei now serving as a research advisor and scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada. Tucked into Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, the MBO offers a flourishing pocket of wilderness surrounded by Montreal’s city life. Situated on 22 hectares of Stoneycroft Wildlife Area, its location makes it the perfect place of discovery for students and local birders.

What sets the MBO apart is its community. Undergraduate and graduate students from McGill, Concordia, Université de Montreal, and UQÀM work side by side with seasoned birders, many of them retirees who dedicate early mornings to the field.

“I always found that a really unique experience, and something I appreciated when I was a student,” Frei said. “I see other students appreciating it, going out and having this intergenerational mix of people coming together for a love of birds and a love of science and a love of conservation.”

The spirit of mentorship continues in the fieldwork for students like Laird, a volunteer at the MBO, who spent her summer assisting her TA researching birds along the St. Lawrence. Her work often began in the early hours of the morning, attaching GPS trackers to Kittiwakes or measuring Puffin chicks while balancing the responsibility of minimizing the stress on the birds. 

“I think the biggest thing with these birds is just how sensitive they are to people and disruption. It’s hard to balance getting your work done, but also disturbing the birds as little as possible. Otherwise, they’ll abandon their nests and their chicks,” she explained. 

The observatory itself runs primarily on volunteer power, with more than 250 people strong, while relying on partnerships, including its vital support from Bird Protection Quebec. Financial sustainability, Frei admitted, is always precarious, especially as student volunteers eventually move on and retirees gradually scale back their involvement. Yet the passion of the community allows for the project to thrive. 

Frei’s goal is to keep conservation grounded in science and participation. She points to student-led projects at McGill tackling window collisions, a leading cause of bird deaths in North America, and encourages using tools like eBird, where everyday sightings feed into real research.

“I always say birds are one of nature’s most beautiful ambassadors, where we can see them, even in sometimes quite dense areas of the city,” Frei explained. “You can go to a local park and you can hear a bird song or see the flash of colour of a bird. And it’s a really impressive way to directly connect to nature.”

// (3)   Four pillars of growth //

The Morgan Arboretum, a 245-hectare forest reserve in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, has been part of McGill since 1945. Donated by the Morgan family, the land started as a patchwork of farmland and private estates owned by some of Montreal’s wealthiest families. 

“These wealthy families decided we want to sell our land, we want to divest our assets, but we realized the value in what we have,” Operations Manager Scott Pemberton explained. “We realized that protecting nature is important, and we want this to be part of our legacy.”

From 1945 to 1965, McGill University undertook a massive re-naturalization project. 

“The university hired a number of people, including the directors of Macdonald College at the time, and the Watson family, to re-naturalize all of the areas that had either been livestock or had been crop agriculture or Christmas farms or firewood production,” Pemberton said. “They re-planted natural species of plants and trees to create what would emulate a St. Lawrence Valley ecosystem before colonization and before industrialization.”

By 1965, these efforts had culminated in a climax forest, a living snapshot of what the region might have looked like decades before. Turning to today, the land stands as one of the largest green spaces on the island of Montreal.

The Arboretum is guided by four pillars: Education, research, conservation, and recreation, which shape everything that happens on site. 

“All of those separate pillars also intertwine and uphold one another,” Pemberton told //The Tribune//. “I don’t believe we’re going to look to a preservative world where humans don’t pursue recreational activities in nature…and I don’t think we’re going to go to a world where learning about nature is only done in the classroom. But these things are all going to blend together.”

Pemberton’s perspective is reflected in how the Arboretum operates today. Visitors can explore the abundance of trails for walking, skiing, and wildlife observation. Seasonal workshops and community events also help to connect people of all ages to the site’s beauty. At the same time, students and researchers study everything from climate patterns and invasive species to urban wildlife and species diversity. Ongoing habitat restoration, tree planting, and species monitoring ensure that the wildlife continues to thrive in this urban green space.

The Arboretum’s legacy is well documented, including a 1995 newspaper clipping from its 50th anniversary. The article highlighted key figures such as Bob and John Watson, Eric Thompson, and James Britton, who re-planted the land and helped shape the forest as it exists today. The piece was titled //“L’homme qui plantait des arbres”// (“The man who planted trees”) and acknowledged the Arboretum’s identity as a living monument to reforestation.

// (4)   A future rooted in reciprocity //

Living regeneratively calls for a fundamental shift in how we think about our place in the world. It asks us to design practices that sustain both ecological systems and human communities, recognizing the importance of our role through it all. With climate change and rapid urban development affecting ecosystems and species, these practices matter now more than ever. 

The smallest acts of attention can spark a connection. Enjoy a walk through Jeanne-Meance and listen to the birds, feeling the vibrancy of life around you. This upcoming school year, explore the forests, waterways, and wetlands that surround you. By engaging thoughtfully with these spaces and sharing their stories, we help ensure that conservation is a shared responsibility.  

“People need to care about this because it is our future… it’s in both the hands of the scientists and it’s in the hands of the people,” Liard said. “Read up and educate yourself, because at the end of the day, one extra person can make a big difference.” 

The most resilient ecosystems are built on cooperation. Just as species depend on mutualism to thrive, communities flourish when people in the places we inhabit support one another. The Gault Nature Reserve, the MBO, and the Morgan Arboretum all show how science, accessibility, and community care intersect to protect biodiversity. 

By embracing a regenerative lifestyle, we not only sustain wildlife but also build stronger and more equitable communities. As Gault’s gift continues to inspire, caring for our shared web of ecology reminds us that everyone can thrive when we help each other grow. 

Photo credits: Thank you Frédérique Truchon, Barbara Frei, Scott Pemberton, and Madison Laird for the photos provided. 

//All birds were captured and subsequently released under federal bird banding permits and handled by trained professionals using approved Animal Care Protocols by McGill University Animal Care Committee.//


Student Life

A frugal guide to Montreal nightlife 

by Kaitlyn Schramm on

More in Student Life:

As the school year commences, now is the perfect time for McGill students to make the most of Montreal’s nightlife before coursework ramps up. Here is The Tribune’s tried and true guide to going out in Montreal on a budget. 

Commit to the pre-game 

The largest cost of going out isn’t the club cover or transportation, but drinks at the bar. Bars and clubs alike notoriously upcharge drinks to ridiculous heights, with a single shot typically costing more than a six-pack at your local dépanneur. Heading to SAQ for a cheap bottle of vodka to pair with easy mixers like lemonade or soda water is a much more budget-friendly option. The only downfall, however, is finding the elusive sweet spot—being just buzzed enough to last the night without buying overpriced bar drinks, but not //so// drunk that you end up crying to a stranger in the club bathroom. It’s a balance you must perfect yourself throughout your four years at university. 

Bars 

Montreal is home to many of the best clubs in Canada, with a few boasting the top sound systems in North America. There is an overwhelming number to pick from on any given night out, and you may accidentally find yourself at one of the many locations that charge a hefty cover or require high-fashion dress codes. However, for every expensive, high end bar, there is a basement dancefloor with a makeshift coat check that can make for an equally exciting night out. 

A first-year classic is Pow Pow Club. In a tiny room with a long queue, pop hits reverberate amongst thick clouds of sweaty fog and bright rave lights. But if that doesn’t fit your vibe, an underrated bar lies just below: L’Esscogriffe Bar, familiarly known as Esco’s. The retro common area is more roomy than its upstairs neighbor. The music provides a stark contrast to Pow Pow’s modern repertoire, featuring classic rock hits from the 80s to early 10s. There’s no doubt that alternating between these two hot spots will lead to a memorable and varied night. 

For a relaxed evening with more seating options and beautiful cocktails, try Barbossa on Saint Laurent. With free entry and $8 CAD cocktails between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm, Barbossa proves itself to be the perfect budget-friendly hotspot. As you enter the dimly lit, hip space, there is seating along the bar as well as spacious booths perfect for large groups. Past the seating area is a mini dancefloor, featuring local DJs later in the night. At Barbossa, your night can evolve from chatting over classy espresso martinis to losing yourself on the dancefloor. 

Post-game eats 

Following a night of drinking, dancing, and sweating, the temptation to crush the $17.50 CAD four piece chicken tenders from Chef on Call can be tempting. However, there are plenty of restaurants on Saint Laurent, a short walk from campus, that provide filling late-night eats for a great deal to complete the evening.. 

Patati Patata is the perfect Chef on Call ‘dupe.’ With its broad menu featuring items from poutine and fries to burgers and hotdogs, the restaurant has all of the classic greasy foods you could want as a nightcap. Rather than spending $20 CAD on one item, a burger and fries only cost $10 CAD pre-tax. However, take caution: The wait for these popular post-partying eats can be pretty hefty. 
If $10 CAD is still out of your budget, Chez Mein operates with pre-inflation prices that seem too good to be true. Colloquially known as Two Chow, the spot is renowned for its $2 CAD chow mein. After a hectic night of impulsive spending under the influence, all you need to finish the night out is a toonie.

Student Life

Montreal restaurant recommendations based on your favourite library

by Tamiyana Roemer on

More in Student Life:

Your choice of library says a lot about you—so much, in fact, that //The Tribune// feels confident you’ll enjoy these corresponding restaurants. 

Schulich

If Schulich Library is your go-to study spot, then Montreal classic La Banquise might just be your perfect post-study bite. Like Schulich, La Banquise is open 24-hours, making it an available place of refuge at any time of day. Whether you’re wrapping up a late-night cram session or catching a second wind, this reliable restaurant always has your back. Sure, La Banquise can get busy, but that buzz adds to the charm—much like it does at the Schulich Library. La Banquise delivers an impressive menu of poutine variations: From a traditional version of the Quebecois dish to innovative twists topped with pulled pork and pepperoni, this Montreal staple has something for everyone. It’s comforting, unpretentious, and always there when you need it—just like your favourite study corner.

Islamic Studies Library

If the Islamic Studies Library is your favorite study space, you’re someone who appreciates quiet beauty. With its gorgeous architecture, stained glass windows, and sprawling wooden bookshelves, it’s one of the most stunning libraries on campus—a place where elegance softly lingers in the background as you work. That same love for atmosphere will serve you well at Nili, where flavourful plates are accompanied by creative interior design. While the French-Moroccan cuisine—like chicken pastilla and msemen—is the main attraction, there’s even more joy in the eclectically designed setting. Between bites, you may find yourself taking part in an elaborate game of ‘I spy’ as you soak in the many colors, textures, and knickknacks displayed within the restaurant’s four walls. 

Nahum Gelber Law Library

If the Nahum Gelber Law Library is your library of choice, you’ll likely enjoy Tiramisu, which is modern, roomy, and slightly under the radar. While it might not be the busiest or most talked-about McGill library, the Law Library offers a calm, open layout that makes it feel expansive without being overwhelming—much like the spacious dining room at Tiramisu. For students who gravitate toward lesser-known gems, this Italian-Asian fusion spot hits the mark. With creative dishes like tartare sushi arancini and tiramisu matcha, it’s a place for those who enjoy stepping out of the box—just as they do in their choice of study space.

Birks Reading Room

If Birks Reading Room is your preferred corner of campus, you’ll feel right at home at Miracolo. Both are intimate, dimly lit spaces that feel cozy and tucked away from the world. At Birks, the long shared tables and no-shoes policy create a quiet, communal vibe that draws in those who appreciate both atmosphere and function. Similarly, Miracolo embraces closeness with its tightly arranged tables, eclectic decor, and menu built for sharing. Serving Italian-forward fare from focaccia to branzino, it’s the kind of place where, much like Birks, you won’t mind hunkering down.

McLennan-Redpath 

If McLennan-Redpath is your ideal study setting, you’ll probably appreciate Noren for similar reasons: It’s practical, efficient, and gets the job done without unnecessary fuss. Just as McLennan-Redpath is a central hub that’s always as busy as it is reliable, Noren is an intimate Japanese lunch counter boasting ten seats and a loyal following. If you’re used to waiting for a spot in the library, waiting for a seat at Noren won’t faze you—especially when the reward is comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. It’s affordable, simple, and well worth the wait—perfect for students who value substance over flash.

Commentary, Opinion

Institutional amnesia: How children’s media and universities feed revisionist history

by Moyọ Alabi on

More in Commentary:

The role of children’s media in shaping identity and worldview has always been influential; however, in recent years, the line between education and blatant ideological propaganda has become increasingly blurred. As children’s programming faces cuts and closures across North America, conservative platforms like PragerU Kids fill the gap with content endorsing a revisionist account of history, reinforcing implicit bias, and framing propaganda as neutral. While the trend is most visible in media for children, it reflects a broader issue: Institutions—from public broadcasts to universities—can present selective versions of history. These same dynamics operate at McGill; the institution’s selective acknowledgement of its own historical ties shows that the shaping of narratives extends beyond media. These practices set a dangerous precedent, shaping how future generations understand the past and the social stratification that arises from it.

Due to modern declines in traditional cable viewership and the rise of streaming monopolies, traditional TV networks are struggling to compete. Starting Sept. 1, Corus Entertainment, a major Canadian media company, will shut down five of its children’s channels, including Nickelodeon, Disney Jr., and ABC Spark. CBC/Radio-Canada has also endured repeated budget reductions. In the U.S., the Public Broadcasting Service’s (PBS) struggles parallel Canada, with the risk of closing amidst the Trump administration’s funding cuts. This lack of accessible children’s media creates space for private entities to push their ideological agenda. 

One program that provides politically-skewed content in the U.S. is PragerU Kids, the children’s division of conservative media outlet the Prager University Foundation. Launched in 2022, PragerU Kids uses animated videos to promote conservative civics, history, and science. Each episode follows a predictable formula: A child faces a question, travels back in time, and returns, learning a ‘lesson’ supporting a conservative worldview. 

PragerU’s “Leo and Layla” series distorts historical realities while presenting itself as educational. In an episode on Frederick Douglass, slavery is framed as a “necessary compromise” to unite the colonies, with the claim that America initiated conversations around abolition. This is overtly false; abolitionist movements existed globally for decades prior to the United States’ abolition of slavery in 1865, with Haiti abolishing slavery in 1804, and Denmark-Norway outlawing the transatlantic slave trade in 1792.

Later in the episode, radical abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison is reduced to “someone who likes to set things on fire,” implicitly condemning all contemporary activists who employ property destruction tactics as a means of achieving social or political change. Ironically, Douglass’ own moral critique of American slavery—which is exemplified in his historic speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”—is omitted; thus, PragerU Kids falsely constructs palatable narratives that trivialize the reality of oppression to excuse these historical atrocities for a white audience. 

The videos repeatedly shift accountability for violence and oppression from colonizers to the victims themselves, further reinforcing the narrative that historical injustice is relative rather than structural. By portraying slavery and colonization as unfortunate but contextually justified, the content trains children to accept morally reprehensible narratives passively.

Similar revisionary patterns are seen in higher academia as well. McGill has refused to fully acknowledge its ties to colonial systems and the alleged unmarked graves at the New Royal Victoria Hospital. This raises the question: Whose history is remembered, whose is omitted, and who ultimately gets to make this decision? The stakes of revisionist narratives extend beyond cartoons; they influence public memory, social accountability, and slow down societal progress toward a just and equitable world. 

What makes these patterns particularly concerning is that they are the product of deliberate political and financial pressures, not mere oversight. Decades of underfunding in media and public education have weakened institutions that might otherwise resist ideological indoctrination. Meanwhile, a national trend in right-wing populism idealizes this whitewashed history. At McGill, financial and reputational pressures encourage lacklustre measures in taking accountability for colonial legacies. This enforces a cycle where weakened institutions allow revisionist narratives to spread, normalizing selective memory across media and academia. 

As public media platforms face uncertain fates, children are left with outlets that misrepresent history and sanitize radical voices. These are not neutral nor educational resources; they are indoctrination disguised as entertainment.

News, Tribute

In loving memory of Fabienne de Cartier, 2003-2025

by The Tribune Editorial Board on

More in News:

Fabienne de Cartier was a News Editor and Director of Digital Strategy at The Tribune from 2024-2025. She passed away on August 12, 2025, from osteosarcoma. 


Fabienne lived as the truest kind of journalist—thoughtful, curious, ambitious, honest—and the truest kind of friend. Her smile was contagious, her love and care limitless. The world will never be as bright as when she walked through it, yet it is better because she did.

To those she spoke of with endless affection and pride—Shauna, Joshu, Lucas, Indira, Valentina, and countless other loved ones—we extend our deepest condolences. Fabienne’s light was made brighter by your love and support. No thank you will ever be enough for helping shape one of the most remarkable people we’ve ever met.

With infinite gratitude for all she gave and all she was, The Tribune dedicates this issue, and the rest of Volume 45, to Fabienne and her beautiful life. When you read The Tribune, remember Fabienne. Her love lingers in these pages, and it will linger in the pages that turn long after us. 

What a glittering force of nature you were, Fabienne. We love you, and we miss you deeply. 

– Yusur Al-Sharqi, Editor-in-Chief 

Yusur’s personal reflection can be found here.

From left: Matt Adelberg, Jasjot Grewal, Fabienne de Cartier, Yusur Al-Sharqi, Shani Laskin, and Eliza Lee, at Fabienne’s wedding.

As Fabienne said, “bring a revolution of kindness.” Her warmth and grace lit up every space she entered—and The Tribune office was no exception. As a contributor, writer, and then editor, Fabienne transformed the face of McGill’s student journalism. She was a brilliant, innovative writer whose passion was boundless. As my dear friend, she was even more extraordinary: Unwaveringly generous, incredibly thoughtful, and endlessly present. She has made me kind, patient, and courageous. I look to grasp her insatiable desire to learn, her compassion for all she met, and her unrelenting fight for justice. She is deeply missed, and her voice remains with us throughout her revolutionary stories. 

– Jasjot Grewal, Editor-in-Chief (2024-25)

I met Fabienne’s writing long before I did her. As both an editor and a reader of The Tribune, I must have come across half a dozen of her articles by the time she joined the Editorial team. Long before I put a face to her name, I came to associate her with thoughtful, heart-forward news coverage. Though I didn’t know her very well or for very long, Fabienne’s words and spirit undoubtedly left their mark on me. As a colleague, her tenacious work ethic and commitment to responsible journalism inspired me. As a friend, her advice and reflections during our pre-Ed Board chats became a favourite part of my weekly routine. Fabienne, I feel so lucky to have witnessed your light, even if just for a short while. We are all better for knowing you. Rest easy.

– Dana Prather, Arts & Entertainment Editor (2023-25)

It was a joy and privilege to get to know Fabienne through our work in the News section. As a friend, her kindness and her welcoming spirit are unforgettable. As a part of the News team, her commitment to critical and compassionate reporting enriched our section in countless ways. Fabienne pushed The Tribune to better carry out our mandate and serve our community, and she did so with grace and care. Her beautiful writing, good-hearted sense of humour, and rockstar glitter makeup are just a few other memories that I’ll always hold on to. Thank you for everything, Fabienne.

– Eliza Lee, News Editor (2024-25)

In the short time I was fortunate to have with Fabienne, her immense talent inspired me and taught me so much about what it means to be a good journalist, citizen, and friend. It wasn’t just me, though: That was her effect on everyone she touched. Her kindness, hope, and fervor for the world were nothing short of magic; even as a writer, it feels impossible to put into words what the world has lost. She brought peace to any room and electricity to any dance floor. Now, I carry her with me through every interview I hold and every story I write. After she passed, I re-watched her 2020 Toronto Poetry Slam performance over and over, wanting to hear her beautiful words again. She said it best, as she always did: “The most excruciating lesson I’ve learned is that love is always worth the pain.”

– Shani Laskin, Managing Editor of News and Sports (2024-25)

Copy editing can be a lonely role. While most other Tribune editors interact with their section and colleagues regularly throughout the week, the majority of my work took place in our office with almost no one else present. But Fabienne was always there. She didn’t need to be in the office on our Monday production day; as a Section Editor, her edits were completed by the end of the weekend. We were only required to interact at our weekly Editorial Board meetings. And yet, she always came in, seemingly just to provide company while she worked on other things. Fabienne would listen, not only with patience but with real interest, to all of my most pedantic nitpicks about curly apostrophes or dangling participle phrases. Her going above and beyond quickly showed me, a lonely Copy Editor, that I did not just have colleagues at The Tribune: I had friends.

– Matt Adelberg, Copy Editor (Fall 2023, 2024-25)

When I sheepishly walked into my first pitch meeting at The Tribune, Fabienne spotted me standing in the doorway, not quite sure where to go. She immediately welcomed me with a broad smile, invited me to sit next to her, and made me feel at home. In the coming weeks, she coached and mentored me as I excitedly embarked on a journey into the world of journalism. Fabienne’s strength as a journalist and mentor came from her rare pairing of warmth and kindness with a firm and confident attitude towards her work. The world is a poorer place without her. 

– Daniel Miksha, News Staff Writer (2024-25)

“We already spoke to one of The Trib’s journalists, Fabienne,” a law professor informed me while taking a break from the picket line. “She was just incredible.” Everyone who knew Fabienne knows how she singularly carried a tenacious generosity, warm and reciprocal spirit, and fierce ability to welcome those around her into her light. I recall many of our shared English professors celebrating her union reporting in congratulatory emails to us. Immersed in how rigorous journalism can change people’s lives, Fabienne was the model for our staff—bold and exacting, poetic, political, and ethical. In friendships, in classes, and in the newsroom, she challenged all of us to live life to the fullest and be our best selves, and we were proud that she genuinely believed that we might just get there. Her loss is simply immeasurable. Fabienne’s legacy of grace and courage guides us with every piece and step. 

– Matthew Molinaro, Editor-in-Chief (2023-2024)

My first impression of The Tribune was Fabienne’s voice: Warm, welcoming, and unwavering. As we spoke over the phone about my earliest article, which we co-wrote, Fabienne invited me into the News team with a generous, earnest, and wise kindness that would set the tone for every conversation we shared. Whatever Fabienne dedicated her interest and attention to was made better and brighter by her care. The truth she spoke to power throughout her work will permanently endure—an article of Fabienne’s about faculty unionization is taped to my professor’s office door. I am honoured to walk by it each day and be reminded of my gratitude for Fabienne’s brilliance, beauty, and empathy. 

– Mairin Burke, Managing Editor of News and Sports

I first spoke with Fabienne last fall, tabling for The Tribune at Activities Night. We talked about the things we liked to do, what we studied, why we wrote. She told me about the things she believed in, initiatives she had taken in her community, how she imagined things could be. It was a gesture of striking kindness: In meeting a new person, to define yourself by the things you do for other people. She led by example—intelligent, thoughtful, hopeful, seeing storytelling as a tool with which to create beauty and change. I feel immeasurably fortunate to have met her, and the community at The Tribune is made much richer by her memory. The world at the paper and beyond is a better place with her words in it.

– Kellie Elrick, Arts & Entertainment Editor (2024-25) 

In Fabienne’s honour, donations can be made to the Fabienne de Cartier Award for Poetry at www.fabiennedecartier.com.

Science & Technology

Freshman science requirements got you down? We got you covered

by Leanne Cherry, Sarah McDonald on

More in Science & Technology:

CHEM 110. MATH 140. BIOL 111. PHYS 101. Every McGill science student will recognize these course codes in an instant; they are none other than the freshman science program course requirements. Whether it is your very first semester at McGill, or you are getting those last few credits of your degree, it is almost guaranteed that you will take some combination of these courses as a McGill science student. Therefore, we wanted to lend you a helping hand with some advice for managing this courseload like a champ.

Class: To attend or not to attend?

Despite what you may have heard, your success does not depend on perfect attendance of every lecture and tutorial of your degree. It is inevitable that you will miss class here and there, whether it is a studious skip to get other work done, or simply the result of a scheduling mishap. Are we prescribing a life of flaking on tutorials and NYT crosswords during lectures? Of course not. Just know that the occasional absence is not likely to be the demise of your academic or professional career. 

Generally speaking, we encourage you to go to lectures on a regular basis. Tutorials, despite how inconvenient they may be, are a great opportunity to ask questions and work through practice problems—an especially useful activity for problem-solving based classes like math and chemistry. When deciding what you should and should not skip, you can weigh factors like participation marks, class difficulty, lecture recording availability, and professor quality.

Studying: A necessary academic endeavor

While skipping the occasional class will not be the death of your career, skipping studying will be. Even if you can retain large amounts of information without difficulty, studying is important for teaching a wide variety of other life skills, such as discipline, time management, and organizational habits. Another thing worth knowing is which study methods and environments are most effective for you. It can be fun to study with your friends, but it is important to ensure your surroundings and work habits are conducive to learning. The occasional solo lock-in will not kill you.

Labs: Breaking as few pieces of glassware as possible

Let us put it plainly: Your first labs at McGill will be intimidating. Rest assured, however, that you will get the hang of them as the semester progresses. Your TAs have been in your exact same position, so they are familiar with those pre-lab jitters. They will likely be the people grading your lab reports, so getting on their good side is in your best interest. Show up prepared and on time, and be as kind to them as you would to a friend. Feel free to ask a clarifying question here and there. To avoid breaking lab equipment—although it happens to the best of us—move slowly and deliberately throughout the space, and try to be aware of your surroundings.

And remember, regardless of how calm, cool, and collected your peers may seem, they are almost certainly as nervous as you are. Put on your lab coat—and goggles—and take a deep breath: You’ve got this.

Grades: Onward to better and brighter things

At the end of the day, your grades in your freshman science courses are not the be-all and end-all of your academic career. While getting good grades is important, remember that these classes are designed to be difficult and to weed out students who may not put in the necessary effort. Treat these classes not only as an opportunity to learn about math and chemistry, but also about how to succeed in a university setting. Take the time to learn good habits and your future self will thank you, regardless of the B-, B+, or A you end up with in PHYS 101. 

Behind the Bench, Sports

Anti-trans sentiment strips swimmer Lia Thomas of her Division I titles

by Lialah Mavani on

More in Behind the Bench:

On March 17, 2022, University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) swimmer Lia Thomas hit the water in one of her last collegiate races, making a splash in 2SLGBTQ+ sporting history. She became the first transgender woman athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I championship, in the 500-yard freestyle. Thomas also set UPenn program records in the 100- and 200-yard events. Thomas’ win sparked controversy, with many seeking to undermine her success. For instance, president of the right-wing Evangelical Christian political group Concerned Women for America (CWA), Penny Nance, claimed that Thomas’ participation was harmful to the future of women’s sports. Nance argued that Thomas’ win was a direct violation of Title IX, stating that “the equal rights of female athletes are being infringed [upon].”

Perspectives held by those like Nance are not rare in the women’s sporting world. The Trump administration’s application of Title IX perpetuates anti-trans attitudes, especially against high-achieving athletes like Thomas. These women are continually berated by others in their communities and online, often being told that they have an unfair biological advantage—a claim that current science does not confirm. 

Three years later, discriminatory institutions continue to criticize Thomas’ win. In July 2025, UPenn announced it was revoking Lia Thomas’ swimming records, and pledged to ban transgender athletes from competing for and representing UPenn at the collegiate level, in accordance with the demands of the United States Department of Education. The Department had initially launched an investigation into the university for their alleged violation of Title IX: Lia Thomas’ NCAA win. 

As a result, UPenn’s administration sent out individual letters to Division I competitors who lost to Thomas from 2021 to 2022; while the university’s athletic department acknowledges that Thomas’ wins were in accordance with eligibility rules during this groundbreaking season, they claim that Thomas’ participation still disadvantaged other women athletes. UPenn’s agreement with the Trump administration’s application of Title IX not only invalidates wins by athletes like Thomas, but also reinforces wider bigotry against the trans community. The Trump administration has turned Title IX into a vehicle for enforcing its selective vision of what they believe gender should look like. Inclusive participation in sports has become a convenient target for transphobes, allowing them to marginalize a small community within one of society’s most visible and gendered spaces.

“Trans people don’t transition for athletics,” Thomas shared after winning her NCAA championship. “We transition to be happy and authentic and our true selves. Transitioning to get an advantage is not something that ever factors into our decisions.” 

The Trump administration and its right-wing allies have worked hard to undermine the success of trans athletes, not only through rhetoric but also through concrete measures like reducing funding for university sports that include trans players. At UPenn, this meant a $175 million cut in federal support: A direct result of Thomas’s past participation on the women’s swim team. These funding losses serve to limit all athletes, particularly women athletes—whose programs are historically underfunded and most vulnerable—to further shrink opportunities for women in sports. 

Trans athletes make up less than 10 out of 510,000 NCAA athletes, yet through Title IX’s manipulation, they attract outsized negative attention that bears little relation to their actual presence in sports. This disproportionate scrutiny not only stigmatizes trans athletes, but also prevents the real inequities that continue to hold women’s sports back from being addressed, such as a lack of resources and institutional support.

Banning trans athletes from collegiate sports reinforces discriminatory policies that police who are considered to be women and confine participation to rigid gender binaries. Lia Thomas’s case is not an isolated controversy; it reveals systemic trans exclusion within university athletics, which extends to broader societal institutions. Collegiate sports are meant to be spaces for students to showcase their talent, build community, and find joy in competition. Limiting who can participate undermines those very principles, suggesting that community is conditional rather than guaranteed.

Student Life

Dealing with political differences at the dinner table

by Nell Pollak on

More in Student Life:

The Canadian federal election is finally behind us, but you still might want to vote your outspoken cousin out of the family dinner table. Many people report that political disagreements continue to strain their relationships. A 2022 survey found that over 40 per cent of Canadians said they have reduced contact with friends or family over an argument about politics. It’s a dilemma that many grapple with, especially in lieu of Thanksgiving approaching next month. How should we navigate the prospect of breaking bread—or not—with people whose beliefs or actions contradict our fundamental values?

For those who are engaging in difficult conversations with family members, here are methods to keep these interactions as meaningful and productive as possible.

Focus on dialogue, not debate

The key to surviving these conversations isn’t winning them. Remember that a debate is a closed process of persuading the other that you’re correct, whereas dialogue is a process of discovery and learning. Practice listening to understand instead of listening to respond.

Research shows that bombarding family members with articles or statistics rarely changes anyone’s mind and often exacerbates tensions. With people increasingly trapped in media echo chambers that reinforce their existing beliefs, a personal story is more difficult to dismiss out of hand as ‘fake news.’ Family members won’t change their minds overnight, but asking questions can help to disarm obstinacy towards alternative perspectives.

Try approaching disagreements with genuine curiosity about why your relatives hold certain views. Ask questions like, “What experiences led you to feel this way?” Often, conversations will reveal that participants are more aligned than they think. Asking or sharing the stories behind our beliefs can serve as a reminder that our family members are complex, and that their ideas might come from a place we recognize, even if we don’t arrive at the same conclusions.

Focus on the bigger picture

Moving conversations away from specific politicians often makes dialogue more productive. Rather than getting stuck on  polarizing figures who trigger strong emotions, try zooming out to explore underlying principles.

For example, instead of bringing up François Legault’s Bill 21, you might ask family members what they think should be the role of government in protecting religious expression. Widening the scope of conversation helps sidestep heated reactions to controversial figures while still allowing meaningful discussion about values and priorities. You’re much more likely to have a fruitful interaction about immigration policy, for example, when you focus on broader principles rather than specific politicians’ border decisions.

Know your limits and when to enforce them

Political conversations with family can be emotionally draining, especially for those whose identities or communities are directly affected by policy outcomes and inflammatory statements. Don’t hesitate to limit these discussions or take breaks if necessary.

There are certain inviolable standards when it comes to protecting human dignity around race, sexuality, gender identity, and religion. If family members use dehumanizing language or advocate for denying others’ basic rights, it’s entirely reasonable to set firm limits. This might mean saying, “I won’t be able to stay in this conversation if that language continues.” You don’t need to sacrifice your own mental health for the sake of family peace. If that’s the dynamic at play, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip those dinner plans. 

When engaging with relatives who hold beliefs that dehumanize others, avoid responding with the same type of demeaning behaviour. The stakes feel high, and it’s tempting to lash out or match their energy, but don’t let their approach drag you into behaviour that contradicts your own principles. If you draw a line and someone continues to cross it, distancing yourself from that person is a reasonable response. Setting a boundary is an act of self-respect, not a sign of failure. 

Research Briefs, Science & Technology

Investigating the link between sex-dependent gene expressions and major depressive disorder

by Michelle Yankovsky on

More in Research Briefs:

Why do women experience major depressive disorder (MDD) at nearly twice the rate of men in the post-puberty stage? During this critical stage, MDD manifests in a sex-specific way in its prevalence, symptomatology, and treatment responses when comparing males and females.

In a recent publication in Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity, Corina Nagy, an assistant professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and principal investigator at the Douglas Research Centre, examined puberty as a sensitive window when sex-dependent gene expression may occur and contribute to the manifestation of MDD in adults. Her interest in this topic grew from her PhD research, in which she noticed an imbalance in the representation of subjects in the literature investigating MDD in relation to sex.

“We were always focusing our research on male subjects,” Nagy said in an interview with The Tribune. “It was believed that it was easier to study males, and that the results in males could be generalized to females. But the more I looked into it and the more research that came out, it appeared that these results were not generalizable at all.”

Nagy emphasized the pubertal period as possessing a diverse interplay of many factors, similar to the gestational period—the time between conception and birth. 

“[Puberty] is probably our most dynamic moment, where we have this secondary development and where we become sexually mature […] this is a vulnerability period for all psychopathologies, but in this context depression,” Nagy emphasized.

To address this sex-dependent divergence in the manifestation of MDD, Nagy and her team conducted a comprehensive review, presenting empirical evidence which points to puberty as the period during which the sex-specific framework of MDD is formed.

“We tried to examine the literature and look at all of the different systems at the molecular level [to show] there is a different scaffold that seems to be emerging in individuals and in animals,” Nagy told The Tribune.

Through systematic review of the literature and a summary of different studies’ results, Nagy’s findings indicate a clear association between the pubertal period and the development of depression. She emphasized that hormones contribute to women having twice the rate of MDD compared to men.

“We find that there are a lot of possibilities for these particular systems to be influenced by the change in [sex] hormones that occur at puberty,” Nagy explained. “This provides evidence for the hypothesis that the sex specific hormones are leading to a framework upon which different factors can influence the outcome of depression.”

Overall, Nagy’s work highlights how hormone levels—driven by a divergence in gene expression between males and females during puberty—shape the brain, immune system, and stress pathways distinctly, which consequently results in a difference in vulnerability to developing MDD.

Her research also alludes to the importance of female representation in research subjects, as well as the importance of understanding certain pathologies as more sex-specific than others.

“We need to be studying males and females in a disaggregated way, [studying] their sex-specific physiologies separately to understand it better,” she explained. “I think just having an awareness that being female is a vulnerability to certain pathologies is needed.”

According to the World Health Organization, as many as 280 million people live with MDD worldwide. Therefore, it is critical to understand these underlying mechanisms contributing to the development of MDD. This pathology affects many of us—our friends, family, and surrounding community.

“I think a lot of people know somebody who has survived depression, and of course, I am not unique in that way,” Nagy said.Since depression impairs one’s daily functioning, social relationships, and work performance, it is in both society’s and the McGill community’s interests to uncover the truth behind the development of depression—and this research is a phenomenal start.

Arts & Entertainment, Music

Noumoucounda Cissoko’s strings of memory and resistance shine at Nuits d’Afrique

by Sahel Delafoulhouse on

More in Arts & Entertainment:

With summer drawing to a close, one festival remains a highlight of the season. For nearly two weeks in July, the streets of Montreal pulsed with the rhythms of distant homelands. From July 8 to 20, the city became the summer’s cultural epicenter, hosting the highly anticipated Festival International Nuits d’Afrique. This annual event celebrates the musical heritage of Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America by bringing together artists from around the world to perform in the heart of the city. Organized by Productions Nuits d’Afrique, the festival seeks to share the diverse cultural legacies of these regions with Québec, Canada, and the world beyond.

The festival’s performances spanned a variety of venues across the city, including outdoor stages, concert halls, and private clubs. One of the most outstanding was Noumoucounda Cissoko’s intimate performance at Club Balattou. A staple in Montreal’s world music scene for over 35 years, the venue is known as the ‘base camp’ of the festival. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone passionate about global musical traditions.

Noumoucounda Cissoko is a master of the kora, a 21-stringed harp-lute central to West African music. From a young age, Cissoko was steeped in the griot tradition of his native Senegal, where storytellers have passed down oral histories through music for centuries. The kora—which is more than an instrument—serves as a vessel for these oral histories, making Cissoko both a musician and a modern-day griot. His mastery of the kora allows him to narrate the political, social, and cultural history of Senegal through song.

Cissoko’s sound is a powerful blend of traditional Senegalese rhythms and modern influences, creating a rich, evocative atmosphere that felt both ancient and immediate. His music is at once rhythmic and meditative; fluid arpeggios ripple out from the kora, cascading like water over a shifting bed of jazz, hip hop, and reggae-inflected beats. Each pluck of the strings carries a silken clarity, while layered percussion and subtle electronic textures give his sound weight and momentum. The music wasn’t just beautiful; it was charged. The audience could sense the tension between past and present, between preservation and change, vibrating in every rhythm. It was as if Cissoko was translating something too complex for words—something political, personal, and profoundly human.  

This engagement is especially evident in his 2019 album Noumoukan Wilila, a deeply intimate project that explores ideas of development, education, and the role of women in African societies. Through this work, Cissoko broadens the scope of his griot lineage, amplifying stories that are often unheard—particularly those of women whose voices have been historically marginalized. The album advocates for gender equity and access to education as essential components of progress, framing these not just as social issues but as cultural imperatives. Tracks from the album range from delicate, introspective solos to expansive, groove-driven arrangements, always centered on the fluid, expressive voice of the kora. 

Through his kora, Cissoko doesn’t just preserve his ancestors’ stories; he reinterprets them for a modern audience, layering traditional melodies with modern rhythms and lyrics that speak to today’s challenges. In doing so, he bridges generations, honouring the past while actively participating in the cultural conversations of the current moment. 

Noumoucounda Cissoko’s artistry is a testament to the enduring power of cultural expression. His performance during the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique offered a rare chance to engage directly with the musical roots and living traditions of Senegal. Cissoko is more than a musician: He is a storyteller, a keeper of history, and a cultural commentator whose music bridges the past with the present.

Festival International Nuits d’Afrique ran from July 8 to 20 at various venues across Montreal. For details about the event or its upcoming edition, visit the official website.

1 … 61 62 63 64 65 … 1,363

Read the latest issue

Read the latest issue