DSU’s Annual Summer BBQ: Another Successful Event By Lisa Bellano, Associate News Editor O. June 16, the Douglas College Education Council — short-cycled several decisions regarding program requirements. “Short-cycling” occurs whenever the council enacts a quick decision without much prior notice. The consequence is that most of the following will happen in September 2008. One of the programs affected is Child and Youth Care — BA, Youth Justice Specialization. These alterations will occur because the youth justice diploma _ students were broadening their education afterwards, thus non-youth justice students were pursuing this degree, requiring more prerequisites to ensure that all applicants for the degree have extensive knowledge in this area. Child and Youth Care — BA, Child Protection Specialization was also amended because of a high demand at University of the Fraser Valley, whom originally offered two of the courses. This change will allow Douglas to offer these courses as well. Child and Youth Care — Diploma will receive a new prerequisite as well; this diploma will now include an aboriginal stream of courses, and one practicum. This is part of the new mandate at the college to increase aboriginal opportunities, and will begin in October of 2008. However, implementation was delayed slightly because funding was only recently granted and the program’s overseers felt it essential to ensure additional time to market this new diploma. Computing Science and Information Systems is also placing a new requirement for their one and two year certificates, as well as general, specialty, and double specialty diplomas. CSIS 1110 will now be mandatory, because this course is viewed as a desirable © prerequisite for several others, and the current math requirement is only accessible once a year. There were also amendments to the BBA —- Financial Services and Administration program. This was a reduction in elective courses to reduce the total credits necessary to receive a credential. The rationale was that the existing number of required electives was excessive. For more information, check with the registrar’s office to explore whether or not your course areas are affected. Environmentalists, First Nations meet at VPL to discuss Clayoquot Sound By Lisa Bellano, Associate News Editor 1. response to the possibility of logging in Vancouver Island’s Clayoquot Sound, concerned citizens of Greater Vancouver and environmental organizations alike gathered on July 31st, 2008, at the Vancouver Public Library for an emergency meeting. Recently, Clayoquot Sound has become an area of increasing tension and strife, reminiscent of the area’s environmental blockades of 1993 that saw a mass arrest of 800 environmentalists. This event, often termed “War of the Woods,” occurred in a response to potential logging of the area—an issue which has once again arisen. This past March, Coulson Forest Products and Aborginal-owned company MaMook Natural Resources Ltd., began clearing roads into the Hesquiat Point Creek watershed, a virtually untouched pristine valley within Clayoquot Sound. The companies had done so preparing to log the area in the upcoming fall. Environmental organizations, most notably Greenpeace, ForestEthics, Friends. of Clayoquot Sound, and the Wildemess Committee, hastily assembled to oppose such actions, temporarily stalling the companies. Representatives of each organization were present at the meeting, offering insight into possible solutions and routes of action for environmentalists. Of the representatives were Stephanie Goodwin of Greenpeace, Valerie Langer of ForestEthics, and Joe Foy of the Wildemess Committee, joined by Eli Enns of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. The panel collectively spoke of the significance of Clayoquot Sound, stressing the importance of ensuring its survival, as, according to ForestEthics Valerie Langer, it marks the “iconic forest of Canada.” Langer continued by nostalgically depicting the beauty of the area, illustrating its biodiversity and distinct ecological features. However, coupled with her weary optimism was considerable uncertainty, as she expressed that “the fate of the Clayoquot Valleys is still not in complete agreement.” Further compounding the complexity of the issue is the question of native sovereignty. Natives in the community argue that logging would increase job opportunities, ultimately lowering unemployment ates. Stephanie Goodwin of Greenpeace empathized, highlighting the importance of First Nation’s ownership of Clayoquot at the meeting; however, it was noted that this ownership should balance environmental sustainability and economic development. Many individuals extemal to this meeting remain unconvinced, claiming that environmental interference may notlower the area’sincredibly high unemployment rate of 70 per cent. First Nations groups are concemed that if environmentalists are able to place a logging ban on the area, they won’t find jobs like the ones logging companies can provide. Instead of approaching these questions and the issue at hand by mirroring the conflict-laden “War of the Woods,’ environmentalists have instead opted for a more civil, mediated approach. Wildemess Committee’s Joe Foy stressed that “{t’s not going to help if [we] are disrespectful to the logging companies, govemment, and First Nations.” : In light of this, a two-week “truce” has been called between environmentalists and the logging companies. Accordingly, environmental organizations have been invited to meet with Central Region Chiefs to thoroughly discuss the issue and potentially find a way to save the pristine valley. As for the government, provincial officials have yet to become involved. Ultimately, the meeting ended with a call to action, as the environmental groups cited that the only way to protect Clayoquot Sound from this threat, as well as future threats, is through volunteers and increased public pressure. For now, the future of Clayoquot Sound remains unknown, as environmentalists, First Nations, and the logging companies areapproaching the issue with great caution. August 5, 2008 NEWS SHORTS Nikalas Kryzanowski BC Cancer Society Advocates Banning Teens from Tanning Salons A recent survey that suggests 40% of BC teens don’t wear sunscreen has raised concern with the BC Cancer Society: The society is now pushing for a ban on teens from tanning salons. They argue that while adults can make their own decisions on health related issues, teenagers generally have the guidance of adults when it comes to such things. The push is an echo of the World Health Organization, which has been advocating a ban for some time. Dr. David McLean, a UBC professor of dermatology, called a ban an “exceedingly good idea.” Several states in the US and parts of Europe already have a ban in place. New Initiative Envisions Eyeglasses to Developing Countries A new initiative to collect and distribute eyeglasses to those in need has begun at Douglas College. The Third World Eye Care Society and the Lions Recycle for Sight Campaign are looking for used prescription eyeglasses and prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. The glasses will be cleaned and sent to countries where eyeglasses are often unaffordable or unattainable. Glasses can be dropped off at the David Lam Vision Centre or Employee Relations (Room 411, New Westminster Campus). For questions email Kathy Potter at potterk@douglas. be.ca. Canadian Blood Services Looking to Up Donations The need for blood this summer has doubled, according to Canadian Blood Services. The agency is looking for 13,000 new donations to bolster its supply. According to spokesperson Angie Gaddy, when summer comes, there is usually a lull in donations as people change their routine. “Here in B.C., we need 13,000 people to donate,” she said. The organization believes that more surgeries and palliative care treatments are resulting in the increased demand. Interested donors can call 1-888- 2-DONATE (236-6283) for information or to book an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted.