LONGHOUSE LABS EXTENDS BANGISHIMO’S BUCK SKIN NAKED

On Jan. 19, 2026, Bangishimo’s Buck Skin Naked photography exhibit debuted at Longhouse Labs (LLabs)., featuring portraits spotlighting Indigenous and Afro-Indigenous bodies. The showing for Buck Skin Naked was extended until Apr. 11, 2026. Bangishimo is planning to shift into working on a book later this year, a collection of their photography over the years.  

“We don’t see the beautiful brown, round bodies, the bodies with scars and cellulite and stretch marks and pimples and all those stuff. We always see size zero, beautiful white skin always seen in ads. It’s so hard to see ourselves, especially as Indigenous peoples,” Bangishimo said.  

Bangishimo is the co-director of the Willow River Center and was the most recent artist in residence for LLabs at the University of Waterloo (UW). Their studio assistants were integral to taking all of the photos in the collection.  

LLabs exists to empower, advance, promote and support Indigenous creatives in Waterloo region and beyond. They are located at 263 Phillip Street, East Campus Hall on the UW campus. As an organization they focus on the Fellowship for Indigenous Artists-in-Residents (FAIR) program.  

The UW Fine Arts department invites Indigenous artists to develop their creative work through self-directed artist residencies.  

“Anything to do with the body or sex became very taboo and something you didn’t talk about.  Because those messages get passed through generations, you should be modest and cover yourself up,” Bangishimo said. 

LLabs supports Indigenous creative practices both contemporary and traditional. Bangishimo’s collection of eight pieces ranging from semi-nude to fully nude aim to showcase the decolonized beauty of Afro-Indigenous and Indigenous people.  

“[And we] get this lateral violence from our own community members saying  that’s not who we are. You should cover up. And then people always direct it back to why we get stolen,” Bangishimo said. opened an interesting inner dialogue within Bangishimo over the concept of self-love and acceptance. Originally there were supposed to be 16 photos in the collection, but only eight were selected for the exhibit. Bangishimo plans to either self-publish or find a publisher for a photobook collection of their work, including the whole body of work. 

“The color contrast between each picture and the story that flowed between each picture. And I didn’t even plan that, it just happened that way when we started hanging them up and deciding which picture should go where,” Bangishimo said. 

Bangishimo plans on continuing Buck Skin Naked beyond the published pictures. To celebrate the Indigenous body, they plan on focusing more of their photography towards nudes. Their goal is to help build people up with their self-esteem and promote feeling proud in their own skin. 

UNDERDOG STEPS UP PERFORMANCE TEAMS, COMPETES IN CALGARY

The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo Region’s first beginner-focused adult dance studio. They introduced a more intensive training regimen for their performance team earlier this year, including strength and flexibility training in a second studio in Uptown Waterloo.   

“It’s just the consistency and the hard work to train the body to do it, and you literally practice showing up for yourself fully,” Emily Peat, the director of the Underdog studio, said.   

The studio sent its competitive teams to the Calgary International Salsa Congress from Mar. 26 to Mar. 30, 2026, which featured salsa and bachata dancers from around the world, as well as local professionals and troupes from all over North America. Quinn Vandenheuvel and Emily Dodsworth placed second in the amateur heated bachata division. Peat and Jorge Pablos placed first in the professional bachata heated division. Peat and Phil Roy placed second in the professional salsa showcase division. Bani Singh placed third in the professional-amateur (pro-am) open showcase division with Phil Roy.  

There are 13 students in three teams, who competed. The Bachata Partner amateur team, the Bachata Ladies Styling pro-am team and the Salsa Shines pro-am team. All teams were trained to compete in amateur categories.  

“It all kind of comes down to that in the end. If we teach good fundamentals to people right, then we’ll succeed with our students. And they’ll succeed, whether it’s in our class or out on the dance floor,” Phil Roy, the Experience Manager at Underdog and an instructor, said.  

The team’s six-hour training regimen has included strength training, flexibility training and acro training alongside running through their dance routines. The conditioning, cross-training and technique work help make sure the dancers are prepared for competition.   

“They’re low stakes, relatively—if you win a dance competition, whatever. But you practice discipline. You practice being there for yourself. You practice, ‘how can I react in moments of high stress?’,” Peat said.  

Many of the dancers also competed in “heats”, which require them to improvise for one and a half minutes to a random song within their registered category and style.   

“Because everyone’s relying on everybody else, to make sure that everybody comes away from the competition with a good experience. So, it does take that the group effort to achieve a shared goal,” Victoria Giampaolo, an Underdog student and team captain, said.  

In the week leading up to the Calgary International Salsa Congress, the students are performing in front of their peers periodically in the studio.   

The Calgary congress is one of many competitions that the Underdog Dance Corp. are planning to participate in this year—other cities include Montreal and Toronto.   

“[Competition] really brings the social aspect of dance to the front in a way that a showcase team doesn’t as much. So I really like that. It makes me push myself,” Giampaolo said. 

SAFETY SHED OPENS ON 100VIC

On Mar. 15, 2026, 100 Victoria St. (100Vic) encampment celebrated the launch of the Safety Shed. It was erected by the Concerned People on Drug Use, a coalition of community members, drug users, advocates and loved ones of drug users. The grand opening event featured continued building of the shed, pizza, music, passionate speakers and a community-led discussion.  

“The Safety Shed will provide people who use drugs with a focal point where they can access and create programming that deals with the issues they are facing, inducing state attacks on their rights to medical services. It will also provide a warmer, safer place where community members can discuss, explore and strategize about solutions without fear of being stigmatized or criminalized,” the Concerned People on Drug Use said in a joint press release.  

“In fall 2023 we started seeing large quantities of xylazine going into the fentanyl supply, and more encampment residents were having worse experiences using drugs that they thought were unpoisoned, so the need grew,” Julian Ichim, a safety shed activist, said.   

Versions of the Safety Shed in tent form were used on Roos Island and then at 100Vic since the summer of 2022. The Safety Shed is a space where encampment residents can access harm reduction supplies, education and peer support in the community. The labour of many organizers and volunteers went into the building of the safety shed.   

“We have to fight for people, who have basic rights simply because they’re human. Not because we like them, not because we agree with them. Simply because they’re human,” Ichim said.   

The Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) at 150 Duke St. W. was closed on Mar. 31, 2025, due to Bill 223. It banned CTS sites from operating within 200 metres of certain types of schools and childcare centres. The CTS was co-operated by Sanguen Health Centre and the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services.  

“[The Safety Shed was proposed by] several members of the Alan Ryan People’s Community Defence Brigade with lived and living experience using substances in organized safety tents through the years, and the Safety Shed is also being organized with the Concerned People on Drug Use, a group of drug users and advocates,” Ichim said.   

The shed is in a prominent and accessible space in the encampment, chosen by the residents who will be using it. It will contain various harm reduction supplies, workshops, food and opportunities to learn about their rights.   

“The number of drug poisoning deaths has increased since the CTS was closed and the supply is becoming more toxic with sedatives like medetomidine in the mix. Harm reduction is a serious issue,” Ichim said.   

On Feb. 27, 2026, a community drug alert  was issued in Waterloo Region after 35 suspected drug overdoses and one drug-related death. Fentanyl samples were tested through Sanguen’s drug checking program and found other drugs like sedatives, veterinary tranquilizers and depressants.   

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFERS SPACE TO CREATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

On Dec. 31 2025, Christ Lutheran Church proposed to add townhomes to its vacant lot at Anndale Rd. and Lexington Rd. to help move the Waterloo Region out of its current housing crisis. Christ Lutheran Church had a long-held vision for the future use of the site, which included an opportunity to explore new housing options. The proposal to add 57 rental townhomes to its three-acre lot has been put into action, with some challenge from residents.  

“Neighbours and community members have continued to engage with us directly, and the city is also receiving input through its formal channels…We are taking all of this input into account through the ongoing review process of the application with our team and the city,” Carly Forrester, Director of Development and Planning at Kindred Works, said.   

Kindred Works, a Toronto-based rental housing design firm, was engaged to evaluate what could be supported on the portion of the property identified for redevelopment. This work has informed the low-rise residential proposal currently advancing through the zoning process.  

“Some residents have raised concerns about height—the proposal is for two-three storeys, similar to the nearby homes to the north and northeast, and much shorter than the six-storey retirement residence to the south across the street. Other concerns raised include the number of homes, potential impacts on traffic, parking and greenspace,” Forrester said.   

The church has occupied the mostly vacant land since 1974. The plan involves retaining the original church building, while Kindred Works develops around it. Christ Lutheran Church transferred its property to its development partner for a total of two dollars in September 2025.   

“We have also received support for the proposal, including the addition of purpose-built rental housing with non-market and family-sized units, adding much needed housing to the community, the fact the building is designed to be zero-carbon, and the retention of the existing community building,” Forrester said.   

This project aligns with the Region of Waterloo’s Homes for All initiative, which is a part of the Waterloo Region’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.  

“The project is still in the zoning process, and the timeline will be shaped by the results of this phase and the municipal review process. We are eager to complete this project as soon as practical to deliver much needed housing to the community,” Forrester said.  

REGIONAL COUNCIL AMENDS BY-LAW TO DEFER POSSESSION OF 100VIC

On Jan. 9, 2026,  the Region of Waterloo council amended By-Law 25-021. This deferred the possession date for the Kitchener transit hub site until Apr. 1, 2026. Metrolinx has advised the Region of Waterloo that it requires the use of 100 Victoria St. N. for its Kitchener Central Transit Hub (KCTH). The first version of the bylaw was designed to have encampment residents off 100Vic by the end of 2025.  The region wants to use the property as a staging area for construction vehicles and equipment for the KCTH, planned to be built at the nearby intersection of King St. and Victoria St. 

The amendment was made to allow residents of 100 Victoria St. N. encampment (100Vic) to find alternative housing options.    

“The offer would include an individual housing plan with appropriate alternative accommodation, social service supports and transportation and storage for up to six months at no cost to the person,” Fiona McCrea, regional solicitor and director of legal services, said.   

An information session for current residents of the 100Vic ran on Jan. 5, 2026, along with a public information and input meeting on Jan. 7, 2026. A summary of these two sessions was included in the appendix of the addendum report.   

“There was support expressed at both sessions for the removal of the monetary penalty and the provision of written offers of alternative accommodation included in the amendments,” McCrea said.   

Across the Waterloo Region, there are 24 known encampments and approximately 50-59 residents in them. However, the 100Vic by-law and its amendment would only affect the residents and the encampment there.  The motion of including a safe-tenting by-law came up on the Jan. 9, 2026, meeting. This would outline the procedures which people are to follow when putting up tents in designated areas deemed suitable by a governing body.   

“Such a protocol exists in other communities in Ontario including Hamilton, London, St. Thomas and the Region of Peel. These are provisions set through a by-law that provides the circumstances and conditions [in] which individuals can tent in the municipality,” Peter Sweeney, Commissioner of Community Services, said.  

Safe tenting by-laws come in one of two forms: one where individuals are given specific locations in which they are permitted to tent. The other outlines where people are not permitted to tent and sets provisions of distance from schools, cemeteries and childcare centers.   

For example, London’s Park and Recreation Area By-Law-PR-2 prohibits people from encroaching on municipally owned lands or erecting fences on municipally owned lands without the written consent of the City. Whereas the Region of Peel’s Encampment Policy Framework and Joint Protocols  explicitly outlines areas where encampments are prohibited. 

“Not one person that spoke last night wanted this amendment. Even though you [the council] might think it would be advantageous to those living in the encampment.” Pam Wolf, Region of Waterloo Councilor, said.  

Wolf wanted the Region of Waterloo council to explore the safe tenting protocols of other municipalities. The motion to explore the safe tenting protocol was defeated by a final vote of 8-8. 

DOG DAYS ARE HERE

On Nov. 14, 2025, I had the honour and pleasure of taking in a foster dog named Charlie. 

I did not make the choice to foster a dog lightly. As someone who grew up with a dog, I knew how much responsibility and time caring for a dog takes.  

I can now confirm that the adage of rescue dogs saving the people that take them in is true.  

Since COVID-19, this seed of loneliness was planted in me, but having Charlie around has helped me regrow my curiosity for life and the great outdoors.  

Charlie is a half German Shephard, half American Dingo. He grew up in Texas and he was left to fend for himself on the streets for about six months before being taken in by a kind lady, who contacted the Dog Rescue Society (DRS). 

The DRS is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization based in Kitchener, and their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs in need, while creating a supportive community of adopters and fosters. Usually, their foster programs take about three to four months.  

For the first few weeks, he was in what is known as the decompression phase—what he needed most was a quiet, structured and safe place to be.  

I remember our first walk together was around the block outside of my apartment building. He was skittish and anxious, much like me. I felt like maybe I was in over my head, maybe it was too long since I had a dog and I was not equipped to be a good dog parent.  

But when he looked up at me with his hopeful big brown eyes on the elevator ride up to our apartment, I felt like we were in this together.  

For the first few days we were on a strict structured routine of waking up at the same time, eating at the same time and walking at the same time during the day. It was a way to introduce structure to Charlie’s life, especially since his life was turned so completely upside down. The more time has passed the more Charlie’s personality has manifested. He is a confident dog who takes life in stride. Though doubtless he feared me when we first met, he was nothing but cordial to me. He is curious, playful and full of energy for life. All things that a depressed human like me lack sometimes.  

Since the start, we’ve settled into a similar but less rigid routine. Due to some difficulties with mental health issues, having another reason to get out of bed and get some exercise has been a lifesaver. I’m happy I got to help Charlie, and he in turn has helped me quite a lot.  

Charlie is currently up for adoption. If you are interested, check out his profile and others on the DRS website at  thedogrescuesociety.net. 

SHOW LOVE, EVEN ON A BUDGET

Money can be tight sometimes, especially in this economy, making gifts difficult to organize. 

My family also has two birthdays in December, so I am no stranger to trying to scrimp and save to make sure I can show my loved ones how much I care. 

While overconsumption and inflation run rampant, there seems to be a rise in people wanting to make their own gifts. Here’s a list of cheap and homemade gift ideas I turn to every year. Hopefully they also help you to spread the love this holiday season.   

Needle Felting  

This craft uses specifically designed notched needles to form wool into different shapes and designs. The notches tangle the wool fibres and cause them to interlock to form firm structures. This versatile craft is perfect for those on a budget.   

I started needle-felting with the help of a friend over a year ago, and it has turned into a fun hobby that also helps me make fun gifts for friends.   

You can find Ontario roving wool at Flying Squirrel for 15 cents per bundle. And the needles can be purchased online starting at $1.50. You can easily find free patterns online as well.   

Happy felting!   

Crochet and Knitting  

Crocheting and knitting is part of the needlecraft family in which you use a hook to create fabric from loops of yarn. Both can be used to make anything from a blanket to a sweater.   

While this is not a hobby I have participated in yet, I know plenty of people who use fibre arts for gift giving. You can purchase a ball of yarn at Flying Squirrel starting at $2.99.   

Painting  

Who doesn’t love a hand-painted piece of art? Check out any dollar store and stock up on paper, paint and paintbrushes without breaking the bank.   

Something I like to do is called zen-tangles. To create a zen-tangle, paint a simple shape like a triangle or a square in one colour. The point is to be intentional about each line.

It can be very calm and makes for a beautiful piece of artwork. Cutting up the print and making unique cards out of them is sure to brighten up anyone’s holiday.   

Baked goods  

Use the holidays as a way to expand your hobbies or practice tried and true ones. For me, baking is one hobby I like to use when the holidays come rolling in.  

I like baking Filipino treats for my loved ones during the holidays to show them my appreciation. Making food like puto or biko is a fun way to be creative while also putting in a lot of care into the gift. Puto, a steamed rice cake, is very inexpensive to make and requires ingredients you would already have in the pantry like flour and sugar.  

SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS IN YOUR OWN COMPANY

While the holidays are typically associated with being around friends and family, sometimes it’s also a nice way to spend time with someone you’re around all year long: yourself.   

Having a solo holiday meal at a restaurant may seem like a scene straight out of break-up movie, but there can be many benefits to dining for one: eating alone means only catering to what you want to eat and ensuring you eat at your own pace.   

Here is a list of places around the region where solo dining for the holidays would strike up a cozy vibe.   

Arabella Park  

Located in Kitchener’s Belmont Village, this classic beer bar serves bar food that pairs swell with their 18 rotating taps.  

Having a holiday dinner on their mezzanine floor is a good way to soak in the holiday vibes while having your own little slice of the restaurant to yourself.  

I always enjoy having their feature burger and pairing it with a non-alcoholic beer.   

Loloan Lobby Bar  

This taste of the tropics will serve as a palmy balm for the wintry soul. Located in Uptown Waterloo, this is the place to go for Southeast Asian inspired cuisine.  

Known for their well-versed staff, enjoy sitting at the bar or the dining room. Feel like chatting? Their friendly bar staff would be happy to tell you about their menu while you’re sipping on a classic pho cocktail. Whether thirsty for a unique holiday drink or hungry for a pan-Asian tasting menu, Loloan is a treat for the senses of a solo diner.   

Hooland Cafe  

If you’re looking for something more casual, look no further than Waterloo’s premier destination for Hong Kong street eats.  

They have classic neon lights, the snacks and the atmosphere that transport you to Hong Kong. Enjoy their black truffle cream sauced chicken wings alongside ice cream coffee. The Hooland Cafe also boasts a robust vegetarian menu. 

Rhythm and Brews  

For lovers of beer and music, this rustic Cambridge-based bar is just for you. Having a few sips while enjoying food at their bar or having wings while enjoying live music, a dinner here will never leave you wanting stimulation for your five senses. Their venue was specifically designed with acoustics in mind, so sit back and enjoy holiday tunes while munching on locally sourced food. 

Oh! Bombay  

I enjoyed a dinner at Oh! Bombay on my own and I was not disappointed. This authentic Indian and Hakka food is just what the solo diner needs to warm their soul after a long winter’s day. Their honey chili chicken momos made me feel right at home while I was sitting and enjoying the rain outside.   

East Africa Cafe  

This cozy retreat where tradition meets taste is a great place to be if you’re looking for a cozy and unique dining experience in Downtown Kitchener. I went here for a cozy solo break from my day, and I enjoyed a nice la pisma with mango juice.   

This year has been particularly challenging for me in my personal life. I have learned to take breaks from the everyday and make time for myself. It’s important to be able to sit down and have a meal on your own, no distractions, just you and the food.  

Helps you think and unwind. So I encourage you all to do the same this holiday season. Who knows, maybe it’ll help you stay present and enjoy the holidays more.  

#AdrianQuijano #ArabellaPark #eastAfricaCafe #eatingAlone #holidays #holidaysAlone #hoolandCafe #LoloanLobbyBar #ohBombay #rhythmAndBrews

DONATIONS FOR 100 VIC FOR THE WINTER

Winter is here and residents at 100 Victoria St. North (100Vic) need supplies to get them through the season. Going into the harshest weather of the year, residents need the support of their community now more than ever. Here are a list of things residents need and details on how to donate.   

Urgently  

• Four person tents  

• Tarps  

• Wooden pallets  

• Sleeping bags  

• Blankets  

• Hygiene products  

Needed daily   

• Water  

• Juice  

• Single serve snacks (granola bars)  

• Home cooked meals  

• Clothes  

• Hats  

• Nail clippers and files  

• Pest repellent  

Amazon Wishlist 

• Glad black garbage bags  

• Rubbermaid 6-pack heavy duty durable totes  

• 8-liter plastic storage boxes  

• Evian natural spring water, 12 bottles  

• 36 Pack AAA batteries  

• 48 Pack AA batteries  

• Polarized sunglasses   

• Banana Boat sunscreen  

• Butane refill  

• Sunheavy duty double-sided dust barriers  

• Rain tarps  

• Paracord bracelet rope   

• Awning repair tape  

• Permanent all-weather duct tape  

How to drop off donations  

There is a parking lot adjacent to the encampment. Once at the encampment, the donation table is near the Sandbag House in the middle of camp. There will be a Fight-Back member on-site near the donation table.   

Other options for drop-offs  

Donations can be dropped off at the encampment at any time. For large or heavy donations, reach out to [email protected] to arrange a drop-off. If you are unable to make it to the encampment, pick-ups can be arranged for donations. 

#100Vic #100VictoriaSt #AdrianQuijano #amazonWishList #batteries #donations #ductTape #encampment #fightBack #FightBackWR #FightbackKW #fourPersonTents #KatWex #supplies #YIMBY

THE ISRAEL EFFECT IN CANADA

Peter Eglin, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Wilfrid Laurier University, released his critical autoethnography Analysing the Israel Effect in Canada in 2024. Eglin analyzes the organizational methods which public criticism of Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people is silenced in Canada. This is explained over the course of ten episodes in the life of the author over a 30 year period, from 1990 to 2020 through his interactions with Canadian news media. 

The Israel Effect is analyzed as a three-tier propaganda industry. Tier one is Israel’s lobby groups around the world, tier two is the role of universities and news media, and tier three is the non-Jewish, non-Zionists onlookers and institutions. Analysing the Israel Effect in Canada exists in the third tier as it is written by someone who is non-Jewish and non-Zionist. 

As a sociological work, it analyses and documents the different organized methods by which public criticism to Israel’s oppression towards Palestinians is silenced in Canada.   

Poignant and heart-wrenching at every turn, it is a crossover between an academic standpoint and journalistic exposé.  

In the chapter “Photo Propaganda” Eglin explores the role news media plays in suppressing Palestinian voices and promoting Israel’s interests.  

For example, looking at the Globe and Mail’s coverage of Palestinian victims: “What is most striking in the photographic depiction of victims of terror by The Globe and Mail, however, is the quite different use made of, and treatment accorded to, relatives, friends, co-workers and other associates of persons who have been killed or injured by terrorist violence, depending on whether the victims are Palestinian Arabs or Israeli Jews,” the book states.   

Eglin consistently reminds readers that the book is not about Israel and Palestine, it is about Canadian society and how it reacts to Israel’s oppression. Readers explore different vignettes arranged in chronological order to display a horror story of institutional censorship.   

Eglin, and in turn the reader, questions why the Canadian government does not enforce the human rights laws that would protect the Palestinian people. He emphasizes the importance of exposing ties to Israel in the government and corporations, and why people should continue to speak truth to power.   

Eglin remains an unflinching narrator throughout the book, not afraid to call out institutions that try to suppress his work. In the chapter “Circling the Wagons”, Eglin reacts to the National News Council not publishing his criticism of Israel. He tells his story through damning emails back and forth between Eglin and a representative from the council.   

For anyone who wants to understand the genocide in Palestine as it exists in the context of Canadian society, this book is a highly important read. The work is a compelling testament to the importance of preserving freedom of expression and the vital role academics play in challenging systemic injustice. It is an ideal book for historians, activists and scholars of politics. 

#adrianQuijano #analysingTheIsraelEffect #bookReview #canadianNews #israelEffect #media #mediaLiteracy #newsMedia #palestine #peterEglin #sociology #wilfridLaurierUniversity #zionism