Welcome to [EDIT]ION Volume 65! We're so happy you're here! Your free, monthly digital publication is packed with stories, thoughts and opinions that will inspire you in between issues of the original, award-winning print magazine. 

Cover Story: Love By Chocolate! The Wedding of Tareq Hadhad and Mila Zidan
by James Mullinger

Cover photograph by Jeff Cooke / Cooked Photography 

Also in this issue:

• Mi’kmaq Artist Alexandra Antle's Njiknam (My Younger Brother) by Jennifer Wood
• Thandiwe McCarthy meets Dr. Jessie Sagawa in Fredericton: A Film by Gary Weekes
• The G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance by Brad LeBlanc
• Ubisoft's New Halifax Studio

CONGRATULATIONS TAREQ & MILA!

The entire [EDIT] team would like to congratulate our friends Tareq Hadhad and Mila Zidan on their fairytale wedding. Two beautiful, kind, beloved people, who were born just metres apart in Damascus, Syria but met and fell in love in Canada. It is, in short, a fairytale love story like no other.

Tareq and Mila met when Tareq was looking for a photographer in Western Canada and he came across Mila's stunning work. After the photo shoot they began to fall in love and learned that they were both born a mere five minutes away from each other in Damascus, Syria, but they had to go through a roller-coaster of a journey over the past 10 years between Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt to meet 10,000 km far away from their birthplace here in Canada. They both decided to grow old together forever in love and kindness and promised that they will be there for each other through thick and thin. After a long-distance relationship they finally tied the knot on May 20th 2023 in the place that means so much to their journey as two new Canadians: Pier 21 - The Museum of Immigration.

As they told [EDIT]ION: "It was the most magical day ever. On a day like no other, our hearts were melting and bursting while feeling a wave of emotions, friends and family celebrated our love and marriage and shared this forever memory. A breathtaking day, a breathtaking wedding celebration, a breathtaking joy, and contagious happiness. Together is a beautiful place to be. To infinity and beyond."

Congratulations Tareq and Mila. Their story resembles a Hollywood romance, their wedding was a fairytale and they are undoubtedly two of the greatest people to happen to Atlantic Canada in a long time. 

Click here to to watch the Edit Media documentary about the Hadhad family's journey to Nova Scotia and the creation and growth and success of the Peace By Chocolate empire.

ALEX ANTLE - The Rooms Presents Njiknam (My Younger Brother) by Mi’kmaq Artist Alex Antle
by Jennifer Wood

Originally practicing in beadwork, Alexandra (Alex) Antle began working with photography in the past few years and her remarkable series Njiknam (My Younger Brother) marks this transition. The artist shares the time spent with her brother Matthew through her original photos, screen-printed photos embellished with beadwork and caribou tufting and newly created embroidered works. Drawing upon the threads of kinship and care that have long been fundamental to Indigenous knowledge, Antle highlights her brother’s connection to Mi’kmaw culture through the land. She invites viewers of her show to experience of Mi’kmaw culture in Newfoundland, as the works follow her brother’s land-based experiences in all seasons. The result is a record of relationship, thoughtfully describing how common Newfoundland activities and Mi’kmaw culture blend while challenging biases of what cultural practice looks like. 

Antle was born and raised in the central region of Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) in the community of Qapskuk (Grand Falls-Windsor). She spent the past five years living on the Island's West Coast in Elmastukwek (Bay of Islands), where her maternal family is from. She and her husband, Tyler, recently made the move back home to Qapskuk to be closer to their families. Alex comes from a mixed ancestry of Mi'kmaw on her mother's side and European on her father's side. 

[EDIT]ION was thrilled to learn about Alex’s show at St. John’s The Rooms. We had the pleasure to speak with her and learn more about her life, her entry into the arts and her celebrated exhibition.

[EDIT]ION: What inspired you to become an artist?

I first learned beadwork as a way of connecting with my culture, territory, and family while I was living away from home and attending university. While I did not have any intentions to pursue a career in beadwork or art, I met some amazing people along the way who mentored me, inspired me, and guided me to where I am. My first introduction to the professional arts world was a 2019 exhibition titled mitsujuk | kussikuashu | kpitni'sewet | they sew, which was curated by Emily Critch. Participating in that exhibition was the start of an exciting journey of learning and participating in art and craft. 

[EDIT]ION: Where did you study or are you self-taught?

I first learned how to make fringe earrings through instructional books. I quickly learned that beadwork is something that needs to be taught by seeing the process. I connected with a community of other beaders and learned most of my methods from mentors. Nicole Travers has been one of my biggest supporters and mentors throughout this learning journey. For other traditional craft methods, I have taken workshops from other artists in the Atlantic, including Melissa Peter-Paul. In 2021, I participated in a mentorship program with Shawn O'Hagan, where I had the pleasure of learning from her for six months. Shawn shared a variety of skills with me, including the process of natural dye.

[EDIT]ION: Can you tell us more about your show at The Rooms, your relationship with your brother, and your combined relationship with the land as reflected in the show?

ALEX: Njiknam (My Younger Brother) is a series of works containing 18" x 27" prints, stretched and framed. Each print is a photo of my brother screen-printed onto birchbark-dyed cotton. The prints are subtly embellished with beadwork and caribou tufting. Each print is accompanied by a related piece of beadwork that references an aspect of the photo. 

This series of works explores the relationship between modern L'nu and traditional Mi'kmaq practices, represented through my brother's experience. It explores the blend of Newfoundland and Mi'kmaq culture and the disconnect between some Ktaqmkuk L'nu and their comfort level with viewing land-based practices as cultural. The series features candid photos of my brother throughout all four seasons. In these photos, he is just participating in his regular activities while I tagged along to photograph. 

This series is inspired by my younger brother, Matt, and a common theme I see amongst many Ktaqmkuk L'nu. Matt spends every minute of his free time outdoors in the woods practicing a traditional lifestyle; however, he does not view himself as strongly connected to Mi'kmaq culture. In reality, Mi'kmaq culture on the island is heavily land-based; hunting, fishing, snowshoeing, canoeing, and berry picking are all Mi'kmaq traditions. Traditional Newfoundland culture and Mi'kmaq culture are so similar in Newfoundland that many people don't realize that they are living a Mi'kmaq lifestyle. This series communicates that Mi'kmaq culture does not revolve around ceremonial acts like smudging and sweat lodges. Every person practices their culture differently, and they are all equally valid. This series aims to combat stereotypes of what an Indigenous person looks like and how we practice culture.

Njiknam (My Younger Brother) is at St. John’s The Rooms until August 14^th. In addition to the exhibit, be sure to check out Antle’s beautiful intricate beadwork, which is inspired by the landscape and storied culture of Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland).

Thandiwe McCarthy meets Dr. Jessie Sagawa in Fredericton.
Directed by Gary Weekes.

Jessie Sagawa was born in Blantyre, Malawi, two years before the country attained its independence from Britain. She is a senior ESL facilitator in the University of New Brunswick English Language Programme. She is a graduate of the University of Malawi and the University of New Brunswick. Her master’s thesis compared the African works of Margaret Laurence and of London-based Nigerian author Buchi Emecheta. Her doctoral thesis was a feminist post-colonial analysis of how colonialism, feminism, matriliny and patriliny impact the representation of women in selected Malawian novels written in English.

Her research interests include the writings of African and African-descended writers, orature, women’s issues and the impact of class, gender and race, ESL, AESL and financial literacy. She is increasingly focusing on community activism, assisting in finding solutions to problems created by anti-Black racism, decolonizing curricula, as well as researching and publicizing affirmative and transformational African historical narratives that centre the African and African-descended subjects.

[EDIT]’s Culture Correspondent Thandiwe McCarthy met her for an exclusive interview. Read full feature in [EDIT] magazine.

Click here to watch film now.

Follow the New Brunswick Black Artists Alliance on Facebook.

Futurpreneur Announces Diverse 2023 Canadian Delegation for the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit in India

Futurpreneur, an official co-founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (G20 YEA), have proudly announced the 2023 Canadian G20 YEA delegation. After a rigorous selection process, 47 talented and diverse young entrepreneurs have been chosen to represent Canada at the G20 YEA Summit, hosted by Young Indians (YI) and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in New Delhi, India, from July 13-16, 2023.

The G20 YEA Summit, held annually ahead of the widely known G20 Leaders’ Summit, serves as a platform for advising its governments on matters of business and entrepreneurship policy. The Alliance is a collective of organizations across the G20 countries that represent more than 500,000 young entrepreneurs, who meet every year to affect positive policy change and champion youth entrepreneurship worldwide.

The Canadian delegation, representing a rich diversity of sectors, provinces, and equity-deserving groups from across the country, embodies Futurpreneur’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in the Canadian international trade landscape. The delegation consists of 40% women-led businesses and includes 59% of entrepreneurs from equity-deserving groups, including Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Hailing from nine provinces, the delegates represent a variety of sectors and industries such as Professional Services, Consumer products, Information and Communications technologies, and Education.

Friend of [EDIT] and frequent collaborator Brad LeBlanc, the President of leading  global marketing agency BrainWorks, is one of those selected (along with fellow New Brunswick entrepreneurs Tosin Ajibola and Oluwaseun Adeyemo of Welkom-U Inc.), so we asked him to share how this unique honour feels, and the difference it will make: 

"I am absolutely thrilled to share this profound news with all of you! Against all odds (or so it feels), I have been chosen as one of 47 delegates to proudly represent Canada at the prestigious YG20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (YEA) gathering in New Delhi, India this coming July. My journey as an entrepreneur has been an incredible mix of fulfillment and challenges, constantly teetering between "most likely to succeed" and "least likely to succeed." It takes an unwavering determination to serve others, adopt a growth mindset every day, and seize opportunities, even in the face of adversity.

Coming from an adopted background in a single-income family in Riverview, I have experienced my fair share of heartbreak, exploitation, bullying, criticism, and countless setbacks. I've even been told in no uncertain terms (including in recent WEEKS) to leave the region and seriously questioned my own worth. But today, I share this extraordinary milestone with the hope of inspiring those who struggle with scarcity, toxicity, or failure, and doubt what the future holds. I’m delighted to be working on the “Policy Lead Task Force” as a part of this delegation.  

Believe me when I say that beyond all the hardships lies a future so magnificent, vibrant, and perfectly aligned with your truest passions and your highest self.  From bankruptcy, abandonment, total-loss fires, and hopelessness to the G20. My journey (I hope) is a testament to the fact that anything is possible - and that there are amazing people everywhere who will support you even when it feels like no one will. As a proudly pansexual ginger with ADHD, RSD, addiction, anxiety, depression, poor academics, and having started with (less than) no financial resources, I have somehow triumphed. My measure of success has almost nothing to do with profit, and everything to do with purpose.  Just imagine what you can achieve!

This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the unwavering support of amazing organizations  including FuturPreneur, The Trade Commissioner of Canada, The Government of Canada, the Young Indians Association, YEA, and many more. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for our clients, team, suppliers, champions, and ambassadors who have helped turn this seemingly impossible dream into a breathtaking reality and for supporting this next chapter. A valuable lesson I've learned is to pay very close attention to those who stand by your side and rally to your aid during tough times.

If you’ve ever supported a fundraiser, backed a venture, attended an event, worked with us on a project, contributed to a (wild) initiative, signed your name next to ours - know that this is 100% because of you. Thank you for carrying the light and reminding me of who I am when I have found myself off the beaten path. 

So, my dear friends, hold on tight because the future holds nothing but better days ahead. I will strive to represent Atlantic Canada and Canada on the global stage, embodying the spirit of our people, the pride in our past, and, most importantly, the bright, inclusive, and empowering future that awaits in the true north, strong and free. 

On behalf of the 25 people (from 8 cultures!) who make up the BrainWorks team, the hundreds of clients and collaborators we have the great privilege of working alongside and serving, and to the communities across Atlantic Canada we are so grateful to be a part of - a profoundly deep thank you for all that has lead to this moment - and all that will come from here."

Brainworks is a boutique marketing agency that helps companies and organizations grow. Their mission is to foster creative energy and technical ability to inspire growth. BrainWorks is a creative force for good and we are proud to work with them.

To learn more about Brainworks, please click here.

UBISOFT OPENS NEW STUDIO IN HALIFAX

Ubisoft Halifax announces the opening of a newly built mobile games development studio in the Maritime Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ubisoft is the global video game publisher behind hit franchises including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, For Honor, Just Dance, Prince of Persia, Rabbids, Rayman, Tom Clancy's, and Watch Dogs. Readers might remember the short film that Edit Media-produced about Ubisoft in 2019 - click here to watch now.

In 2010 Longtail Studios opened in Halifax and in 2015, they became officially Ubisoft Halifax. In 2017, Ubisoft Halifax moved to Alexander Keith’s building and as of now, they proudly open their new studio on the 12^th floor of the Maritime Centre. Ubisoft Halifax employs 80 people and are still growing and their staff come from diverse educational backgrounds, many moving to the region to work for the company. Some employees have been with the studio since it was founded in 2010.

The new studio is in the northern wing of the Maritime Centre overlooking Citadel Hill and the Halifax Harbour. The beautiful views inspired the architect to keep the workspace open. Most desks are positioned alongside the windows for passive light and beautiful views, with meeting rooms and offices located in the centre for privacy and ease of access.

“Our teams frequently collaborate on a variety of projects and the new arrangement will support this flow of ideas,” they told [EDIT]ION. “The meeting rooms and a separate “stand up” area dot the studio to support individual and focused work. Featured in our new studio are the social spaces, meant for enjoyment during and beyond work time. These spots include a gaming patio, a green space, and a wellness room. These support relaxation, socialization, and provide a welcome opportunity for teams to recharge and prioritize their wellbeing.

Something unique to our studio is our User Research lab, which provides an opportunity for us to welcome members of the public on a regular basis to test and provide feedback on in-development games. Our studio, all under the Ubisoft Halifax name, involves more than 80 people who work on more than 10 projects at any given time!

“We are so excited to have this new space to call our own. The Ubisoft Halifax Studio opening marks our much-anticipated return at a time when social and physical wellbeing are at the forefront of the work experience. We are proud to continue our hybrid work model, which will be supported by our contemporary space that supports work-life balance. Hybrid work is still a priority for us, and the Maritime Centre makes this simple with ample bike parking, being located along many bus routes, and accessibility throughout the building.”

Click here to learn more about Ubisoft Halifax

Art Director: Lindsay Vautour
Senior Editor: Jennifer Wood
Publishing Director: Pamela Mullinger
Editor: James Mullinger

For all advertising enquiries, email Pamela: pamela@maritimeedit.com