Working Draft magazine

At different stages of my life, my self-worth hung on my ability to satisfy society's expectations of women, but when I began to interrogate these traditional gender roles — and notice how I'd internalized them — I started to break free. 

Vaping has spread through our youth like a plague. In its wake, a teenager is left to figure out how to deal with addiction, the government struggles to create sensible regulations, and a booming industry sacrifices morality for money. — Natan Ruman

Girls are getting their periods earlier than a century ago, so conversations about menstruation need to happen earlier. But who is responsible for this, and is it happening? 

When a tragic death in the family occurs, a young second-generation Laotian woman is forced to confront her cultural identity and reconcile with her past.

Summers spent at our extended family's "camp" in the prairies marked the beats of growing up, like the time my cousin and I outran the rain, but when the violence at home in Winnipeg followed us out to the bush, I had something else to run from.

A high school student only knows one speed — full throttle. Then a blow to the head brings his life to a sudden halt. Months of prescribed rest teach him when to push and when to slow down.

My mom is Black, my dad is White. She’s from The Bahamas, he’s from Steinbach. I should have grown up between cultures. Yet, there was a hole where one half of my identity should have been. Some say you need to look back to move forward. I looked back to find what was lost. By Stacha Penner

An exploration of the strange relationship between superheroes, the environment, climate change, and the real power of comic books.  By Connor Boyd

Learning to listen to your own heartbeat. By David Chenier

Are all hunters ruthless killers? Explore how and why you should hunt with expert advice from Anishinaabe Elder Paul Guimond and hunting guide Roben Ogden.

What does it mean to camp like a girl? It means getting outside in spite of sexism and traditional gender norms. Two Manitoban organizations are getting women into the wilderness and celebrating how being outside helps women tap into their innate power — and have fun while doing it.

As Manitoba's climate warms at twice the global rate, what will happen to our favourite winter activities? Skiing and snowboarding are most at risk — as are the people who depend on them.  By Joel Larson

Content warning: This piece contains eating disorders, self-harm, pedophilia, child grooming and child endangerment. Disclaimer: The author has changed some names in this piece. Specific weights have been censored, as they are an unnecessary trigger. A young girl logs onto Tumblr, and is greeted by the dark world of pedophilia, child-grooming, and eating disorder fetishization.

A love letter to jiu-jitsu. By Tyler Searle Content warning: this piece contains references to violence, suicide, child abuse, death, and mental illness.

Both pet adoption and surrender rates increased during the pandemic. How are people who work with animals coping? By Joël Lizotte

Despite its rocky reputation, Tumblr is home to a thriving queer community. What sets Tumblr apart from other social media platforms and why do some people have such a hard time giving it up? By Arin Streeter

How did recording studios in Winnipeg survive the COVID-19 pandemic?  By Kevin Rodriguez

When your identity and your religion collide, how do you find a place to call home?

By: Bryce Hunt The story of NHL defenceman Zach Whitecloud told by those who helped him along the way.

By Taylor Toews

After Covid-19 lockdowns, restaurants are struggling to hire staff. But why? The issues have always been there but now they are forced to be addressed.

Hustle, Grind, Repeat. Many of us are in a cycle of toxic productivity, but what if it didn't have to be that way? One young millennial is striving to slow down in a world that wants her to speed up. By Samantha McEwan

Automation is changing the work force. Job turnovers are becoming more common. Disparity between living costs and wages is high. Is Universal Basic Income the answer? By Joe Boulet

Manitobans finally realize our province has a lot to offer.

By Josh Frey-Sam Elite athletes are supposed to thrive under pressure, but when social media gives fans seemingly unfettered access to athletes, the pressure can cause many athletes to cave.