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The 2011-2012 academic year in Quebec was a period in history hard to forget if you lived through it. If you happen to forget however, the history books won’t.

A massive student strike erupted throughout all of Quebec. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets, initially with the goal of free tuition, but eventually with much more at stake. The social fabric holding Quebec together was permanently altered.

Yet before the student strike swept over Quebec and gained international attention, another wave of student activism crashed into McGill. While this event did not garner the level of attention the strike would, it’s effect on McGill is undeniable.

Essentially, in February of 2012, a small group of McGill students threw a party on the sixth floor of the school’s central administration building. They claimed the party was a resignation party for one of McGill’s administrators who they felt had been partially responsible for the McGill administration ignoring student demands and democratic efforts. The event was sparked in particular by feelings that McGill was attacking two organizations loved by many students; CKUT Radio and QPIRG.

The event forced students at McGill to take a side. For many, the line drawn in the sand during this occupation would not fade until well after the student strike was over. McGill’s student body was polarized by the party; though not everyone was invited, everyone heard about it.

I have put together a radio documentary on the 6Party occupation at McGill. It originally aired on CKUT Radio. This documentary focuses on the story of the party from the angle of the party guests themselves. Included within this hour long feature are interviews with multiple 6Party occupiers, their supporters, a McGill administrator, and a representative from CKUT.

What was behind the occupation? What did the planning for the occupation look like? How did the occupiers pull it off? And finally, over a year later, what are the occupiers’ reflections on the party?

You will finally get a chance to hear the story of the party McGill will never forget from the guests themselves. 

The full documentary is available here.

I hope you enjoy your time at 6Party and The After Party!