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A closer look at SFU’s Indigenous art displays

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Peak Web
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A photo of the frog constellation cedar sculpture.
PHOTO: Olivia Visser / The Peak

By: Olivia Visser, Copy Editor

Lhuḵw’lhuḵw’áyten (Burnaby Mountain) has been home to hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people for thousands of years. Today, the mountain is known to many as the location of SFU’s main campus — a decision that was made without permission from Indigenous peoples. Although the university is now working towards reconciliation and decolonization, its very existence is a byproduct of colonialism. And while SFU’s walkways are adorned with Indigenous artwork, how many people stop to learn the history behind these pieces? 

The Bill Reid Centre recently developed a virtual walking tour of Indigenous art on campus, offering supplemental background information for each featured piece. The ímesh mobile app, which means “to walk” in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh snichim, contains maps, Coast Salish place names, photos, and detailed descriptions about the artwork on display across SFU. The Bill Reid Centre describes ímesh as “a step toward decolonizing the university and the surrounding landscape.” You don’t have to visit campus to enjoy the app or its corresponding webpage, but I’d encourage those interested to pick a quiet afternoon and explore the Art Walking Tour with a renewed sense of mindfulness. 

Bear Mother

If you’ve ever visited the 3rd floor of the Academic Quadrangle (AQ), you’ve likely walked past the striking marble sculptures created by Iljuwas Bill Reid (Raven-Wolf Clan, Haida Nation). Known as the Spirit of Haida Gwaii Busts, Bear Mother (1991) and Dogfish Woman (1991) stand side-by-side with distinguished gazes, overlooking the bustle of the AQ. As noted in the ímesh app, both sculptures are based on popular Haida legends. Bear Mother is the story of a berry picker who was forced to marry the son of a grizzly bear chief after disrespecting the local bears. As a result, her children were born with both human and bear features. The legend “emphasizes the importance of honouring and respecting animals” and “deals with the subjects of transformation and travel between the human and non-human worlds.” 

Dogfish Woman

Dogfish Woman follows a legend that’s “difficult to trace” these days. The app includes a transcription of Franz Boas’ retelling, which echoes similar themes to Bear Mother. Accordingly, a woman made fun of a dogfish while travelling, so she was brought beneath the sea to learn that “the dogfish were really people.” After spending some time underwater with the dogfish, the woman grew fins across her body, and never returned to her family on land. As described in the app, the story addresses “barriers between species, and lost love.”

Frog Constellation

Stepping into the Saywell Hall Atrium, you’ll be greeted by a plethora of vivid art pieces. One of the most striking works is Frog Constellation (1995), which stands outside the Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology. Frog Constellation is a towering cedar sculpture depicting an old Haida love story involving a frog king. Frogs are “spirit helpers of the shaman,” according to the ímesh write-up. Haida artist James Hart got the idea for his sculpture from a “small shamanic piece collected on the Northwest Coast in the mid-19th century.” Shamans are significant spiritual figures across global cultures. In Northwest Coast society, they “cure the sick and ensure that runs of salmon and other game were plentiful.” Hart explains “the frog is one of [his] family’s crests,” making the tribute personally significant to him. 

Cape Dorset Prints

Tucked into the southwest corner study area of the AQ 3rd floor are the Cape Dorset Prints (1966, 1971). Three prints from three Inuit artists showcase intricate textures and flowy colour gradients, “illustrating the interplay between spirits, animals, and humans.” Pauta Saila, Pitseolak Ashoona, and Ikayukta Tunnillie are Inuit stonecut artists. Stonecut is a complex form of printmaking central to Kinngait (Cape Dorset) artwork. Artists trace a drawing onto stone before cutting away the remaining surface area to create a raised image. The ímesh app states commercial print-making was introduced to Inuit communities in the 1950s, but they had been adorning hides, garments, and amulets with artwork for “over a thousand years.” 

There are plenty of other pieces to browse through on the ímesh app, so be sure to check it out. While the Bill Reid Centre mentions the app only offers “a brief introduction to the artist and the cultural knowledge that has informed their work,” they encourage viewers to continue a personal pursuit of research.

Download the ímesh app for access to the map-guided art walk, or visit the website at sfu.ca/brc/our-work/imesh-mobile-app/indigenous-art-walk.html.

Debunking COVID-19 myths and misinformation

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Peak Web
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PHOTO: Fusion Medical Animation / Unsplash

By: Michelle Young, Opinions Editor

“The COVID-19 pandemic is over and we are ‘post-pandemic’”

There have been multiple declarations that the pandemic is “over” — perhaps the most well-known was President Joe Biden’s declaration in 2022. When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 to no longer be a global emergency, many misconstrued this to mean the pandemic is “over.” However, what was largely ignored was WHO then explaining COVID-19 continues to be a global threat, continues to kill and disable millions, and variants are still emerging. They specifically warned that “the worst thing any country could do now is to use this news as a reason to let down its guard, to dismantle the systems it has built, or to send the message to its people that #COVID19 is nothing to worry about.” 

COVID-19 never left. In BC alone, CBC reported that 2022 was the deadliest year of the pandemic, compared to previous years. Over 2,000 people died in 2022, compared to 1,500 in 2021. People in BC continue to get sick and reinfected with COVID-19, however “official” case counts are underreported due to a lack of widespread testing.

What can be tracked, however, shows COVID-19 is still circulating at high levels. Individual reports, such as those made by COVID-19 Resources Canada — an organization made up of professors and researchers — compile data based on wastewater, hospitalizations, and deaths to project a more accurate picture of COVID-19 cases. These are also shown relative to the lowest points of the pandemic in Canada. Currently, they estimate one out of 13 people in BC are infected. 

BC in particular has had slow and murky data collection under the guise of privacy, as reported by CBC, The Tyee, and The Vancouver Sun. Journalists have complained that health officials “won’t clarify issues” and “send reporters to publicly available sources like the BCCDC website.” This month, CBC also said COVID-19 outbreaks are not being reported to the public, and even hospital staff aren’t fully aware of these outbreaks. According to the Minister of Health, up to “15,000 healthcare workers are calling in sick on average, compared to 9,000 in pre-pandemic times.” Pandemics are classified as a “widespread growth” of disease. That’s still the case for COVID-19. 

“COVID-19 has mutated to become more mild and seasonal, like ‘the flu’”

COVID-19 continues to produce far more mortality rates — around five times more — than the flu, and circulates all year round. It’s in the name — SARS-CoV-2 stands for “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.” In fact, the Government of Canada classifies the virus as a Risk Group 3 human pathogen, which “are associated with serious or lethal human or animal diseases.” Tuberculosis is also in this category. Risk Groups range from one to four, with four being the highest, which includes pathogens like Ebola and smallpox. 

The Michigan Technological University notes that the management of these organisms in Risk Group 3 include “controlled access to laboratory” and “protective clothing,” including “respiratory protection as needed.” You can even find a video of how virologists protect themselves from COVID-19 in the lab, as posted by the Australasian Virology Society.

While acute infections (the phase when you are actively sick) may not produce severe illness, long term effects, otherwise known as Long COVID, remain a large concern. Nature, Scientific American, and the National Institutes of Health have all found substantial evidence that COVID-19 damages the immune and nervous systems, lungs, heart, organs, and basically any part of the body. The more times you get sick, the more likely these adverse effects are. Long COVID has few treatment options available. These health effects can appear months after you were infected. Viruses are never guaranteed to mutate to become more “mild,” and can actually become more severe. 

The flu has a clear seasonal pattern: cases rise in the fall and winter, but are extremely low in the summer and spring. While COVID-19 does have rising cases at similar times, the baseline level of COVID-19 remains high in the summer and spring. We know this thanks to wastewater data, “which comes from concentrations of viruses, like flu and COVID-19, in sewage.” This data has shown that “the flu” isn’t circulating at all during warmer months, but COVID-19 continues to increase. So, if you were sick this summer with a “cold” or “flu,” it was more likely COVID-19, even if you tested negative. More on that next. 

“I tested negative, therefore I do not have COVID-19”

It’s unfortunate, but COVID-19 tests are quite finicky when it comes to new variants, and often produce false negatives. You may need to test multiple times for an accurate result, as some people don’t test positive until later in their infection. So if you’re sick, it’s important to stay home when possible and wear a mask regardless of a negative test. 

“Only those who are vulnerable or unvaccinated need to worry about COVID-19”

COVID-19 can adversely affect the body in multiple ways, regardless of vaccination status, how severe your initial infection felt, or risk factors. 

While those who are vaccinated and have no other risk factors for COVID-19 are less likely to become hospitalized for the illness or experience a severe case of COVID-19 at the time of infection, vaccinations or general health cannot protect against Long COVID. Nature reports Long COVID is estimated to affect at least 10% of people with COVID-19, but these estimates are acknowledged as being conservative. While COVID-19 vaccinations may have rare side effects, like any other vaccine or medication, Long COVID has been an issue since before vaccinations became widely available — the idea that vaccines cause Long COVID is null. The Lancet had collected data on Long COVID as early as September 2020. You are more likely to get adverse side effects from COVID-19 itself than the vaccine. 

“COVID-19 is only transmitted through droplet transmission” 

COVID-19 is airborne. COVID-19 can also be transmitted through large droplets — such as sneezes or saliva —  but its primary mode of transmission is through smaller aerosols. This includes breathing in and out, with or without speaking. In fact, COVID-19 may be more likely to transmit through the particles exhaled through the nose than the mouth, which is why it’s important to have your nose covered when wearing a mask. 

“COVID-19 cannot transmit outdoors”

COVID-19 is less likely to transmit outside, but still entirely possible. This is especially the case for crowded outdoor events, like concerts, festivals, or night markets. If you can feel someone’s breath, you can get COVID-19. Conversely, the wind can also blow someone’s infectious air into your face. Studies show that infectious COVID-19 particles can stay in outdoor air for over an hour.

“I’m vaccinated, so I can’t transmit or contract COVID-19”

COVID-19 can be transmitted regardless of vaccination status. While vaccines lessen your chance of severe acute infection, they are by no means enough to stop a transmission or infection. Scientific American reported that while vaccines were previously an effective reduction of both transmission and infection, with new variants and outdated shots, this is no longer the case.  

“After two doses, my vaccines are up-to-date” 

Immunity wanes over time, especially with evolving variants, meaning you’re not as immune as you were to COVID-19 when vaccines first got rolled out. 

“I was already infected with COVID-19, therefore I am immune”

You are also not immune to COVID-19 after infection. Global News reported “if an individual does develop antibodies as a result of an Omicron infection, the levels of immunity provided by that illness are quite low, which leaves them vulnerable to future or repeat infections.” Further, studies have shown any natural immunity weakens “faster than immunity provided by COVID-19 vaccination.” This is also why one or two infections and subsequent recoveries don’t guarantee you’ll be free of long-term effects after future infections. That’s also why it’s so important to keep up-to-date with recent vaccines. BC recommends that everyone gets an updated dose of COVID-19 this fall, with the vaccination program beginning October 10. 

“I feel fine, therefore I cannot transmit COVID-19”

COVID-19 can be transmitted both asymptomatically and pre-symptomatically. Asymptomatic means you may never get symptoms, but have been infected with COVID-19 and can transmit it without knowing. At least half of COVID-19 cases could be transmitted asymptomatically, according to JAMA Network. Pre-symptomatic transmission means you have not yet shown symptoms of COVID-19, but you currently have the virus. You are infectious during this time. Both these modes of transmission showcase why masks remain an important preventive measure. 

“People are getting sick due to ‘immunity debt’” 

“Immunity debt” — the idea that our immune systems were “underworked” due to the prevalence of masks and distancing, and therefore made more vulnerable, has been entirely debunked. The paper the theory is based on suffered from logical fallacies, as reported by McGill. There was no evidence for the theory to begin with, and it’s been dubbed as misinformation by multiple immunologists. It is not an established concept in immunology, and you do not need continuous exposure to viruses to “work out” your immune system — it isn’t a muscle. Global News reported that “there is absolutely no mechanism by which your immunity weakens on its own.” 

The fact is, COVID-19 can harm your immune system. This is well-established. If you want to keep your immune system as healthy as possible, it’s in your best interest to avoid getting COVID-19 as much as possible, rather than be infected with it.  

“But Dr. Bonnie Henry said . . .”

I hate to break it to you, but Henry cannot — and should not — be your only source for COVID-19 information. It’s quite unfortunate that the person in charge of BC’s pandemic response has been reported by Capital Daily to knowingly lie about transmission in schools, downplay COVID-19 risks, and deflect questions for specific COVID-19 guidance. Many of her statements (such as those around “high immunity”) have already been debunked (even by her own study!) or lack evidence. According to her policies, the public no longer needs to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. However, given the transmissibility, rising cases, and long-term concerns, it’s in everyone’s best interest to wear one. 

Our health officials are playing politics and are not informing the public of this well-established information. Similarly, not all doctors are up-to-date on their COVID-19 information. This is a failure of public health, but there are steps you can take to stay informed. 

If you want to stay updated on COVID-19 information, I would recommend looking deeper than public health statements. Look at studies and reports by Nature, Scientific American, The Lancet, National Institute of Health, JAMA Network and more. COVID-19 Resources Canada also hosts free drop-in information sessions for the public to ask questions. Cross-check your information and avoid relying on single studies. Lastly, listen to vulnerable folks — especially those with Long COVID. They are the ones most affected by this pandemic, and have been informing and advocating for the community more than anyone. 

New SFU policies further reconciliation with Səlilwətaɬ

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Peak Web
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Koi pond at SFU
PHOTO: Kriti Monga / The Peak

By: Olivia Sherman, News Writer

On September 6, Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and SFU agreed on terms, policies, and protocols to uphold tenets of reconciliation. The goal of their new partnership is to collectively foster a welcoming, equitable environment for Indigenous students and staff. Səlilwətaɬ will provide consistent guidance to SFU through annual meetings. These policies are in correlation with the Reconciliation Agreement SFU pledged in 2022, which includes 34 Calls to Action. 

“As an Indigenous government, education is a core value of Səlilwətaɬ,” said Səlilwətaɬ Chief, Jen Thomas, during the ceremony. The partnership ceremony was hosted at SFU’s Indigenous Garden. Thomas continued, “This agreement with SFU symbolizes a significant shift in our relationship, one that is based on mutual respect, true inclusivity, and collaboration to advance our respective goals together.”

Some of the policies SFU and Səlilwətaɬ agreed upon are the implementation of Hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Halkomelem) language in materials, departments, acknowledgements, and curricula at SFU. Public signage is to be altered to include Indigenous languages as well. The “Walk This Path With Us” report suggests a signage campaign is “desperately needed for all visitors and members of the SFU community.” The report used the example of the Sea to Sky Highway, which includes both English and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) place names. They also developed new student and staff recruitment initiatives and support for Səlilwətaɬ students.

“We are thankful to be developing a stronger relationship with SFU, which will include meaningfully increasing Səlilwətaɬ’s presence within all areas of SFU for the benefit of past, present, and future generations,” Thomas continued. 

In addition to these new policies, the BC Human Rights Commissioner (BCHRC) approved the request to preferentially hire 15 new Indigenous staff and faculty members at SFU. The aim of preferential hiring, or special programs, is to consciously be more inclusive toward marginalized groups. The Human Rights Code allows “any person or organization to run a program or activity” that only includes certain identity groups, as long as the objective is to improve conditions for systemically oppressed groups. This will allow SFU to hire people only from Indigenous communities. This is not considered illegal discrimination under the Code as long as the BCHRC designates them as special programs.

The BCHRC explains “colonial policies continue to add to large gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people,” especially in post-secondary education. As such, they proposed “a special program to benefit Indigenous peoples where Indigenous candidates are preferentially hired in a school district to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students.” 

This decision fulfills Call to Action 16, which aims for “each academic unit to have at least one Indigenous scholar,” and Call to Action 20, which requires “Aboriginal participation and decision-making” to be increased at every level at SFU, such as the Senate. The preferential hiring of Indigenous members is similar to their approval over this summer to hire 15 new Black faculty. 

The Peak reached out to the media contact for the Səlilwətaɬ Nation for interviews, but did not receive a response by the publication deadline. The Peak also reached out to SFU administration for an interview, but they declined to speak. 

Indigenous gathering event discusses working steps towards reconciliation

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Peak Web
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This is an image of an orange, “every child matters” flag. The flag is being blown in the wind so the text is visible.
PHOTO: Chris Robert / Unplash

By: Eden Chipperfield, News Writer

September 30 will mark the third year of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Canadian government established Bill C-5, which was a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action, “to honour survivors, their families and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” 

This past May, SFU’s Lhuḵw’lhuḵw’áyten (Burnaby Mountain) campus held a gathering event for Indigenous Peoples who work at SFU to discuss the progress and feedback of the “three newly formed senior Indigenous positions as well as a draft Indigenous governance structure.” The conversation took place in the style of a Talking Circle, a practice used in some Indigenous communities to ensure everyone gathered has an opportunity to speak and that all members are heard without being interrupted. Circles are a way for individuals to interact with one another in a long-established fashion, to “discuss topics and make decisions together.” 

The gathering was attended by SFU president Joy Johnson, who discussed how SFU is working towards truth and reconciliation through their “What’s Next?” report. Chris Syeta’xtn Lewis, director of Indigenous initiatives and reconciliation, spoke about “the collective journey to increase Indigenous participation and decision-making when decisions are being made for and about Indigenous peoples at all levels of SFU.” Lewis also praised the Indigenous leadership listening and implementation task force and the Indigenous governance committee for their efforts in achieving “increased Indigenous participation and decision-making” at SFU. 

The event highlighted various topics including Indigenous involvement at SFU and the increasing presence of Indigenous leadership. The first topic discussed was the governance structure: namely, the administrative roles of Indigenous executive lead, vice-provost of Indigenous academic affairs, and director of Indigenous initiatives, people, equity, and inclusion. Each position has many essential features, including the “ability to balance family and community obligations and university business.” It was noted that “mechanisms for tracking accountability on driving truth and reconciliation need to be put in place” for the Indigenous executive lead. The vice-provost of Indigenous academic affairs aims “to bring into the role the depth of Indigenous knowledge systems into the way of the institution.” Another responsibility is to “focus on breaking silos, to be the voice and support cross-institution.” Focuses for the director of Indigenous initiatives and people, equity, and inclusion concentrated on “retention and support: holistic onboarding, health and well-being, integrated Indigenous supports, and resources on campus.”

The meeting also discussed support for Indigenous graduate students, as there are many barriers Indigenous students encounter while on their academic journeys. For example, housing, affordability, and funding are challenges graduate students face. One suggestion for this was providing transportation between all three campuses. They also considered how to address emotional labour and cultural celebrations. 

Lewis facilitated a discussion on the governance initiative. Comments surrounding the initiative included the need to “develop a mechanism to address teachable moments.” He also noted it is important for the Finance & Admin and Advancement & Alumni Engagement to increase their “Indigenous representation, as this is currently missing.” 

The conversation surrounding the governance initiative also pinpointed roles such as the Indigenous Council, which is looking to form a connection within the SFU community. Attendees also spoke about ensuring the “Office for Aboriginal Peoples will be lifted to serve as secretariat to and contact for Council with new positions and a proactive focus will serve as a ‘gatekeeper’ to Council and other Indigenous positions and groups.”

The Peak contacted the Indigenous Student Centre at SFU for an interview but did not receive a response by the publication deadline. 

Peakie is back to help you with all your problems

By
Peak Web
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Two aliens driving a car.
PHOTO: Miriam Espacio / Pexels

By: Petra Chase, Arts & Culture Editor and C Icart, Humour Editor

Dear Peakie,

I’m a section editor for a super fantastic publication. You may have heard of it. The name rhymes with The Leek. Anyway, I’m running out of ideas for when no one wants to write for my section! I’ve considered getting my hands on whatever they put in singing birthday cards, so whenever people flip to my section (which is the best and funniest section), Céline Dion’s version of “All by Myself” starts playing. What do you think? Would that be the best song choice?

Musically, 
‘Bout to go write all my pieces myself

Dear ‘Bout to go write all my pieces myself,

I’m also an editor for a super fantastic publication that rhymes with The Leek, except mine is the best section, so you must work for a different one. Anywho, is your publication called The Reek? No wonder you’re not getting writers when your approach makes you reek of desperation. You should approach pitching kind of like dating and play hard-to-get. Some ground rules: take at least four days to respond to emails, show up fashionably late to meetings, and don’t show any enthusiasm when a writer shows interest in a piece. You can also ask your coworkers to remind you of their names because you have sooo many contributors lined up you just can’t be bothered to remember theirs. People want what they think they can’t have.

It’s just basic psychology,

Peakie

Dear Peakie

My dental hygienist keeps telling me to floss, and she doesn’t understand that I’m being terrorized by an anti-flossing ghost! The other day, I tried to grab a piece of dental floss, and the whole roll flew out of the container and straight into the toilet! That is a clear sign of paranormal anti-flossing activity. How do I get my dental hygienist to believe me and buy a firehouse so we can use it as our ghost-hunting headquarters?

Sincerely, 

I ain’t afraid of no ghost 

Dear I ain’t afraid of no ghost,

Are you afraid of aliens, though? I find it very suspicious this is happening at the same time NASA announced they “can’t rule out ‘alien technology’ operating in the Earth’s atmosphere.” I think these aliens are trying to undermine your dental hygiene so that your teeth get pulled, and they can have them. Aliens are definitely responsible for helping build pyramids and causing the dinosaur extinction, according to ufologist and presenter of the documentary Ancient Aliens, Giorgio Tsoukalos (better known as the guy from this meme). I wouldn’t be surprised if They’re back trying to obtain human artifacts for their next big project. You’ll need to explain all this to your dentist to get them pulled ASAP so you can leave them under your pillow when you sleep so they’ll leave you alone.

Peakie

Dear Peakie, 

How many socks do I really need to tide me over ‘till Christmas? I’ve been a bit neglectful when it comes to trimming my toenails, and my dryer has been particularly hungry for socks recently. All my socks have holes, are mismatched, or are a bit dingy, but I know my grandma will come through on December 25; she’s a real one. Should I be brave and go sockless in the meantime? 

xoxo,
It socks to pay for my own clothes

Dear It socks to pay for my own clothes,

You asked the right person! I ditched socks three years ago, and it was the best decision of my life. My epiphany began much like yours: a hungry dryer, holey socks, a Christmas grandma. Then I watched The Matrix and realized it was a metaphor for sock-wearing, and going sockless was the red pill. I no longer waste time matching socks from the laundry or money buying new pairs. My feet are healthier than ever, and the athlete’s foot boosted my immune system. I’m part of an anti-sock advocacy group that meets on weekdays and weekends to discuss the benefits of going sockless, and how we can lobby to free feet everywhere!

Hoping to see your naked feet at a meeting soon,

Footsie Peakie

Athletes are more than their entertainment value

By
Peak Web
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photo of a jump rope placed in front of a mental health resource poster.
PHOTO: Prerita Garg / The Peak

By: Saije Rusimovici, Staff Writer, and Isabella Urbani, Sports Editor

Whenever I overhear friends and family talking about last night’s hockey game or an upcoming playoff series, it reminds me of the way I would describe characters in a dramatic Netflix series. An athlete’s worth is often dictated by their entertainment value, and we neglect to consider the difficult circumstances that aren’t necessarily visible on-screen. Athletes are often recognized for their strength, poise, and outstanding athletic achievements. In a similar way, we look up to professional athletes like we may look up to our favourite celebrity. 

Because their competitive performance is marvelled at from afar, it’s easy to think of a well-performing athlete as this larger-than-life character on your television screen. The truth of the matter is that, like a celebrity, a professional athlete experiences the same triumphs and failures as anyone else. And I’m not talking about a bad game. The often hidden impact of high-pressure environments and intense physical training can negatively affect an athlete’s mental health. Some of the more prevalent mental health symptoms and disorders include burnout, anxiety, depression, adverse alcohol use, and eating disorders. 

The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, emotional and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Therefore, good mental health is not determined by the absence of mental illness, but rather, a state where a person is able to cope with stress and have good emotional and physical support.  

Unique stressors like overtraining, social media scrutiny, and performance expectations may hinder athletes from achieving this quality of life, despite what they may look like modelling athletic apparel on camera or being awarded a medal on stage.

For athletes of colour, racist abuse can be detrimental to mental health. University of Belmont professor Kristi Oshiro’s research on racism and its impact on athletes demonstrates the intersectionality of racism and mental health. “For professional athletes it’s a little distinct and different,” Oshiro said, “because they’re expected to compete and consistently perform at this ridiculously elite level of play, all while being open or vulnerable to criticism from people around the world.” 

Because athletic organizations depend on athletes’ performances to make money and maintain a fanbase, mental health matters have been a taboo topic in the world of sports for years. Despite notable athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka opening up about their mental health struggles, these issues are often brushed under the rug by the organization or never brought forward by other athletes themselves.

Both Biles and Osaka have been transparent about how racism, as two Black women, has contributed to a decline in their mental wellness while playing sports. After Biles won the gymnastics World Championships in 2013, historically becoming the first Black woman to do so, she was upstaged by competitors who said they would have beat Biles if they had the same skin colour. Osaka, who’s both Black and Japanese, received backlash for choosing to represent Japan at the 2021 Olympics rather than the US, even though she’s been representing Japan since she was 14-years-old. 

“I don’t choose America and suddenly people are like, ‘your Black card is revoked,’” Osaka explained about the racial undertone of people’s unhappiness with her decision. “African American isn’t the only Black. People really don’t know the difference between nationality and race because there’s a lot of Black people in Brazil, but they’re Brazilian.” 

Stigma is a big part of the reason athletes neglect to seek help for their mental health struggles. Because sports tend to be rooted in a “culture of masculine ideas, valuing strength and mental toughness,” athletes have to think about the risk of potentially losing playing time or being removed from a team entirely for speaking up. 

On top of stigma, many mental health services in sports are lacking, making athletes feel as though they can’t take a step back from their sport to receive the help they need without jeopardizing their position. The National Football League didn’t mandate teams have a “behavioural health team clinician” until 2019. 

But still, from team to team, the amount of access players have to these services vary. Since the rule was pushed into the league by the player’s association, only seven of 32 teams have hired staff in this position full-time. Some teams are contracting providers on an individual basis when an athlete requests it. These contracted providers are also not required to have a background in sports psychology, which might cause athletes on teams that don’t have full-time sports psychologists to not reach out in the first place for fear of being misunderstood. 

As SFU is an NCAA school, it’s important to recognize that many of our elite athletes may face similar challenges with their mental health. Just back in April, five SFU football players filed an injunction in response to SFU cancelling its varsity football program. Part of the reason for the filing was SFU had not given enough notice about the program’s dismissal to allow for players to find alternative schooling and housing, which caused unnecessary stress on top of the uncertainty players were already facing. 

Players have to be treated as people first, and not as their stats on a game sheet. There’s this idea in sports that players only matter if they make it professionally. People hold reservations about athletes who play sports for fun, as though sports can’t both be a hobby and a profession for some. If you don’t play professionally, then you’re not accomplished or deserving of recognition, but if you do play professionally, don’t complain because you’re a professional — and professionals can’t face adversity beyond the playing field. 

The separation between athlete and person disappears as the degree of difficulty in a sport increases, as though the idea of taking a step back is more detrimental than experiencing a decline in mental wellbeing. 

Attitudes and education are some of the most influential ways to encourage athletes to come forward with their struggles. This means educating athletic organizations, coaches, support staff, and parents about mental health issues that may have a particular impact on an athlete, professional or not. Transforming an athlete’s environment to a socially supportive, encouraging space will allow them to talk about their difficulties. Stop putting the sport first, and start thinking about the players who make it possible instead. 

A discussion on the importance of “place” within the SCA

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Peak Web
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This is a photo of the SFU Burnaby Campus’s reflection pond and the academic quadrangle building surrounding it.
PHOTO: Allyson Klassen / The Peak

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

SFU’s School for the Contemporary Arts (SCA) held their annual re-orientation event during the first week of the fall semester. This year’s theme was places. The topic focused on the importance of engagement within the community — both personally and artistically. The event included presentations, a keynote talk, and a panellist discussion from SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement (VOCE) alongside a recording of their Below the Radar podcast. The Peak spoke with three members of VOCE regarding their experience as panellists for the event.

Kathy Feng, research assistant, Samantha Walters, program assistant, and Julia Aoki, program manager, all work to improve community engagement, social justice, and environmental justice. The context of “places” at the SCA’s re-orientation day brought together panellists who care about their community and are enthusiastic about making a positive impact on the places around them.

When asked to explain the significance of “places,” Aoki stated, “The distinction between space and place is something of a theoretical distinction [ . . . ] and it’s useful in that space can be something that’s quite abstract.” Space refers to one’s abstract conception of their surroundings, whereas place refers to the cultural significance of a specific site. She explained that the idea of place is much more grounded and relational. Aoki emphasized that this distinction and mindset is “a very important way of working and thinking” for the members’ approach to their work in the office and the development of the neighbourhood in which they reside. The group’s work and community partnerships help them define the importance of “place,” alongside the “defining characteristic of yourself and learning things from the place that you’re situated in.” explained Feng. She further noted that this characteristic is important for “the communities and the relationships that you develop.” 

As members of the VOCE panel, Walters and Feng have enjoyed their time engaging with the other panellists and discussing the lived experiences of those in the community. Walters went on to acknowledge the importance of discussing social justice issues within the community and the overall humanity of “talking to people who are directly working in these scenarios.” She stated that being involved in the community is more impactful “than getting stuck in a theoretical lens.” 

When asked how the discussion of community relates to the importance of one’s place within the SCA, Feng noted that involving individuals from different backgrounds in the community is “helpful and generative for the students as a starting point of the rest of the school semester.”

Walters further acknowledged “the particularities of arts school that require this intense vulnerability for quite young students.” She explained that this is due in part to arts students who “have so much heart,” which often leads to challenges of discovering one’s place and “curiosity about who they are and where they are,” making the discussion of community engagement important for students’ success. Walters and Feng agreed that creating an open dialogue is key to implementing a positive impact toward the understanding and importance of the community, both personally and academically. 

Regarding ways in which students can implement community engagement and awareness of place within their studies, Aoki stated she hopes the event inspired “a very thoughtful curiosity” of what it means to be “in a community made up of many vulnerable and multiply-marginalized people.” She explained that understanding one’s place should include the awareness of individuals within the community, and acknowledging the importance of diversity. Walters further noted the work of community engagement involves proper communication and becoming comfortable with the idea that you will make mistakes along the way. This is something that students can learn from while still supporting all community members regardless of one’s background. Feng’s final point regarding awareness of geographical place focused on the fact that students should consider their ethics, and opportunities for community engagement. 

For more information, head to the VOCE website to keep up to date with the initiatives that they are involved in.

Me, and my incredible, cool, not bad, very good article titles have something to say

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Peak Web
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Novelist staring pensively at a typewriter while smoking a cigarette.
PHOTO: KoolShooters / Pexels

By: Totally-Not-the-Editor-in-Chief

On a bright Sunday afternoon, The Peak received this very strongly worded letter. In the words of George Orwell, or whatever: “Don’t be a hater.” We are sharing this letter as an example of what not to do, so don’t. Do not submit long headlines. Or we will hate you, forever. No, we’re not providing voices like these with a platform when we publish their letters. Whatever do you mean? Anyways, just read:

Dear The Peak, or whatever entities are controlled by you that are unknown to me, 

I don’t understand why you would limit my creative greatness by telling me my titles are too long. If your title doesn’t express the essence of your introduction paragraph, thesis, and life story as to why you are the person you are, is it even a title? Will your readers even get you? For example, when I submitted the Opinions article to your editors titled the very appropriate, “Why I think busses should simply be able to fly above Gaglardi Road with the sheer power of student energy and how its inability to fly is causing me severe distress with my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome),” your editors told me that it was “TMI” for them. Also, I did not need to put brackets in my title. BUT, they don’t get it: my IBS is part of the story! That’s what I dislike most about essay guidelines, I think. I’m always told I need to be more specific and get to the root of what matters. But then, when I get more specific, I’m told, “This isn’t relevant to your essay,” and “You shouldn’t treat your readers as your therapists.” It’s absolutely mind-boggling stuff.

If my readers don’t know everything they need to know about me personally, how will they even know how to read? You know what I mean? No? Refer back to the title of this letter and its excellence — my excellence. If I don’t state absolutely everything that needs to be stated, I will never be known. And isn’t that heartbreaking? Aren’t I more important than your arbitrary guidelines about how I should change myself for your audience? Don’t answer that. 

So, anyway, to get to the main crux of the issue here, I think everyone should be more respectful of long-ass headlines. I have a lot to say, and I don’t think I should censor myself for your little rules. Or anyone’s little rules. I am beyond MLA, APA, and Chicago. Meanwhile, you probably have to look up Canadian Press guidelines for every word that stumbles you, like “manoeuvre.” How is that real spelling, anyway? Why don’t you focus on that issue instead of correcting me for being cool and creative?

Here’s what I’m thinking of for my next headline: The Peak needs to keep their business in trying to figure out ways to avoid being old news rather than worrying about my impeccable headlines.  

Signed,

Anonymous

A nightmare at the coffee shop

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Peak Web
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Café counter with a large sign that says “coffee.” The espresso machine’s paint is peeling and there’s “our machine welcomes scribbles!” scratched onto it.
PHOTO: Clem Onojeghuo / Pexels

By: Izzy Cheung, Staff Writer

It was a hot summer’s day — everyone was flocking to the malls to enjoy the air conditioning and copious amounts of iced drinks when I got this order at the mall café. 

“Do you guys have heavy-heavy cream?” they asked. 

I paused. As a staff member, I had only ever heard of the mythical “heavy-heavy” cream a couple of times. Legends said it was a rare type of cream made from full-fat cream, lemon juice, orange peels, and ginger ale. My supervisor told me where we kept it, deep in the bowels of the store, but I’d never risked going in to glance at it. The fact that this customer knew about it was unsettling. 

“Sorry, did you mean heavy cream?” I asked plainly. Maybe I’d misheard them. 

“Oh, no, I meant heavy-heavy cream. You know, made with lemon, orange, and ginger ale?” 

My eyes widened. Beside me, I could feel my coworker bracing herself. None of us had ever ventured into the deep, dark storeroom to fetch the heavy-heavy cream, but we’d both known someone who had. They retrieved the cream with an empty look in their eyes and ended up quitting the next shift. They’ve never been the same since.  

I looked over at my coworker, eyes wide. It seemed that fate wanted me to retrieve the heavy-heavy cream.  

“Oh, gotcha,” I squeaked, hands shaking as I punched the order in. “Go ahead and pay when you’re ready. I’ll just go and grab that for you.” 

I kept my expression composed, even though it felt like someone had dropped an ice cube down my back. My pulse quickened as I went into the back, eyes locking on the wooden door behind the shelves housing paper cups and frozen muffins. Climbing past all the extra storage space, I made my way to the small entrance that would hold my fate. There was a bright-looking light oozing from beneath the door. 

I took a deep breath, nails digging into the palms of my hands. It was time to be brave. 

My hand found the doorknob, and I turned, wrenching the tiny door open with the might of the Roman Empire. The light disappeared, immersing me in a world of darkness behind the café. 

A flash of blue struck my vision, and as I looked across from me, only a few feet away, I saw the carton of heavy-heavy cream. It was around the length of my forearm, with a label that depicted a dramatic war scene like those seen on old tapestries. 

It was beautiful. 

I ran towards it, ignoring the sounds of coffee being made in the background. The heavy-heavy cream would be mine, and mine only. No one else would take it from me. 

I snatched the carton, peeled the top open, and waterfalled it into my mouth. Rainbows poured out and angels sang as the heavy-heavy cream touched my tongue. 

And then my stomach gurgled. 

I looked down, trepidation hitting my senses as my stomach began to growl even more. Soon enough, lion-like roars echoed from my stomach, a boulder-like weight settling within it. 

I looked back down at the carton, my jaw dropping as the label began to fade. The curly “heavy-heavy cream” writing morphed into a recognizable scrawl that made me gasp. 

“Oh no,” I whispered. “Oat milk.” 

The carton released a maniacal laugh. “That’s right! Consider yourself cursed.” 

I dropped the carton, hands moving to my stomach. “No. No, no, no, no —” 

Before anything else could happen, I ran back out of the storeroom, reaching for the door and pulling it shut behind me. While I may have escaped, I knew deep inside of me something had changed. No longer could I drink regular milk with my iced lattes — the dairy would cause movements that I would never be able to stomach again. I had to face the truth — I was now . . . an oat milk person. 

Still using a backpack? Grow up!

By
Peak Web
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Super fashionable person wearing a bunch of designer items and a tote bag that has “Tote bag supremacy” written on it.
ILLUSTRATION: Andrea Choi / The Peak

By: Cam Darting, SFU Student

Hi, bestie! I’m your resident fashionista, and I am here to guide all you lost sheep on what to wear this season to look so incredibly expensive. You may think this is classist, but all I have to say to you haters is: “Stop Being Poor.” 

Let me set the scene. Two college students walk into an Aritzia; one is wearing a tote bag, while the other is lugging a backpack. Who do you think got approached the most by the sales associates? The answer is obvious: the one wearing the tote bag. Why? Because tote bags give put-together clean girl, while backpacks give 15-year-old in high school.

Newsflash, people: if you’re not wearing a tote bag in 2023, you deserve to go to jail for your crimes against fashion. Not only are backpacks ugly, but they completely ruin your cute outfit. If I see a man in a suit with a backpack, he’s very much giving lives in his parent’s basement and has no partner (yes, I’ve arbitrarily decided that’s bad). Now, if that same man replaces that backpack with a TOTE BAG??!?!??! He’s giving clean, articulated, rich. And he has a yacht in Dubai. You know what? Make that TWO yachts in Dubai. Same guy, same suit, but the TOTE elevated his status. 

Some may say “backpacks are more convenient.” Are they? Are they REALLY? Let’s dissect this, because I’m tired of hearing how troublesome tote bags are. They fit all the essentials like a laptop, charger, and wallet. If your bag has more than these items, you need to start leaving some stuff at home. You do not need to be carrying your whole bedroom with you. Moving on, tote bags are convenient because you just slip your hand right in, and BOOM, you have what you need. Easy access. Speaking of easy access, that’s what you’ll have on public transit because you’ll be able to slip through the crowds without having your backpack weigh you down by having to take it off.

Imagine you walk into class with a backpack on and see your crush. You’re nervous, excited, and geeked to see him. As you sit in front of him and take off your backpack, all you hear is laughs. Confused, you turn around to see your crush and his friends laughing at you. Then you realize you have a huge sweat stain on the back of your gray Aritzia Sunday Best Dream T-Shirt. Embarrassment, shame, and humiliation fill every ounce of your body. All this could have been avoided if you just used a tote bag. With tote bags, you don’t get back sweat. The only sweat that’ll even come near you is everyone sweating as you walk past them because you look so amazingly delicious.

The moral of the story is that tote bags are Kris Jenner and backpacks are Yolanda Hadid. Tote bags are Chanel, while backpacks are Coach. Hot people wear totes, period. If you don’t want to be hot, then be my guest, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

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For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

For advertising inquiries: [email protected]
For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society