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Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer take on the courts in this satirical play

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Peak Web
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A curved stage featuring a dead forest set design in the background. In the spotlight, from stage right: a woman in a white power suit, a bald man with a neck brace, the Little Red Warrior dressed like a lumberjack, and a judge
Little Red Warrior at The Cultch’s York Theatre. PHOTO: Emily Cooper

By: Meera Eragoda, Editor-in-Chief

Content warning: mention of sexual harassment in the fourth to last paragraph.

Full of dance offs, wit, slo-mo, and a never ending commentary on land claims, Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer is a satire that brings out the deep absurdity of the colonial legal system. 

Little Red Warrior is the last of the Little Red Warrior First Nation. Played by Sam Bob (traditional name Tulkweemult) of Snaw-Naw-As First Nation, Little Red becomes enraged when he discovers industry on his lands. Uttering the words “Little Red smash,” he hits an engineer in the back of the head and ends up in jail. Court-appointed lawyer, Larry (Shekhar Paleja) realizes Little Red might have a land claim and capitalizes on the opportunity, inviting Little Red to stay with him. 

Written and directed by Kevin Loring of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, the play is based on Nlaka’pamux story traditions. Specifically, that of Trickster snk̓ y̓ép or Coyote. In the director’s note, Loring explains in Nlaka’pamux culture, the Coyote “embodies the worst of human character.

“Yet no character in this play is named Coyote or snk̓ y̓ép; rather, the Trickster is the universe of this play. Transformation is possible, nothing is certain, and everyone is suspect. In Trickster Stories, no one walks away unscathed.”

Little Red Warrior is indeed imbued with characters with shifting morals and plot points where moments of hope and revelation are twisted. Larry starts out as a greedy lawyer, turning environmentalist by the end of the play and fighting hardest against Indigenous-led industry efforts. And Larry’s wife, Desdemona (Luisa Jojic), is the perfect encapsulation of a problematic white woman, complete with appropriation and fetishization. 

Meanwhile Little Red, initially fighting for his land, sells out to oil companies, much to the chagrin of his ancestors. The play points out the hypocrisy inherent in all these characters, commenting on land claims and the problems with convenient allyship and white environmentalism, among others.

Little Red’s court case is punted through different levels, decided through dance offs, references to status-quo-upholding precedents, and a special appearance by a pole dancing Queen Elizabeth II. The whole thing seems like a farce because it is. The humour — which may not be for everyone — is at times witty, crass (I could have done without the prison rape jokes), slapstick, and very dramatized. Life imitates art, and this play showcases the ineffectiveness of long court cases, lawyers exploiting land claims through money, and Indigenous peoples needing to reveal trauma to settlers in the court system and beyond.

As Loring states in the director’s note, “The Trickster behaves in ways counter to the Customs and Beliefs of the people.” But rather than simply antagonizing him, this story encourages individuals not to follow the Trickster. Instead, Loring encourages the audience “to enjoy and understand his faults in relation to their Values and Laws.” The moral is clear: no one should be aspiring to become these characters.

Though Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer has wrapped up its Vancouver dates, Loring has published Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer: A Trickster Land Claim Fable, available through Talonbooks. Additionally, The Cultch has a number of other plays to check out through the end of March.

Monday Music: Smooth sounds for late night cruising

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Peak Web
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"Monday Music" in giant yellow block letters with a red background
Monday Music: your weekly themed playlist. Image courtesy of The Peak.

By: Emma Jean, Peak Associate

Picture it: the sun went down hours ago, you’re passing streetlights as you move through the lanes, and the calmness of the night washes over you. There’s nothing like a late night drive, and some songs were made to accompany them. Whether your drive takes place in a car, bus, train, or on a bicycle, these songs will set the mood just right. 

 

“Tried to Tell You” by The Weather Station

Image credit: Fat Possum Records

 

This folk trio has gone electronic on their latest release, and the results are perfect for a contemplative soundtrack. While the lyrics traffic mostly in the cryptic, there’s plenty of food for thought in phrases like, “I feel as useless as a tree in a city park / standing as a symbol of what we have blown apart.” The blend of foundational beats, soaring strings, and Joni Mitchell-esque vocals of frontwoman and songwriter Tamara Lindeman make this track ripe for late night thinking. 

 

“Overslept” by Faye Webster feat. Mei Ehara

Image credit: Secretly Canadian

 

The queens of mellow alt-folk have joined forces on this appropriately sleepy track. While the softly lit landscape passes you by, let the relaxed rhythm of the drums and guitars take you into the night, as Webster and Ehara confide their 3:00 a.m. ponderings in both English and Japanese. An understated layer of the song is its ambient keyboards, which build and back the feeling of intimacy in the lyrics. After coming home from a lovely night out, “Overslept” captures the warm, pleasant tiredness that follows. 

 

“Bucciarati” by Open Mike Eagle feat. Kari Faux

Image credit: Auto Reverse

 

If catharsis is on your mind, this effortlessly smooth track is for you. Off Eagle’s latest release, Anime, Trauma, and Divorce, this track lyrically continues the titular themes as the art rapper surveys the aftermath of an ended marriage. The unique, irregular rhythm of the percussion and the simmering horns bring the frustration of the song to the surface. Faux’s smooth staccato on the chorus and third verse round out the song, elevating it with another perspective of the turmoil. All of these elements make “Bucciarati” perfect for late night release.

 

“Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty

Image credit: Parlophone Records Ltd.

 

Ride into hell with a smile on your face with “Baker Street” (a dramatic statement, sure, but this song is about as dramatic as it gets). If you truly want to feel like you’re bursting off a cinema screen, play this and let the incomparable saxophone solo carry you into the night. The mix of 1970s singer-songwriter brooding from Rafferty (most famous for “Stuck in the Middle with You”) in the verses and the searing horn and guitar solo choruses make this song unique. It’s perfect for a night of devastation and/or head-banging. 

 

“Why Don’t You” by Cleo Sol

Image credit: Forever Living Originals

 

Closing out your journey home, this final track is a modern classic. Sol’s self-reflection and advice carry over a steady piano drum beat. Stunning woodwind flourish fills, an agile bass line, and Sol and company’s ethereal vocals accent the track. The sparse instrumentation leaves plenty of room for the gorgeous guidance of the lyrics. By the time the song reaches its chanted outro, the overall feeling is one of renewal and calm. With that headspace in mind, your night out can meet an ideal end.

The intimacy of The Living Room at Centre A

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Peak Web
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A comfy Ikea armchair against a white wall with framed art prints. To the right side, a storage unit with plants and bottles of sake. To the left, a floor lamp turned on.
Let your guard down in this familial space. PHOTO: Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak

By: Kelly Chia, Staff Writer

When the art world so often feels unapproachable, Henry Heng Lu and Hau Yu Wong envisioned an exhibit where visitors can feel like they’re at home. By making the space more intimate, Lu and Wong hope to “challenge the oftentimes inaccessible, highly curatorial nature of a contemporary art gallery.”

Located in Centre A in Sun Wah Centre, The Living Room is displayed alongside Revisiting the Asianadian. This is where issues of The Asianadian magazine are available for patrons to read. They are also available in Centre A’s library. Both exhibitions are free to attend. 

My friend and I decided to check out the Asianadian exhibit first. From 1979–1985, this Toronto magazine featured Asian Canadian — primarily East and Southeast — cultural perspectives. It offered a “counterpoint to the predominantly stereotypical representations of them in the mainstream media.” For example, Dawn Kiyoye Ono wrote about the horrifying experience of hearing older white men discuss, with academic rhetoric, the subservience of Asian women. Her experiences, which consider how media stereotypes affect public perceptions of Asian women, resonated deeply.

Another intriguing article was written by Dr. Bach-Tuyet Dang, where he talked about being a Vietnamese doctor. Dang wrote, “If they tell me about a ghost in their bowels, I accept this belief.” These were some of the cultural beliefs of his patients, which Dang wrote about respectfully. This was the first time I saw a doctor discussing these beliefs on health in Western media without judgement and, instead, with empathy. 

Asianadian felt like it provided a palpable voice to the Asian Canadian community, allowing authors a space to voice their thoughts without reservation. 

Next, we headed to The Living Room. Films are set up for showings on a television in a dimly lit, but comfortable space consisting of two couches and cushions on a floor mat nudged in front of the television. The floral pattern on one of the couches and mooncake container in the room made me smile because these had been in my family’s homes. 

Lu and Wong designed the space so visitors would want to sit down. The films selected for the exhibit’s first program were chosen to represent “reconnection, lineage, and exile.” These themes were shown using a variety of styles, from a silent film on East Asian immigration history (The Yellow Pages by Ho Tam) to a short about a gay Lebanese couple (Mondial 2010 by Roy Dib). 

Settling into soft couch cushions, my friend and I talked through Nang by Nang by Richard Fung. This was a film centring Nang, Fung’s first cousin. We were intrigued by her courage and resilience. We watched as she discussed her life experiences, like leaving the first of five husbands when he cheated and going to university in her 40s. 

Because the rest of the gallery was empty, my friend and I talked easily about our busy lives. It felt appropriate for the makeshift living room and the opportunity the organisers saw for connection “after almost two years of isolation.” I had never considered a gallery a communal space before, but this is what The Living Room aims to change. Alongside snapshots of countercultural Asian Canadian media with Asianadian, it felt like the space was made with the love of community and connection in mind. 

Both exhibitions run until May 2022. Lu and Wong hope to feature movie nights, COVID-safe food events, and reading groups at Centre A. They also invite filmmakers and artists to submit their films to be considered for screenings. Collectives and other community members are also encouraged to submit their works to be considered for display. Interested parties can email [email protected] to discuss submission details.

The Journey Here delves into the behind-the-scenes work of advocacy

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Peak Web
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Collage with portrait photo of Kue, a Karen woman, on the left and an illustration of SFU Surrey campus on the right
Kue K’nyawmupoe shares her lived experiences as a refugee. PHOTO: Courtesy of The Journey Here

By: Charlene Aviles, Staff Writer

Hosted by Steve Dooley, the executive director of SFU’s Surrey campus, The Journey Here is “a podcast that profiles the stories of community builders from all walks of life.” From students sparking social change to professors igniting grassroots leadership, Dooley’s interviewees share whow each of their stories has impacted their lives and work.

What drew me to The Journey Here was the in-depth life stories of its guests. Of the eight episodes that have been released so far, episode two resonated with me most. In it, Kue K’nyawmupoe describes her upbringing in a refugee camp in Thailand and what it was like moving to Canada.

At the beginning of the episode, K’nyawmupoe explains how in Thailand, her family survived by gathering natural resources. “You had to make everything with your hands,” she said. It came as a culture shock when, in Canada, “you wake up and you go to the kitchen. You turn the knob on and you get a fire.”

Her family felt unsure about moving at first, especially since they didn’t know how they would adapt to living in a new place. But eventually, after encouragement from their peers in the camp, K’nyawmupoe’s mom applied for refugee status. 

Before arriving in Canada at 15 years old, her family had only two days to familarize themselves with Canada before moving. Considering they’d be spending the rest of their lives abroad, I can imagine how stressed they must have felt during this time — saying goodbye to the community they’ve lived with for years is difficult in itself. 

In December 2019, K’nyawmupoe revisited her cousins and uncles who were still living in the refugee camp. She also wanted to give back to her mom’s hometown. I found it inspiring that K’nyawmupoe wanted to stay connected to her roots after living in Canada for so long. 

But during her visit, she often had to explain the reality of living in Canada. “It’s funny. When they see you, they think just because you come back from a country like Canada or USA, you have money and you have resources, but what they don’t understand is that you really have to work hard,” said K’nyawmupoe. 

Contrary to her family’s belief that life in Canada was perfect, they struggled to pay the bills when they first arrived. K’nyawmupoe’s mom worked long hours in order to pay their rent. 

“Where I get resilience from is my mom. She’s a strong woman,” said K’nyawmupoe.

Wanting to pay it forward, K’nyawmupoe became a research assistant on a project about recent refugees. Since she experienced what it was like as a refugee, she felt a stronger connection to the research participants. Her work demonstrates the importance of a support network.

“It was an eye-opening experience for me, because I realized how important it is to receive the services and resources available in the community,” said K’nyawmupoe.

The Journey Here can be streamed on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

BC Public Health will not keep us safe from COVID-19

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Peak Web
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A woman is wearing a camo-patterned jacket, and a face mask. She is outdoors, buying fruits.
Just because we don’t have to wear masks, it doesn’t mean we should stop. PHOTO: Uriel Mont / Pexels

By: Charlie Ruiz, SFU Student

After the worst COVID-19 outbreak this province has seen, cases are finally falling. This is the result of months of COVID-19 precautions — yet, we are once again beginning to lift restrictions. Most recently, BC has decided to drop mandatory masking, despite this being a key precaution in slowing disease spread. This new policy ignores the reality of COVID-19 and further pushes those who are already at-risk into higher risk. 

As I would hope we all know by now, COVID-19 is airborne. This means COVID-19 floats in the air, sometimes for hours, and can easily be transmitted in public areas — unless people are wearing masks. We have years of evidence supporting the benefits of masking — and Dr. Bonnie Henry herself has stated, “We still need this tool.” In a recent interview, she added, while masking may not be currently mandated, it’s still important. 

Why then did Dr. Henry lift mask mandates with barely a day’s notice? She explained she doesn’t believe we need a policy to ensure people wear masks. Well, only a few days after this mandate was lifted, that’s not what’s happening. It’s evident that BC Public Health is misjudging the province’s responses to the health crisis; harming us all. 

SFU has followed public health in lifting the mask mandate, and as a result people will become infected. Students didn’t sign up for courses expecting mask mandates would be dropped at a moment’s notice. Frankly, SFU’s constant claims of being an equitable university are laughable when they so blatantly exclude the concerns of disabled communities when reconsidering masking requirements. As a university, they are not bound to mimic provincial guidelines, as demonstrated by UBC’s continued support of indoor mask mandates. 

Public Health and various other sources recognize the importance of masking to prevent COVID-19, yet they have not done their job in implementing these measures to keep the community safe. Moreover, mask wearing is most effective when everyone wears them, so these new policies effectively decrease their value. Sure, we have high vaccination rates in BC — but variants running amok decrease the amount of protections vaccines can provide. Worse yet, we’ve already lived through this chapter of history: in the summer of 2021, mask mandates were lifted, only to be implemented a few weeks later due to high levels of transmission. The nature of viruses is that new variants will arise and there is evidence they can become stronger.

To those who claim we should “move on,” I would like to ask: what part of wearing a mask has any real effect on your life? You are still going to school, restaurants are open, and you can travel. 

But what are immunocompromised people supposed to do? The idea that those who are not OK with lifting these precautions should just lock themselves up at home is inequitable, especially when such a small measure effectively decreases transmission. 

At-risk people cannot simply protect themselves on an individual scale. Rather than forcing people into isolation wherever possible, we should be creating policies that invite them to participate with us safely.

There has been an emphasis on “kindness” towards personal choice on masking. I acknowledge there are valid reasons to not wear one, but not being bothered to protect those around me is a choice I struggle to accept with kindness.

We will never get out of this pandemic unless there is coordination with guidelines, and not the flip-flopping between precautions every month. BC and SFU have made clear their priorities — get back to “normal” regardless of the cost. BC dropped reporting COVID-19 active cases, and this obscures the data we have on the pandemic. Just because we’ve stopped tracking the data, doesn’t mean it’s not there. This far into COVID-19, I’m tired of begging institutions to do the bare minimum to protect those in the community.

Accounting Student Association helps SFU students file taxes for free

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Peak Web
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a phone calculator with tax forms next to it
Clients will meet remotely with volunteer student accountants. PHOTO: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

By: Karissa Ketter, News Writer

SFU’s Accounting Student Association (ASA) is offering a program to help SFU students file their taxes this April — the community volunteer income tax program (CVITP). SFU students can apply to become CVITP volunteer accountants and undergo training and certification from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). 

The program currently has 220 clients. Applications for clients to have their taxes done ends on March 31, 2022. Taxes will be filed from March 15–April 22.  

SFU students are eligible to apply for the program if they’re a single person with an annual income of less than $30,000. 

ASA director of finance, Adrian Wong, spoke with The Peak about the benefits of the program. 

“There’s that saying in high school, where they never actually teach you anything you’re gonna need [in] life. And really, we have never learned how to file taxes in high school,” said Wong. “It’s pretty awesome that the CRA and other students that have experience will literally just teach you for free.”

As the director of finance, Wong oversees the CVITP and the team of tax project managers who run the program. “I don’t actually do any of the tax filing. I do wish I could, but for some reason the CRA only lets people with Windows software file taxes,” said Wong. 

Any SFU student can apply to be a volunteer accountant for this program. Volunteer accountants first go through a rigorous screening process from the ASA before they are hired. This includes a test of financial literacy, client interaction skills, and a mock email process to clients. Then they attend a CRA workshop held in partnership with the ASA to become certified. 

Wong noted sometimes clients who use the program are interested in becoming volunteer accountants the following year. “After seeing how they’re helping people and how much they’re learning, maybe you want to learn to be able to independently do it yourself.” 

Once clients apply into the program, they have a virtual meeting session with their assigned volunteer accountant. “They’ll file the taxes, they’ll go over everything and they’ll be done,” said Wong. 

The program currently has around 40 volunteer accountants who passed the screening tests. “We were aiming for 400 clients but obviously the more the better,” said Wong. This is so they can provide each volunteer with 10 clients. 

For more information on eligibility and client applications, visit the ASA website.

Itse Hesse creates Black Girl Collective with a focus on mentorship and connections

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Peak Web
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four people standing next to each other and smiling at camera
Hesse’s struggle with a lack of safe space for Black women led to the creation of BGC (from left to right: project lead Tobi Owobowale, financial coordinator Praise Osifo, president Itse Hesse, and volunteer Esther Ajayi). PHOTO: Courtesy of Itse Hesse

By: Yelin Gemma Lee, News Writer

Since immigrating to Canada, SFU alumni Itse Hesse has struggled with the lack of safe spaces for Black women to connect with and support each other. Recalling these unmet needs, Hesse officially founded the Black Girl Collective (BGC) in July 2020. What began on a whim as an Instagram page grew into a vibrant and inclusive community of Black women and non-binary people. 

The Peak interviewed Hesse to learn more about the organization and their work. 

She remembered facing barriers accessing community support at SFU as an immigrant and international student. “It’s just been a struggle for me after school trying to find a Black mentor because I wanted a mentor that was not only Black, but also understood my struggles of being an immigrant and navigating the system here,” said Hesse.

BGC focuses on “advocating for Black girls through events,” and Hesse identified its three pillars: Black joy, Black futures, and community engagement. These are based on the unmet needs of her community which she experienced firsthand. 

“I really wanted to focus on bringing joy to Black women because it’s just so stressful for us with the title of being a strong Black woman. Everybody feels like they have to be a strong Black woman but not really, we also deserve a space to feel soft, and taken care of, and just feel pampered,” said Hesse. “That was very important for me so I focus on Black joy.”

Hesse explained many of their events centre on Black joy, and they’ve put on over 10 sold-out events throughout the pandemic. A key event is the now-annual Black Girl Brunch in collaboration with the Vancouver Art Gallery and Vancouver Art Gallery Bistro. “It was such a huge success to just see more than 50–60 Black girls just at that space, having fun, just eating, drinking, making connections,” said Hesse. 

Another example of BGC centring Black joy is seen in the outdoor events they host throughout the seasons, in collaboration with Color the Trails. Hesse said this is to show Black girls outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing are not just white spaces. 

The second pillar of Black futures focuses on giving talks and offering workshops to younger Black girls to teach them their future potentials and possibilities are limitless. Hesse reflected on her conversations with other Black women at SFU. She found most of them studying to be nurses and asked why. 

“One of the replies we got was ‘that was what the counsellors at school told them to do,’” said Hesse. “As a Black woman, they’re always encouraging you to go into nursing and as a Black man, they’re always encouraging you to go into trades.”

Hesse and her group decided to address this issue starting with younger Black students. BGC reached out to the Vancouver School Board and to give talks to middle school students about their limitless future potential. Hesse also said BGC is finalizing a program called “Black Girls in Tech,” set to launch this Fall. 

Their third pillar of community engagement includes providing resources, volunteering, and facilitating book clubs centring Black women authors. 

“One of the biggest things for me is being able to eventually provide financial assistance to our community members that are in need but for the meantime we do what we can. If they reach out to us, if they need anything, we can reference them to somebody who can help them,” said Hesse. 

Hesse explained BGC has a strict community code of conduct that encompasses their values: behaviours such as misgendering other community members are not tolerated. To ensure that every single member of the community feels comfortable at their events, Hesse said the community code of conduct is a live document open to additions and revisions. She said BGC values learning and consultation from the trans and non-binary people in their community. 

“My goal is to have Black Girl Collective Canada-wide,” said Hesse. “I want international Black girls to come and know that they have a safe space, they have somebody they can rely on, they have a big sister that can help them navigate this strange land that they’re in.” 

To find out more about BGC and keep up to date on their future events and programs, visit their website or Instagram page.

BC government invests in post-secondary education accessibility in 2022 budget

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Peak Web
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SFU financial aid and awards office
The new budget allocates funds to open more training seats for students. PHOTO: Allyson Klassen / The Peak

By: Karissa Ketter, News Writer

The new provincial budget was published on February 22, 2022. It announced multiple investment initiatives to increase post-secondary education accessibility for student groups. 

The press release stated part of the investments will work towards adding in-demand jobs. This will include creating more spaces for those going into early childhood education, skilled trades, and healthcare. The budget notes the province will provide $67 million for job training, opening up more spots for healthcare assistants and those in skilled trades. They are also investing in an additional 40,000 spaces for childcare in BC.

The new budget also includes $18 million for SFU’s First Peoples’ Gathering House, which is currently under construction. Approximately over $104 million will be put toward a student housing project and renovating dining facilities at SFU’s Burnaby campus. The new student residence will add 386 beds at SFU Burnaby.

Additionally, over $21 million will be invested over the course of three years for adult learners in programs like the Graduated Adult Program.

The BC government has invested $289 million in increasing internet connectivity to rural communities. This allows for more students in rural areas to participate in remote learning. 

Melissa Chirino, chairperson of BC Federation of Students noted BC’s economic success relies on “building a resilient and diverse economy in British Columbia,” and post-secondary investments are a component of that.

The press release states, “Over the next decade, there will be more than a million job openings in the province and 80% of those jobs will require a post-secondary degree. 

Investments today [will contribute to] the elimination of interest on student loans, and tuition free adult basic education all of which have helped remove barriers in accessing education.”

A full copy of the provincial budget can be found at the BC government website.

Researcher finds increase of traumatic brain injuries among precariously housed population

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News
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model of a brain
Scientists hope to spread awareness of TBIs and their causes for better treatment and prevention. PHOTO: Robina Weermeijer / Unsplash

By: Nathaniel Tok, Peak Associate

Dr. Tiffany O’Connor, SFU’s recent psychology alum and now a clinical neuropsychologist at Hamilton Health Sciences, has found a relationship between the precariously housed population in BC and high rates of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

The Peak reached out to O’Connor to find out more.

“Compared to more affluent populations, the literature on TBI in precariously housed persons is limited,” O’Connor said. “We hoped to develop a comprehensive study of TBI in precariously housed persons to develop a better understanding of the rate of TBIs, what types of TBI events were occurring, and who was experiencing them.”

Precariously housed people, as defined in the research article, are “low-income tenants residing in substandard housing often as their only alternative to homelessness.”

According to the CDC, TBI is “an injury that affects how the brain works.” It is usually a result of physical damage to the brain.

O’Connor’s research took place between December 2016 and May 2018 and showed that TBI events were caused by a variety of events, but most often due to falls, assaults, and pedestrian/vehicle accidents, or sporting incidents. She speculates these occurrences could be due to poor living conditions, substance use, and mental and physical disabilities. Previous TBIs can also lead to future incidences. O’Connor also found “schizophrenia spectrum disorders resulted in lower likelihood of TBI.”  

While speaking to SFU News, O’Connor said members of the community often experience conditions such as “social and occupational challenges.” In her interview with The Peak, she added the precariously housed population also face “cognitive impairments,” in addition to higher rates of TBI events. These various factors mean it is difficult to recover from TBI events.

O’Connor highlighted the need to engage in research and outreach with the population.

“Right now we are working to increase awareness of this TBI epidemic.” O’Connor said. “Individuals living in precarious housing would benefit from education on how common TBIs are, what the symptoms of TBIs are, and what they should do if they experience one.”

The team hopes education will help prevent the adverse effects of TBI in the population and are working to increase awareness of TBI events. Awareness among health care providers and screening of TBI events will be especially important as mitigation strategies, as it can enable earlier access to care.

The researchers plan to undertake an examination of how TBI events affect “cognitive and daily functioning.” From there, they can establish different recovery methods. .

“We as a society can build better understanding and compassion, and work towards better prevention and treatment efforts to improve the lives of those living in precarious housing,” said O’Connor.

The full research article is available online.

SFU hockey wins the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League Championship

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Sports
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SFU posing on the ice with the Championship after the game
SFU hoists the cup for the first time since 2011. Image courtesy of SFU Hockey Twitter

By: Greg Makarov, Sports Writer

For the first time in history, SFU went undefeated during the regular season and playoffs, winning all 14 games and capturing the championship with a 2–0 win. 

The Peak spoke to SFU hockey forward Garret Hilton about the team’s mentality during the quarter finals match up.

Hilton is a third year student whose goal was to “play in all situations and be a difference-maker when called upon.” He has done his part and then some, finishing the regular season as the second best scorer in the league with 17 points, and the leader scorer for his team in the playoffs with six points in two games.

Playoffs and Championship

SFU took on the Vancouver Island University Mariners (VIU) in their first playoff game on March 4. This matchup was anything but easy. Although both teams rely heavily on speed, the VIU team was physically bigger, and were not afraid to use their size: resulting in big hits and effective board battles. 

In the first period, VIU kept SFU off the puck, barging into the offensive zone and putting two pucks past goaltender Michael Lenko. To start the second, SFU began grinding away to get themselves back into the game. They went to work tiring out the VIU team. The effort of the home team would have translated to goals if not for VIU goalie James Brendeland. Nevertheless, SFU forward Ryan Riggs scored to cut the lead in half heading into the third. 

The final stretch of the game was the most nerve wracking. VIU player Caleb Franklin’s pass bounced off another player’s skates and found its way in the back of the net, restoring VIU’s two goal lead. SFU had their work cut out for them but Hilton said the team remained unfazed. “No one in the room really faltered from our game plan,” he added, “We just knew that if we could get within one, tie the game up, that the ball would start rolling for us.” 

SFU seemed to find another gear. Their passes became crisper as Takato Cox scored to make it 3–2. The goal was like a bucket of cold water that woke up VIU, who attempted to shut down an SFU comeback. This strategy was axed early after SFU team captain Mitch Ledyard scored to tie the game on a pretty cross-ice passing play. This seemed to displease the Mariners, who began to press on with physical play, resulting in a hooking penalty. 

SFU forward Kyle Bergh capitalized on the powerplay with a sneaky wrist shot to give SFU their first lead of the night. At this point, SFU was dictating the play, and Hilton sealed the deal with a wicked snapshot before adding an empty netter to give SFU a commanding 6–3 lead. 

The quarter finals were a true test for SFU, who found themselves down a goal heading into the third period — far from an ideal scenario. However, SFU didn’t back away from the challenge. Hilton expressed the team’s success winning games this year gave them much needed confidence. “We’ve kinda just found a way all year to win, no matter what the score or the adversity.” 

Congratulations to coach Mark Coletta and his SFU hockey team on a magnificent season! Hopefully the successes at this level may bode a future promotion to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us:
[email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024