MONOVA is the little gem of North Vancouver

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September 6, 2023

Exterior of building with a closeup of the words “Museum of North Vancouver” in bold white block letters in front a window. There are trans flags and pride flags hanging from the canopy. — PHOTO: Aria Amirmoini / The Peak

By: Maia Lomelino (She/They), SFU Student

Content warning: mentions of residential schools and internment camps.

It’s not new that the Shipyards region in North Vancouver is becoming a hotspot for entertainment on the North Shore. With easy access from the Seabus, it features entertainment for all ages and tastes, and this is exactly where you’ll find the Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA).

MONOVA opened to the public in December 2021, but was only finalized with a brand-new climatized (temperature and humidity-controlled) area for special exhibits in 2022. Located on Esplanade street right by the Lonsdale Quay and Seabus terminal, the small but mighty museum is home to a permanent exhibit about the city and neighbourhood histories. It’s also a hub for events and community building.

Right at the entrance, between the products in the gift shop, is one of the coolest items in Monova’s collection: a bright red streetcar that used to roam Lonsdale Avenue from 1912–1946. The piece on display was restored after spending years serving as a chicken coop. The best part about the museum’s lounge is that it’s free to look around; while ticket prices to the main exhibit vary, students with ID pay only $10.

Passing the magnificent Twin Sisters panel, carved in red cedar to mark the museum’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, is the main community space. Here, visitors can find interactive tables run by volunteers and a space for kids to have fun with the museum’s themes, building paper streetcars, or colouring. Walk the short corridor that simulates a BC forest to find the main gallery, where a circular structure representing a cedar tree harbours Indigenous objects and celebrates the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

The main exhibit covers the history of North Vancouver, highlighting its Indigenous origins. Pass through historical eras, like the immigrant neighbourhood development, the Moodville timber production era, the Lions Gate Bridge and Shipyards constructions, and World War II efforts. There are even archaeological findings from a Nikkei settlement that got abandoned around the same time Canada created Japanese internment camps, remnants of the tragic events these communities went through.

Take time to honour residential school survivors by hearing their names and listening to Elders give advice to Indigenous youth in the touching installation that reflects on the horrors of residential schools and and their lasting consequences. Then, learn about Indigenous plants and wildlife from the region in the vivid natural history installation.

You can also learn about the history of North Shore Rescue, the old Grouse Mountain Chalet, and Phil Nuytten. Nuytten was an entrepreneur and inventor who created a deep sea exploration suit, helped study the Titanic, and trained astronauts. Nuytten’s company also develops submersibles — a small submarine that needs an overwater support vessel (real deal ones, not tin cans for billionaires).

Currently, the special exhibit room (on until late December) presents the history of the Shipyards neighbourhood with items from the old North Vancouver Hotel. This includes a very interesting pharmacy cabinet with medicine that would make any doctor today run to the hills, like laudanum, cocaine, and opium. According to museum staff, the place where Lift Bakery is today used to be a pharmacy!

The coolest part about the MONOVA exhibits is that most of them are interactive, so the visit becomes even more fun for kids and adults alike. Visitors can also participate in a scavenger hunt to locate specific items in the gallery. Visiting MONOVA is a delightful albeit short experience that’s definitely worth it for those interested in local history and everyone hoping to learn more about the North Shore.

September will be a month full of Truth and Reconciliation events, like a scrapbooking workshop with Tsawaysia Spukwus (Sept 7), Reconciliation through Storytelling with Chief Dr. Robert Joseph (Sept 14), Cultural Knowledge Sharing with Sheryl Rivers (Sept 16), and the Connection Speakers Series with Leigh Joseph (Sept 23).

Seven ways to stay safe and cool during extreme heat

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Peak Web

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September 6, 2023

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A photo of an orange sky with a bright sun — PHOTO: Pixabay / Unsplash

By: Saije Rusimovici, Staff Writer

Summer is one of my favourite seasons, but it’s important to remember that while it feels great to spend time outdoors soaking up the sun, it’s necessary to keep yourself cool. It can be a struggle to sleep, work, study, exercise, or even just relax when you feel exhausted from the heat. In certain circumstances, exposure to extreme heat for an extended period of time can lead to health complications such as heat exhaustion, or, in more serious cases, heatstroke. UV rays also pose risks to our health, as prolonged exposure to the sun without protection may cause sunburns, or in more severe circumstances, permanent damage to the skin. It’s also important to consider at-risk populations who may be more susceptible to the negative impacts of overexposure to the sun. People who have chronic diseases or mental illness have a higher risk of being affected by heat-related illnesses.

Due to climate change, summers are getting longer and hotter. Now more than ever, it’s important to take proactive steps to keep yourself safe when temperatures inevitably spike.

Find an air-conditioned space to spend hot afternoons

It’s incredibly difficult to stay productive and alert when it’s hot out. According to the CDC, air conditioning is the number one way to protect oneself against heat related illness and death. If you’re like me and your home lacks air conditioning, try finding a public space like a coffee shop or library that has good air circulation. Malls are an excellent option, as they are often well air-conditioned. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for portable air conditioner sales or used options through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. The best deals often pop up in fall and through the spring!

2. Stay hydrated

Drinking lots of water plays a key role in the way your body functions under extreme heat — you may not notice it, but dehydration can significantly affect your focus and performance. When doing outdoor activities or activities in direct sunlight, it’s recommended to drink plenty of water, about eight ounces every 15–20 minutes. With that being said, you should also be careful with your intake of highly caffeinated beverages, such as energy drinks, as they can actually contribute to dehydration. Caffeine has diuretic properties that increase the production of urine, which can impact your hydration levels, and energy drinks might have far more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. In the same way, it’s recommended to avoid drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before working in extreme heat.

3. Avoid mid-day outdoor activity when that sun is at its hottest

Even though it feels great to go outside and soak up the sunshine, there are specific times during the day in which UV rays are particularly harmful. Make sure you are always wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, even if you are not in direct sunlight. Use a local weather app to see when the sun is at its hottest, and avoid scheduling outdoor activities during that time. You can also download a UV index app like SunSmart Global UV. If you are a part of a sports team, schedule practices and games in the morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler. If you must go outside during this window, wear loose-fitting clothing layers that cover your skin, and bring a water bottle with you.

4. Cool down before bed

After a long hot day, it’s a good idea to cool down before you go to sleep. If you don’t have air conditioning, this could mean taking a cold shower. If where you sleep is particularly humid, consider sleeping with a cold washcloth on your neck. To limit discomfort from the heat before bed, I like to use my ice roller on my whole body to reduce inflammation and bring down my body temperature.

5. Find out where your local cooling centres are

Like air-conditioned spaces, cooling centres are a great way to find temporary relief from the heat. Cooling centres are open to the public and often located at community centres or city libraries. Some of them even allow people to bring their pets! The City of Vancouver has put together a comprehensive list of cooling centres, misting stations, spray parks, and weather-protected plazas. For more information, visit CTV News Vancouver for even more cool zone locations across Metro Vancouver.

Both SFU’s Vancouver and Surrey campuses are built with air conditioning. Though this isn’t true for much of the Burnaby campus, there are still several places where you can go to cool down. The Student Union Building, Blusson Hall, and West Mall Centre all have air conditioned spaces where you can have a cool study session. For a list of specific locations on campus, visit Safety and Risk Services under Extreme Weather on SFU’s website.

6. Eat fresh foods with a high water content

Instead of warming up your home by turning on the stove or oven, try preparing meals with fresh fruits and vegetables. This not only prevents your kitchen from becoming unnecessarily warm, but will also boost your hydration. Foods that have high water contents such as strawberries, melon, cucumbers, and lettuce are a yummy and healthy way to increase your water intake throughout a hot day. You can even try freezing your fruit to indulge in as a snack.

7. Stay informed

During periods of extreme heat, one of the most important things you can do is keep updated on how heat is impacting your area. Stay updated regarding wildfires and air quality advisories in your surrounding area — follow government guidelines to stay safe. Since Canada’s new Bill C-18 has blocked some news outlets, make sure you actively seek out updates on weather and wildfires in your area. Be sure to keep an eye out for advice from healthcare professionals and pay attention to trusted news sources for updates. If you are looking for more resources, visit some of these organizations below:

CDC | Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
PreparedBC | Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide
Canadian Red Cross | Heat Related Emergencies: Staying Cool and Hydrated in Canadian Summers
The Humane Society of the United States | Keep pets safe in the heat
Cal OES News | Extreme Heat Safety Considerations for People with Access and Functional Needs
SFU | Extreme heat — Work & research safety

Consider following SFU on Twitter or download the SFU Snap app to get updates on severe weather conditions across SFU campuses.

School of Sustainable Energy Engineering students lead the way for a sustainable future

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Peak Web

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September 6, 2023

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This is a photo taken over the shoulder of an engineering student. They are writing on blueprint papers in front of them. — PHOTO: ThisisEngineering / Unsplash

By: Eden Chipperfield, News Writer

In the fall of 2019, the SFU School of Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) established its first cohort of students. In June 2023, the program celebrated its first group of graduates who walked across the stage. The SEE program is the first in Western Canada, and is offered at SFU’s Surrey campus.

SEE mainly focuses on researching sustainable engineering practices that are ecologically, socially, and economically responsible. The school prioritizes vital issues, including gender equity within research, teaching, and community for a cleaner and greener future.

The Peak connected with newly graduated SEE students, Emma Hannaford and Danielle Arciaga, and asked about their experience with SEE and their advice to students considering joining the cohort.

“When I first applied to the SEE program, I was drawn to its interdisciplinary nature. I knew it was important for me to gain exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship with the rapid developments in the clean tech sector,” said Hannaford. “Sustainable energy refers to energy from a source that can provide for generations to come and is generated in an equitable way. The introduction of the SEE program brings awareness to the global challenges our world currently faces and helps develop the skills necessary to tackle these issues.”

The Peak asked the graduates what the word sustainable means for them after their graduation. For Arciaga, sustainable energy is the ability to supply the population now, and future generations, with the energy they need. “The program recognizes areas that need improvements and gives us the knowledge to approach these problems and develop innovative solutions.”

The Peak asked how sustainable engineering works with other engineering fields to produce a sustainable future. “We need to work collaboratively with other fields of engineering and disciplines to achieve this common goal. For example, if we look at a building, numerous fields of engineering are required to make a building,” explained Arciaga. “If the goal is to ensure the building emits less emissions than its counterpart, coordination is required from the mechanical and electrical engineers to use efficient equipment, the architects and structural engineers to select local, low emission materials [ . . . ] We need everyone to play a part in shaping a more sustainable future.”

Regarding the program’s cohort experience, there were many positive outcomes for the small class. “Something I did not foresee during my time in SEE is how close our cohort would become, said Hannaford. “With only 20 students making up the first intake of students back in Fall 2019, it is rewarding to look back and see how we’ve all grown together and supported each other over the past four years.” Hannaford also prided SEE’s commitment to gender diversity. Their student cohort comprised over 40% women which helped foster an inclusive environment and further a commitment to gender representation in academia.

The SEE program addresses gender inequality with classes such as SEE 110 Energy, Environment and Society, where the social impacts of climate change are discussed. This course also conducts a privilege walk, where students become aware of their privileges and biases. This helped deepen students’ understanding of the importance of diversity in engineering and in sustainability while addressing challenges and solutions.

The Peak asked the two graduates what advice or insight they would give to oncoming SEE majors and prospective interested students: “For first-year students considering SEE as a major, my advice is to reach out to the SEE student ambassadors or members of the Sustainable Energy Engineering Student Society if you have any questions regarding the program,” said Hannaford. “SEE is unique as it is a new, tight-knit program. As the program grows, it adapts to the needs of the students. If you are unsure what to focus on, SEE is good at showcasing different aspects of sustainability and allows you to try various fields of engineering,” added Arciaga.

For those interested in learning more about the SEE program, visit www.sfu.ca/see.html for more information and stories regarding the cohort.

SOCA wellness retreat funding rejected by the SFSS

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Peak Web

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September 5, 2023

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This is a photo of the outside of the Student Union Building at the SFSS Burnaby campus. The photo is a close up of the doors. Above the doors the sign reads “Student Union Building, Simon Fraser University” — PHOTO: Afsaneh Keivanshekouh / The Peak

By: Olivia Sherman, News Writer

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on September 8, 2023, to note that the black wellness retreat was not cancelled.

At the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) meeting on June 21, the SFU Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry (SOCA) presented an amended proposal for their wellness retreat. This event was aimed at healing the physical, mental, and emotional health of Black students. While the original proposal from May 24 requested $10,000 of funding from SFSS, the June 21 proposal halved this initial request to $5,000. This new request was almost unanimously rejected by SFSS.

The Peak sat down with SOCA president, Lauretta Umukoro, to discuss the significance of what the retreat represented, and the events leading up to the funding rejection.

“The idea behind it was to create an experience for Black students that had not been done before,” Umukoro explained. “I wanted to create a space where they could sort of get away” from the hecticness of school.

At the May 24 SFSS meeting, SOCA representatives, Yaye Seydi Balde and Amina Hassan, presented an outline for the required costs. This included the expenses for the 28 confirmed attendees, who would not pay for the trip. The estimated total for the roundtrip bus to Chilliwack, the cost of food, and facilitators was $9,304.12. Hassan said the initial request of $10,000 was a loose estimate of the necessary funding, and there was no expectation of using it all. The representatives also stated that, prior to the presentation, they had not applied for grants to aid in the cost. Councillors expressed this was the general procedure when requesting funding.

Many SFSS councillors voiced concerns with their budget. Vice president of equity and sustainability, Priyanka Kaur Dhesa, noted that SOCA had already received $5,000 from the BIPOC committee, and questioned whether SOCA was requesting an additional $5,000, or a total of $15,000 for the retreat. SOCA representatives confirmed the $5,000 was received and was used for a down payment for the campsite. The representative then said SOCA was requesting a total of $15,000 for the four-day retreat.

“The $5,000 was used towards the down payment of the property which was non-refundable, which meant in order for all that money not to go to waste, the retreat had to happen,” Umukoro later clarified. “SOCA was fully committed to having the retreat with or without the support of the SFSS because of the excitement and engagement we had gotten from our membership.”

SOCA pulled funds from other sources, including their CORE account within the SFSS, their trust account, the Black Student Support Levy, and the external SOCA bank account. SOCA was able to fund the trip without support from the SFSS.

Vice president of university and academic affairs, Thomas Leuth, said the requested amount was “concerning” considering SOCA already receives $100,000 from the SFSS annually. However, SOCA’s budget from the SFSS is only $65,000. Umukoro said she is unsure where the other monetary figure came from, but states the miscommunication was “due to lack of information.” The debate was later tabled until June 21.

Leading up to the June 21 meeting, Umukoro said SOCA was referred to apply for grant funding in order to raise money for the wellness retreat. Through exact budgeting and applying for grants, SOCA went back to SFSS with the new budget of $5,875. However, despite cutting their budget in half, SOCA’s request was denied. “You ended up in Council, and the fact is you are here, and therefore, this grant directly concerns SFSS, directly concerns the money that comes from students’ pockets,” said SFSS president Liam Feng.

“I’m going to make this clear, on the record. I do not support this, and here’s my justification as to why,” Feng stated, citing the original budget from May 24 and its drastic change on June 21. “This is an indication that the cost breakdown was not going to be accurate [ . . . ] they overestimated by two-fold. I want to make this clear, though, that if we had agreed to this grant before, in the first Council meeting, we would have given a whopping 10k [ . . . ] which is humongous. And these kinds of things have consequences that are not small.”

Umukoro said the staff from SFSS who were tasked with helping SOCA reallocate funds and request grants had stated SOCA would be guaranteed the grants. In the June 21 meeting, president Liam Feng reiterated that “going through the proper grant process does not guarantee that the grant will go through.” Of this rejection, Umukoro felt SOCA was led astray, saying it wasn’t fair to make SOCA “go through a grant process, knowing fully well you are not going to approve the funding in the first place.

“So you had made us do extra work from the work we’re already doing in regards to the retreat, and only for you to say you don’t think the event is needed [ . . . ] And also they didn’t see that it was going to cater to a lot of students and it was accessible to a lot of students.”

Umukoro said she aims to plan out an exact budget for similar retreats or events in the future, including “reaching out to external organizations to come on board and sponsor and maybe also provide funding.”

She also said SOCA will continue to “create a safe space for [their] community members and allies to come together [ . . . ] through various events and workshops such as the Black Healing Space, Community events and collaboration within and outside SFU.”

However, she is less optimistic about reaching out to SFSS for aid again. “As for going back to the SFSS to actual funding: I don’t know. I can’t speak to that as of now, just because of the level of harm that was caused through the whole process of asking for grants, and just how excruciating the process is.”

Umukoro said that while the next steps for SOCA are uncertain, she is hopeful: “I feel like we started something that is really going to stand the test of time, especially with the Black community.”

Horoscopes September 4 – 10

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Peak Web

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September 5, 2023

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An illustration of a girl with long flowing hair. Astrological signs and stars shine around her. — ILLUSTRATION: Marissa Ouyang / The Peak

By: Gurneet Lohcham, SFU Student

Aries

We know you’ve already created your Halloween playlist, and I can bet you anything that the Ghostbusters (1984) soundtrack is definitely on it. But do you really need to be listening to that in early September? I’m sure the ghosts are turning in their graves because you aren’t letting them sleep. You should wait until we at least hit fall before blasting that playlist, or it won’t be only Casper, the friendly ghost visiting you this Halloween.

Gemini

Hey, prankster! Hold your horses for one more month. I know you have a ton of pranks planned for this Halloween. Steer clear from the usual sheet ghost one. It’s getting old. I can tell you this much: You will have a very successful October this year with all your tricks. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer this year, though. I sense that you won’t be the only one playing the pranks this year. Here’s some friendly advice: If you see a red-eyed wolf, turn the other way . . . It could just be a prank . . . or we may lose our number-one prankster. Beware . . .

Capricorn

I know every year, your family turns down your ideas for them dressing up for Halloween. But it’s your lucky year! They’ll be more excited to dress up than you this year. I know how obsessed you are with Percy Jackson, and it’s time to enter your demigod era. You’ve been waiting way too long for this moment, and it’s finally here. So, make sure you go all out. Bring out the bead necklaces, the Camp Half-Blood shirts, and the ballpoint pen (IYKYK).

Sagittarius

You’ve been working so hard all summer, Sag. It’s time to take a break before the fall semester begins. Put on those fuzzy socks and grab a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. No more staying up late, or you’ll have no energy left by October 31. With Halloween coming up, all the ghosts and ghouls are roaming around. And their favourite time to come outside is during the night . . . Better not stay up too late; they wouldn’t mind visiting those who don’t sleep. It’s best to avoid such members of our society, especially when you have fall courses to pass. Goodnight, don’t let the mice bite. 🙂

Leo

Leo, you deserve a break after all that hard work you’ve been doing. What better way than pre-buying and munching on Halloween candy while snuggling in bed? I know you’ve been having a hectic few weeks, but Halloween is coming up. Scream all you want, and maybe watch the new Scream (2022) while you’re at it. 🙂 A lot is happening during Spooky Season; I doubt anyone will hear you, so scream all you want.

Scorpio

Hey Scorpio, did your cat suddenly learn to flush the toilet? Did that light bulb just start floating behind you? Or, did your grandpa’s laugh get a little creepier than it used to be? Your cat might’ve unlocked a lot more brain capacity. But that doesn’t explain the light bulb or the laugh. It could all be a coincidence, but you and I both know coincidences aren’t your thing. You could ignore everything and go about your day, but with Halloween approaching, I’d say be alert and be on the lookout. You never know when your cat might try to eat your grandpa or vice versa . . .

Aquarius

I know you have a lot on your plate, and on top of that, in a month, you’ll have pumpkin pie and Halloween candy, too. I’m just kidding, but I know you haven’t been feeling so hot lately. With Halloween coming up, I suggest you remember that good and bad ghosts are roaming around. Why don’t you have a séance or light a few candles and pretend for the feels of it? You and your friends will have a spooky blast, and you never know; perhaps you’ll hear from beyond the grave.

Taurus

Haven’t you been nervous? You know, with your condition and Halloween fast approaching. Who keeps you cool, calm, and collected? Don’t you ever feel like letting go and biting their heads off? I mean, since you have that ability, being a vampire and all. I am proud of you for making it this far. But you must be excited, too — no more hiding in the house, all the rain and the cold . . . ooooh, it’s all so exciting. But be careful, Taurus, people get weird around this time of year, the garlic on the doors, the hunts for peculiar creatures and all.

Pisces

Pisces, have you completed your latest book? What was it called? Oh yeah, “The Lady in the Dark Forest Who Ate Her Rabbit.” Where do you come up with these? You know what’s funny about your last bestseller? I heard a story on the news the other day, very similar to yours, but you wrote that over a year ago . . . Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. It must be scary though, seeing the future. I should warn you there aren’t very many people who understand your gift. If I were you, I’d take a break. There’s a certain big fish in the publishing business looking for you.

Libra

I know how much you love mysteries, my dear friend. And I have a surprise for you. This Halloween, you’ve been asked to be the lead investigator for the series of murders happening around the city. This one is going to be difficult, Libra. I would suggest getting all the help you can get to crack this mystery. I heard your favourite book went missing the other day. Here’s a secret: find the book and find the next clue. You’re in for a heck of an adventure, Libra. Quick tip: start with your friends.

Cancer

Don’t even think about it. You know you hate scary movies, so why do you always put yourself through a horror movie marathon around Halloween? You scream, spill the popcorn, and don’t let your roommates sleep. Why do you do it? Especially this Halloween, don’t do it. I’ve heard stories of people just like you watching horror movies. It just so happens that there’s one particular movie that, when a Cancer watches it, it becomes their reality. I won’t tell you which one it is, though. It’ll be fun to have you find it. I guess this may be your last horror movie marathon, after all.

Virgo

You love Halloween and adventure. Virgo, I suggest you opt out of Halloween this year. It doesn’t seem to be a great time for you. We know you love treats on Halloween, but it looks like someone is out to play a trick on you this time. Why don’t you stay home and watch a Halloween movie this year? I would even steer clear of that graveyard you always visit. I know it’s important to you, but cemeteries have eyes and ears too. They’ve been listening, and this is the year they take you. Just sit back and bake some Halloween cookies, okay. 🙂

Create & Enter: Nature photography contests

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Peak Web

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September 5, 2023

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An illustration of a person in a red long sleeve SFU shirt holding a canon camera. — ILLUSTRATION: Ananya Singh / The Peak

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

What’s better than snapping a few nature shots and trying your hand at winning some snazzy prizes? The following is a list of free-entry photography contests across BC and Canada, with a variety of wildlife, outdoors, and ecological categories, alongside hefty prizes up for grabs. Happy snapping, and may the best photos win!

2023 Hiking Photo Contest
Presented by: Vancouver Trails
Submission deadline: September 25, 2023

Also known as the 2023 Vancouver Trails Photo Contest, this contest is accepting entries of any hiking trails around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland area throughout Southwestern BC. Images may include mountain views, forests, scenic hiking routes, and family and friends within photos. The contest offers a GoPro grand prize, a second place prize package of outdoor gear, and four $50 Canadian Tire gift cards as runner-up prizes.

2023 Global Photo Contest
Presented by: Nature United
Submission deadline: September 29, 2023

This nature photography contest is open internationally, though the organization works locally and across Canada to help preserve and protect precious environments. There are twelve categories, including oceans, aerials, birds, and plants and fungi. There’s a grand prize winner, as well as three runner-ups in each category, with monetary prizes for everyone. Submit your photos for a chance to win and vote on your favourites. That’s all there is to it!

Ocean Exposures Photo Contest 2023
Presented by: Living Oceans
Submission deadline: September 30, 2023

This contest includes three ocean photography categories: Below the Surface, Work and Play on the Ocean, and Coastal Wildlife, and is open across Canada, excluding Québec. There is a maximum of five photo entries per person. Following the submission period, voting and judging will take place throughout October. Winners will be announced in early November.

2023 Amateur Photographer Contest
Presented by: West Coast Traveller
Submission deadline: October 20, 2023

This Amateur Photographer Contest includes six distinct categories related to nature and wildlife, west coast travel, portraits, scenic views, local gems, and Instagram favourites. The contest is open to amateur photographers in Canada only. There must be no duplicate entries and images must be submitted in their original format. Voting on the top 100 images takes place throughout November and December. The contest is offering a travel package grand prize, as well as first, second, and third place prizes.

Before They Cut Down Our Tree ponders growing out of friendship

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Peak Web

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September 5, 2023

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Two Asian women look at each other with their hands touching on a tree branch between them. They’re both wearing neutral colored shirts and they’re in a forest surrounded by trees. — PHOTO: Courtesy of Danny Guay

By: Petra Chase, Arts & Culture Editor

An almost universal experience of adulthood is learning to accept that friendships change over time. For playwright Karter Masuhara, this unspoken realization occurred at an old friend’s bridal shower. “When I went, it was awkward and I realized I didn’t know this person anymore and we probably wouldn’t be friends if we met in the present,” they told The Peak. Following this experience, their cathartic first play, premiering on stage at the Vancouver Fringe Festival on September 7, “flowed out” of them. Before They Cut Down Our Tree features a team of eight SFU alumni, including Masuhara.

The script was written in 2020–21, when they took part in the Vancouver Canadian Asian Theatre’s MSG Lab’s playwriting program. It “follows two ex-friends as they reunite after the death of a loved one and are forced to reconcile why they broke apart.” The play moves through a decade of time, flashing back to the event that ended their relationship, the secrets they’ve kept, and what’s changed since then.

Standing in the middle of this emotional storyline, and a central design element in the play, is a magical tree. This is the tree where the two friends, Sam and Cal (Jessica Wong and Emily Ma) “met up to hang out, do their homework, and have fun” during childhood. It’s also where they have their incalculable reunion.

Masuhara emphasized what it means to put on a stage-based story featuring their intersecting identities: As a “queer Asian non-binary person,” Masuhara shared, “I have not often seen [my identities] on stage, so I wanted to create a story that filled in that gap.

“It’s important to be able to have authentic representation as it helps people feel seen and also understood.”

After two public readings of the script and grant funding, Masuhara set out to assemble a team to bring the play to life, hosting a design workshop and auditions. The response was overwhelmingly positive — auditioners shared how excited they were to audition for a half-Japanese character, an identity not often represented on stage.

“What I have found from feedback from readings is that most people have been able to find something that they can relate to in this play,” Masuhara said. “Storywise, I think people who like character-driven emotional stories that feel authentic but have a touch of wonder/magical realism will enjoy this play.”

“I think people who like character-driven emotional stories that feel authentic but have a touch of wonder/magical realism will enjoy this play.”

The tree itself is “a character in its own right,” they continued. “It allows the characters to see past versions of themselves, so it changes a bit throughout the play.” Visual and sound design are a huge part of this play, mirroring the passage of time and emotions that occur within the characters. The childhood tree, which is afflicted with “heart rot,” clues audiences to the state of the relationship with the growing and shrinking of this rot, and adds a tinge of mysticism to a strikingly real situation.

“As you can tell, the tree is a metaphor to Sam and Cal’s relationship with one another and we will see how the present versions of themselves have to confront the broken mess that became their friendship and if they can fix it before the tree gets cut down for good,” they said.

Masuhara assures there is also “joy and hope” to this story, pointing out how “each ending is the start of something new.”

Watch Before They Cut Down Our Tree at Performance Works at a show from September 7–17. Purchase a $16 ticket and find more information about show times on the Vancouver Fringe Festival website. Content warning: descriptions of “non-consensual acts and teen dating abuse.”

Vancouver Fringe Festival is an alternative theatre festival that’s been running since 1985. This year’s festival features over 85 emerging acts. According to their website, “this year will see more theatre, comedy, dance, drag, spoken word and music descend on our doorstep than ever before!”

Done is better than perfect

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Peak Web

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September 5, 2023

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A piece of white paper with a heading saying “To Do List” and one item stating “Mainly procrastinate” — PHOTO: Annie Spratt / Unsplash

By: Hayleigh Giesbrecht, SFU student

My 12th grade geography teacher once told me I’d be a great college student because I was so good at procrastinating. I laughed at what I assumed was a tongue-in-cheek remark because a) I hadn’t done the assignment that day, and b) I had a lifetime’s worth of school counsellors telling me the opposite. Then he said, “No, I’m being serious.” I didn’t give it much thought at the time, but when I began university a few years later, his words regularly came back to me. The truth is, I was really good at procrastinating, and I was a really good college student.

I went on to graduate with an honours degree in history, a gamut of extra-curriculars on my CV, as well as a never-ending, chronic sense of productivity fatigue. As proud and impressed as I am with myself, I know I only pulled this off through the sheer force of willpower, Zoloft, and unachievable expectations. I am the student that starts every semester naïvely holding a binder full of crisp dividers and a meticulously planned week-at-a-glance schedule — yet, I’m also the student who by week three, descends into a deep fatigue. But, dividers be damned, I almost always pulled an A.

The person who procrastinates because they’re a perfectionist suffers more than most people give them credit for. They know that once they begin doing whatever it is that’s giving them anxiety, the mental noise eventually fades away and the work does itself. Those familiar with the feeling of paralysis at the thought of starting even the most basic assignment know that sitting down at your desk and booting up Microsoft Word is always the hardest part. But writer E.B. White said it best: “A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.” I too often came close to skipping assignments entirely, opting to receive a barely passing grade, because my inner perfectionist was deafeningly loud. But there really is nothing like the last 24-hours before a paper is due (or two weeks after an extension and numerous emails from the professor) to force words onto the page, coherent or not.

It was in these moments of panic-driven efficiency that I knew I was my own worst critic, and my routine of setting outrageously high expectations for myself was based on an idealistic notion of my own capacity for productivity. They were moments of clarity that I always forgot about after the dopamine crash that followed the last exam or paper of the semester. All over again, I would vow to get a new planner, to try some other variation of the Cornell method — to be better. But I am not a naturally productive person; I am a procrastinator.

For a long time, I refused to believe that I could be both a procrastinator and a successful student, and in a sense I still don’t, because it’s an unsustainable way to live. But I came to realize that all the “study with me” style Instagram influencers who peddle their own custom Notion templates and a Squarespace discount code were battling the same perfectionist demon that I was. It wasn’t until my last semester, during an honours seminar of all places, that my professor gave me the most straightforward piece of advice I’d ever received: “Done is better than perfect.” Perfectionist-procrastinators will be hard-pressed to admit there really is no world in which an assignment is both perfect and complete. There is no optimal way to take notes for retention or time-block your calendar, because at the end of the day, the job is done — ideally to the best of your abilities, but most importantly to the best that your mental health and capacity will allow. Yes, there are strategies that can help, but they aren’t fix-all solutions for an issue that comes from the psychological crisis of needing to do things perfectly or not at all.

I struggled with procrastination throughout my entire degree. The 3.9 GPA I graduated with might seem like evidence to the contrary, but I would rather have taken the hit to my GPA than months later be suffering from the constant feeling of not doing enough while never really having the motivation or the discipline to do even a little. What the school counsellors don’t tell you is that, even if you can get by with abysmal time management and still pull off an A, the suffering increases tenfold when the thing you procrastinate is also the thing you love the most. Your hobbies become work and your guts become liquid at the thought of being bad at something. On my worst days, writing — something that typically fulfills me — feels akin to mopping the floor. I have to do it, part of me even craves it, and I generally enjoy the finished product, but starting is truly torturous.

All I can say is that the best technique I’ve found for combatting procrastination is to create something I vehemently hate, and, through enough time and frustration, make it something I love. Or, just go to grad school. Either way, stop listening to people who tell you that the only thing standing between you and a more productive lifestyle is a shiny new app or a 50-dollar planner, because all they’re doing is selling you a new way to hate yourself. The only real way to get something done is to be content with failure and to know that the world is a better place with your ideas and your art in it, imperfect as they may be.

Opinions in Dialogue: Strategies for advocacy work

By

Peak Web

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September 5, 2023

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Photo of protestors blocking a road and holding signs against racism — PHOTO: Khalid Alshehri / Unsplash

By: Nushaiba Nanjiba, SFU Student and Michelle Young, Opinions Editor

From climate change and gender inequality, to 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, there are countless issues that could use more of our attention. However, time is limited for all of us. Common forms of advocacy include protests and awareness campaigns on social media — though not all of us can commit to every form of advocacy all the time. What are the best ways to advocate for a cause? Where should we turn our energy when we have the capacity to make change?

Nushaiba: I think when we want to advocate for a cause, the best way to go about it is through collective action. This is when people come together to improve the conditions of people who are disadvantaged. Collective action can be done through protests, riots, or even campaigns.

Collective action brings attention to a cause because of the sheer number of people involved in the process. That attention forces those in power to create changes. I believe the best way for people to come together is through protest. Protests are a great way to advocate because there is an audience present to witness what’s happening. It’s harder to ignore a protest than any other form of activism.

Protests are disruptive: that’s the point. If a road is blocked due to a protest, it forces people to pay attention, rather than being able to look away. It’s much easier for someone to put their phone down than to get out of traffic. Workers going on strike press employers to change their actions because people coming together disrupts their plans to oppress and exploit. Social media campaigns don’t have the same effect when striving for change because advocating through these mediums has fewer consequences for most people involved with a cause.

Michelle: I do think social media campaigns can sometimes turn into “slacktivism,” where people are sharing information and raising awareness about causes online — but doing little else in their lives to create change. It’s a huge issue when people are posting #SignalBoost and signing off, doing nothing else to promote their cause. However, social media activism does have some unique qualities, namely the speed of communication for time sensitive causes and allowing people to organize in spaces that are accessible to them, if in-person protests aren’t an option.

Historically, some protests have created tangible change: Stonewall and even Vancouver’s “earliest pride protest” were very important to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. The fall of the Berlin Wall was an extraordinary example of the power of protest. However, not all protests have been entirely successful, and they tend to take continuous advocacy to advance their causes, which can be exhausting. The Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 were some of the largest in history. Yet, a 2021 poll showed decreasing support for the cause. Black folks hired in direct response to these protests to “diversify” workplaces have been let go three years later. Police violence rates in America also remain at similar numbers compared to 2020.

Protests can sometimes turn people away from causes because they dislike inconvenience — whether they are justified in thinking that is another issue, since inconvenience is often the point. However, I find that sometimes having a conversation with someone and answering their questions can change their opinion. The discomfort in approaching someone directly (when it’s safe to do so) tends to force us to sit with whether we’re OK letting something slip by, or if we’re willing to open a conversation around it. Of course, they have to be open to change, and educating folks is a very labourious process — but if that can change one person’s behaviour or attitude towards something, I think it’s worth it.

Nushaiba: I think social media is a good starting point in one’s activism journey. It can be a place to share knowledge and communicate logistical plans. However, we must avoid “slacktivism” or performative activism, and not let social media be the only place we engage in activism.

For any type of activism we engage in, our actions need to match our words. If we’re tweeting or sharing hashtags on Instagram, we have to make sure we are also supporting local businesses who may be affected by racism or gentrification. We have to make sure we’re voting for the people who are going to create the change we want to see. I don’t think there is any one way we can engage in activism. It has to be present in every aspect of our lives. Whatever platform we decide to engage in activism, the first place to start should be ourselves. I think on an individual level, we have to behave and lead our lives the way we want the world to be.

I remember ranting about how important it is to me that wealth is redistributed in our society because capitalism allows the rich to get richer and the poor to stay poor. It is extremely important to me that I donate a percentage of my income to causes I feel strongly about. Seeing how passionate I was led my friends to do more research about wealth inequality and think more critically about their own socio-economic statuses. Recently, one friend called me excitedly to let me know they donated some money to a children’s hospital after saving money for months. The easiest way to engage in activism might be to lead by example. If we all behave intentionally and make a choice to support marginalized groups, it can have a ripple effect and create change. This might sound idealistic, but it is only a first step.

Michelle: I love what you’re saying about change coming from within and leading by example. It’s so important, especially when particular movements are seen as “unimportant” or “too radical” to mainstream thought. If you’re going to talk about equity and diversity, for example, people need to have their actions match their words. And not only when it’s easy or convenient for them. Folks needed to take charge to start something — and eventually those things grow over time. Feminist movements, anti-racism movements, and labour movements have eventually created a huge impact, and those started from within.

TSSU holds vote to unionize research assistants

By

Peak Web

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September 5, 2023

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This is a photo of the outside of the academic quadrangle building at the SFU Burnaby campus. The square building is concrete with many large windows. — PHOTO: Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak

By: Olivia Sherman, News Writer

One of the initiatives the Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) has been campaigning for is unionizing SFU’s research assistants (RA). The SFU administration claims RAs are not considered employees, and are therefore unable to unionize. TSSU has since engaged in a card signing campaign for RAs. Each signed card represents a declaration from an RA that they are willing to be a member of the union. Over 1,350 cards have been signed and submitted to the Labour Board, where the vote is still pending.

The Peak interviewed TSSU organizers, Catherine Dubé and Yameena Zaidi, who explained the significance of the card signing campaign. “The card signing campaign is a way to ensure that SFU recognizes all research assistants as workers,” Zaidi explained. She noted the SFU administration signed a voluntary recognition agreement in 2019 “where they agreed to recognize the union,” but this was violated when the administration retracted their recognition of RAs as workers.

“They don’t agree that these people are employees, even though they agreed in 2019,” said Dubé. “SFU has no shame in violating any agreement, arbitration decision, or any orders given from arbitrators,” Dubé added. Besides not being considered employees, RAs have been at risk of losing their health benefits, healthcare for international students, and job protections. Dubé continued, saying, “It’s really disheartening to see that an employer would go to such lengths to refuse basic rights and basic wages for such a large group of workers on campus.”

In order to gain automatic certification, cards must be signed by 55% of the RAs. Despite achieving the necessary percentage of RAs willing to be unionized, the administrators have “put a roadblock” in the path to unionizing. The Labour Board requires a hearing from both parties — TSSU and SFU — where “the employer can raise any objections to the application for membership,” Dubé explained. At the hearing on August 17, SFU objected. “We knew that would happen, obviously, we knew they’d object.”

The results of the vote from the Labour Board have not been revealed yet. “It’s a huge win if we get it, it’s a devastating loss if we don’t,” Dubé said.

The organizers said bargaining is far from over, and has become lengthier than is necessary. “As a TA this summer, I attended the open bargaining sessions between TSSU and the employer and I was surprised to see how little work the employer’s bargaining team puts in,” Zaidi said. “They spend hours fixing typos and refuse to talk about our bargaining priorities.”

As well as spending time on housekeeping and typos, Dubé noted the administration has been unprepared to bargain. “They’ll show up having not even read our proposals, despite having them for months. They’ll debate petty little changes to our proposals.” Dubé said administration has come to the bargaining table “and the only amendment was a 0.1% increase. It’s insulting.”

“They’d rather pay a lawyer to fight us in arbitration, which is a very costly process,” Dubé said. Zaidi and Dubé have also noticed the lawyers hired by the administration are unfamiliar with the ongoing arbitration, TSSU, or the university at all.

“SFU pays hundreds of dollars to a spokesperson to fly in from Victoria and he plainly said at one of the bargaining sessions we had this summer that he doesn’t know SFU that well. The question is why is the university paying all this money to an external spokesperson,” meanwhile the SFU administration “refuses to come to the bargaining table and do what’s necessary?” asked Zaidi.

Although a vote for union membership has not been reached, both organizers agree that TSSU has no plans of stopping the fight for equality. “SFU would rather fight a case they seemingly know that they’re going to lose [ . . . ] but they’d rather keep it going and hope that we tire ourselves out, but we’re not going to tire ourselves out,” Dubé said.

This is a developing story that The Peak will continue to cover. To learn more about the ongoing strike, check out the official TSSU website at https://www.tssu.ca/

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