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The cure to that heartache is Strange Medicine

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Peak Web
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A girl with beaded dreadlocks holds a banjo in front of a blue background.
PHOTO: Courtesy of @kaiakater / Instagram

By: Yasmin Hassan, Staff Writer

Grenadian Canadian musician Kaia Kater, born in Montréal, tells the story of her roots through music. She released her first EP, Old Soul, right out of high school in 2013. With a jazz-inflected voice and masterful songwriting, she plays into a more bluegrass, roots genre of music that hits the soul’s soft spot. Her music reflects her father’s childhood in Grenada and her years immersed in traditional Appalachian instruments like the fiddle and harmonica. Deeply connected to Canadian folk music, she also incorporates the rich sounds of her hometown and the Caribbean into her work. Recently, Kater has expanded her artistic horizons into film composition, working on original music for The Porter and My Dead Friend Zoe. At the core of it all is her deft banjo playing and lush songwriting, a testament to her ability to seamlessly blend her influences into something entirely her own!

With Strange Medicine, Kater turns transformation into an art form, weaving grief into joy and sorrow into hope. The 10 captivating songs celebrate the resilience of oppressed people, like “Fédon” — a song about Fédon’s Rebellion in 1795 in Grenada against British colonists, and push back against centuries of fear, greed, and exploitation. The album features guest appearances from artists such as blues veteran Taj Mahal, lyrical poet and activist Allison Russell, and Grammy award-winner Aoife O’Donovan. The intricate layers of Strange Medicine pull inspiration from everywhere — Steve Reich’s minimalist rhythms, Brian Blade’s fiery jazz drumming, Jonny Greenwood’s haunting film scores, and the hypnotic melodies of the West African kora. Deep, dramatic strings mixed with curious trumpets and flutes creep into majestic melodies. Her banjo work is as unexpected as it is masterful, pushing the instrument into uncharted territory. The project captures the full spectrum of her artistry, offering a space for both collective mourning and celebration, while honouring the voices of those who came before.

“The project captures the full spectrum of her artistry, offering a space for both collective mourning and celebration, while honouring the voices of those who came before.”

I loved “The Witch” for its gentle but insistent melody, powerful yet sly lyrics, and the comforting drum beats that sound like a slow, rainy day. I’ve been listening to a lot of The Sundays lately, and this song reminds me of exactly something off Reading and Writing Arithmetic. “Often As The Autumn” gives me Björk vibes with the airy and tender vocals, loose synthy background noise, and the gentle strings dancing in the corners of your ears, peeking through the hitches of Kater’s voice. Finally, lyrics wise, “The Internet” really caught my attention. “I spy the satellites of the internet / Above me like human-made stars / Concentrically circling the internet / But never enough / To touch / To feel any rush / Out beyond the pull of the internet.” Beyond her comforting and ever-emotional voice alongside the soft plucking of the banjo, the heart-tugging strings rising and falling, her poetry is something to behold! It’s only a few words; but to me, in a world filled with artifice and an overwhelming reliance on technology, I find it refreshing to see this sentiment reflected in such a beautiful, touching way.

I’m not usually a partaker of the Midwest in the form of music, especially a banjo, but Kater’s sound is captivating in such a remarkable way that I couldn’t stop listening. I’m also a sucker for meaningful lyrics, and after listening to the first song on the album, I already knew it was going to be banger after banger (I was right). If you’re free this February 11 at 7:30 p.m., do yourself a favour and go see this gem of an artist at The Cultch Theatre!

Section 33 of the Canadian Charter lets the government legally violate your rights

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Peak Web
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this picture is of the inside of the house of commons, and it is empty.
PHOTO: A Yee / Flickr

By: Yildiz Subuk, Staff Writer

Section 33, also known as the notwithstanding clause under the Canadian Charter of Rights and freedom, allows the provincial and federal government to override certain components of one’s human rights. When section 33 is invoked, the government can override certain sections of the charter including; section 2 (fundamental freedoms, including freedom of thought, belief, and expression), section 7-14 (legal rights), and section 15 (equality rights). In recent years, the use of this section has become increasingly irresponsible as politicians try to push for more authoritarian policy and less individual freedom. The conversation around section 33 is even more relevant now, as Conservative party leader, Pierre Poilievre, has revealed his intention to use the clause for making punishment on crime harsher. 

Like most of his policies, the specifics remain unclear, as he doesn’t adequately point out what part of the criminal justice system he wants to fix. This could range from harsher punishments on automobile theft to further penalizing drug users, many of whom are already marginalized. While there should be critical discussions about the efficacy of our criminal justice system, using this clause should not be the approach, especially when there hasn’t been clear communication about how it will be used. Poilievre’s careless parading of the ability to invoke section 33 toes the line of a blatantly fascist agenda. “All of my proposals are constitutional,” Poilievre told the Canadian Police Association. “We will make them constitutional, using whatever tools the Constitution allows me to use to make them constitutional. I think you know exactly what I mean.”

This section is often put into effect when a government wants to pass a law that has been previously fought against, and when used, the notwithstanding clause is valid for five years until it is lifted. There is no limit on the amount of times a government can use this section. To ensure that this section doesn’t corrode every facet of democracy, one of the most significant sections the notwithstanding clause can’t touch is democratic rights, like one’s right to vote. 

The Canadian Liberties Association has outlined that to invoke section 33, a majority vote is required. However, they argue this should not be decided by a majority vote, as a mere half of lawmakers should not have that much power. Instead they propose that a supermajority vote must stand in order to invoke the clause — this would mean that anywhere between 66% to 80% of lawmakers must agree to use it. Section 33 has never been used by the federal government, but has been invoked 26 times since its conception in 1981. The clause’s original intent was only as an absolute “last resort.” The section is not something that the government is entitled to use freely, however, there have been multiple instances where different provincial governments have used the notwithstanding clause in undemocratic ways, though even more so in recent years.

In 2019, the notwithstanding clause was used by the Quebec government to ban public sector workers, such as teachers and lawyers from wearing religious symbols, which specifically targeted Muslim women wearing hijab and also forbade turbans and yarmulkes. This ban is a direct violation of people’s religious rights, punishing specific groups whose religious symbols are intertwined with personal identity. 

Ontario used section 33 in 2022 to force striking workers back to work as a way to erase their bargaining power. Ontario premier Doug Ford also used the notwithstanding clause more recently to limit the amount of spending third parties can use for a campaign to $600,000. This bill was considered to be “unconstitutional” by the Ontario Court of Appeals, as it limits the information voters get about different political parties and what they stand for. Despite the critiques, this policy was still passed.

In 2000, Alberta attempted to use the clause to limit the definition of marriage to only apply to heterosexual couples, specifically discriminating against same-sex couples. The federal court managed to strike down this rule as marriage was a federal matter, not a provincial one. In this case, the clause was regulated, and the federal government was able to reasonably stop such bigoted actions. But what happens once the federal government is controlled by a party of bigots? Those who plan to exercise their power to violate the rights of citizens, to push their backwards agenda forward? As of recent years, the section has been used to infringe on human rights and proven to be nothing but a revolting display of power, which may reach newer heights after the next federal election. 

Business Council of BC launches Stay With BC campaign

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Peak Web
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This is a photo of a Stay With BC ad that says “Thinking of answering?” The ad features a phone where Alberta is (literally) calling.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Business Council of British Columbia

By: Mason Mattu, News Writer

Launched in 2022 by the Albertan provincial government, the “Alberta is Calling” campaign was seen nationwide on newspaper covers, radio stations, and other advertisements. The goal of the campaign? To convince Canadians, especially those with “high-skilled jobs,” that the province’s “affordability, lifestyle, and careers” are worth the move from their current province. High-skilled labour involves “specialized know-how, training, and experience to carry out more complex physical or mental tasks than routine job functions.” According to Global News, Alberta is “laser-focused” on recruiting high-skilled labour to build “Alberta’s houses, schools, hospitals, and job-creating infrastructure.”

Canadians seem to be answering Alberta’s call. In 2024, Alberta’s interprovincial migration was the largest among Canadian provinces. In 2023, 67,944 Canadians left BC, with 37,650 of them moving to Alberta. Statistics Canada also estimates that in 2024, “7,693 people moved from BC” to Alberta from July to September — a number just behind Ontario’s fleet to Alberta. “For the first time in more than a decade,” BC lost more people than it gained to interprovincial migration. 

To counteract this, the Business Council of BC (BCBC) launched the “Stay with BC” campaign on December 18. They aim to convince British Columbians to stay despite “rising costs, limited job opportunities, and strained public services.” Ads take the form of billboards, transit banners, and online ads which direct viewers to a letter from BCBC that presents a “hopeful vision for the future.” Some ads mimic the appearance of dating apps, asking viewers if they are “thinking of swiping right” on Alberta. 

50% of young British Columbians thought of leaving the province in 2024. BC is also currently facing a shortage of skilled workers in certain industries as Alberta has targeted them with financial incentives for moving. 

“Housing and commercial real estate translate into high costs for all local goods and services which, in turn, makes life even less affordable.” — Andrey Pavlov, professor of finance, Beedie School of Business

The Peak reached out to Andrey Pavlov, professor of finance at the Beedie School of Business and expert on “implications of policy announcements for the [BC and Canada] economy.”

Pavlov said BC is facing a “stagnant economy in which it is exceedingly difficult for small businesses to operate.” A shortage of skilled workers also often causes added costs for businesses, like raising salaries — passing on the price burden to the consumer. Pavlov expressed that if the result of almost 70,000 people leaving BC in 2023 continues in future years, BC’s economy will “only get worse” and make “life even less affordable than it already is.

“Marketing only works if the product/service is good,” said Pavlov in reaction to Stay with BC’s messaging. “As it stands, BC does not offer particularly attractive opportunities for young people and it would take a comprehensive change in our economic policies, not a marketing campaign, to retain young high-skilled people.” According to Pavlov, the highest priority for BC to attract skilled workers and support the province’s small businesses is “reverse the highly misguided economic policies based on high taxes [and] excessive regulation.”

Pavlov said one way the provincial government can attract more skilled workers and maintain the current population is through better housing policies. “Housing and commercial real estate translate into high costs for all local goods and services which, in turn, makes life even less affordable,” said Pavlov. This includes high operational costs such as paying rent for commercial spaces. “We need to entirely reverse course and eliminate the heavy-handed and costly regulation of the last few years in order to see sufficient supply and eventual resolution of our housing shortage.”

The Vancouver Tenants Union (VTU), an organization representing over 2,500 members, called for more government intervention “to be concerned with providing and preserving affordable, safe, and secure rental housing.” The VTU seeks to “establish political power to create change.” For one, the VTU supports vacancy control — a “form of rent control” that limits “rent increases to once every twelve months.” They stated vacancy control will “disincentivize evictions issued for a profit motive.” 

They also advocate for tenant’s rights to “put in a first offer when buildings go up for sale” and turn them into co-ops. Co-ops are housing units “controlled by members who have a vote in decisions.” They “operate on a break-even basis,” meaning they “charge their members only enough to cover costs, repairs, and reserves.” This makes co-ops “much more affordable than average private sector rental costs.” The BC Green Party also proposed more government intervention “to address the housing affordability crisis,” such as limiting “between-tenant rent increases to 3.5%.”

New contract negotiations begin for dining staff on campus

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Peak Web
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This is a photo of the SFU dining commons where food service workers are pictured interacting. The photo faces toward the ceiling and there’s a sign that says “breads.”
PHOTO: Roshi Chadha / The Peak

By: Lucaiah Smith-Miodownik, News Writer

Editor’s note: in a news article published last week titled “CWJ hosts rally to continue pushing for in-house food and cleaning contracts,” we wrote that SFU contracts dining service workers through Chartwells Canada. Chartwells is a subdivision of Compass — the company mentioned in this piece.

As the calendar shifts into the new year, the SFU dining and cleaning staff’s push for better pay continues. In late January, UNITE HERE Local 40, the union representing food staff on campus, began negotiating a new contract for its members. SFU contracts dining hall workers through the food service company Compass. This means food workers are outsourced and Local 40 is negotiating with Compass, not SFU.

The Peak spoke with union organizer Kyra Gauthier, a Local 40 organizer, for more information. While Contract Worker Justice @SFU (CWJ) has been fighting to “end the outsourcing of food and cleaning services at SFU” by demanding in-house contracts, Gauthier said “wages are the main point of contention almost all the time” for Local 40. In a statement to The Peak, Local 40 campaigner Nate Holers explained that the union would “welcome in-house contracts with SFU if it meant securing the wage increases and benefits [workers] deserve.” Holers added that an increase in wages “would likely be the case” if SFU were to switch to in-house contracts, citing contracts at UBC.

In July 2022, SFU announced they would move toward becoming a certified “living wage employer.” Living Wage BC defines a living wage as “the hourly amount that someone needs to earn to meet their basic expenses (including rent, food, and transportation) once government taxes, credits, deductions, and subsidies are taken into account.” The living wage for Metro Vancouver is $27.05.

Despite SFU’s transition to a living wage, “a lot of the workers were really shocked” when they noticed the change in their paychecks. “They fought for that living wage, they got it, then they got their paycheck, which is $22.60,” said Gauthier. 

“The big push is to get to that living wage value without any of these deductions.” — Kyra Gauthier, organizer, UNITE HERE Local 40 union

The discrepancy between this number and the Metro Vancouver living wage lies in Living Wage BC’s definition. The organization states that a living wage can decrease when benefits are paid for by the employer. Gauthier explained that when SFU’s living wage shift occurred, Compass “gave the worker a bump to $22.60,” but the remaining $4.45 that would push employees to $27.05 was directed towards benefits and pension. “That all gets deducted from that living wage total,” Gauthier explained. The $4.45 workers should receive as their wage should be “coming out of Compass’ pocket,” she said.

“On paper, [SFU is] a living wage employer — they haven’t done anything that they weren’t supposed to do, but morally, it’s not really the right thing to do for the workers,” Gauthier explained. “It’s not inherently wrong what they did, it’s just the way that the living wage is calculated should be changed,” Gauthier added.

In a statement to The Peak, SFU reiterated that “the living wage takes into account the total compensation package including wages and the value of non-mandatory benefits such as paid sick leave, vacation leave, education benefits, and extended health and dental coverage. As outlined by Living Wage BC, employer-paid benefits reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, which reduces the hourly rate needed to meet family expenses.”

In a press release from January, SFU stated that specific benefits include “a tuition waiver program” as well as “access to recreation and fitness facilities, library borrowing privileges, and priority access to on-site childcare at Burnaby campus through the SFU Childcare Society.” In last week’s interview with The Peak, Cristina Figueroa, CWJ campaign research assistant, stated “food and cleaning employees don’t ‘benefit from the same services as other staff, such as childcare, parking, they don’t even get Wi-Fi on campus.’” The Peak was not able to obtain more details about childcare benefits.

“The big push is to get to that living wage value without any of these deductions. $27.05 and the employer pays all of your benefits and your pension, which is how it’s supposed to be,” said Gauthier. “We’re very hopeful that we will push for a very strong contract this year.”

This is a story that The Peak will continue to cover.

Student Updates: Work hard now and reach your peak!

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Peak Web
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Graphic that reads “Student updates.”
ILLUSTRATION: Courtesy of The Peak

By: Hana Hoffman, Peak Associate

Say hello to February, SFU! Unfortunately, it’s not a leap year, so you all have one less day to catch up on assignments. With that being said, don’t procrastinate on reading these important student updates!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Motivation of the Month: Give up!

Already being inconsistent with your New Year’s resolutions? Still stuck on your January weekly readings? So are the rest of us! You fit right into SFU’s vibrant community of slackers and that’s something to be proud about! Don’t be conceited by turning this February into FebYOUary. Instead, think of others. Don’t make them feel bad about themselves by sticking to your goals. Give yourself a twenty-twenty high-five, sit back, and embrace mediocrity.

Looking For Actors — Dear Peakie: The Musical

Do you have a passion for asking Peakie questions? This is your chance to do that in real life, in real time, with Peakie on a big stage (maybe, we haven’t secured the venue yet)! Just a sneak peak, the storyline will be based on the backstory that started the mastermind Peakie’s question–answering career. Sign up to be a part of Dear Peakie! Auditions will be happening all weekie 😉

UPCOMING DATES

February 7: National Periodic Table Day

O Mg, how Ge Ni U S! Enjoy this holiday as it only comes periodically.

February 10: National Umbrella Day

A day to appreciate how many times our umbrellas have saved us in rainy weather from catching a cold, having a bad hair day, and dissolving our homework in rainwater that seeped through our backpacks.

February 10: Ring Around the Reflection Pond Day

Join your fellow students in a giant lighthearted game of Ring Around the Rosie around the reflection pond. This free activity is held in collaboration with the department of history to reminisce on the historical period a long long time ago when plagues happened. 

OPINIONS | JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Valentine’s Day: Is it romantic to cover anything in chocolate?

Who says we need to have a valentine in order to celebrate on February 14? All you need is chocolate! Chocolate-covered strawberries are the most well-known romantic treat, but should we stop there? This February, give chocolate-covered broccoli a try to be festive, while also getting in some fiber.

Poll Time: Starbucks or Tim Hortons?

We want to replace the last Renaissance standing with a generic, mediocre coffee shop that already has multiple locations on campus. So, we need the coffee lovers out there, to help us make this difficult decision. Who serves the better coffee? The chain that everyone thinks of when they hear the phrase “boycotts work?” or the chain everyone says “used to be good.” Vote for which place you like more overall!

Need to Know, Need to Go: Black History Month

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Peak Web
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Illustration of a blue calendar, with "Need to Know, Need to Go" written on top
Arts & Culture events to catch around the city. Image courtesy of Brianna Quan

By: Lucaiah Smith-Miodownik, News Writer

photo of Surrey Arts Centre
PHOTO: Jasmeen Sran / The Peak

DIVERSEcity Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence
When: Friday, Feb 7, 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. 
Cost: Free
Where: Surrey Art Gallery & Surrey Civic Theatres at Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Avenue

Food, music, dance, and speeches are all included in this free event. Canadian poet Elliot Slinn will be delivering a keynote speech, while entertainer King Fish will be performing limbo dancing and inviting others to join. DIVERSEcity Black in BC will also present the Black Brilliance Awards, designed to highlight community members who are “advancing leadership, equity, culture, and justice, in their fields or areas of expertise.” 

photo of Vancouver public library
PHOTO: Amirul Anirban / The Peak

Verses of Power: Black Poets Speak Out
When: Wednesday, Feb 12, 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. 
Cost: Free
Where: Vancouver Public Library Central Location, 350 West Georgia St.

This event features three esteemed Black Canadian poets: Brandon Wint, fanny kearse, and Adonis Critter King. Come listen to these artists illuminate the beauty and power within the spoken word as they take the stage to deliver poems from the heart. The show will also include a screening of “poetic short films by Black filmmakers.”

photo of Old Crow Coffee + Moodswing Bar at 655 Front St.
PHOTO: Katelyn Connor / The Peak

Baddies N Boujee: A Black History Month Show
When: Friday, Feb 21, 6:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. 
Cost: $10 for Black people, $25 door tickets, pay what you can available
Where: Old Crow Coffee + Moodswing Bar, 655 Front St.

This drag show will feature numerous performances with a cast of local Black artists, along with “sponsored raffle prizes, custom stickers of each baddie, special curated cocktails, and food that pays homage to Black people’s history.” For those interested, the theme is “boujee as hell — think baddies, real housewives vibe, pearls — go all out.”

photo of The Beaumont Studios
PHOTO: Amirul Anirban / The Peak

Obsidian Battle and Jam
When: Saturday, Feb 22, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Sunday, Feb 23, 2:15 p.m.–11:45 p.m.
Cost: $27.96
Where: The Post at 750, 750 Hamilton St. (Saturday) and The Beaumont Studios, 316 West 5th Ave. (Sunday)

This event is designed to celebrate the rich art of hip hop and its space in Black culture. With “MC’s, DJs, judges, and media personnel from the Black community,” day one will feature dance workshops along with an open cypher/party for those looking to bust a move. Day two will see dance battles throughout the day followed by an after party to close things out.

Club Profile: SFU kendo and iaido Club

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Peak Web
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A group photo of the SFU kendo club wearing their uniform.
PHOTO: Alex Li / The Peak

By: Phone Min Thant, Staff Writer

Editor’s note: The writer of this piece is a member of the SFU kendo club.

Were you born too late to be a samurai and too early to experience lightsabers? Well, what if I told you there is a way you can imitate a combination of the two? Welcome to the SFU kendo club. I spoke to two fellow members of the club about its activities and prospects for the future. Grab a drink, take a break from your usual routine, and allow us to take you on a journey of self-discovery and community through the martial art of kendo. 

But, before jumping into the club itself, what is kendo? 

Commonly described as the “Way of the Sword,” kendo is a Japanese martial art that aims to develop discipline and personality through training with the sword. The main purpose of kendo is to nurture respect for yourself and your peers through “rigorous training.” Kendo practitioners typically wear a set of armour (bogu) consisting of the helmet (men), gauntlets (kote), and breastplate (do) and wield a bamboo sword (shinai). You have probably spotted members of the SFU kendo club from time to time in such gear.

Introduced to Canada by Japanese immigrants in the dawn of the 20th century, kendo is now widely practiced throughout the country with over 5,000 practitioners, under the oversight of the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) and the numerous provincial federations underneath. The CKF organizes the Canadian National Kendo Championships every two years, alternating with the National Junior Kendo Championships. Provincial tournaments (such as the BCKF annual tournament) and tournaments hosted by specific clubs (such as the Steveston Kendo tournament) are also widespread. Canada fields both national men’s and women’s teams to compete in the World Kendo Championships every three years. Internationally, kendo is practiced by over six million people, and national kendo federations are registered with the International Kendo Federation (FIK).

The SFU kendo club was established in 2001 and since then, it has been home to many dedicated members, both within the university as well as from the wider community. The club has largely grown due to efforts towards community engagement through Club Days and Trial Weeks. Elton Chen, an event planner of the club and long-term member, elaborated that it was the trial week that allowed him and his friend to try kendo for the first time and the enjoyment of the experience made them “continue from there.” My own experience is pretty similar as I joined the club after a visit to their booth during Club Days. 

To be honest, my past-self back in Myanmar would have never seen myself joining a sports club, nevermind one that involves hitting your opponents and getting hit yourself. I joined the kendo club because I’d seen them practicing a few times and thought the uniform looked cool. After I went to the kendo booth on Club Days, I intensely debated whether I should go to trials or go to a concert I already bought tickets for — I even persuaded my friends to join me in going to the trials, just to give myself an added incentive. Well, I am writing this piece now so we all know which decision I took. I found out as time went on that the practices were more than just interesting uniforms and sparring matches. Through all the etiquette, sparring matches, and practices, I was able to discover respect, camaraderie, and discipline. Over time, I noticed improvement in my ability to regulate my emotions — kendo really helped me mitigate my anxiety. Personally, I struggled to fit into athletic teams since elementary school; it was different with the kendo club. Since day one, all the teammates and instructors have been nothing but helpful, kind, and patient. Their support has led me to develop from struggling with basic footwork to competing in tournaments in just over a year. 

Coming to Canada and lacking the emotional security of my family, I found a club that acted as one. Joining the kendo club was an impulsive decision, but it’s one I’ll never regret.

Trial Weeks are a common theme in SFU kendo as well as in other SFU Recreation programs. Chen describes the Trial Weeks as opportunities to “come by completely free of cost to simply experience kendo either through learning it from a quick demonstration as well as viewing [current members] do senior-level practices.” In these trial sessions in the first month of the semester, instructors teach visitors the fundamentals of kendo and are permitted to try out a full practice session — complete with a sword and ending with an observation of senior sparring matches. While these trials fall under SFU Recreation, the kendo club also encourages members outside the university to visit and try out kendo. 

“Joining the kendo club was an impulsive decision, but it’s one I’ll never regret.”

After trials, the kendo club typically practices twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. Practice times are from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the East Central Gym at SFU. To be a member, registration with the SFU Recreation program costs around $100 per semester and student-members pay $10 for the club’s financial matters. The kendo club also has an iaido component (since 2010) that precedes the kendo practice sessions. Iaido is a martial art that mainly focuses on the “drawing, cutting, and reseathing” of a sword. If you aren’t keen on sparring, but want to focus more on the precision and perfection behind the use of a sword, the iaido club practices from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the same days as kendo.

As a university club, building a sense of community and family remains a core tenet of the SFU kendo club. Tailun Li, the president, added that on top of experiencing “personal growth,” he was also able to “build some meaningful connections and find a sense of belonging.” To this end, Chen expanded that the club is planning to engage with more Club Days and Trial Weeks in the future as well as organizing ice breaker events where “newer students and newer members coming in are able to mingle and interact with current and senior members of the club so that there’s some sort of a bridge.” He said he wants them to “feel welcomed.” Chen is optimistic that the number of these new members will increase in the near future and to see more such events. 

Recent activities from the club included a delegation of members participating in the Pacific Northwest Intercollegiate Kendo tournament held at the University of Victoria in mid-January. The club is also preparing to attend more tournaments, starting with the 61st annual Steveston Kendo Tournament in early February and the annual BC Kendo Federation Fall Tournament later in the year. 

For prospective members of the SFU kendo club, Li describes the club as more than “picking up a shinai and learning some kendo techniques.” For him, the club “has been a journey of self-discovery and growth.” Through kendo and by training together with other members in the club, he is confident that members will “learn to push [their] limits, stay focused, and approach challenges with a calm mind.”

The SFU kendo club welcomes anyone enthusiastic to join us on our journey towards appreciating kendo. From tournaments to ice breakers, we strive to build a family through training together and maintaining discipline, nurturing a respect for self and others. 

Read about the latest kendo tournament here.

Reflections from the 2025 Pacific Northwest Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament

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Peak Web
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Two members of SFU’s kendo team, dressed in uniforms and wielding shinai, engage in combat with one-another.
PHOTO: Alex Li / The Peak

By: Phone Min Thant, Staff Writer

Editor’s note: The writer of this piece is a member of the SFU kendo club.

Scraping ice from the windshield of our cars was not how I thought the tournament morning would start. I complained, but at least it wasn’t raining. Actually, the morning breeze was a nice experience as our team made our drive from North Saanich to the University of Victoria. This wasn’t anyone’s first tournament and hopes were up. It was actually my second, so my anxiety was on the rise. 

On January 18, players from the SFU kendo club visited UVic to compete in the 2025 Pacific Northwest Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament. This year, four universities from the Pacific Northwest attended the tournament: UVic, SFU, UBC, and the University of Washington.

The tournament was divided into five divisions: non-bogu (non-armoured), men’s 0 Kyu–1 Dan (beginner to intermediate), women’s 0 Kyu–1 Dan, 2 Dan and above (advanced), and teams. In the non-bogu division, intermediate practitioners were tested on their ability to perform basic strikes and forms against armed and armoured motodachi, a fellow player who receives those strikes. 

For both men’s and women’s divisions, the 0 Kyu–1 Dan was composed of intermediate practitioners that have been trained in full equipment (body armour, wrist gauntlets, helmet, and waist protector) for sparring matches. 2 Dan and above dealt with more experienced players that have practiced kendo for at least three years and had undergone formal examination and grading more than three times. Teams were constructed with five players of mixed ranks, and the points from each individual match were tallied to decide the winning team. The three universities present were able to field one to two teams each, with one mixed team of remaining UBC and SFU students.

Apart from non-bogu, which has its own rules on which strikes to perform and what constituted proper points, the rules of the tournament stipulated three-minute matches with extra time in the event of a tie for all other divisions except teams. To score a point, players had to hit one of the four accepted target areas on an opponent: men (helmet), kote (gauntlets), do (body armour), or tsuki (throat guard). The first player to score two points won. The intercollegiate tournament allowed for double elimination, so any players who were eliminated from the first round of matches could compete for a consolation prize. Four prizes were awarded for individual matches: first, second, and two third prizes. There were only two prizes for team matches: first and second.

“The camaraderie between players obtained through sparring is what makes these tournaments a rewarding experience, even when two ferry trips are involved.”

Shortly after we arrived at the UVic gym and got the opening ceremony and warm-ups sorted out, we jumped right into action. I was one of the first to compete, and I don’t know whether it was the espresso I drank or the breakfast muffin I ate, but I was very nervous. I was so nervous that I unintentionally went out of court twice, got two penalties, and lost the match. People always say there are five stages of grief. I say there are five stages of tournament nervousness: hot-blooded anxiety, recalling your own hopes, realization of mistakes, a quick-self reflection while your opponent runs at you for another strike, and an acceptance of results. I went through all of this during my (very long) three-minute match.

Remember the double elimination from earlier? Because of that, I was on the court again, paired against yet another UBC player. Amid the yells of inspiration from my teammates, this one was a clean two-point loss and did not last as long as the previous match. 

True to the spirit of kendo, the aim of these matches were not to win, but to learn from and appreciate the experience. A lot of “thank you” bows and handshakes were exchanged between myself and the players I went against — the camaraderie between players obtained through sparring is what makes these tournaments a rewarding experience, even when two ferry trips are involved. 

As one of the two SFU players left without a team, I was assigned to a mixed team with three other UBC players. What’s more ironic than this match-up was that the first team match was against the SFU team. It was strange and funny, having to spar against the same people you have been practicing with for the past year. My teammates did their best but we succumbed to a defeat. 

SFU got to the finals. In a funny twist of fate, the team ended up facing off against UBC (we somehow brought a mainland college rivalry to the island). The tension, the energy, and the cheering were all immense. The fifteen minutes of matches were intense, with both teams inspiring their players. It was here that I knew what university spirit felt like. I am not sure how my teammates felt, but even as a spectator, I was at the edge of my seat. Every hit, every miss, and every movement from the referees was a breathtaking moment.

Overall, SFU did extremely well. In the individual 0 Kyu–1 Dan division, Kohei Awano (Burnaby North) came in second place and Victor Suwantaweechoat (SFU) was awarded the consolation champion. Riley Nakano (SFU) attained the consolation champion for the 2 Dan and above division. The SFU team emerged victorious against the mixed and the University of Washington teams, placing second in the finals against UBC. 

It was both a learning and rewarding experience for all of us. Lessons were learned, friends were made, and new aspirations were kindled. It is with the memories from this tournament that the SFU kendo team will go on to the 61st Annual Steveston Kendo Tournament in February. 

Stop normalizing racism towards South Asians

By
Peak Web
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0
this picture is of a large group of students protesting in the street. A young man in the foreground holds the Indian flag up in front of him.
PHOTO: Ekabhishek / Wikimedia Commons

By: Yasmin Hassan, Staff Writer

Content warning: descriptions of anti-South Asian rhetoric.

Whether it’s “taking our jobs,” “ruining the economy,” or not “assimilating” to western norms, immigrants are increasingly being used as an excuse for our “crumbling” society. This is compounded by the normalization of racism towards South Asians. Such scapegoating and racist rhetoric has risen and continues to solidify itself as an abhorrent norm in day-to-day life. Though it’s nothing new, as seen even in 1914 with the Komagata Maru incident when hundreds of Indian immigrants were turned away from Vancouver’s ports — history has a cruel way of repeating itself. 

Before Canada’s first multiculturalism policy was implemented in 1971, there were multiple restrictive immigration policies that ran along racial and ethnic bases. However, there is something to be said about how our current system, supposedly grounded in merit, becomes more explicitly racist as immigration policies tighten. An article studying Canada’s implementation of “merit-based” immigration policy shows that individual assessments of so-called merit are not free of racial bias. On the contrary, the conceptualization of merit “emerged as a way of managing race at the intersection of class and status.” The narrative that there can be “good” versus “bad” immigrants drives a dangerous divide, one that enables discriminatory policies and fosters a hostile environment for many seeking the same opportunities as us.

South Asian folks in recent years have been blamed for increased gang violence and housing affordability. The fact that these claims are only gaining popularity goes to show the racism that lies behind the thinly-veiled “kindness and acceptance” of Canadians. The normalization of racism towards South Asians is not just an online phenomenon, though online spaces are certainly where it thrives; you might have seen the recent trend of people from western countries taking videos of street food in low-income Indian neighbourhoods. These videos emphasize the vendors’ lack of sanitation as an excuse to spew racist and derogatory claims about Indian food and individuals being “dirty.” Nevermind the fact that these videos occur in communities with limited resources and access to proper sanitation due to socioeconomic inequalities, and they are being exploited for views. In his video essay on the topic, YouTuber Saji Sharma explains, “These videos are dog whistles for the normalized Indian racism to come seeping out of the cracks. And most of the time, people don’t even need an excuse to be racist.” He cited how his comment sections are full of slurs and racism.

Such prejudices also show up in everyday life and are highly prevalent in our own communities. For example, despite the tens of development projects taking place in the city centre, places like Surrey, which have a significant South Asian population, are often colloquially deemed “ghetto.” Ghettoization is the process of creating segregated neighborhoods for marginalized groups, often due to political, economic, or social pressure. Calling Surrey or otherwise “ghetto” carries intentionally harmful connotations for those who live there, especially when it comes to racial minorities. The association with poverty and crime is already one we are being spoon-fed, and this rhetoric deserves questioning. This is especially true as racist extremists start to build a following and start spewing hatred toward Indians like “they have to go back.”

South Asian countries have been targeted as a source of cheap labour, especially through the international student program. Rather than being given the resources to thrive, these folks often only move here with no choice but to work low-wage jobs while dealing with inflated tuition rates and unaffordable housing, leaving many stuck in a cycle of poverty. This current stage of capitalism has created a version of hyper individualism that makes everyone think that their success is solely dependent on how hard they work. A person’s job then contributes to their status, and low-wage jobs are seen as jobs done by the lesser, no matter how essential. 

Due to the prevalence of western norms, assimilation is subtly, and sometimes overtly, expected from non-European immigrants. The model minority myth applied to East Asians characterizes them as the “ideal,” successful citizen, yet it simultaneously holds other minority groups to the standard of white supremacy. The unspoken message is clear — if you want to succeed in this society, your success is measured by western ideals and against your neighbours’. This not only divides immigrant communities but reinforces a racial hierarchy where South Asians and their vibrant cultures are “othered,” as less deserving of integration and acceptance. 

The racism faced by South Asians isn’t limited to loud outbursts or isolated incidents. It’s woven into the fabric of daily life, quietly perpetuated by policy subtleties, in the way stereotypes are passed off as truth, and in the way immigrant lives are exploited. To move forward as a country, we must confront these underlying biases, hold ourselves accountable for our complicity, and recognize that the struggle against racism is not just a matter of policy, but also changing the way we see and treat each other in the spaces we share.

SFU confirms discontinuation of its football program

By
Peak Web
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0
This is a photo of an SFU football player holding his helmet to the side of his body, with the photo facing from the back.
PHOTO: Courtesy of @sfu_athletics / Instagram

By: Phone Min Thant, Staff Writer

On January 15, SFU officially confirmed the discontinuation of its football program in the 2025 Athletics and Recreation Strategy. This decision followed the discontinuation of the program in 2023. 

When SFU initially announced the discontinuation of SFU football, the wider university community rallied behind the program and its players. The SFU Football Alumni Society proceeded with legal action and petitions, but their injunction was denied because it “failed to satisfy the legal requirements and did not convince the court that an injunction is appropriate.” An injunction “usually takes the form of an order preventing or restraining a person from performing an act.” Until the recent decision, there was still hope that the program would return as SFU appointed a third-party special advisor “to explore options for the future of football at SFU.”  

In an SFU News release, SFU said that while they face an “uncertain financial climate,” this did not “impact the university’s decision on football.” They added that SFU needs “stronger financial prudence across all aspects of the university, including Athletics and Recreation.” They also stated that the discontinuation came after “an extensive report by an independent special advisor reinforced that SFU had no place to play in the National Collegiate Athletics Association.” NCAA Division II, which SFU football was a part of, is the “second highest level of collegiate sports in the US.” SFU also stated that competing in USports “would be costly with the outcome not guaranteed.” USports is “the leader of university sports in Canada” that gives “student-athletes and national championships” visibility. 

The Peak spoke with Emmanuel Adegboyega, Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) president and former player on the football team. Adegboyega expressed that the official discontinuation “doesn’t come too much of a surprise” compared to the announcement in 2023, but is still “a clarification of where the university stands on the importance of sports to their students.

“People are very concerned about the approach the university took to making this decision. They felt like the university didn’t involve them, didn’t consult, didn’t meet with them,” he said. “The thousands of people that signed those letters a couple of years ago asking the university to bring back the program shows that this program had support from people at SFU and beyond.”

“If the university is able to do this to the largest team that they run [ . . . ] how much easier would [it be for] a smaller team to be taken off the university’s priority?” — Emmanuel Adegboyega, SFSS president

When asked about SFU’s finances, Adegboyega said that “short-term-wise, the university was trying to be prudent” and “not invest in something that costs millions of dollars annually.” Still, he expressed that SFU football brought “culture, community to students, a sense of belonging,” and sponsored opportunities to play on the team. He said these elements are “beyond the expenses that you’ll see on paper.” 

The SFSS president said the impact of athletics is not limited to student athletes, and that the once-packed stadiums at SFU’s football games are a testament to this. He said that “in the grand scheme of things, it was not a prudent decision” to discontinue this part of SFU.

Adegboyega added that the end of the football program has had a ripple effect of uncertainty between teams regarding the future of SFU Athletics and Recreation: “If the university is able to do this to the largest team that they run [ . . . ] how much easier would [it be for] a smaller team to be taken off the university’s priority?”

In an interview with CBC News, SFU’s provost and vice-president Dilson Rassier said, “The mission of university is education. It’s not to develop professional athletes in any sport.” Adegboyega said this view on the university experience sees education “as something that happens within the confines of a classroom.

“Education as we know it is not what it used to be,” he said. “A student must be viewed in the most holistic way possible,” in which mental and physical well-being are considered, “and that’s what sports do.”

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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