colonialism

Red fireworks in the sky
3 min 0 769

Fireworks aren’t worth the damage

Peak Web July 27, 2023

By: Petra Chase, Arts & Culture Editor I’ve never been one to get excited for fireworks. While a lit up sky can be a magical sight, I can’t get past the harm fireworks cause for wildlife and the environment. I can think of so many other beautiful things that don’t require shooting toxic contaminants into the atmosphere. Thriving landscapes, for instance, are taken for granted when we coat the sky in chemicals. Ironically, the customary display of fireworks on Canadian and American “independence” holidays enforces colonialism through the continued abuse of stolen land, because fireworks destroy the environment. Stanley Park,…

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A sculpture of a white teapot with the front half open with windows like a dollhouse with the navy polka dots on the interior wallpaper. Water is coming out of the spout like a fountain, into an orange clay dish. Leaned over above the dish, a copper sculpture is kneeling over it.
6 min 0 1510

explorASIAN gallery hopping guide

Peak Web May 23, 2023

By: Petra Chase, Arts and Culture Editor One of the best ways to reignite your sense of wonder is by visiting an art exhibit — or three. And I’ve got your next field trip covered! Last week, we toured exhibits…

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illustration of someone standing on a grassy mountain-top
4 min 0 4398

Why I no longer call myself a “peakbagger”

Peak Web March 27, 2023

By: Olivia Visser, Opinions Editor Content warning: brief mention of ableism. I’ve been fascinated with mountains ever since I can recall setting my eyes on one. There’s something so bold about local peaks that I’ve never been able to fully…

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6 min 0 2722

We don’t need a day to commemorate Sir John A. Macdonald

Peak Web January 17, 2023

By: C Icart, Staff Writer Content warning: Mentions of racism, colonialism, and violence against Indigenous peoples “The executions of the Indians . . . ought to convince the Red Man that the White Man governs,” — Sir John A. Macdonald…

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SFU faces criticism over new varsity team name

Peak Web October 6, 2022

By: Simran Sarai, Sports Writer On September 6, over two years after SFU announced they were dropping “The Clan” due to its racist connotation with the “Ku Klux Klan,” SFU Athletics has chosen a new name. Moving forward, athletes will…

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Canadian flag against blue sky
5 min 0 2293

The Multicultural Myth: We need to stop celebrating Canada Day

Peak Web July 7, 2022

By: Olivia Visser, Staff Writer Content warning: anti-Indigenous violence and discrimination, residential schools  Canada Day is a celebration of national pride. From endless hiking trails, to universal(-ish) healthcare and Tim Horton’s, many Canadians get to celebrate their quality of life. However,…

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A Canadian flag flying against a blue sky
6 min 0 2745

What does it mean to be an immigrant on stolen lands?

Features July 1, 2022

By: Meera Eragoda, Features Editor Content warning: war, genocide, colonialism, anti-Indigeneity, racism It’s uncomfortable but necessary to think about what it means to be a racialized immigrant settler on stolen lands. For many of us, life is better than in…

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An illustration of the Gassy Jack statue, formerly adorning a pedestal in the heart of Vancouver, is toppled and on the ground.
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Renaming and reconciliation

Peak Web March 8, 2022

By: Gurleen Aujla, Peak Associate Content warning: colonialism, Indian Act, intergenerational trauma, ongoing harm The “Gassy Jack” statue, from which Gastown draws its name, has been pulled down. Unlike the statue, however, colonialism still stands. This is evident in the names…

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portrait of Dr. June Francis
4 min 0 2896

Dr. June Francis speaks on anti-Black racism in Canadian schools and universities

Peak Web February 23, 2022

By: Yelin Gemma Lee, News Writer BC Black History Awareness Society hosted Dr. June Francis, associate professor at the Beedie School of Business, for their Black History Month opening event. Her lecture, “History of Anti-Black Racism in Schools and Universities,” focused…

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A photo of English Ivy. The leaves are forked three ways, and abundant. White veins highlight the pale, heavvy green of the leaves.
3 min 0 2996

Environmental imperialism: invasive species

Opinions February 11, 2022

By Luke Faulks, Staff Writer While BC has made some important steps on Indigenous reconciliation, the process has been slow. BC’s apparent reticence to pursue reconciliation becomes more galling once one realizes there’s a piece missing from the conversation: environmental…

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