The Voices of the Youth

The voices of

PALESTINE FROM THE EYES OF CHILDREN

SFU community members awarded for their media presence in 2023

Newsmaker Award recipients have been recognized for their important commentary and discussions in media

EDEN CHIPPERFIELD · NEWS WRITER

The Simon Fraser University 2023 Newsmaker Award recipients were announced earlier this month to distinguish researchers for their work in media and news communication. The four award recipients have contributed significantly to their communities by engaging in different conversations including the invasion of Ukraine, the occupation of Palestine, food waste management, and policing data.

James Horncastle, a global humanities professor at SFU, received the Newsmaker award for his detailed commentary on global conflicts. News outlets, including the New York Times, Manager Daily in Thailand, and NDTV Network in India, have recognized Horncastle.

Tammara Soma has pioneered community education for food systems and waste management through online dialogue. Social media has become a prominent tool at Soma’s disposal as she educates others about “food systems, security and equity,” she explained in a statement to The Peak. In 2023, Soma co-developed Food is my Teacher, a CBC documentary that focuses on the power and comfort of food. The documentary highlights how to use cooking and meal sharing as a means of connection and healing within cultural settings.

“I am always reminded as a professor and academic that I am privileged to have the opportunity to do research and teaching as my career, but this also means serving those outside of the classroom and also bringing my learning to the amazing experts on the ground,” said Soma. “I highlight the importance

of centering Indigenous voices in food systems education and also the important role of diverse community leaders in doing good food work across the country.”

Helping to navigate ongoing trends and hot topics within media, from Taylor Swift to the Black Friday pandemonium, is Aviva Philipp-Muller. In a statement to The Peak, PhilippMuller noted their detailed commentary on hot-button issues allows audiences to understand a “complex media landscape” through a “relatable and influential voice.” PhilippMuller’s commentary on the World Health Organization’s aspartame report was cited and mentioned in over 60 Black Press Media outlets.

“It’s my honour to be the Emerging Thought Leader Newsmaker of the Year for 2023. There were some fascinating news stories that came out last year, and I always get so excited to talk about my research or any current events in the consumer behaviour space,” said Philipp-Muller.

A pillar in BC’s crime and policing analysis, Robert Gordon received his first Newsmaker Award in 2007 (formally called the President’s Award for Service to the University through Public Affairs and Media Relations). Through the years, Gordon has been referenced in stories over 1,500 times, and his wealth of knowledge has made him a “sought-after voice for all major Canadian news outlets, including The Canadian Press CBC Global News, and CTV.” Alongside Canadian media, Gordon has been recognized at Vice and Fortune for his expertise.

GSWSSU clothing swap paves way for engaging charity events

Clothing and items were donated to My Sister’s Closet

EDEN CHIPPERFIELD · NEWS WRITER

Content warning: mentions of domestic abuse.

Gender, sexuality, and women’s studies student union (GSWSSU) president Julia Mosi knew they wanted to try something new for GSWSSU events this semester. GSWSSU executive Lindsay Dober proposed a clothing swap and Mosi said the pieces immediately fell into place for an event that aligned with the focuses of the GSWS department.

“The event was mainly inspired by our chance to participate in the Faculty of Arts and Social Science’s Arts Week,” explained Mosi during an interview with The Peak. “The clothing swap idea was created specifically in response to our involvement in FASS Arts Week, as we wanted to create an event that we would be able to run in a hallway, that would draw attention to our union, but that would also be fun and engaging for students.”

The GSWSSU Style Swap for a Cause happened in the week of February 12 on the Lhuḵw’lhuḵw’áyten (Burnaby Mountain) campus with the instructions: “Bring one gently used item and take home one fab find!” Mosi reported they created “the “bring two items, take one” rule to ensure they “were receiving more items than people were taking.”

The remainder of the items were donated to My Sister’s Closet, an organization that encourages green/eco fashion with zero waste to provide people of all genders and ages with access

to clothing. My Sister’s Closet works with Battered Women’s Support Services, which provides items and clothing to those in need. “We felt as though it was a perfect organization to donate to, as it gives to those in need, both by allowing individuals with a chance to buy higher quality second-hand clothing at an affordable price, as well as giving directly to those in need,” said Mosi.

The opportunity to work with a women’s group aligns with the GSWSSU’s desire to support people who have faced violence and domestic abuse. “We hoped as a union that we could play a small role in bettering the situations and opportunities available to those women, as well as raise awareness for the organization and their good work as a whole,” said Mosi.

Mosi has been president of the GSWSSU for a year. They initially joined as an executive member in Fall 2021, and have experienced many challenges with event planning due to COVID-19. Mosi expressed how heartwarming it was to see people donate large amounts of clothing and engage with the student population. “The overall success of the event made me proud of my team for putting it together and of all the amazing students who chose to engage with our initiative,” they expressed.

The swap was organized with different racks to separate the types of clothing from trousers to tops, as well as an area for accessories, shoes, and other smaller items.

“I was extremely pleased to read of the University’s decision to recognize my career-long involvement with the print and electronic media,” said Gordon to SFU News. “It should be evident that I value our media colleagues and, in my view, the relationships we build with journalists are important; they are effective in transmitting our thinking and our findings to a huge audience. In the digital age, the media appears best suited to deliver information and encourage dialogue.”

The clothing swap was a first for the GSWSSU but Mosi noted it was certainly not the last. As for the moment, a date for another clothing swap has not been announced.

In the meantime, the GSWSSU will be holding a crafting event to recognize International Women’s Day on March 8 in the Academic Quadrangle, where students can participate in “collage-making, friendship bracelet making, card-making, and other fun activities.” At this event, their goal is to “celebrate the women in their lives.” Food and drink will be available to all participants.

For more information on upcoming GSWSSU events, visit their Instagram @gswssu_sfu.

PHOTO: ALLYSON KLASSEN / THE PEAK

PHOTO: ARTIFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY / UNSPLASH

SWAPPING STYLE

What we know from an overwhelming body of research is that restricting gender-affirming care for trans and gender diverse youth poses a greater threat.

DR. HANNAH CLARK

TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE

Protecting children includes trans children, and we are failing them by even considering bathroom bans.

Adult life can arguably be more stressful and demanding than childhood, but shows like Moomin and Onegai, My Melody allow us to delve into what it felt like to be a child.

WONDROUS WALLS

EVERY CHILD MATTERS

AWAY

Thursday, March 7–Saturday, March 9: women’s basketball at the conference championships

· Entering the tournament as the fifth seed

· Lost last season in the opening round to Central Washington, 88–62

Friday, March 8: softball vs. Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) at 11:00 a.m.

· Game one of day one’s doubleheader

· First game against a conference opponent this season

Friday, March 8: softball vs. Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) at 1:00 p.m.

· Final game of day one’s doubleheader

· Lost all four games to Northwest Nazarene last season

Friday, March 8–Saturday, March 9: women’s wrestling at the national championship

· SFU placed second at the regional tournament

· Junior Maddie Mackenzie won her 116-pound weight class, sophomore Victoria Seal won her 123-pound weight class, and junior Marquesis Haintz won her 130-pound weight class

Saturday, March 9: softball vs. Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) at 11:00 a.m.

· At the time of writing, sophomore Cassidy Affeldt leads the team in home runs with three

· On average, SFU outscores their opponent by 10 runs in the first inning

Saturday, March 9: softball vs. Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) at 1:00 p.m.

· At the time of writing, senior Megan Duclos is tied in fourth for the conference lead in hits

· Final game against Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) this regular season

Sunday, March 10: track and field at the Div. II indoor championships

· Men’s team finished fifth and women’s team finished third at the conference championships

· Then-sophomore Marie-Éloïse Leclair placed fifth in the women’s 200-metre to become the highest-placing conference athlete in that event. She also placed seventh in the 60-metre, becoming the conference’s first athlete to sprint in that event’s final

FOR THE YOUTH

We don’t want to put any restrictions on becoming a member of our group because, ultimately, a big part of our group is inclusivity and making everyone feel welcome.

TOBYN ROOTMAN

VANCOUVER ALBION PRESIDENT

Written by Hailey Miller

Illustrated by Jill Baccay

Ranking dairy alternatives from a cultured lactose intolerant’s perspective

March 4–9

Aries

March 21–April 9

I think you should punch your midterm. Not in class, because that would be embarrassing. But metaphorically, you should punch it for all the stress it’s caused you. Giving the exam a good ol’ two-bit punch should set you straight for the rest of your term.

Cancer

June 21–July 22

You should make a “funky” cookie recipe. We strongly encourage incorporating a fun ingredient that becomes your signature, like sriracha or garlic. You don’t know! It could turn out good? The Stars think it could help boost that cool girl factor you’ve been curating since grade school.

Libra

September 23–October 22

Let go of that grudge. Pick one of five grudges you have, and toss that sucker through the windows. Yes, it’s really that easy! If you believe it’s gone, the Stars will whisk it away into our pile of grudges. We’re stockpiling, so really this is a charity act for us.

Capricorn

December 22–January 19

For a change, you should roleplay as your favourite sitcom character to give you strength. No one knows how to react when you toss them quirky one-liners, and they shouldn’t. You’ve gotta learn to internalize that main character energy, it’ll give you strength for the long road you have ahead of you!

Taurus

April 20–May 20

The Stars think that you should hop into a 50-metre pool at the community centre immediately. They think you’ll learn something new among the waters, surrounded by children whizzing past you at breakneck speed. Maybe it’s humility? Maybe it’s just chlorine! Either way, go — swim to your fishy dreams.

Leo July 23–August 22

The Stars have considered you in your entirety and are wondering if you need someone to tell you you’re going to be okay. They have sent you a companion to help you take care of yourself. His name is Freddie. Please be nice to him.

Scorpio

October 23–November 21

Oh, you know you have this semester on lockdown, and you don’t need any advice from us. Hey, if nothing else, you’re doing great, pardner. We really admire your gusto. Maybe you can share if you’re feeling generous.

Aquarius

January 20–February 18

Have you considered starting a band? We think you’d be a really good bassist. You have the vibes of a member that carries the band that is underappreciated by casual listeners, but beloved by fans. We just thought you might like to hear this today. Rock on!

Gemini

May 21–June 20

You’re so clever, Gemini, but you have to learn to stop chasing arguments, babe! They’re not all worth it. Do you really want to die on a hill arguing about the need for hot school mascots? Well, maybe you do, that’s not the Stars’ prerogative. Either way, stop fighting people!

Virgo

August 23–September 22

Virgo, I really need you to sit down and be honest with yourself about your limits. No, you can’t get by this week on three Red Bulls and a kitschy bootstrappin’ attitude. Just because you’ve pulled off three group projects by yourself (no thanks to your group members) doesn’t mean you should! It’s time to take a walk.

Sagittarius

November 22–December 21

You’ve been listening to a lot of Noah Kahan lately, huh? We suggest you fully immerse yourself in character and run right into the forest, away from your problems. What’s that? Is this the advice we give to Florence & the Machine and Hozier listeners? Maybe. Is it productive? We don’t know, let us know after you’ve formed an emotional connection with a tree, and tell us

Pisces

February 19–March 20

A wise dog will approach you, carrying your fortune. But for now, you have us! Try wearing purple this week. You’ll attract power, and the wisdom of wizards, something you’ll find dearly useful in these trying times. We know you have the power to command your own journey! Or maybe we’ve been playing a lot of Baldur’s Gate 3 lately . . .

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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