The Cascade, Volume 31, Issue 7

8

CANADA’S FAILING STRATEGY IN COPING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

Editor-in-Chief Brad Duncan brad@ufvcascade.ca

Production Manager Niusha Naderi niusha@ufvcascade.ca

Business Manager Marie-Ange Routier marie-ange@ufvcascade.ca

Jr. News Editor Jayden Talvio

Digital Media Manager Wilson Agyapong wilson@ufvcascade.ca

Managing Editor Kait Thompson kaitlyn@ufvcascade.ca

Creative Director Lindsey Roberts lindsey@ufvcascade.ca

News Editor Rachel Tait rachel @ufvcascade.ca

Copy Editor Aasha Khoyratty aasha@ufvcascade.ca

Features Editor Brad Duncan brad@ufvcascade.ca

Opinion

Sports

Production

Luring students into the office with candy since 1993

BRADLEY DUNCAN

It’s May again. The trees have displayed their cherry blossoms, and are now unloading them onto the unsuspecting cars parked beneath their branches. Birds, too, are nesting in those trees, and they’ve also been unloading onto my car as of late. There’s a lift in my spirits as I walk through the campus grounds, richly greened from the April showers. The smell of the spring buds, and B.C. Bud, mingle in the air. It’s a full five minutes before I think about how brown the lawns will look in a matter of weeks because we’re converting the planet into an Easy-Bake Oven.

Staff

CONTRIBUTORS

Sharon Strauss

Caleb Campbell

Sydney Marchand

Gabe Martyn

WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA

@UFVCASCADE

FACEBOOK.COM/UFVCASCADE

INSTAGRAM.COM/UFVCASCADE

Volume 31 · Issue 7 Room S2111 33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 604.854.4529

The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. This means that The Cascade is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting. It also acts as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, and is overseen by the Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority. The Cascade is published every other Wednesday with a print circulation of 800 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities.

The Cascade is open to written, photo, and design work from all students; these can come in the form of a pitch to an editor, or an assignment from an editor. Pitch meetings will be digital for the remainder of the semester. Please email managing@ufvcascade.ca to be put on the assignment email list.

In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief, copy editor, and corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. The Cascade will not print any articles that contain racist, sexist, homophobic, or libellous content. Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 200 words. As The Cascade is an autonomous student publication, opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of UFV, The Cascade’s staff and collective, or associated members.

The Cascade is published on the traditional, unceded territory of the Stó:lō peoples. We are grateful to be able to work and learn on this beautiful land.

Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal — and if your NHL team didn’t make the playoffs — potentially to rebuild as well. University is naturally a transitory experience, with our fleeting time as students (and the irregularity of our Tim Hortons’ hours of operation) seemingly the only constant. As students graduate, like baby birds leaving the nest only to soil my windshield as they venture into the world, the impermanence of collegiate life will be leaving our Cascade family diminished. Talented, dedicated members of the team are finishing up their time at UFV, and therefore at the paper, and since my initial wish that they’d tank just enough

courses to not graduate didn’t pan out… I’ll instead wish them well. In the spirit of crisitunity, I’m choosing to see this as a period of spring renewal. The change in seasons is a time of transformation, and that is what UFV’s student press will do in the coming months. It’s not just the broken and disheveled office furniture that’s getting tossed out, but outdated production models as well. While The Cascade has no plans to do away with its physical form, we understand that many readers consume their news online, and one of the benefits of digital publication is timeliness. Many articles will now publish online ahead of print, fostering a more dynamic and responsive space for news. We also want to tackle more thoughtful, investigative journalism. The Cascade has space enough for levity and difficult questions, but we have to make

room for it, and we need the staff to report it. In that spirit, we’re looking to expand our ranks of Staff Writers. We’ll also be converting some of our lengthier articles into an audio format so that students can listen to some of our longer pieces, where much of our investigative journalism resides. We’ve also just heard about something called ”podcasting” (I assume that’s Latin), and while I’m not sure this new media space will take off, we think it’s a great opportunity to have deeper discussions about current events.

The Cascade is changing. Next spring, it may change again. As an entity it should be like the deciduous trees that dapple UFV’s campus: ever-renewing, spirit-lifting, and deeply rooted. It should also serve as a home — however temporary — to those who chose to nest here while they grow, and learn to spread their wings.

Photo by Aryan Kathuria

Senate: New School of Communications and discontinued programs at UFV

New programs emerge as old ones say goodbye

RACHEL TAIT

“Senate is the academic governing body of UFV, with the acting university president and vicechancellor James Mandigo as the chair. They are responsible for making decisions on everything academic, including: approving new courses and programs, approving changes to programs, and setting entrance requirements and the academic calendar. The Board of Governors, which looks at the business side of the T, is advised by Senate on matters of mutual interest.

All at the university are welcome to attend Senate’s public meetings, held once a month. Senate makes decisions that impact the daily lives of both students and faculty. This article will recap the main agenda items of the hybrid Senate meeting on Friday, May 5, 2023.”

Acting provost, Tracy RyderGlass motioned to discontinue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): three-year (fast track) option. Originally suspended for a year back in June 2022, the program was paused to “provide the time to restructure and renew the BSN fouryear program before phasing out the 3-year fast track option.”

According to the motion, removing this program “allows for a net growth in the overall nursing program because of changes being made to the LPN access program.” Part of the proposal stipulates that “because it is moving to accommodate two intakes of 40 students each, clinical placements and sessional requirements will be consistent across the BSN Program, an advantage given the

challenge in staffing clinical placements.”

According to Dr. Alastair Hodges, the dean of the faculty of Health Sciences, there will be six more students graduating in the BSN program annually. Hodges added that this is “one of three changes in the program.” While the fast track option is no longer being offered, it is reported that “the BSN credential will not change, and the same number of students will graduate each year with a BSN degree.” The motion was voted in favour by the senate board. Ryder-Glass also motioned for the immediate discontinuation of the Hospitality and Event Management certificate program. “It was decided that this program was not a priority for program development.” The certificate program was

first suspended in 2020 before being renewed in 2022 for two years. However, there have been no student applications for the program, nor are there instructors who can teach and facilitate the program at UFV. The motion to permanently suspend the program was adopted.

The senate also voted on the motion to discontinue the Associate of Arts Diploma, theatre option. The program has seen low enrollment in the last five years. It was reported that there are currently no students who would be impacted if the program were to be permanently discontinued. The board voted in favor of the motion.

The senate board also voted in favour of replacing the department of communications with the school of commu-

nications, housed within the faculty of humanities, College of Arts. An increased demand from students has pushed for an expansion in Communications, and this change, “will allow for broader curriculum offerings, interdisciplinary collaborations, and greater visibility with external partners.” UFV already has the budgetary requirements to allow the transformation.

“In addition to the minor in journalism currently in the approval process, Communications is exploring opportunities in the areas of organizational communication, public relations, cross-cultural communication, social media, and digital communication.” The minor in journalism is now slated to be completed by April 2024 instead of April 2023.

Abbotsford wrestler wins silver in Argentina

On May 5, Jasmit Singh Phulka of Abbotsford, B.C. won silver at the Senior Pan-American Wrestling Championships in Argentina. Phulka defeated Victor Eduardo Hernandez of Mexico in the semifinals, but lost to Jordan Burroughs of the U.S. in the championship round. On May 28, Phulka will participate in the World Team Trials in Montreal before moving on to Italy and Turkey in June, then Spain, Hungary, and Poland in July. Phulka traces his wrestling roots to Abbotsford’s Miri Piri Wrestling Club.

Mission plans new $50 million Silverdale Connector

This proposed infrastructure project, tentatively referred to as the Silverdale Connector, will connect Silverdale with other areas in Mission. Although its specific location has yet to be determined, officials will soon enter into the planning phase, where routes will be considered. The connector is expected to take between 10 and 30 years to complete. With Mission’s population set to double over the coming decades, the Silverdale area will likely see a considerable expansion. The proposed connector should ease growing concerns of traffic congestion among locals, though the ultimate cost and environmental impact of the project are far from being known.

BY JAYDEN TALVIO Lifestyle//

Survey finds most Abbotsfordians aren’t recycling properly

In a recent audit involving 362 Abbotsford homes, 88 per cent of recycling carts contained impermissible objects. For people whose recycling was especially contaminated, they were given formal warning letters. In the case of a second violation, these residents could be ticketed. What is allowed inside of the carts is limited — some recyclable materials must be brought to recycling depots instead. Items that are not permitted in bins include: glass, plastic bags, foam packaging, wrappers, hazardous waste, books, plastic toys, and paint and oil containers. This knowledge is especially concerning given that Canada’s rate of plastic recycling is a pitiful nine per cent.

expelled

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei from Canada on May 8 after evidence suggested that Wei attempted to target Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family by seeking classified information about them. Chong was targeted for his outspoken disapproval of how China treats its Uyghur population. Regarding the expulsion, Trudeau said, while making his way to a cabinet meeting on May 9, “We needed to move forward in a responsible way to send a very clear message that we will not accept foreign interference and, regardless of whatever next choices they make, we will not be intimidated.” Wei had five days to leave Canadian soil. China denied interference and expelled Canadian diplomat, Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, in response.

Emmaline Spencer — Opinion Editor

Freedom to move (but nowhere to go)

Our communities are built for cars, not people. Could 15-minute cities be the solution?

MATTHEW IDDON

Have you ever noticed how ugly “beautiful British Columbia” can be? While walking around Langley recently, I was repulsed by how concrete and car-centric my surroundings were. Aesthetics aside, I also realized that many parts of the Lower Mainland simply aren't designed for those of us who prefer to walk. Shrinking sidewalks, encroaching cars, and long stretches of urban nothingness make the ordeal of walking anywhere unappealing at best, and dangerous at worst. There is simultaneously not

enough space for human movement, and too much space between our homes and essential resources. It’s time to reduce the inflated importance of cars in our society.

In the face of such alienating infrastructure, more and more Canadians are becoming aware of “15-minute cities.” Aspects of this concept could be an antidote to the overwhelming number of cars on the road, as well as the bloated spaces built to contain them. Yet a more skeptical sect within the population has turned the issue into a strangely contentious one.

The Washington Post describes the 15-minute city as a place where “every resident can reach essential resources by foot, bicycle or public transport within a quarter of an hour.” If I apply this concept to my own suburban life in the city of Maple Ridge, a 30-minute walk to the grocery store gets cut in half. Sounds great! Given the choice, I would much rather comfortably walk around my city than take my car. Cars are convenient, of course, but also financially burdensome. With gas prices and temperatures both expected to soar in the summer of 2023, it’s unfortunate that many people will have

to choose between draining their bank accounts or walking long distances in 30°C heat for groceries.

A walkable city could be a more equitable city for those affected by the high cost barriers of car ownership. Plus, less time spent sitting in traffic could benefit mental health, and less pollution absolutely benefits environmental health. What’s not to like?

Apparently a few things: As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, there are those who will strongly and vocally oppose anything that infringes upon a shared nationalist sentiment of

Chinese diplomat

from Canada after “foreign interference”

“freedom.” Bafflingly, 15-minute cities have become a hot button issue for the freedom-fighters. The best explanation for this that I could find came from The Western Standard. Their article essentially cited the rambling hypotheticals of a conservative Facebook group where 15-minute cities have been labeled “totalitarian,” “ghettos,” and “the end of freedom.”

The fear that 15-minute cities will not allow anyone to leave their “zone” seems to have precedent in the English city of Oxford, where measures have been taken to reduce traffic congestion. In order to avoid further abuse of city officials by enraged citizens, the Oxford City Council has since been obliged to remind people that, no, they are not actually infringing on anyone’s freedom of movement. Regardless of what you think of the Oxford example, it’s important that we as Canadians don’t allow our love of freedom to impair our ability to think critically.

The whole thing is reminiscent of the infamous PragerU video which

asserts that cars equate to freedom, and therefore the “war” on cars is a war on freedom. Frankly, I think North Americans could stand to be a little less infatuated with cars. What’s so “free” about a machine that can only drive on government-maintained roads anyways? I’ve certainly never felt the sweet call of freedom while bumperto-bumper on the Hwy-1 at rush hour.

It’s important to remember that the “15-minute city” is a collection of various hypothetical urban planning concepts, and not a globalist agenda. Making cities more walkable doesn’t mean anyone will be forced to give up their car, only that those without cars will have a chance to access their community like everyone else. And for what it’s worth, Vancouver has been nearing “15-minute city” status since at least 2022. As we begrudgingly march into the future together, there will undoubtedly come a time when we will have to re-evaluate the importance of the almighty car in our daily life, in our infrastructure, and in our culture.

Photo by Aryan Kathuria

SNAP SHOTS

Illustrations by Iryna Presley

Degree to disagree

Last semester, the UFV history department held an informal trivia night, and what transpired is one of the best sales-pitches I can make for pursuing a degree in history. What would have been a pretty standard contest in any other trivia night (even the sociallylubricated pub variety), quickly devolved into a series of lively arguments among the assembled students and profs. Answers were challenged. Questions were challenged. Some turned to Google, while others texted absent faculty for backup. There was no hint of animosity — only rigorous and passionate rebuttals — and refutations of rebuttals. As academic institutions continue to drift from their traditional ethos — adopting a model that views students

first and foremost as customers — disciplines that foster thoughtful debate are withering. More often than not, classrooms feel like spaces to agree and build upon common interpretations, rather than challenge them. Campuses should be safe and inclusive spaces for all people, but openly inquisitorial to (if not defiant of) preconceptions, ideology, and orthodox thinking. Good faith disagreement and debate is the grindstone upon which you sharpen and hone your own argument, building confidence and resilience, but also nuance and understanding. It’s a bedrock of liberal, pluralistic societies. Luckily, that spirit is alive and well in the UFV department of history.

Bradley Duncan

Episode V: the stair strikes back

Ever since I took a rather terrible tumble down a flight of stairs back in October, I have been particularly careful around steps. I’m a regular opponent in the ring when it comes to stairs, and unfortunately, I’m almost always the loser. Many of my friends have simply grown used to seeing me trip on the stairs, and don’t even bother to ask if I’m okay anymore; my injury is just a common event for them.

As a result, I was so careful for so long that I got just a bit too cocky. Lo

and behold, I tripped on a staircase again after months of being free from haphazard bruises. What did I earn from this last fender-bender? One lovely, swollen, colour-changing bruise to my knee and some inexplicable pain in the joint between my hip and right leg. The stairs have yet again put me in my place, but at least this time I only needed an ice pack instead of a visit to the ER. This won’t be our last battle, stairs!

Emmaline Spencer

For the past six months, my partner and I have been talking about introducing a pet to our little family. It’s a big step, but this past weekend, we committed ourselves to 70 years (yes, 70 years) with our new companion: Guillermo the tortoise.

At just two inches long, this sleepy little dude has a promising future ahead of him. A future filled with as many dandelions, foraged flowers, and lettuce varieties as his little heart desires. Although I’ll admit that there is nothing more adorable than seeing this shelled cutie stretch his tiny, scrawny arms after an afternoon nap, or wiggle

his bum in his evening bath, my biggest disappointment in the few days since we’ve adopted him has been learning that this breed — Hermann’s Tortoises — in all their mightiness, cannot digest fruit. Despite the trending ASMR TikToks of tortoises munching delightfully on berries, it’s actually incredibly harmful to them. So, gone are my dreams of hand-feeding Guillermo freshly picked strawberries or plump raspberries on a hot summer day — his tummy prefers boring ol’ greens. Nevertheless, despite this fatal fruitless flaw, Guillermo is nothing short of perfect. Welcome to the fam, little dude.

Sydney Marchand

It's summer, what do I do now?

The long sleepless nights are over; no more essay writing, caffeine chugging, or tears. What do I do now? The possibilities seem endless, yet I am bored! I watch countless hours of meaningless sitcoms; I go outside and feel the cool summer air; I eat so many popsicles the inside of my mouth turns red; and I finally have time to read the mountains of books that accumulated over the semester.

Summer is arguably the best season of the year; you have so much time you barely know what to do with it! You can find the time to get in much-needed rest before the new semester starts, allowing

you to start off the next academic year right! Spend time with friends, go for a midnight swim, or stare up at the stars! Ironically, the sky's the limit! Being bored sometimes is good! You don’t feel the pressure of other commitments and aren’t constantly trying to complete a to-do list.

My advice this summer — allow yourself to be bored! Let it push you to go outside, be with friends, and make those summer memories you will look back on fondly. Cherish the time you get, without worry over school or other commitments. You deserve it.

Gianna Dinwoodie

Adventures with Guillermo the tortoise

I’M (PAINFULLY) AWARE OF MY MENTAL HEALTH. NOW WHAT?

By Aasha Khoyratty

In2018, I wrote an article for The Mighty titled “Why I Don’t Want to Change my Borderline Personality Disorder.” The piece received a lot of praise from people who felt the same way as I did, but also considerable backlash. I couldn’t understand why there were people hating on the article, until one day, I started to hate it, too.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a month aimed at educating about, raising awareness for, and reducing stigma of, mental health and mental illness. While mental health can be managed daily by getting outside, moving your body, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep, mental illness usually requires medication and therapy and can be a lifelong battle.

Everyone responds to medication differently, and with so many options, it can take years of working with a psychiatrist to find the right drug, combination, and dosages.

Mental illness is more common than you might think, with one in five Canadians experiencing a mental illness in any given year, and 50 per cent of Canadians experiencing mental illness by age 40. COVID-19 has only made this problem worse; 37 per cent of Canadians experienced a decline in mental health, and the pandemic drastically intensified pre-existing symptoms of mental illness. With such a prevalence of mental illness, shouldn’t there be lots of accessible and effective treatment options?

Treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution

While there are alternatives, most mental illnesses can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. It may sound like a simple solution: just take some pills and talk to a therapist and you should be all better. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. There are many different medications available, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications. Everyone responds to medication differently, and with so many options, it can take years of working with a psychiatrist to find the right drug, combination, and dosages. In addition, because we are facing a shortage of psychiatrists, it can take months or even years just to get an initial appointment with a psychiatrist.

From the time I started taking psychiatric medications, it took roughly five years until I was effectively and stably medicated. I take a combination of four daily prescriptions. I had to try close to a dozen other medications before finding the ones that work for me, and some of the side-effects from those pharmaceuticals made me want to give up entirely. With hundreds of potential options to choose from, meds aren’t a simple solution. However, therapy isn’t straightforward either. There are numerous variations and practices, and they’re staffed by professionals of assorted approaches, and inconsistent abilities.

In my article for The Mighty, I stated that dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) was not an effective method of therapy. To quote myself directly: “I personally found [DBT] absolutely degrading. Despite it being a life-changing treatment for many people, it created more problems for me than it did solutions.” I truly believed that at the time I wrote the article, and I’m not the only one who didn’t find it helpful, but two years later, I found myself in DBT again, and I realized the problem had been the therapist, not the therapy.

DBT can be extremely effective for treating a number of mental illnesses, not just borderline personality disorder. Like all forms of therapy, it depends on who is providing and receiving it. Aside from DBT, there are a plethora of other options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. The field is constantly evolving. Practices that were once considered groundbreaking, such as insulin coma therapy and metrazol therapy are now outdated, and new methods such as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (which The Cascade reported on last summer), are reemerging. Moreover, new advances in technology allow neuroscientists to analyze the ways our brains function through various neuroimaging techniques, facilitating the development of new medications and treatments.

Therapy can be a lifesaving treatment, but without the right provider it can also be a failure. Many become discouraged because they can’t find the right fit for them, but they may lack access to, or knowledge of other viable options. In my case, I didn’t feel like I had a choice about who my therapists were either time I did DBT, but I lucked out the second time. That is not the case for everyone.

Accessing therapy at all is a battle

If a person has the money, time, and resources to “shop around” If a person has the money, time, and resources to “shop around” for therapists, then that’s great, but for those of us getting their therapy from community mental health centres or who reside in rural areas, the options are often limited.

Why is good therapy so hard to access, though? One reason is that our medical system in general is at a breaking point. Emergency rooms are overflowing, staff are facing burnout, and to top it all off there’s a family doctor shortage. Community mental health centres in B.C. rely on referrals from family doctors, and people in the midst of mental health crises may require emergency room, and sometimes inpatient care. With our healthcare system falling apart in such dramatic fashion, mental health care is falling apart, too.

There’s also a very high demand for therapy right now. While

those suffering from severe mental illness are most in need of therapy, people managing their mental health are seeking help, too. And they should, as therapy can be beneficial for almost anyone, but while some people are spending years in therapy for problems that could be solved in a handful of sessions, others spend years searching for support for lifelong psychological ailments. Oftentimes, those with the means to access good therapy on a regular basis have the benefit of financial stability and conscientious employers that support mental health maintenance. Alternatively, those with the greatest need of support for their mental illness frequently suffer from unstable or inflexible employment, limited capital, and provincial health care waitlists.

When I attended therapy through a community mental health centre, I received approximately six months of weekly group DBT, which I found extremely effective. For some, six months is plenty, but many people find it falls short of their needs. While therapy should have a goal, and the goal probably shouldn’t be to stay in therapy forever, it’s important that when people need therapy, they get it. Whether someone needs one session, six months of sessions, six years, or a lifetime, we need to make sure people are getting the assistance they need.

Illustrations by Carolina Talcan

While therapy should have a goal, and the goal probably shouldn’t be to stay in therapy forever, it’s important that when people need therapy, they get it.

High demand; low (quality) supply

Our increased focus on mental health has produced an influx of self-help books and mindfulness apps. While these tools may be great for managing and emphasizing mental health needs, they do little against severe mental illness, for which meditation and positive affirmations are not a long-term solution.

We need more money funding mental health care (and health care in general), so that we have more doctors, nurses, and therapists, but the way we approach mental health care needs to change, too. Some people aren’t getting treatment at all. Others are getting care that focuses on relieving short-term symptoms rather than looking at long-term treatment. Long-term treatment does exist — we have medications and psychological treatment for basically all mental illnesses — but many aren’t able to access it. These treatments are only effective with comprehensive and continuous care, which most mentally ill people aren’t receiving.

A 2018 report from Statistics Canada shows that 43.8 per cent of Canadians who reported needing mental health care felt that their needs were not fully met. Some are receiving no care, while others are receiving care that is inadequate in amount or quality. With such a high demand for therapists, counsellors, coaches, and other mental health workers, it becomes harder to prioritize hiring people who are great at what they do and easier to settle for low quality supply just to meet the soaring demand. Nearly half of mentally ill Canadians are going without access to sufficient care — therapy, medication, treatments, and diagnoses. Aside from the obvious implications of not being able to access therapy and medication, there are also serious implications that come from not being able to access a diagnosis.

Diagnoses are an essential tool

When I wrote that article for The Mighty, my diagnosis was, “major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and borderline personality traits.” I was only 17 years old, and diagnosing teens with borderline personality disorder is very controversial among psychiatrists. Less than a year later, when I was 18, I was assigned a different psychiatrist, and was given a formal diagnosis.

While psychiatric diagnoses are imperfect, and insufficient on their own (ie. without accompanying treatment), they are also important; they can provide reassurance, decrease feelings of blame, reduce stigma, and help individuals make sense of their mental illness.

For me, my diagnosis helped me escape from the shame that had been pinned on me by comments that made me feel like sharing my thoughts and feelings about my disorder was bad. The negative responses to my article affected me so much that this is my first time writing about mental illness in five years.

My diagnosis has also allowed me to have a thorough understanding of what’s going on in my head; something I wouldn’t have if I didn’t know exactly what my illness was. This understanding allows me to learn how to manage my disorder, gives me the language to speak about what’s happening in my head, and ultimately, makes me feel a whole lot less alone.

Getting through life while mentally ill

While mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Canada, and unemployment rates for severely mentally ill people are as high as 70 to 90 per cent, many of the people disabled from these disorders are not able to access the supports — financial and otherwise — they need because they lack a diagnosis. This leaves a significant number of people, including UFV students, left with no support, no accommodations, and frankly, little to no hope. Canada has made huge strides in recent decades in terms of accessibility and is, as a society, much more understanding and accommodating than the vast majority of countries. That

Illustrations by Carolina Talcan

This understanding allows me to learn how to manage my disorder, gives me the language to speak about what’s happening in my head, and ultimately, makes me feel a whole lot less alone.

being said, without a diagnosis, that accessibility and those accommodations fall short.

If someone is able to receive a formal diagnosis, this qualifies as a disability, and as such, UFV provides accommodations and accessibility services to students to support their academic journeys. The allowances provided by UFV vary, but given that I typically miss close to half of my in-person classes per semester, these are my accommodations: “This student is eligible for notetaking assistance only for missed classes. If you have a copy of your lecture and/or overhead notes, could you kindly provide it to the student in the case of an absence (if applicable).” Sounds great, right? It’s not that simple.

In theory, it sounds like adequate support, but when you factor in the instructors who don’t have notes on what they talked about in class to email you; don’t provide students with a formal outline or syllabus at the beginning of term; or who place a large grade percentage on in-class activities, things get more complicated. You may opt to drop classes like these early on in the semester and hope you can find better class options, or hope and pray (if you’re into that) that your mental illness won’t render you completely unable to attend classes (at least not this semester).

Accessibility is expanding, but there is still work to be done. COVID-19 exacerbated mental illness, but it also forced our professors to learn how to teach classes — including classes that wouldn’t normally be taught online — via digital platforms like Blackboard and Zoom. Now that we know these classes can be taught online, we should expand that option for anyone who needs it. UFV has a new instructional method called Hyflex, which allows students to complete their coursework either online or in-person, depending on student preference each week. This is a great step, but the courses that currently offer this learning method are limited. Hopefully it will be expanded as we focus more and more on accessibility. UFV also now offers an Accessibility Lab, where all students can go for help with their academic journey.

So, you have your diagnosis and your accommodations through UFV’s accessibility services — now you just have to figure out a way to have enough money to survive. If working isn’t an option because you’re too mentally ill, what are you supposed to do now? The Ministry of Poverty Reduction might be able to help you out… with a grand total of around $1,400 per month, which we all know is hardly enough with rent and grocery prices soaring across B.C.

People with mental illnesses, as with other disabilities, don’t just stop having expenses because they’re unable to work. Mentally ill people still need to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, make loan payments, as well as afford utilities, transportation, and tuition. With the amount the Ministry of Poverty Reduction offers, how are they supposed to do any of

this when the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Abbotsford is $1,500? Many will face the difficult decision to abandon home, friends, and support (the abundance of which comes at a premium) for a more affordable scarcity elsewhere — of healthcare, accommodations, opportunities to learn and work, and social connections. Just because someone is unable to work doesn’t mean they should be unable to live.

The Big Picture

Canada has made huge strides when it comes to how we treat mental illness. One hundred years ago, we were involuntarily sterilizing our mentally ill population. Until 1978, people who were involuntarily hospitalized because of their disorders could have lobotomies performed on them against their will. Things are much better now than they used to be, but we have to keep trying to improve.

While it’s cool that May is Mental Health Awareness Month — we should be aware, always — our work is not done. Our focus and awareness on mental health has created positive change, but those with severe disorders still aren’t getting the treatment (medication, therapy), diagnoses, accommodations, and/or income assistance that they need. While we’re so focused on creating awareness for mental health, do we stop to think about those who are mentally ill?

We need awareness, yes, but we also need faster access to care, higher quality care, better financial support, and more accessibility. Mental illness isn’t going away, so we need to be sure we’re not silencing mentally ill voices in our conversations about mental health. It’s one thing to talk a big talk about mental health awareness but it’s another thing to advocate for those who aren’t mentally healthy.

We must not stay silent when we see injustices that our mentally ill population are facing. We should listen to the needs of our mentally ill population and take action to ensure those needs are met. We need to create space for mentally ill people to live, to work, to play; we need to make sure we aren’t just helping people survive in the short-term, but that we’re creating a world where mentally ill people stay alive in the long-term. We need to stop diluting the issue of mental illness by getting caught up in our newfound passion for mental health. We can’t just talk about mental health, we have to show up for the mentally ill.

Formula One//

Five thoughts on Formula 1, heading into Imola

Max Verstappen won the Miami Grand Prix, giving Red Bull their fourth 1-2 placing of the year. Despite the initial overtaking and a few weather concerns, Miami’s second grand prix was a clean and speedy race that finished in this year’s status quo Top 5.

With Verstappen in P1 and Sergio Perez finishing in P2, Fernando Alonso retook his P3 podium slot, and George Russell ended in P4 in his Mercedes W14; Carlos Sainz of Ferrari rounded out “best of the rest” in P5.

This year’s race was more exciting than last year's, with more midfield battles and overtakes—mainly through the corners. Kevin Magnusson finished in P10 and scored some points for Haas, and Pierre Gasly and teammate Esteban Ocon brought home double points finishes for Alpine. Lewis Hamilton had a great drive, finishing the race in P6 after starting in P13.

Miami brought us some action this year, with storylines starting to emerge out of the woodwork as teams have started on their upgrade packages. Here are some storylines to watch out for in the two-week break between now and the Imola Grand Prix weekend on May 19:

The Verstappen and Perez Race

Miami was the first instance of Red Bull racing themselves for wins and, ultimately, the Driver’s Championship; it was sweet but short-lived. Verstappen took the lead from Perez after a quick one and half-lap battle.

Verstappen is damn good, and he had a fantastic drive on Sunday. He made daring maneuvers and used the RB19’s amazing speed to break through any Drag Reduction System (DRS) trains, putting him to the front of the grid by the end of Lap 15.

Sergio Perez had a good performance in Miami and as much chance to claim the top spot as his teammate. His pace was one of the best, gaining back P2 quickly after his pit stop, and retaking the lead as Verstappen came out of his pit stop on Lap 45. On fresh tires, Verstappen was able to take back his lead quickly, but Perez did fight back and made his teammate go wheel-towheel with him.

Verstappen’s stellar performance in Miami widened the gap between himself and Perez by 14 points in the Driver’s Championship. Perez, who had his best start yet to a racing season this year, has won two out of

five of the races. A historically strong street circuit driver, Perez’s chance at taking the Championship will be defined by the series of proper track races taking place this summer. Perez has the skill and the car to claw back a few “W’s” from Verstappen, putting him in a position to properly fight for the championship and provide some additional race excitement.

down the days” to when the car gets its big upgrades at Imola.

Hamilton started the race weekend in an unlucky spot, with a crowded midfield and DRS trains to fight through for any hope of points finishes. The added fact that Miami is a rear-end favoured track—the aspect the W14 is the weakest in—meant Miami was not a good environment for the Silver

Carlos Sainz on the other hand has been able to get the most out of the Ferrari, often battling Alonso for the podium spots. His smart driving sense has kept his car out of damage, and despite having to serve a five-second grid penalty, he still managed to stay in the Top 5. Sainz is one of the hardestworking drivers in F1, which has shown in his ability to score Ferrari the points needed to keep them shooting for a Top 3 finish in the Constructors’ Championship. As Ferrari starts to bring upgrades to the next few races, Sainz may dictate if Ferrari is a true contender.

Logan Sargeant’s Home Field Stinker

Alonso on the podium is a treat

Fernando Alonso continued to pop off as he took his fourth podium of the season in Miami; he looked comfortable in the quick Aston Martin all weekend, and in the race, he barely had any competition for third place. Crossing the finish line seven seconds ahead of fourth-place finisher George Russell, Alonso kept an eye on teammate Lance Stroll on the big screen monitors placed around the circuit. “We have big TV screens out of some of the low-speed corners. So it was very easy to follow the race on TV,” stated Alonso in a press conference following the race. The partnership between Alonso and Aston Martin has been a great success and has seen the pair into second place in the Constructors’ Championship. The car isn’t at its finest yet, as the team decides on its performance upgrade direction. Alonso is hungry for more podiums and believes that a secondplace finish is possible, and we want to see it; the forward trajectory of Aston Martin is one of the highlights of this season.

Hamilton and Russell can make pigs fly

Mercedes’ W14 has not been the car the team hoped for this year; far from it. The entire team has admitted they don’t truly know what has gone wrong with this car. Team principal Toto Wolff calls the W14 “a nasty piece of work,” and Lewis Hamilton is one of the most public critics of the car. Hamilton finds it slow, doesn’t feel comfortable in the driver’s seat, and is openly “counting

Arrows. Despite the odds, Hamilton showed that he’s still one of the best, and managed to gain seven positions to finish P6 in the race. Performing wily overtakes through high-speed corners, he eked out what speed he could in a car that runs no better than a greased pig on bath salts. Combined with George Russell’s P4 finish, this put Mercedes only six points behind Aston Martin in the Constructors’ Championship.

Mercedes shook up their technical department earlier this year, announcing big updates coming to their W14 concept in Imola, including the much-anticipated new front suspension, a new(er) floor, and maybe the first hints of what the new sidepod concept could be. While it may not be enough to catch the Red Bulls, the upgrade will hopefully give Hamilton a car that he can connect with to take the fight to Ferrari and Aston Martin.

Ferrari’s Peaks and Valleys, and Carlos Sainz

For whatever reason, Charles Leclerc has not found his footing in the Ferrari. Miami dashed away the hopes gained after his podium finish in Azerbaijan, and the SF-23 was slow in Miami even with a new floor upgrade. All weekend long, both Ferrari drivers expressed that the car was difficult to drive, showing that the team is further behind than they initially hoped. Leclerc’s main fight in Miami was against Kevin Magnusson of Haas, Ferrari’s customer team (a team that pays Ferrari to supply them with an engine); the battle was underwhelming, to say the least.

Logan Sargeant, the sole American Logan Sargeant, the sole American driver, has had a very up-and-down premiere F1 season. Sargeant had a respectable twelfth-place finish in Bahrain, but ever since, he has been plagued with troubles. Be it slow qualifying, poor race performance, DNFs, or the crash during his qualifying session on April 29, it’s been a rough handful of races for “LogeyBear.”

It only makes it worse that in his post-race interviews, his genuine personality makes it so hard not to love the guy. Sargent puts a lot of pressure on himself, and demonstrates an understanding of the intensely competitive nature of the sport; he knows the potential that’s in his car and team.

A Fort Lauderdale native, Miami is Sargeant’s backyard; Miami was the race Sargeant needed to get back to his Bahrain standard to take some pressure off his shoulders. Unluckily, Sargeant had one of his poorest outings yet and finished dead last in his home race. At this point, someone needs to take Logey-Bear out to get drunk in the two weeks until Imola. He’ll have added pressure to perform in Round 6 to show that he can rebound and ultimately has what it takes in F1.

The Road Ahead

The two weeks between races will come and go quickly. Imola is the first of three fun and crucial back-to-back competitions that will set the tone for the summer. As the teams trailing Red Bull implement their upgrades, it will be interesting to see how these cars evolve in the coming weeks, and what adaptations ultimately prove successful.

Red Bull takes the top two spots at the Miami Grand Prix as the F1 grid tries to engineer a response.

TERYN MIDZAIN

Photo Credit: Red Bull

Tennis//

Team Canada serves up a big victory

Our nation’s top women's tennis stars are heading to the finals

Canada will be one of 12 teams competing in the Billie Jean King Cup (BJK) Cup finals this November.

Fighting through a tough weekend, Canada’s 3-2 series win over Belgium marked Canada’s first win against Belgium at the BJK Cup in their four times meeting; a victory made even sweeter by a home crowd at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum.

Going into this season, Team Canada consisted of some of the highest-ranked women's tennis players the nation has brought to the competition. Widely known stars Bianca Andreescu and Leylah Annie Fernandez are ranked in the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) top 50 and have won five singles titles. Gabriela Dabrowski is ranked 7th overall in doubles matches, has 13 titles, and has represented Canada at the BJK

Hockey//

Cup in doubles since 2013. Rebecca Marino is currently ranked 79th overall and made it to the third round of the US Open in 2022.

However, tragedy struck when Andreescu tore her ankle ligaments at the Miami Open a few weeks before

the qualifiers. Katherine Sebov, a newcomer who made her grand slam debut at this year’s Australian Open, stepped in to take Andreescu’s place.

Fernandez opened the series in Match 1 with a 6-0, 6-3 easy win over Yanina Wickmayer. In Match 2, Marino

lost 6-4, 4-6, 4-6 in three sets to Ysaline Bonaventure, ranked 84 in singles. Fernandez brought Canada back into the lead with a Match 3 win, but Sebov couldn’t close against Greet Minnen in Match 4, losing in Set 3.

Dabrowski and Fernandez were the duo that won the doubles tiebreaker 6-1, 6-2. Dabrowski was clutch with her doubles match-up mastery, always in the right place for tricky returns, and with a swift backhand. Fernandez’s powerful forehand paired well with Dabrowski and kept Belgium in the back of the court to give Canada the win.

Roland Garros is coming up on May 28, the next grand slam on the WTA calendar—and a chance to see Fernandez, Andreescu, and Marino play again as they wait for the Billie Jean King challenger.

A nail-biting conclusion to the Abbotsford Canucks’ season

The Calgary Wranglers have brought the Fraser Valley’s Calder Cup pursuit to an end

this year’s playoff run will motivate and help them through the summer.

The Abbotsford Canucks’ post-season has come to a close after a 3-2 loss in game four against the Calgary Wranglers on Friday, May 5. The epic rivalry between the two teams has reached new levels after the intensive and physical four-game bout, each game being decided by one goal.

Despite massive hits by Noah Juulsen hyping up the sold-out Abbotsford Centre crowd, the Canucks’ weaker power play was a major deciding factor in the series. A questionable icing call in the third period sealed the Canucks’ fate, leading to the game-winning goal by Adam Klapka and clinching the series for the Wranglers.

“I thought five-on-five we were excellent for most of the game,” said Head Coach, Jeremy Colliton. “Especially when I thought we gave [Calgary] all they could handle. We asked a lot of our group and I think it's tough not to be proud of it.” The stand-out talent on the “Junior” Canucks roster took “big-time strides” according to Colliton. The experience that the young players gain through

During the playoffs, fan favourites Nils Höglander and Jack Rathbone led the younger players through the crucial moments. Höglander banked the most Canucks’ goals and assists in the post-season with three apiece. Rathbone scored twice in the playoffs, and his time in the NHL playing for big crowds in high-pressure situations is great experience to have in the locker room, and it showed on the ice.

B.C.-born Tristen Nielson and rookie Arshdeep Bains were highlight players to watch all season. Bains made smart and strategic plays along the boards in the offensive zone to keep possession, giving the Canucks numerous quality scoring chances. Bains’ two goals and an assist in the playoffs is a solid cap on a stellar rookie season. Nielsen was an impact player who “answered the bell” in head coach Jeremy Colliton’s view. A difference-maker who always goes full speed on the attack when he’s on the ice, Nielson is first-in-line to defend his teammates in skirmishes after the whistle. His outrageous smile and cry of “Get some!” every time he

scored got the crowd excited all season long. Linus Karlsson rounded out the top five rookies this year. With 24 goals and 25 assists, he was able to remain a consistent point-scorer and playmaker throughout.

The Abbotsford Canucks could see a roster shake-up through summer training as players get traded and cut,

and new prospects come to join them. Coach Colliton has brought a winning atmosphere to the Fraser Valley, and the fans have rallied behind their team. The fuel from that support is what the Canucks said they fed off all season long, and one of the reasons they’re excited to make a solid run for the Calder Cup next season.

TERYN MIDZAIN

TERYN MIDZAIN

Photo Credit: Jordan Leigh

Photo Credit: Darren Francis

Track days are back at Raceway Park

It’s not just the scent of lavender and cherry blossoms that signify a change of season; it’s also marked by the aroma of hot engines and burnt rubber. Spring marks the start of the B.C. racing season, which kicks off with the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs (CACC) opening races at Mission Raceway Park. The Raceway—home of the Speed Fanatics, a Fraser Valley and Vancouver-based racing group—has a drag racing strip, autocross field, and the Speed Fanatics Motorsport Circuit: a full 2 km, nine-turn road course.

On the weekend of April 29 and 30, drivers of varying skill in cars of all types raced through the quick

straights and technical corners of the circuit. Most overtakes occurred at Turn 1, as Turn 2 (a corner named after B.C. racer Greg Moore who died in 1999 during an IndyCar competition) is a challenging one for drivers. With a short straight heading into the turn, drivers risk losing the racing line and surrendering track position coming exiting the corner if they go in too hot. Drivers then have to contend with the technical Turn 3 hairpin and Cascade Corners chicane, before the G-forces of Turn 9’s wide arc lets them reclaim speed down the home straight.

The races, held the last weekend of April, featured two types of cars: open-wheel and closed-wheel, that competed in multiple races throughout

the weekend. Both days held morning qualifying races to determine the starting grids for each category. Saturday’s fastest drivers made it through to Sunday to battle for wins and lap time bragging rights.

The Speed Fanatics were testing out their newer drivers and cars, as well as their Formula 4 cars. Aaron Robins from the Formula Vee Pacific Cup Challenge made an appearance, but a mechanical issue cost him a spot in his final race.

The stand-out driver was Naz Degan in her number 022 Lamborghini, who had the best lap time in the final closedwheel race with a 1:15.232, despite spinning out at Turn 8. Brett Payne in his number 72 silver Porsche Carrera

won the vintage car races with a lap time of 1:18.560.

The next major racing event is the B.C. Historic car races and accompanying Field of Dreams car show on May 13 and 14. Additionally, the next CACC races will be held on May 27. Both events will be hosted at Mission Raceway.

Oh, what a night indeed my friends. On Thursday night of April 27, UFV’s Pride Collective hosted Queer Prom, and I attended. The event gave students at UFV (and their non-student plus-ones) a chance to experience a prom as their authentic selves in an inclusive and supportive environment. Having never been to prom myself, I can’t compare this night’s events with any baselines or preconceptions of my own. But after talking to many who attended, I must conclude that the goal of creating an inclusive environment for all who attended was an absolute success—and an unprecedented experience, for most previous prom participants.

The Pride Collective hosted this

event with considerations I have never witnessed at any event before. They had a flower crown making station to help break the ice. They had a rainbow sensory station for any who felt overwhelmed by the noise and lights, with scented and textured items for all who needed or wanted to stimulate other senses. They had a phone charging station for any to use; they had pins at the door for those who wished to identify their pronouns; and, the one that hit me on a personal level— when I commented that I was getting a headache, they offered me access to a dark quiet room so that I might recharge. The inclusivity I witnessed this night was on such display that I encourage any student body hosting future events to consider Queer Prom as a model.

The theme of Queer Prom was “Spring Flowers and Rainbow Showers” with a formal dress code; although, I showed up in cargo pants, a band tee, blazer, and battle jacket, and no one batted an eye—let alone turned me away. I have mentioned the flower crown making area, so now let me tell you about the photo booth, backdrop, decorations, and food. There was a hanging frame within a canopy of hundreds of beads, jewelry, and fabric work. To the side stood a table full of props on sticks, and large flowered letters spelling out P-R-O-M for any to adorn their pictures; there was a more formal golden and glittering backdrop for those who wanted it as well.

The decorations, as any could expect, were rainbow; from table runners to banners that gave the message “It’s a magical day,” rainbows were everywhere. As they were setting up I even witnessed a few people organising the drinks in as close to the “ROYGBIV” pattern as they could. Pop, bubly, and water were available free of charge, and there was also a pizzalined station with food-considerate labels for all dietary restrictions.

The overall vibes that flew that night were organic and fluid; as I first entered, I made my way to the flower crown station, just to “up” my look a tad. As I worked hot glue, others around me sat at tables talking with friends and

making new acquaintances in a soft purr of laughter and conversation. Soon, it was time to eat the pizza and tables shifted as people sat with groups of friends, old and new. The music was chill and soft. I silently admired all the poofy dresses; giant skirts of tulle of all colours, floating around.

But then, “Holding Out for a Hero” came on as most finished their ‘Za, beckoning the first dancers to the floor. The energy of the room quickened as more joined the festivity. Like any high school movie I’ve seen, this prom had mildly choreographed dancing, welltimed slow numbers, and MC’d breaks for everyone to catch their breaths.

The big highlight of the night was the drag show. Some were making their debut, and with professionals to guide them, had everyone in the room hyped and mesmerised. Hands were clapping, toes were tapping, and cheers, woos, and krrrs were exclaimed!

After talking to almost all the tables, the consensus I got from the room as a whole was that prom or no prom, inclusive social events such as this one are needed. The collegiate experience should not be restrictive, and should be more than just going to classes. It should be for all, it should be fun, and it should be magical; this event was all of those things and more. It was not only a “magical day,” but a magical night as well. Oh, what a night it was.

The first CACC races were held in Mission to a passionate group of motorsport lovers.

Never have I ever been to prom

Photo Credit: Felix Tang |BARS

Photo Credit: Marie-Ange Routier

Cascade Kitchen: French Apple Tart

Visual Arts // Night Sky

BRADLEY DUNCAN

“You left him out there by himself, but he wasn’t alone. There were his lifelong friends with him… the beautiful night sky and the same stars and moon that we used to see through a telescope.” As he addresses his son’s killers, Dennis Shepard’s words fill the courtroom like a fog so dense with anguish that it’s almost suffocating.

evil. People have said enough is enough.” Judy and Dennis Shepard also started the Matthew Shepard Foundation in December 1998 which has worked to build a more caring and compassionate world for all people, in part, through lobbying and legislation. In October 2009, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law.

The Cascade Kitchen is a studentrun food column that brings you budget-friendly recipes and cooking tips. If you want to see your own recipe featured next, get started by reaching out to culture@ufvcascade.ca.

This is a super easy, quick to make, and relatively healthy treat! You can make your own puff pastry from scratch, but between us, I wouldn’t. I’ve done it a couple of times before, and honestly, most professional bakeries aren’t even making theirs by hand. Let’s keep life easy and just get some pre-made so we can have our tarts and eat them too!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 Apples (Fuji is recommended)

1 half of a brick of puff pastry (200g)

2 tbsp of cold unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

2-4 tbsp brown sugar

2-3 tbsp lemon juice

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and prep a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Thinly slice the apples and set aside slices in a bowl with the lemon juice. Make sure to give them a mix from time to time to keep them from browning.

3. Roll puff pastry to about a quarter of an inch in thickness. Roll and pinch the edges to create a rim for your tart.

4. Lay your apple slices onto the dough.

5. Cube the butter into small pieces and place throughout the dough. Sprinkle sugar and vanilla on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it is done when the edges of the puff pastry are golden brown.

6. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing up and serving. The addition of ice cream is always recommended, but these also make a great breakfast pastry on the go!

This past spring, The UFV theatre department showcased a production of Moisés Kaufman’s, The Laramie Project. Drawing directly from interviews, news reports, and documented material, the play weaves together the lived experiences of the inhabitants of Laramie, Wyoming as they grapple with the murder of 21 year old Matthew Shepard in October 1998. In collaboration with the UFV School of Creative Arts (SOCA), the Community Health and Social Innovation (CHASI) Hub sponsored a digital art competition for UFV students with a prize of $3,500 and an interview with The Cascade. Pieces reflecting on the themes of the play were submitted anonymously and the judges selected Night Sky as the winner. I asked the work’s creator, Sharon Strauss (who happens to work at CHASI as a student research assistant) what inspired her.

“I was reading the description of what his face looked like when the passerby found him that morning… how his face was just completely stained with blood and only showing the skin where his tears had washed away the blood. It is very painful, striking imagery.” As visceral as that image is, Strauss didn’t want pain to be the only emotion her work conveyed. Instead, she elicits a deep, mourningful sorrow, partially informed by her compassion for those who face death alone. The reality of so many who depart this world in isolation; homeless, ostracized from their families, victims of violence, and countless other reasons, is something Strauss wishes was just “a sad piece of history, not a current, lived fear.”

Strauss reflected on the difficulty in balancing the loss of a life against the good that can come out of tragedy. “[Matthew] was a person like anyone else and he deserves just as much to be here right now.” She considered that while “a lot of changes came because of the trial and the media surrounding what happened, and The Laramie Project itself, I imagine given the choice, he would have preferred to just keep living his life, being open, finding love, being with his friends and family… he shouldn’t have had to die for changes to happen.” And yet, change did come.

At the time of his murder, Matthew’s homosexuality and the savagery of his assault met with an emerging 24-hour news cycle and expanding internet. It focused a spotlight so bright that it illuminated the veiled bigotry hiding in many people’s hearts. “Matt’s beating, hospitalization, and funeral focused worldwide attention on hate,” said Dennis Shepard. “Good is coming out of

I asked Strauss, who is 28, if she had any prior knowledge of Shepard or his story. “I am bisexual myself and I’m involved in online gay communities and friend groups, but I had never heard of [Matthew Shepard] until now. This was a huge tragedy, and it was a really big moment in the history of gay rights and yet I didn't know about it… I think there's a lot of queer history that's just either lost or just not talked about unless it's sought after.” Some of this is certainly a result of a culture that is swimming in more information than it can handle, but it’s also a common phenomenon. Younger generations are often oblivious to the hard-fought victories of their elders — that is, after all, the objective. In identifying and addressing societal ills, we can leave a better world for our children. The gains achieved in the wake of Matthew Shepard’s death have diminished the need for him to continue to be a household name, but it doesn’t reduce his significance.

Informally, history is the stewardship of our collective story that we pass on to future generations. It takes many forms, from oral traditions, to academic institutions. The Laramie Project, through chronicling and performance, preserves Matthew’s story — with Night Sky, Strauss has added her link to that chain. Someone will learn Matthew’s story, and his legacy, through her art.

Tied to that fence, “breathing in the scent of the pine trees from the snowy range,” Matthew Shepard gazed at the infinite Wyoming starfield. It takes time for photons to traverse the galactic expanse. Many of the stars that glimmer in the heavens perished eons ago, and yet their luminance remains for us to see. Though gone, their radiance persists across time and space, illuminating the darkness — a speck of light to guide us.

EMMALINE SPENCER

Photo by Emmaline Spencer

Photo from Sharon Strauss

Sharon Strauss, winner of the Laramie Project digital art contest, talks to The Cascade

Crossword: Canadian Bird Species//

Made by Brielle Quon

STUDYSPORTS BREAK

ACROSS

2. An aquatic species that can be found throughout all of Canada. They are solitary creatures that make hauntingly beautiful sounds.

3. A species with impeccable hearing and vision that often symbolize wisdom.

9. The fastest animal in the world with a diving speed of 200 miles per hour. Also, a rare species that almost went extinct in the mid-twentieth century due to the effects of pesticides.

DOWN

1. In the 1950s, their species was going extinct with only 1,000 left. Now, this North American bird of prey has made an enormous recovery with over 300,000 today.

Sudoku //

ANSWERS:

Horoscopes //

Interpreting the music of the spheres with your Digital Alchemist

Aries — Mar 21 to Apr 19

This week, your natural assertiveness and drive will come in handy. You will inspire others with your cando attitude and infectious energy. Just remember to take breaks and hydrate!

Taurus — Apr 20 to May 20

This week, you may feel a strong urge to indulge in your favourite foods and pleasures. While it's important to treat yourself, remember to maintain balance and moderation. You don't want to overdo it!

Gemini — May 21 to Jun 20

This week, your curious nature will lead you down some interesting paths. Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to try new things. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent or passion!

Cancer —Jun 21 to Jul 22

This week, you may feel extra emotional and sensitive. Remember to take care of yourself and prioritize self-care. It's okay to take a break and recharge your batteries.

Leo — Jul 23 to Aug 22

This week, your natural charisma and confidence will be on full display. Use your charm and persuasion to achieve your goals, but also remember to listen to others and consider their perspectives.

Virgo —Aug 23 to Sep 22

This week, you may feel a bit overwhelmed with responsibilities and tasks. Remember to break things down into manageable steps and prioritize what's most important. You got this!

Libra — Sep 23 to Oct 22

This week, your social skills and diplomacy will come in handy. Use your charm and tact to smooth over any conflicts or misunderstandings. You have a way of bringing people together!

Scorpio — Oct 23 to Nov 21

This week, your intuition and insight will be your greatest assets. Trust your gut and follow your instincts, even if they lead you down an unconventional path. You have a knack for seeing what others can't.

DOWN

4. Their name is derived from the Algonquian word Wisakedjak, meaning a mischievous spirit who enjoys playing tricks on people. These friendly birds can be found in boreal forests around North America.

5. This species has a reversible outer toe, allowing them to grasp onto fish with two toes in front and two behind.

6. A seabird that feeds by diving in water. They nest on cliff sides or islands and often live in large colonies.

7. A friendly species that loves sunflower seeds and peanuts. Their call is unlike any other bird call, including a lot of “dee dee dee dee dee…”

8. A shorebird that enjoys water wading. They are named after their piping whistle sounds.

Sagittarius — Nov 22 to Dec 21

This week, your adventurous spirit and love of freedom may lead you to take some risks. While it's important to live life to the fullest, remember to also consider the consequences of your actions.

Capricorn — Dec 22 to Jan 19

This week, your practicality and ambition will serve you well. Stay focused on your goals and don't let distractions or setbacks derail you. You have what it takes to succeed!

Aquarius — Jan 20 to Feb 18

This week, your innovative and creative ideas may be met with some resistance or skepticism. Don't let that discourage you! Keep pushing forward and trust in your vision. You have a unique perspective that can change the world.

Pisces — Feb 19 to Mar 20

This week, your compassionate and empathetic nature will be in full force. Use your intuition and understanding to connect with others and offer support. You have a way of making people feel seen and heard.

Owl

Peregrine Falcon

Bald Eagle

Whiskey Jack

Osprey 6. Puffin 7. Chickadee 8. Sandpiper

Think Pink with Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies TV //

The new Paramount+ show acts cool, looks cool, and is cool

for getting together, and somewhat accidentally, forming a girl gang.

At the time of writing there are five episodes yet to be aired

Ever watch Grease or Grease 2 and think hmm I wish I had an origin story of the formation for cool girl gang the Pink Ladies? Well you’re in luck! The new show Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (created by Annabel Oakes) takes fans back to 1954, four years before the original movie is set to witness Rydell High history being made with Danny and Sandy.

If you’re expecting to see the freshman version of the ladies we already know then you’re out of luck. The main cast is a whole new roster of characters (though there is a fun cameo of young Frenchie and Rizzo!) who bond over being outcasts within the halls of the high school. The show centers around four main female leads: Jane (Marisa Davila), Olivia (Cheyenne Isabel Wells), Nancy (Tricia Fukuhara), and Cynthia (Ari Notartomaso). Each one of the girls has their own reasons

The first episode sees Jane slutshamed by most of the students at Rydell High for a false rumour perpetrated by the popular kids. When she decides to run against her popular ex-boyfriend for student class president, Jane finds her campaign backed by the other three ladies. Olivia is fed up with being oversexualized for simply existing after ending an affair she had with a teacher where she is painted as the bad guy.

Nancy and Cynthia are two characters who have been shunned from their friends; the former doesn’t find boys to be as fun as her old friends think, and the latter is booted from hanging out with the T-Birds due to her gender. Jane’s campaign exclaims that she will make “Rydell fun for everyone” and the three other ladies back her in this, quickly joining her cause in a time when she needs them most.

The show offers a complex look into gender, class, race, and much more. I understand many were against the idea of the Pink Ladies origin story, but personally, I’m a fan of how the

show handles it. The Pink Ladies origin as an act of sisterhood and defiance works perfectly as their introduction. Through the shared plight of teenage girlhood, these four strangers become fast friends. As their relationship deepens, their common struggle lets them accept and embrace their various differences and dynamics. At no point is anything (so far) a deal breaker for them.

Could things be improved in places?

Of course. The show is still finding its footing at times. Too often the plot is driven by outgroups who swing wildly from love to hate of the girl gang. Episode-contained conflicts that worked well in a time before streaming can feel immediately repetitive once binged. The student body could, as a whole, slowly come around to the Pink Ladies in an organic season-wide arc, but the viewer instead needs to see the gang’s peers yo-yo every episode. Despite this, the storytelling remains one of the show’s strengths.

Another great thing to note is how talented the cast members are; each actor has clear strengths and the people

behind the scenes clearly know how to use them. Just about every character is deeply layered and complex, which adds to the gang’s dynamic.

Of course, you can’t talk about Grease and not mention the soundtrack, and overall, I absolutely loved the musical numbers . The show feels like a stage production at times, which lends itself into how camp the original Grease movies (and origin musical) were. This extends to the songs, and while the choreography can be a bit silly, it really does fit into place perfectly. My only complaint is that every so often a song lyric uses incredibly modern language/ slang and takes me out of the moment.

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies gives a peek into the moral panic of a girl gang, yet strikes a great balance between being old-fashioned and modern. I believe musical theatre fans will enjoy this new series, but also if you’re looking for a fun little pick me up, I highly recommend a viewing. Now, please excuse me while I go online shopping for a pink jacket.

EVA DAVEY

Photo Credit: Paramount+

Movies //

Have you ever walked out of a theatre halfway through the movie? When you truly and utterly hate what you’re watching, there is no greater pleasure than sticking your nose up, walking out the theatre doors and exclaiming “I paid $15 for that!?” It’s cathartic knowing that if the director could see you now, they would be deeply offended by your truly brave act of protest. Unless of course, that director is Ari Aster, for whom I imagine there is no greater compliment. The director of Hereditary and Midsommar seems deeply committed to his mission of making audiences as uncomfortable as possible, and judging by the couple that walked out of my screening of Beau Is Afraid, Aster has no intention of easing up any time soon.

It’s difficult to sum this movie up in a satisfying way. We follow Beau (Joaquin Phoenix), a paranoid schizophrenic haunted by an endless parade of ghosts and delusions. The street outside Beau’s apartment is a murderous wasteland, and inside isn’t much better. Venomous spiders crawl beneath his bed, men watch him through the windows, and voices echo in his head. Most terrifying of all, Beau’s overbearing mother expects him to board a plane and come visit her. What follows is a dizzying descent into madness that blurs the line between dark comedy and epic tragedy.

On the surface, Beau Is Afraid has the hallmarks of a typical Ari Aster film; fullfrontal elderly nudity, severe head trauma, and themes of familial dysfunction and tragedy. However, those expecting a relatively linear horror movie like Hereditary will be squirming in their seats by the two and a half hour mark. Rather than scaring you, Aster’s intent is to disorient you until you no longer know which way is up. Everything we are shown comes from Beau’s fractured perspective; his experience is our experience. A movie like Joker uses mental illness as a setup for a twist at the end, but we ultimately understand which parts of the narrative were real, and which were delusions. Beau Is Afraid doesn’t just use schizophrenia as a narrative tool, the narrative itself is schizophrenic, and by the end, we still understand shockingly little.

The reality we are introduced to in the first act begins to crumble in the second act, and completely dissolves by the third. We enter an abstract nightmare reminiscent of Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking Of Ending Things or David Lynch’s Eraserhead (with a dash of Pink Floyd’s The Wall). This avant-garde approach

will undoubtedly be appealing to some and off-putting to others. While the chaotic nature of the story makes for an unpredictable viewing experience, and many scenes are masterfully tense, the film’s bloated runtime spoils the fun. What begins as exhilarating becomes exhausting as we near the three-hour mark. That’s not to say this movie isn’t worth a watch, but after the first viewing, the prospect of rewatching feels daunting and unnecessary. So, did I enjoy Beau Is Afraid? Yes, absolutely. Do I understand why people might stand up and walk out on this one? Also yes. Aster has succeeded once again in creating a disturbing film that will get under your skin and live in your brain for weeks after. However, unlike his previous films which were relatively concise and genuinely terrifying, Beau Is Afraid revels in being absurd, overindulgent, and confusing. Some movie-goers are undoubtedly going to want to rewatch and analyze each scene for all the things they missed the first time. Others will probably shrug and move on with their lives. While I’m still unsure which camp I’m in, I will say this: If you’re open to the idea of watching a crazed director with a blank cheque make an even crazier film, you owe it to yourself to check out Beau Is Afraid

Beau Is Afraid: A trip into a traumatized mind

MATTHEW IDDON

Ari Aster’s newest feature film leaves us wondering if good things come in threes

Photo Credit: IMDB

Events //

A night at the orchestra

A one-time-only show at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra featuring Said the Whale was definitely a night to remember…

GIANNA DINWOODIE

On April 19, 2023, I had the pleasure of attending a one-time-only show put on in conjunction with Vancouverbased indie-rock band Said the Whale at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Seeing as I’m new to the area, Said the Whale was a band I recently got into and when the opportunity arose to see them live, I knew I had to take it.

It was the first time I had been at the orchestra, and let me tell you I was IMPRESSED. The outer facade of the venue, The Orpheum, seemed nonthreatening, just like a normal movie theatre. Little did I know the sheer grandeur it contained. The venue was packed, with lines of people wrapped all along the velvet staircase clamouring to get merch before the show started. The atmosphere felt magical and truly electric; chock-full with diehard fans excited to see their favourite band in person. Although it would destroy my favourite fun fact about myself — that in all my 19 years the only band/ musician I had seen in person was Ed

Sheeran — I was still ecstatic to get a taste of the Vancouver music scene. The night didn’t have an opener; Said the Whale spoke for themselves. The orchestra played an instrumental version of one of their newer songs and my jaw was on the floor the entire time! It was the perfect introduction, the musicians were truly phenomenal and it set the stage for when Tyler Bancroft (guitarist), Jaycelyn Brown (pianist), and Ben Worcester (vocalist) came out introducing the evening. They were humorous and everything I imagined. When listening to recorded music it is hard to picture the artists behind the melodies, but I couldn't have asked for more. When they bantered with the audience, it felt like I was in on the joke; just one of the gang.

As they sang, the lighting behind them was colourful and timed to the music. The evening progressed, and as the lighting transformed into every colour of the rainbow, each song was better than the last. So much so, the audience raised into a standing ovation twice! When the members of Said the

Whale came back on to the stage for an encore, they each sang, or played on the piano, a love song for their respective partners and it was the most beautiful moment I had experienced since coming to Vancouver. While there, I couldn’t help but feel emotional about my decision to come to British Columbia, as there was such a large sense of love and community in the room; I would be remiss to not mention I may have shed a tear or two.

Overall, the night was amazing and I couldn’t recommend more seeing Said the Whale live. Although this show was a one-time event, the packed house makes me hopeful they will perhaps do another show like this again. The entire performance was expertly put together and not only does it help in uniting pre-existing fans, but brings a new audience to the orchestra. I will definitely be attending another Vancouver Symphony Orchestra show, even if it doesn't feature a band I like.

The mood and the feeling of the night was worth it — as well as the super cool merch.

Living Proof brings sunny skies to hardcore

California crossover band Drain brings sunshine and growth to their new record.

GABE MARTYN

Living Proof is the new record by Drain, the California crossover hardcore/ thrash band formed by ex-members of groups like Hands of God and the legendary Gulch (not to be confused with the rap group Drain Gang). The follow-up to their April 2020 album, California Cursed, Living Proof is an impressive collection of ten tracks that elevate Drain to a whole new level. It seamlessly melds sunny-day energy with hardcore’s hostile nature.

Much like the skeleton on the cover, this album has teeth. Twenty-five minutes is short enough that you won’t get tired of Living Proof’s onslaught of riffs, but it knows how to keep things fresh. Bouncy grooves are plentiful here, and breakdowns serve as a perfect contrast to the thrashy energy that permeates much of the runtime. Drain keeps the momentum going, even when it slows down. The guitar craftsmanship is impressive, with a technical edge that adds colour to every part of a song. Shredding isn’t limited to guitar solos; here this dish has been evenly seasoned.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll find a few surprises such as a cowbell on the title track, the song “Intermission” featuring California rapper Shakewell, and even an outright Descendents cover. Although the cover doesn’t feel out of place on the album, it might be a sharp turn for a listener looking for exclusively heavy music. “Good Good Things” is done justice by the group, and it’s a fun detour on Living Proof Now, I could go on for hours about the raw summer vibe this album has, but I should bring it down to one paragraph. The cover art is indicative enough, with its neon colour palette and cartoony style. It’s got hardcore at heart, delivers on the party-thrash fun, and although they don’t reference the line from California Cursed, it’s clear California is still the Sunshine State in their eyes. This album was made to be moshed to, but it wouldn’t be out of place for a house party in a heatwave. “Good Good Things,” though a stylistic change, is the piece that holds Living Proof’s energy together. It brings the California life of sunny days and fresh ocean water to the sound. I can’t hide it; it has to be one of my favourite tracks on the album.

That’s the trick that Living Proof successfully pulls off: subverting the usual metal darkness with sunny skies. Another standout track, “FTS (KYS),” stands for “find the strength (and) kill yourself,” but it’s immediately followed up with the line “reinvent the new you.” Drain isn’t looking for self-deprecation, but a different kind of catharsis. After all, the lead single for the album was titled “Evil Finds Light,” Off the top of my head, the first California crossover band that comes to mind would be Suicidal Tendencies. It’s hard to ignore that tongue-in-cheek reference on “FTS (KYS),” even if it was unintentional. When there’s darkness to be found on the record, it ensures you know the sunshine will be back.

If there’s one album that could be the soundtrack to your summer, Living Proof is a strong contender. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it also shows it doesn’t need to. Singer Sammy Ciaramitaro has mentioned that he sees this record as the living proof that working hard on something you’re passionate about will get you far. Drain’s trajectory has been fast and upwards; their bubbly energy mixed with their raw aggression has drawn massive crowds post-pandemic.

It’s no surprise that their live shows are incredible and packed full of unbelievable energy. If you’ve never seen a video of Ciaramitaro talking, I’d recommend you go do it as you’ll see just how happy go-lucky he is. Hell, he even throws beach balls and inflatables into a crowd of spin-kickers. Drain wants everyone to have a fun time, but they’re not going to dilute themselves to reach a bigger audience. They’re only going to give you more. Being genuine doesn’t get old, and Drain is fully aware of that; this album is all the proof you need.

Photo Credit: Gianna Dinwoodie

Photo Credit: Epitaph Records

Our Charmed Circle #3 by Sharon Strauss