Creative Director Gabriela Gonzalez gabriela@ufvcascade.ca
Features & Cover Illustrator Eseniia Bondar eseniia@ufvcascade.ca
News Editor Rachel Tait rachel@ufvcascade.ca
Jr. News Sky Terrones sky@ufvcascade.ca
Copy Editor Cassie Williams cassie@ufvcascade.ca
Opinion Editor Sam Penner sam@ufvcascade.ca
Digital Design Manager Beth Cannon beth@ufvcascade.ca
Illustrator May Beeney may@ufvcascade.ca
Staff Writer Prati Kapoor prati@ufvcascade.ca
Staff Writer Chifaa Bouzid chifaa@ufvcascade.ca
Staff Writer Parul Bhola parul@ufvcaascade.ca
Columnist Faby Cruz Alderete faby@ufvcascade.ca
Distributor Kirat Dhami kirat@ufvcascade.ca
Videographer Eddy Rubi eddy@ufvcascade.ca
Reclaiming our rhythm: The Cascade’s comeback and the voices we uplift
KIARA OKONKWO
The fall semester is already underfoot. Before we know it, our green campus will be shaded with red, yellow, and orange leaves, the skies darkening as the summer sun succumbs to October’s allure. Change is good, yet adjusting back into the school routine doesn’t feel like change at all. But like riding your bike after time away — give me a minute, I remember how this goes.
Hopefully, a similar thing happens for us here at The Cascade, as our burgeoning team reclaims a bi-weekly publication schedule — one our society hasn’t seen in little over a year. The move to monthly last Fall of 2023 was not done lightly. Since then, we have been slowly building our publication to a place where we can comfortably service our readership in a consistent and reliable way. I’m so proud of each and every one of our staff and contributors; it’s their dedication to our campus paper that allows us to continue to build this community and share the stories that come from it.
This issue is of particular importance. Not only is it our last monthly publication, but we sought to highlight Indigenous voices in honour of National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30.
The strength of Indigenous resilience can be felt in the feature article (page 10) on Shalaya Valenzuela, a UFV Alumni and Olympic Silver Medallist, from the Tseshaht First Nation on Vancouver Island.
Current student representation is highlighted in the Q&A with UFV women’s soccer Rookie of the Year, Kiana Langston (page 14).
Okonkwo with Norval Morrisseau’s “Man Changing into Thunderbird” (1977) at the Art Gallery of Ontario
Indigenous sovereignty and right to life remain to be suppressed by the structural makeup of so-called Canada, as we witnessed in the recent loss of Hoss Lightning, a young boy from Samson Cree Nation in Alberta, at the hands of the RCMP. Change is needed, and we must continue to demand it, whether it’s from our universities, our government and policing bodies, or from ourselves.
INSTAGRAM.COM THECASCADEUFV TIKTOK CASCADE_FY Volume 32 · Issue 08 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
Indigenous knowledge and service is highlighted in conversations with our Indigenous Student Centre and Keith Carlson (page 17) showing us all how we can take action in our allyship.
In reading our eighth issue of 2024, I hope you are informed and inspired. If you ever have something to say, we’d love to hear from you.
Welcome!
Severe earthquake hits Japan
A report on the mega earthquake
RACHEL TAIT
On Aug. 8, 2024, an M 7.1 level earthquake struck Nichinan, Japan. Reportedly, meteorologists believed that more natural disasters would follow and subsequently issued a “temporary tsunami advisory.”
The Japan Meteorological Agency also issued a warning that another high-level earthquake in the Pacific was expected to occur in a week.
According to USGS, the earthquake that occurred in Nichinan, Japan was
“due to thrust faulting at shallow depth on or near the subduction zone interface between the Philippine sea plate and the Eurasian plate.” USGS also explained that the size of the “thrust faulting events” that took place in Japan was around “50 km x 20 km in size.”
There are many levels of earthquakes that occur yearly. An earthquake the size of the one that hit Nichinan, Japan is described as a “major earthquake” that causes “serious damage.” These more severely felt earthquakes reportedly only
occur 10 to 15 times a year and have occurred in Japan before.
According to CNN, this is the first time in history that a national warning of this proportion was issued in Japan — which consequently disrupted daily operations such as train transportation and travel.
Reportedly, Fumio Kishida, Japan’s current prime minister, decided to not go on his trip abroad because of the warning.
Kishida was scheduled to hold a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan and meet with world leaders from countries such as
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan that Friday. He was also supposed to have a meeting on Monday in Ulaanbaatar with Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, the current president of Mongolia.
Currently, things have returned to normal, as the majority of the government advisory warnings are no longer in effect. According to reports in Japan, no significant destruction occurred in the aftermath. However, Japan remains on the alert for more earthquakes.
From Abbotsford to Mission: UFV’s School of Education embraces new horizons
UFV’s
School of Education moves to Mission campus to enhance learning and community engagement
CHIFAA BOUZID
On July 29, UFV’s School of Education moved from Abbotsford to the Mission campus to better accommodate the growing number of students interested in the teaching program, as well as to take advantage of the new facilities to improve the program. Dr. Allyson Jule, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development, shared with The Cascade the reason for the move and what this means for the program’s future.
Dr. Jule explained that two years ago, a third cohort was added within the school, which increased the number of students to a hundred per enrollment year — making the teacher education program at UFV the fourth largest in British Columbia. This significant increase in students was a great reason to relocate from one campus to another, and presented an opportunity for UFV to design the new building according to the special needs of its education programs.
Jule explained that “The building has four classrooms with state-of-the-art equipment for zoom calls, accessibility microphones and the latest technology that can better prepare students for their classrooms.” Each classroom is equipped with advanced microphones installed in the walls that seamlessly connect to the desktop’s system; this would enable seamless interactions between students and guest speakers or online lecturers.
Jule mentioned that the furniture is on wheels, allowing for flexible learning environments by simply rearranging the setup, and a kitchenette is also available for students within each classroom to easily conduct science experiments and art projects. Jule highlighted the adaptability of the space, noting that classroom walls can be adjusted to create smaller areas for focused group activities. She explained that these unique facilities not only enhance the students’ learning experience, but also engender a sense of belonging, as the building is designed specifically for the students’ needs.
The Mission community warmly welcomed this relocation project. It holds particular significance for Paul Horn, the current mayor of Mission City, who is a former student of UFV’s teacher education program. Jule specifically described the excitement of the Mission City Council and their ongoing support from the outset of the relocation project, saying, “The Mission City Council was really excited about the project and
wanted to work with us to make this a reality.” Apart from the city council, the local community also expressed enthusiasm for the project. “Some of the coffee houses around the area have given us some discounts for coffee. There’s been a real welcoming atmosphere by the people of Mission.”
The new space has provided ample room for growth, enabling plans to introduce more programs in the near future. Presently, the School of Education envisions enlarging its student body, including additional post-secondary programs, and introducing a new educational assistant program. Dr. Jule explained that the School of Education wants to create a supportive environment for their students that is both inclusive and creates a sense of belonging. “We are preparing them for classrooms here in the Fraser Valley and the principles of truth and reconciliation with the First Nations is really central in the value of the program.”
Jule expressed her pride in the teacher education program at UFV, noting its strong support for student teachers and the dedication of its faculty. She emphasized that “part of what we want to be is University of the Fraser Valley, but for the Fraser Valley, ” and hopes that relocating the program will enhance its profile and attract more local students. If you’re interested in visiting UFV’s newly renovated Mission campus, there is an open house from noon until 2 p.m. on Sept. 14.
NDP pulls out, Liberal Government on thin ice Trudeau’s Liberal minority government was set to remain in power until June 2025, but NDP party leader Jagmeet Singh has pulled out of the confidence-and-supply agreement. The announcement was made by Singh via social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday, Sept. 4, and has amassed 3 million views.
The agreement was signed in March 2022 and is the first of its kind on a federal level, binding the NDP to support the Liberals on votes of confidence needed to maintain parliamentary majority. The agreed upon priorities between the two parties include: healthcare, housing and affordability, climate change, workers rights, reconciliation, a fairer tax system, and maintaining a healthy democracy.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre calls on “Sellout Singh” to vote for an election “...he is going to have to vote on whether he keeps Justin Trudeau’s costly government in power, or whether he triggers a carbon tax election.”
Singh states in his announcement that “the Liberals are too weak, too selfish, and too beholden to corporate interests to fight for people. They cannot be the change, they cannot restore the hope, they cannot stop the Conservatives. But we can.”
The next federal election is scheduled for next fall, but with the NDP pulling out of the agreement with Trudeau’s Liberals, Canadians could see an election as early as late September.
Kiara
Okonkwo
WorkSafeBC says no to porta-potties
Construction sites with more than 25 workers will now be required to have flushing toilets, handwashing stations, and clean bathrooms starting October 1.
B.C. Premier David Eby has been pushing his porta-potty agenda since October 2023, in response to the BC Build Trades (BCBT) umbrella union, who have been calling for these site improvements for the last three years.
Porta-potties are unsanitary, ill-lit, and are often damp, wet, and pungent. B.C’s construction industry is trying to attract a more diverse workforce and porta-potties make these jobs unattractive for skilled workers — specifically those who menstruate.
Potty equality was also an issue, as it was common for construction site managers to have washroom trailers not available to site workers, as said by Brynn Bourke, BCBT’s interim executive director in 2021.
WorkSafeBC’s new requirements entail “toilets that can be connected to a sewer system or holding tank, and use a flow of clean water or a mixture of clean water and chemicals to flush the bowl. They also require hand-washing facilities with soap and water, or other methods of hand-cleaning. Employers must also ensure washrooms are well-maintained, clean, ventilated and provide privacy.”
Construction workers can say goodbye to porta-potty unpleasantries, as the change ushers in a needed standard of health and safety for workers building B.C.’s infrastructure.
Kiara Okonkwo
Greta Thunberg detained at pro-Palestinian demonstration at University of Copenhagen
On September 3, climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained by Danish police at a pro-Palenstinian demonstration.
Thunberg, along with a number of student organizers, were led away from the University of Copenhagen soon after entering the administration building; while only three entered the building, another 20 or so blocked the entrance.
Students Against the Occupation, a studentled group at the university, stated that the demonstration took place in order to demand the university initiate an academic boycott of Israeli universities. In a press release — posted the same day as the demonstration — Students Against the Occupation wrote of their plan to occupy the rector’s office.
“As Palestinian civilians are killed every day in Israel’s invasion of Gaza, the University of Copenhagen continues its collaboration with Israeli universities, which actively support the occupation of Palestine…That is why we are occupying the University of Copenhagen’s Museumsbygning at Frue Plads, which houses the rector’s office. We will not leave the site until the University of Copenhagen terminates cooperation with Israeli universities.”
Of the students participating in the demonstration, six were detained by the police; all activists were released later the same day. Catherine Campbell
Digitization of the U-Pass
The switch from the U-Pass sticker to the Umo app
PARUL BHOLA
The UFV Student Union Society (SUS), through their U-Pass program, allows students access to recreational centres, student perks, and free transportation to most Central Fraser Valley Transit routes (excluding the FVX66). Previously, this was done through the semesterly U-Pass stickers, but now, the U-Pass has been digitized. Beginning May 1, 2024, students no longer need a U-Pass sticker on the back of their campus card for public transportation. Instead, they now receive an email from the university at the beginning of the semester with a unique benefit code that they can redeem on the Umo app for a four month bus pass. To access the pass, students scan the QR code from their Umo app while commuting on BC Transit.
office to get their U-Pass stickers; now they can redeem the benefit code from the convenience of their homes. Additionally, students will no longer be reliant on their student cards to commute throughout the valley, using their phones to access the Umo app instead.
If you have concerns around the accessibility of the Umo app — for those without a mobile phone or for those who struggle with written instructions — you can request a physical Umo card through the SUS website. Students will be able to use the transit system by tapping their physical Umo card on the scanner when boarding the bus. However, with a physical card, students will no longer be able to use the QR code or access the benefits from the app.
Typhoon Yagi kills seven and injures dozens more in Southeast Asia
Typhoon Yagi — described as the world’s second-most powerful cyclone of the year — first touched down in the Chinese province of Hainan on September 5, where it killed three and injured another one hundred others. At its centre, wind speeds were projected to be at 245 kilometres per hour.
In preparation, alerts were issued by local governments, and places liable to experience landslides or floods were evacuated. While trees in Hanoi were pruned to reduce the chance of them falling and causing damage, several — along with a number of billboards — were knocked down in the wind and rain. A number of airports were also closed in preparation, including in Hanoi and Haiphong.
Since reaching Vietnam on September 6, Typhoon Yagi has killed four people and injured at least 78 more. The typhoon first appeared in Vietnam’s coastal provinces of Quang Ninh and Haiphong, where wind speeds of up to 149 kilometres per hour buffeted the provinces, causing power outages on top of the already rampant injuries.
Typhoon Yagi is described as “one of the most powerful typhoons in the region over the past decade” by Vietnamese meteorological officials. Catherine Campbell
The reason for this shift rests with BC Transit, as they recently upgraded their fare collection system to the digital Umo mobility app. This decision was made “to align with today’s industry standards and our riders’ expectations.”
This move has shown a number of benefits, specifically that transition to the Umo app has made obtaining the semester pass more efficient. Students no longer line up outside the campus card
Other services which were previously linked to the U-Pass work the same, just with the Umo app instead. Students can still benefit from student discounts and gain access to the recreation centres by showing their Umo Pass alongside their student IDs.
Changes are a part of the innovation process and our university refuses to be left behind. More information about the change can be found on the UFV SUS website.
Communities in crisis: crucial federal flood relief funds denied to B.C. cities
Abbotsford, Merritt, and Princeton confront uncertainty as their applications for necessary financing for disaster relief are turned down, despite assurances of support
GAURI SETHI
On June 3, 2024, Ross Siemens, Michael Goetz, and Spencer Coyne — the mayors of Abbotsford, Merritt, and Princeton, respectively — attended a press conference in Abbotsford, B.C., regarding the federal government’s decision of denying the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The mayors petitioned for the DMAF to be given to cities to assist in rebuilding dikes and other critical infrastructure that were damaged during the disastrous Sumas Prairie region floods of November 2021.
The previous federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair, made the recommendation to look for commercial financing for flood infrastructure projects, which Goetz rejected as an unsuitable and impractical option. Princeton’s proposal requested around $55 million in financing to improve 1.6 kilometres of diking and move its primary sewer lift station. Merritt requested around $64 million, mostly for land acquisition and upgrades to the diking system. With the largest proposal, Abbotsford sought almost $1.6 billion to improve flood storage and install a conveyance pump system at the Barrowtown pump station.
All parties stressed that they had worked hard to obtain the financing, but had been met with a disappointing “one-line letter” denial from the government claiming inadequate information, even though they submitted comprehensive applications that surpassed 500 pages. “Not sure what the 500 pages did not cover for you,” Goetz said, emphasizing how confusing the federal government’s response was.
The three mayors shed light on how the provincial government had urged them to apply for the DMAF funds and had given them assurances that having provincial support would improve their prospects. Siemens voiced disappointment at the federal government’s decision, stating that “the 2021 flood caused significant damage to our regional and provincial transportation infrastructure, property and businesses, and severely impacted agricultural production in the most productive area of Canada.”
“For the first time in our history, we witnessed a 9-day closure of the key transportation corridor (the Trans-Canada Highway) through the Fraser Valley, which links Canada’s largest port with the
interior and Alberta, and yet through this competitive granting program, we did not make it on the list of federal priorities,” explained Siemens.
Goetz stated that the floods caused him to lose his house for a full year. Coyne added that Princeton was still dependent on makeshift dikes and that the locals had tried everything to get the money they needed, and they felt let down by the government. Former Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun expressed his dissatisfaction as well, bringing up Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to the community during the aftermath of the floods, and his assurance of aid from the government, but they failed to do so. Braun felt “flabbergasted” due to the breach of the government’s commitments, criticizing the absence of a thorough justification for rejecting their application.
The University of the Fraser Valley’s Ghosting of Sumas Lake play took place from 2022-23, and was directed by Dr. Michelle La Flamme. The play shed light on the larger impacts the flood’s devastation had on the local public and traced the lake’s original history; this included the draining of the lake in the early 20th century, which displaced the 10,000 Sumas First Nation members who lived on the lands and waters. The play captured the emotional and social cost of the floods and highlighted how damaging the effects of climate change and community loss can be.
“A much larger community has been impacted by the floods,” La Flamme stated. “The whole experience was
traumatic — the point of view of vicarious trauma as well.” La Flamme added that “Witnessing the footage on television, of places that I am familiar with and that I go to regularly and thinking about the devastation for the farmers whose children are in my classrooms.”
The mayors, together with leaders in business and industry, have demanded reform in the way the federal government pays for disaster recovery and prevention to the cities experiencing the adversities. They believe that smaller towns and
municipalities — which might not have the means to submit elaborate and expensive applications — are unfairly burdened by the existing disaster relief system.
As per the federal government, $1.4 billion has already been allocated for cost-sharing to aid with the recovery from the 2021 floods. However, according to the mayors, they argue that no funds have been allocated to Merritt, Princeton, or the particular projects in Abbotsford that are associated with the 2021 B.C. floods.
A boat speeds along a flooded Highway 1 in Abbotsford, B.C., Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, (Photo by Jonathan Hayward / The Canadian Press)
Merritt Mayor Michael Goetz and Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens at a June 3, 2024 press conference at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre. (Photo by Ryleigh Mulvihill/Abbotsford News)
SNAPSHOTS
Illustrations
by Iryna Presley
I should have been a hammer thrower
BY JEFFREY KENNETT
I wish regular people still competed in the Olympics. Imagine how awesome it would be if the person who carried the most kitty litter at PetSmart was sent to Paris to compete.
Before 2024, the last time a Canadian won an Olympic medal in hammer throw was in 1912. Canadian police officer, Duncan Gillis, won silver in Stockholm that year, and shortly after turned in his hammer to become a wrestler. Or in other words, he freaking rules…
When I think of hammer-throwing, I think of those bars where people throw
axes at targets — but with hammers — which sounds to me like something your character in Skyrim would be doing. I was totally disappointed when I found out there aren’t even real hammers involved in the sport.
Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers weren’t crushing brewskis and hitting bullseyes in Paris when they won gold in both Men’s and Women’s Hammer Throw, but they did show the country that there’s now a place for that one kid in gym class with sheer brute strength and not necessarily enough coordination to go make a layup.
I’ve missed my true calling. It’s me, I’m the kid.
BY VERONICA POWELL
I am not someone who would typically adopt the title of a “horse girlie,” but I recently went to a horse jumping competition. It was my first one, and I think it cured me. There was a certain elegance that made me feel like a guest invited to an exclusive, affluent party where everyone proudly flaunted and celebrated their style and skill. There was a true sense of pride as well as confidence in the sport that felt good to be present in.
I went to one horse show and now I feel better Decoding
Well, I bought a neon smiley light
I was surprised at how tame the show was. Instead of sitting on the edge of my seat and feeling the pressure of competitiveness, I sat calmly and comfortably as I watched each rider and their companion complete their jump. If a competitor made a mistake, only a soft “aw” echoed from the crowd followed by light applause. The ambience of good sportsmanship toward every participant made me feel at peace. I garnered a newfound appreciation for the equestrian environment. It was so relaxing and I learned how respectable the sport is. I could totally picture my 60-year-old retired self attending horse shows in my free time.
BY GABRIELA GONZALEZ
You’re cute. I’m cute. We’re cute. At least, that’s what they say in Canada. I’ve learned during my time here that the word “cute” is used to describe someone good-looking, sexy, or attractive. However, as a newcomer to Canada, and after getting weird looks, I’ve learned that the word “cute” does not mean the same thing worldwide…
Now, before you try to gain any Latino
heart, let’s define “cute” in Spanish. Cute is a nice way of saying “I like you, but not in that way.” If you are new to Canada, you might want to be careful who you call cute. Trust me, it is not always translated as “kawaii” (the word I’ve found globally translates to what, for me, cute really means). And between you and everyone else… you’re smoking cute!
BY PRATI KAPOOR
It’s 1 a.m. and I am sitting in my room on a video call with my brother who keeps asking why I am showing him my yellowgreen wall. I don’t tell him that I just bought a smiling neon light to make my room feel 10 times more homey. I am probably delusional and justifying it because I spent money on it — just like the cabinet I bought on clearance last week. Odds are, either I will get bored of
the light, or it’ll fall off the wall because of the command strips I hung it with. The last time I hung something on my wall with command strips, it fell off and broke. I would use nails, but my landlord will charge me if I drill into his antique wall. Okay, let’s not blame everything on him; I don’t even know how to use a drill and I won’t buy one just for this.
Tonight, I am grateful and happy. I have already sent three people a picture of my room to show off how pretty it looks. So, maybe you should not overthink things and buy what brings you joy. It’s worth it; just don’t do it every week.
Student life 101: A guide for international students
Essential tips for international students to make the most of their first semester
CHIFAA BOUZID
Have you ever experienced that mix of excitement and nerves in your stomach as you step into the unknown? Well, getting into university as an international student is a perfect example of that feeling. A new environment, a new system, and new people await you, as well as a new country. But getting ready for this adventure includes many steps before and after you set foot in Canada. As an international student myself, here are a few things I have done to prepare for this exciting experience before flying to Abbotsford and continuing my education journey at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).
Like any other new experience, you need to research and familiarize yourself with the university and its surroundings. My first step was to follow the Instagram accounts of any department associated with UFV that was relevant to me. For instance, I followed the student housing Instagram account (@ufvhousing) and discovered a wealth of information that turned out to be essential for me as a new arrival. One of their posts detailed the various items that are recommended to bring and others that are prohibited in housing. This post alone circumvented many potential problems, especially because I had strict luggage weight limits.
Having a support system before arriving in Canada could be immensely helpful. Since I do not have family members or friends who live in the country, I made a successful attempt to create my family away from home, thanks to social media. Again, going over the account of @ufvhousing, I came across a post that introduced the new Community Assistants (CAs) of the semester. CAs are students who serve the housing community in many ways and provide assistance
to residents whenever needed. Through this post, I connected to a CA who shares my culture and native language and we became online friends months before my flight! This connection significantly eased my transition; I managed to have a familiar face to welcome me in the country and help me whenever a question mark was raised.
Another great tip is to make sure you attend as many orientation activities as possible during the first few weeks at UFV. These events are designed for you to build connections, ask questions, and get familiar with your new environment. UFV welcomes people from all over the world every semester, so don’t be shy about starting genuine conversations with those around you. In fact, building connections in an international setting is often easier; a question as simple as “Where are you from?” can spark interesting conversations. Enjoy learning about others’ cultures, but be ready for
cultural differences; what might seem unusual in your culture could be the norm in another. Embracing these differences enriches your experience and helps you appreciate the diversity around you.
To avoid any first day panic, make sure to know where your classrooms are. Once your schedule is confirmed, retrieve it from your student account and try to take a quick tour around campus a few days before classes begin. Familiarize yourself with the UFV campus map and ensure you know the location of every building you’ll be attending classes in. On your first days in class, it is a great idea to arrive twenty minutes early, just in case. Bonus tip: to avoid any embarrassing stomach growls — something no one warned me about — remember to carry a snack you can quickly grab between classes.
As an international student, your first semester at UFV might feel overwhelming, exciting, and enlightening, all at once. While your primary goal is to pass
your classes with the highest grades possible, do your best to enjoy this experience to the fullest. Try new foods, explore new places, volunteer with the university’s clubs, and keep on discovering your potential. In other words, university is a lot more than just classes and exams; so, get ready as one of the most exciting journeys of your life is about to begin!
Are TikTok manifestation videos getting out of hand?
ANNA MCCAUSLAND
Opening TikTok these days feels like a minefield of manifestations and “fated” happiness. Every other video seems to be talking about “summoning” the life and love I’m apparently lacking, or telling me that said life and love is just around the
corner. According to TikTok, the “love of my life” has been about to make an appearance every month for the last year. Either the twelfth month’s the charm or these videos are lying…
So, what is manifestation? In a video that has gained over 300,000 views, TikToker Kisha — or “Cardinal Healing”
— says there are four easy steps to manifestation. First, they describe manifestation as “shifting the energies inside you” and state that you need to believe that your thoughts can become reality. It’s only when you “believe something with absolute conviction” that the universe will have “no choice but to bring it in
front of you.” Allegedly. According to Kisha, manifestation isn’t just sitting around dreaming and feeling. To succeed, you will need to “take action” because “the universe can’t give you something if you’re not in a place to receive it.” Which,
The Peak - UFV International, 2024 (Photo by Jordon Fernandez/ University of the Fraser Valley)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
if you are already taking action through manifestation, why not take action and responsibility to go after the things you want in the first place? At which point, why do we need manifestation guidance? Another unprompted pop-up on my For You page has been tarot card readings. The captions usually read something along the lines of “no hashtags” and “if you’re seeing this on (enter any specific date) then this is for you,” making it seem that you are “fated” to see them. According to a New York Times article on learning how to read tarot cards, the experience is supposed to be an act of “reflecting on your life.” The key being you and your life, not something put out to the masses. There is typically a guiding question personalized and asked to the deck, which can be big questions about specific things in life or “day to day” questions. Either way, the point of the question is to ask about something you are curious about in your life. These videos take what is supposed to be an intimate
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experience and twist it to be something that anyone can come across. The content creators thrive in capturing an audience due to the vagueness of the reading. What I think is most troubling about
these videos is that they prey on people who are emotionally vulnerable, seemingly offering a life the viewer wants in return for “likes” and “comments.” In certain countries, creators on TikTok can
make money through engagement with videos if they’re a part of the Creator Fund — so some creators are profiting off of this vulnerability. Making videos that use certain sounds or “sharing” as the only way to “lock in” this dream life is said to enhance the manifesting process, but is rigged to promote engagement. Although relatively harmless, there is an underlying theme of manipulation and exploitation to these videos. It’s also just insanely annoying to have these videos bombarding your For You page when all you did was accidentally like a video once. But that’s the consequence of the TikTok algorithm, rather than the videos themselves. Hopefully as trends change, people will become more empowered to take action for themselves. Maybe these videos will vacate my For You page and manifestation and spiritual leaders can slowly become a trend that we can look back on fondly as time moves on. If not, you’ll most likely see me throwing my phone out of a window the next time I come across a manifestation video.
The Environmentalist: The true cost of climate inaction
The uncertain shape of climate inaction in a burning planet
Could you imagine living in a world where there is not enough food, every year is hotter than the last, destructive storms are more frequent, poverty increases, and the rate of extinction is rising exponentially? Well, according to the United Nations (UN), this is our reality as we see the current effects of climate change. Let’s be honest, your daily life is probably not deeply affected by these consequences, and neither is mine. But we should never forget that our climate inaction comes with a cost; now we are finally getting the bill, and we can’t ignore it any longer.
Welcome to the second edition of The Environmentalist, your column for understanding the natural world. Today we will be assessing the human and environmental toll of climate change and future possibilities if we don’t take immediate action.
We need to talk about climate inequality. The impact of climate change is neither random nor impartial, due to vulnerable communities being disproportionately exposed to the adverse consequences of climate change. It is important to keep these disparities in mind when talking about the consequences of climate change. We might not be properly quantifying the impact that it could be causing in other communities, since our daily lives are not severely affected — at least on the surface. Before we go any further, it is necessary to introduce the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC is the scientific group assembled by the UN to monitor all science related to climate change around the world. The IPCC publishes a comprehensive scientific assessment report every 5 to 7 years regarding the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.
According to the latest report of the IPCC released in March 2023, severe consequences will occur with a half to a full degree Celsius of warming. This predicted
FABIOLA CRUZ ALDERETE
change can be seen right now, since Earth was about 1.36 degrees Celsius warmer in 2023 than the pre-industrial average in the late 19th century. But why are warming temperatures so worrying? Well, the following projections have myriad effects on nature, human societies, and human health. Considering climate inequality, some regions will experience higher climate-related risks.
First, let’s discuss the consequences climate change has on nature. Continental temperatures are projected to warm above the global average surface temperature, especially in the tropics, making heatwaves common. Arctic temperatures are no longer reaching their cold extremes. This is causing instabilities in the Antarctic ice sheet, while the irreversible loss of the Greenland ice sheet is causing sea levels to rise. Droughts are happening more often which causes water availability to reduce and groundwater to deplete. Although some regions — particularly in the northern hemisphere — are starting
to see extreme precipitation which leads to floods. The impact on biodiversity and ecosystems is severe since forest fires, extreme weather, and invasive species are shifting whole biomes. The effects of the loss of biodiversity might range from changes in weather to the collapse of complete ecosystems. Oceans are becoming more acidic which poses a threat to marine biodiversity such as with coral reefs that are a crucial part of sea ecosystems. Secondly, the consequences climate change has on human societies develop an increased risk to livelihoods, food security, health, water supply, and economic growth. Disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, including Indigenous communities depending on agricultural and coastal resources, are facing the greatest challenges. Climate change also increases factors that put and keep people in poverty while increasing displacement and climate immigration.
Thirdly, the consequences that pollution and warmer temperatures have on human health worsen symptoms for conditions like heart disease, asthma, and even mental health related issues. These effects are worse on disadvantaged communities since the access to medical care can be limited.
Quoting the IPCC report, “The scientific evidence is unequivocal: climate change is a threat to human wellbeing and the health of the planet. Any further delay in concerted global action will miss the brief, rapidly closing window to secure a liveable future.” So, what can we do to help?
In the next edition of The Environmentalist, we will explore the causes of climate change and how community and individual action can have a huge impact. Just as The Lorax once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” So, let’s care.
Illustration by Eseniia Bondar
Photo courtesy of Visual Paradigm
Column //
Tech Talk: Keeping your data safe; not all VPNs are equal
A quick look at how to stay safe when connecting to public networks
SEAN HORN
Imagine you’re sitting in a public space with your phone or laptop. You notice there is a free Wi-Fi connection and you can see others are browsing online. You decide to connect and check your banking information to see if you can buy a coffee. Little do you know, your information is being intercepted and collected.
This happens on a daily basis for pretty much all of us who connect to the internet, whether on campus or even just at a coffee shop. I’m sure you watch YouTube and have seen your favourite media presenter give you a sponsored message from a specific virtual private network (VPN) provider. These VPN services are usually sold to a potential customer as a means to secure their information from being snooped on. This isn’t fully true — what a VPN will do is help keep your information and data private.
A dedicated snooper can find a way to your data. If you want true security, you need more than just a VPN. A lot of VPNs are commonly advertised for privacy, but their effectiveness varies depending on the type and the cost of the service. Corporate VPNs, which are used to connect to workplace networks, offer stronger encryption to protect sensitive data. In contrast, consumer VPNs primarily serve to mask your IP address and bypass geo-restrictions on websites, such as switching Netflix Canada to Netflix US.
If you have ever downloaded a movie or music using a torrent or other peer-topeer networks, you’ve probably received an email from your internet service provider on behalf of some legal firm or another threatening legal action for downloading their product. I am of course not advocating piracy or the violation of copyrights, but if you want to continue doing this, a VPN can help keep those legal eagles at bay. Since the VPN server changes your IP address, and if you connect to a different country’s server, you can avoid these notices. Again, I am not advocating the use of a VPN for piracy.
It should be noted that some websites or locations may also block the use of VPN connections. This is usually due to incorrect
geo-location data or because the network provider (universities, corporate buildings, etc.) has configured their network for trusted connections only and the VPN may be in contravention of their network rules.
A PvE, or Player vs. Everything network, is a network you are not in control of — so what can you do to stay safe when on a PvE? I’d still use a VPN on campus or in a public Wi-Fi setting if I absolutely had to connect to my bank; I’d just make sure it’s connecting to a Canadian server to avoid tripping the bank’s security and causing my accounts to be locked.
The safest thing to do is not access your sensitive data on any network you don’t have control over. Even the LTE connection on your mobile phone can be fooled into connecting to a false network. Another great use of a VPN is to block your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and web browser from using your browsing data and search queries to target ads to your activity. This also protects you from accidentally downloading a browser-based virus from an infected ad. If the ad can’t run, neither can the virus.
There is never a perfect way to stay safe on the web, but a VPN can help keep you a little safer. Personally, I still avoid connecting to a public Wi-Fi, or even accessing my sensitive data unless I’m at home, if I can help it. But that’s not always practical. It’s important to note that you get what you pay for, and you should pay for a VPN service if you can’t make your own (not an easy thing to do). Do your research and compare pricing of the services that are out there. There are plenty of comparison lists that can be found to help you choose the right service for your needs. Stay safe out there!
Students // Gearing up for graduation
The reality of education fatigue and career questioning
SAMANTHA PENNER
Any graduates in the house? Going into your final year? Maybe even your final semester? Well, I am right there with you — and I am scared. I secretly hope you are too. A horrible confession, I know, but I seek comfort in the connection graduation stress can provide. Not a positive means of developing commonalities, but a reality of this academic life, nonetheless.
I, for one, am nervous. I have been very confident, passionate, and driven within my studies for a very long time — which I am fortunate to be able to say — but the career questioning has officially set in full force. I knew what I wanted to do with my degree after one semester of university and I was proud to admit it. Being confident in your future career path is a privilege, so I have felt lucky flowing through my UFV experience really knowing what I was moving toward. Then the Winter 2024 semester hit. I was met with inklings of discomfort toward my imagined future. I started asking myself if this is really what I want to do, and stress grew as uncertainty took over.
Academic burnout topped with anticipated career burnout creates a vicious concoction, but it is crucial to be aware of. This study of 351 undergraduate students explores whether career burnout and engagement was an issue among these surveyors. It was found that, regardless of their future profession, the vast majority of students anticipated career burnout within 10 years of working in their field. Although burnout is already familiar to undergraduate students in an academic sense, the anticipatory career burnout is not something to be taken lightly. Satisfaction lowers, motivation becomes harder to come by, and there is less engagement in learning. Personally, this anticipatory burnout causes a high level of stress — which, as this study solidified — I am not alone in. The future is unknown, and I think this anxious anticipation is a very human emotion, but that doesn’t make it feel any less significant.
I think a lot of this stress comes from a self-perception within academia. Self-esteem becomes a significant motivator for university students when it comes to achievement versus exhaustion. The Learning and Individual
Differences research journal discovered that “social support can help to enhance students’ self-esteem and thus help them obtain better academic achievement and protect them from emotional exhaustion.” Ultimately, supportive environments truly do change the outcome of your personal and academic life. This does not come without effort. Trust me, your headspace and your surroundings really influence everything; academics and career life are not exceptions.
During this huge transition period from student to professional, be kind to yourself. Believe in your capabilities. Ask for help — from friends, family, peers, or even UFV! There may not be a solution to anticipated career burnout or academic exhaustion, but that does not mean we should pretend it is not a part of our reality. Start the conversation, create connections. Although education fatigue and career questioning are a mighty force, the awareness of them provides you with the upper hand over your agency.
Author Kurt Vonnegut, my personal hero, presented many commencement speeches and addresses over the course of his life. Enough to fill a book — literally, I own it. If This Isn’t Nice, What Is? is a compilation of graduation speeches and “other words to live by.” I have recently found myself with my nose stuck in the pages of these speeches. I guess I am longing for comfort and reassurance as graduation sneaks up on me. Vonnegut says, “We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.” Sappy I know, but Kurt really gets it. Happy graduation to those who will be celebrating. See you at commencement.
Illustration by Eseniia Bondar
Illustration by May Beeney
SHALAYA VALENZUELA’S HEART
IS WITH ABBOTSFORD
“that was where it all started”
Cascades
alumni and Olympic silver medallist details her path from
to the National Women’s Rugby program
JEFFREY KENNETT
Shalaya Valenzuela is a competitor; she wants to win rugby games. Above that, she burns to play in the biggest moments on the biggest stage: the Olympics. Going to the Olympics as Team Canada’s extra roster player made it unlikely she would get onto the field at the 2024 Olympics. But just before the match against home nation France, Valenzuela got the call: she was in for the quarter-final.
“There’s lots of nerves and lots of excitement. When you’ve been thinking about something happening for basically [your] whole [rugby career] — one of my [biggest] goals is to reach the Olympics. [Then I’m] right there, on the sideline, running out of the tunnel. It’s an out-of-body experience; it doesn’t feel real. You can’t really put it into words, because it’s so much excitement, but also so much fear, anxiety, all these emotions.”
Playing in the quarter-final assured her a medal, something she’s eager to show loved ones from her hometown following Canada’s silver medal win in Women’s Rugby Sevens.
“I feel like it won’t really sink in until I’m at home, surrounded by friends and family… I just want to get home and show my little brothers, and show my friends in Abbotsford that I grew up with, and thank the people that helped me get [here].”
Valenzuela joined her team on the field following the gold medal game against New Zealand; an extremely special moment to her personally. She recalls how the stadium full of fans gave them a great amount of support during their Olympic run and had sincere sportsmanship.
“When I was standing on the podium getting the medal, I took a huge deep breath in, [thinking] I’m gonna faint or pass out. This is something you watch on TV as a kid,
“I just want to get home and show my little brothers, and show my friends in Abbotsford that I grew up with, and thank the people that helped me get [here].”
and look at these athletes in awe, and then all of a sudden, I’m standing there. I have my girlfriend in the crowd, and there’s people watching back at home. All those things [were flashing] in my head; ‘it’s crazy that I’m here right now.’ Getting a medal sums up every single person and every experience that was part of the journey. Now it’s kind of like, what do I do with myself?”
Valenzuela is constantly pushing: her teammates, the pace of play, and for more opportunity. She doesn’t expect anything to be given to her — she wants to take it herself. Valenzuela knows that if she puts in the hard work, things will work themselves out the way they’re supposed to. If she grinds day in and day out, the right people will notice. It’s about being ready for when she gets called upon.
“Being an athlete is a mindset. You might not have the best skills, or you might not be the fastest, or the strongest on the team… but if you’re working the hardest, putting in the most effort, and you have integrity, work ethic, determination, resilience — all those really strong mental values — that’s what makes an athlete. Everyone can be athletic, but what makes a true athlete is who pushes themselves the hardest. Who’s working the hardest next to you on the field — who lifts up other people’s [craft]?”
Going from a non-invitee to camp — to Auxerre for training — then to Paris on the national team and ending up on the podium is quite a whirlwind. Valenzuela is a fighter, a scrapper. She made it impossible for Team Canada not to invite her to training, a testament to her effort level in practice and importance to her teammates. She scratched and clawed her way onto the roster for Paris as the extra player, and didn’t lose focus.
“The [2024 Olympic] roster was released, and unfortunately I wasn’t on it. I had to go through a quick mental process and just be upset, but put the team fi rst and to continue pushing [them to be in] the best place to compete. A week before the pre-Olympic camp in Auxerre, coach [Jack Hanratty] invited me in and said, ‘we need how hard you’re pushing at training to lift up the team [in France.]’ A week later he asked if I wanted to come to the Olympic village as a reserve. I said, ‘of course’ and kept the same mindset — keep pushing the team and fighting hard.”
The 2024 Olympics weren’t necessarily long on Valenzuela’s radar. In only her second year with the national program, Valenzuela was aware of the work she needed to do to become a more complete player. She had steps to take, and a short runway, so going to Paris was an unexpected surprise.
“Even when I [started at] Maple Leaf
Shalaya Valenzuela with the Cascades (Submitted by Shalaya Valenzuela), Photo Edited by Sherryl Agingu
“Valenzuela embraces her journey, and hopes that athletes growing up in Abbotsford, or going to UFV, feel like they can author their own historic stories.”
[Development Academy], I didn’t think the Olympics was a possibility. At that point the [2024] Olympics was in two years, and I’m just getting my foot in the door with the Academy, and I knew I had so much learning to do. I told myself I could do it for 2028, but 2024 is just a little bit too close. I was feeling like a bit of an underdog showing up to the training facility. [It’s] definitely my will that I’ve gotten here and at the end of the day, I’m really proud of myself for pushing through.”
UFV is where Valenzuela began her varsity rugby career and still holds a special place in her heart. Representing Abbotsford is something she had an enormous amount of respect for, and she hopes her story is a footnote in the story of UFV Rugby. B.C. is rapidly expanding in population, and Valenzuela believes that rugby deserves more funding in the Lower Mainland.
“Going into UFV, it was a smaller team [and]
it was very easy to find your place when you got there. I had a sense of pride because I’m from Abbotsford B.C., [and] that’s where the school is. I loved playing from home and representing Abbotsford when I played in varsity.”
Valenzuela hopes to serve as not a beacon of hope, but a reassuring voice to those involved with the Cascades currently. She wants them to think if she can do it, then they can too — she started in the same place as every other Cascade.
“I tried to help build [rugby] up. A couple of players that I played with [at UFV] Ashlynn [Smith] and Mackenzie Fowler; the three of us worked together to [try to] make a name for UFV. Ashlynn went on to play fifteens for Canada!”
It’s unlikely Valenzuela would have remained a Cascade for the duration of her career if the program had continued on. She wanted to push herself in a way that only a large scale
“I’m learning to embrace being Indigenous and what makes me, me.”
university can offer in the way of funding.
“Unfortunately, [in the last couple years] the UFV sevens program shut down. It’s pretty sad… I hope that they will be able to open that up [again] one day. I feel that they need to take more initiative in the Fraser Valley with how much talent is coming from rugby there, and hopefully get some funding to open up a rugby program [again].”
Children and youth getting the chance to play rugby, or sports in general in her home province, is something Valenzuela hopes to champion on throughout her career. She knows first hand how strong the competition is, and how aspiring top-level athletes would flourish if more had the chance to stay at home to play their sport.
“I remember feeling like — this is it! I didn’t know how much further I would go. I was so happy to represent UFV, that was where it all started.”
If you told Valenzuela during her time at UFV that she would have her own piece of Olympic hardware, she probably wouldn’t have believed you. It wasn’t due to her lack of ability, her confidence on the field, or her desire to compete with the best, though. Valenzuela is of Tseshaht First Nation descent, and had additional barriers to hurdle both mentally and physically on her Olympic conquest. Valenzuela embraces her journey, and hopes that athletes growing up in Abbotsford, or going to UFV, feel like they can author their own historic stories.
“I’m learning to embrace being Indigenous and what makes me, me. When I was younger, I knew I was Indigenous, but it wasn’t something that I was proud of. [There’s] a stigma around Indigenous youth, a feeling that [you] don’t fit in as much [or] like you don’t belong. There’s intergenerational trauma, and kids are affected by that. It’s tough to look outside [your] bubble and feel like [you] can pursue your dreams. My grandma was in a residential school, and that trickled down and affected my dad directly. He didn’t have the easiest life, and a single mom raised me. I was in foster care growing up for a couple years, and I feel like I really resonate with Indigenous youth.”
Her advice to those struggling with the same conflicts she faced growing up is to never try to be someone you’re not. Times might be tough, but letting things go, having a short memory, and truly feeling freedom in who you are is what has enabled Valenzuela to soar past the limits other people placed on her.
“Be proud. Take pride in who you are, and where you come from, and where you’re raised, and who you’re raised by. Every single person is in a different walk of life, but I feel like when you truly embrace who you are and where you come from, you stop letting others dictate what your limits are. There’s been comments made about my childhood, or how I grew up,
Shalaya Valenzuela playing for UFV Cascades (Photo courtesy of APShutter.com)
or where I came from, who my parents were — as a kid you really hold onto those things that people say about you — it’s very hard to look past.”
Valenzuela has removed anything that could be considered an excuse from her vocabulary. Listening to her speak, it seems undeniable that she would end up on the podium; she’s headstrong, prepared, and authentic. Her secret talent might be her processing speed. She gets dealt a blow, and immediately bounces back. Valenzuela wears Abbotsford on her sleeve, and her mentality was crafted and molded by the city she grew up in.
“I excelled in school [and] sports; it was all a mindset of, ‘I’m not gonna let these people tell me differently.’ It started off with a little bit of anger that lit a fi re underneath me. It [seemed as if] ‘these people don’t think I’m capable of being successful’ in high school. It just pissed
me off. I [wanted] to prove people wrong at that point, [but] it turned into taking ownership of who I am and where I came from, and telling my story.”
She doesn’t hold grudges; there’s no room for resentment in her life. There’s no hard feelings about anything that anyone has said earlier in her career. Valenzuela isn’t saving receipts. While it may have served as fuel in the early goings of varsity rugby, she has higher ambitions.
“I hope Indigenous youth hear that, and see the things I’ve gone through, and they realize it’s possible if you’re just willing to put in the work, and ‘don’t listen to the haters’, as they say.”
As for the village behind her, Valenzuela is quick to credit those who have given her direction throughout her career. From small gestures, to long lasting comradery, she doesn’t
“Be proud. Take pride in who you are, and where you come from, and where you’re raised, and who you’re raised by.”
forget those who have supported her all the way from the beginning. Valenzuela cherishes her roots within Abbotsford and is eager to get involved again with her home community.
“There’s so many people [who are] part of the journey. Al Borrows, he’s an OG high school coach that believed in me. Mr. Primrose from Yale secondary, supported me non-stop through club rugby [growing up]. I see him every time I go back to Abbotsford; I’ve helped run camps and practices with him [at Yale]. Darcy Patterson, she got me into more elite sevens. She did all my B.C. elite seven tournaments — she’s going to be coaching me at UBC, so it’s a full circle moment.”
The way Valenzuela pivots her focus only briefly in our conversation to the next summer Olympics was pointed and sharp. She knows she didn’t get to play in the gold medal game in Paris, but she also knows her best game is still ahead of her. What drives a silver medal athlete? It would keep her up at night years from now if she didn’t give herself the absolute best shot she had to be in the top 12 in 2028. She got a taste, and now she’s storming ahead, shifting her peripherals, and giving it every ounce of what she has to be a difference maker for Team Canada.
“I definitely have [four or five] more years of rugby left in me. If anything, I’m just getting started. It’s only my second year on the senior team and my body’s been good. I’ve been healthy mentally, able to handle the load, and you get used to it every year, being able to manage time and your body. I’m feeling fresh, and I’m ready to go for another four years.”
Making the next Olympic team, let alone winning another medal, isn’t going to be an easy task. Valenzuela knows that. She knows she might get knocked down on the way there. After her experience in Paris, though, she knows how much better she needs to get, and has a much larger training period than she had for the 2024 games.
“I hope to see myself at the 2028 Olympics in L.A. I was about to make a post before [being asked to Paris] because I wanted to touch base with friends and family. At the end of the post [I typed] something about how ‘it doesn’t end here; I’ll see you at the 2028 Olympics.’ I was about to post that, [when] my coach [said to me] ‘do you want to come to the [Paris] Olympics?’ So I never made the post.”
Valenzuela’s end goal is to graduate from UFV with a criminal justice degree, of which she’s completed two years. She wants to finish what she’s started, but needs to balance that with another process of ramping up her training schedule over the next four years. Valenzuela can sense these are about to be the prime years of her career, and honestly, would you bet against her?
Shalaya Valenzuela with her silver medal in Paris, France (Photo by Shalaya Valenzuela)
Sports Editor - Jeffrey Kennett
CanucksCampus: Garland & Joshua’s key role
Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua may not be the team’s leading scorers, but don’t overlook their value to the Canucks
JEFFREY KENNETT
The Vancouver Canucks are heading into the 2024-25 season with an overwhelming sense of optimism. The top of the Canucks’ roster is about as ideal as any; there’s a de facto number one defenceman in Captain Quinn Hughes; and two centres that tallied 102 points just two seasons ago in Elias Pettersson, and 103 points this past campaign in J.T. Miller. Excluding any Thatcher Demko or Arturs Silovs news — and looking only at Vancouver’s forward group — there’s a pair of forwards that will need to elevate their games for the Canucks to reach new heights: Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua.
The Canucks could have let Joshua walk away this past July in Free Agency (FA). The winger was coming off a career year 18 goal and 32 point season, and was ultimately retained by the club on a fouryear contract. Joshua earned the trust of Rick Tocchet and played a career high 14:23 per game last season, including a role on the penalty kill. Tocchet’s decision to deploy Joshua alongside Conor Garland on the team’s third line has paid major dividends, and was likely part of the Canucks’ incentive to retain him.
had 33 less CF than they had CA as per Natural Stat Trick. As the Canucks iced Miller’s line with Brock Boeser in a hard match against Conor McDavid’s top line for the Oilers, one of Vancouver’s next three trios needed to break through on the score-sheet. Pettersson was not at his finest in the playoffs, scoring only six points in 13 GP as a second line anchor. Combined with the diminished results of Garland and Joshua, there just wasn’t enough offense being created to get past the Oilers.
Q&A //
Cascade Q&A: Kiana Langston
Get to know your student athletes through our Cascades player profiles
CASSIE WILLIAMS
Kiana Langston is a forward for the women’s soccer team at UFV. Last season she scored four goals and one assist in 15 games, and was the Cascades’ 2024 Female Rookie of the Year. Special thanks to Kiana for speaking with us on her birthday!
What’s your post-game drive-thru order?
Tim Hortons grilled cheese; I do that a lot with tomato on it. That’s a staple. Do you have any fun memories from your recent team trip to Portland? We do this thing called rookie idol, where all of the rookies have to sing a song. We did ours in public and put a hat out for donations this year. Keanna Bentley and Kenzie Fitzgerald [were the winners]. Who is the most underrated player on your team?
Photo by Eduardo Rubi
of the year!
What was your tally?
As per Natural Stat Trick, in 552 minutes of Time On Ice (TOI) in over 63 Games Played (GP) the duo of Garland and Joshua registered 125 more Chances For (CF) than Chances Against (CA). The Canucks don’t need a roster full of hundred point players, they just need the lines without Pettersson or Miller to either tread water in their TOI by not giving up easy goals against, or, as Joshua and Garland have done so effectively, out-chance their opposition. Garland netted 20 goals for the second time in his career last season, and had the highest Expected-Goals (EG) rate of his career. In the playoffs, the pair were statistically slightly less productive, which could be what partially prevented the Canucks from advancing past Edmonton in the semi-finals. In 132:55 TOI over 13 GP in the playoffs, Garland and Joshua
The Canucks have seen themselves in similar positions to the one they’re in as 2024-25 approaches. The 2020 playoff bubble ended with Vancouver heading towards league-wide relevance for the first time in several years. After being eliminated in the Stanley Cup semi-finals (third round of the bubble including the play-in tournament) the Canucks let several culture carriers depart the roster in FA. Long-time players, and shepherds of the team’s next era; Christopher Tanev, Jacob Markström, Troy Stecher, and newcomer Tyler Toffoli, were all unretained after their roles in the reestablishment of the Canucks brand in the bubble. The next season’s COVID-19 safety regulations placed Vancouver in the North Division, and despite all their success in the bubble playoffs earlier that year, the team crumbled to a pitiful 23 win season.
50 win campaigns for the Canucks are few and far between. Before 2023-24 the last time the team won 50 games was backto-back in 2010-11 and 2011-12. Retaining as many pieces, and as much chemistry of the roster that put together such a successful season was essential for this version of the Canucks to continue climbing the mountain towards the Stanley Cup. Should the top of the roster perform to the peak of their abilities, Garland and Joshua will be expected to neutralize top talent, or as they showed they could do in the regular season, break games.
I think Kaitlyn Colmer, because she didn’t get a lot of chances to play last year, but I think she definitely should have been in [the] starting 11. Tell us two people who inspire you; one you know and one that you don’t. Probably my mom, she’s definitely had a big influence on my athletic life. And then one person that I don’t know… that’s a hard one…probably Pelé — he was a really good player. I watched his movie when I was really young, and it’s always stuck with me. So if I had the chance to meet him, I definitely would. Who has the deepest bag of tricks in practice?
Probably Jazzy [Jaspreet Deol]. We call her twinkle toes; she’s got amazing feet when it comes to dribbling. What does being a Cascade mean to you?
v
We talk with our strength coach a lot about that topic. I feel like I’m always representing. Even throughout the summer when I was playing for a completely different team, I was representing UFV. It’s a big part of my life. I don’t really have a life when I’m not portraying a Cascade. Best DJ on the team?
I have a very different taste of music than the rest of my team, so if it’s not me, I’ll give it to Kaitlyn. She’s often on aux. Do the Cascades have any rookie traditions?
We have rookie fines, which is a big part of our team. If you forget anything at the field, or you forget your shin pads at home or something, it’s a two dollar fine. If you do any of those things on game day, it’s four dollars. All the money gets added up and goes back toward the team at the end
In the 30s. I’m not very good when it comes to remembering things. When you’re a rookie [you have to do] all these things; like six of you have to lift up the entire net and move it halfway across the field. [I had] to be there early to pump [up] the balls and open the storage unit and stuff. It’s good [for us]. Then the rest of the seniors don’t have to carry anything. Who works the hardest in practice? Probably Eesha [Muldaliar]. She’s always given it her all, and Addie [Addison Chen] as well, our goalie. They always put in 110 per cent.
What does your tattoo mean?
It says endeavour to persevere. My great, great, great, great, uncle was Chief Dan George, and my family is native, and so that’s a big part of our family. He was in a movie [The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)], and that was one of his lines. What does the team like to do together on the road?
A lot of singing definitely; everyone really takes on the artists [that they choose]. Lately we’ve been going in vans when we travel [and] having conversations with our coaches that we would never have anywhere else — those are always interesting.
Who do you think is the best singer?
Jaidyn [Jackson], she’s a rookie. She did rookie idol this year, and she was actually really good.
What school does it feel the best to beat?
UVic. Often it’s a really close and super aggressive game, so I think that winning against them feels a little bit better than everyone else.
World Sports // Ten cutest moments of the Summer Olympics
Counting down the ten most heartwarming moments from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France
CASSIE WILLIAMS
The 2024 Paris Olympics have given us world records, awe inspiring moments, monumental firsts for some countries, and typical athletic excellence — as well as the most proposals at an Olympic games ever. What else could we expect from the City of Love? Let’s break down the moments we all actually care about.
10. High school sweethearts get engaged
Team USA’s Justin Best won his first gold medal in Men’s Four Rowing, then proposed to his girlfriend, Lainey Duncan, in front of the Eiffel Tower. The couple was surrounded by 2,738 yellow flowers to represent their seven and a half years of communicating via Snapchat every day. Best told People, “I got the gold and the girl, and she got the diamond.” He also admitted after proposing that he was “just as nervous as I was lining up for the start line.”
9. Letsile Tebogo’s 200m triumph
After winning gold in the Men’s 200m, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo dedicated his medal to his mother who passed three months prior. Following the race, Tebogo held his sneaker up to the cameras with his mother’s date of birth displayed. Tebogo told reporters, “It’s basically me carrying her through every stride that I take inside the field.”
8. We were on a break?
Mixed Doubles Tennis players Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic won gold in Challengers (2024) like fashion. The duo had reportedly been dating for four years before calling it off this July… right before the games… oof. However, the pair was committed to competing together and ended up at the top of the podium. Machac and Siniakova shared an incredibly passionate kiss following their win on the court, igniting overwhelming debate online concerning the couples’ current relationship status following their Hallmark-esque win. The entire internet has their hopes up that the intimate embrace will lead to a reunion.
7. Huang Yaqiong’s very good day Chinese badminton player Huang Yaqiong walked off the floor with more
acknowledged greatness, and each sank to their knees to praise the history-making gymnast. “Rebecca, she’s so amazing, she’s queen,” Biles said to reporters at the event. “It was an all-Black podium, so that was super exciting for us. But then Jordan was like, ‘Should we bow to her?’ I told her absolutely. So that’s why we did it.”
2. Zhou Yaqin discovers tradition
than just a gold medal for her country — she also got engaged. Her boyfriend, Liu Yuchen, surprised her with flowers before getting down on one knee to pop the big question. Surrounded by cheering fans, Yaqiong accepted and later wrote, “thanks for making my day” in a sweet Instagram post to her now fiancé.
6. Italian high jumper’s endearing apology
Gianmarco Tamberi, Italy’s opening ceremony flag bearer, lost his wedding ring in the Seine River and promptly wrote a heartfelt apology to his wife that could have been penned by Shakespeare. Tamberi spoke of how the ring “will remain forever in the riverbed of the city of love.” He wrote, “If I had to invent an excuse I would never have been this imaginative. I think there could be a huge poetic side behind yesterday’s misdeed and if you want we will throw yours into that river too so that they will be together forever.”
Unfortunately, Tamberi finished second to last in the High Jump finals, after a 10 hour battle with kidney stones and renal issues the morning of the competition. The Italian received a significant ovation from the Paris crowd, which hopefully made up for some of Tamberi’s bad luck at the games.
5. The Woodhalls long jump into our hearts
Team USA star Tara Davis-Woodhall won gold in the Women’s Long Jump final, and if there was a medal for cutest celebration, she would have won that too. The gold medallist proudly ran into her Paralympian husband Hunter Woodhall’s open arms for a victorious
embrace following her win as he cheered, “You’re the Olympic champion!” over and over. The power couple has viewers everywhere tearing up over their touching embrace.
4. Summer McIntosh: household name
Toronto native Summer McIntosh is 17-years-old, and has already competed in two Olympic games: Paris and Tokyo. McIntosh made a big splash this summer, receiving four medals overall, and becoming the first Canadian athlete to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games. Her mother, Jill McIntosh, a former Olympic swimmer herself, told Global News that “she [Summer] wanted to get her hand on the wall for Canada.” The McIntosh family celebrations were sweet enough to unite the country for at least a couple of weeks.
3. Game recognizes game
Rebecca Andrade received the gold medal in Artistic Gymnastics, becoming the “most decorated Brazilian in Olympic history.” Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles
Following her silver medal win on the balance beam, 18-year-old Zhou Yaqin gave us a glimpse of pure golden retriever energy on the podium. Italian compatriots Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito won gold and bronze, respectively, and used big sister peer pressure as Yaqin adorably followed suit, raising her own medal to her mouth. Competing at the Olympics must have been a nice vacation from running her family’s restaurant as well.
1. Who did it better: Mondo Duplantis or Ryan Gosling?
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis and Desiré Inglander have been taking over everyone’s “for you” feeds on social media lately. The record-breaking pole-vaulter had barely touched the mat before leaping up and dashing over to his girlfriend in the stands, faster than Noah Lyles in the 200m finals. Their embrace could have been a scene from the The Notebook (2004), if Noah was an Olympic athlete and Allie liked sitting in the rain.
The videos of the couple fit perfectly behind Taylor Swift’s “The Alchemy” that fans have been making edits of: “Where’s the trophy? He just comes runnin’ over to me.”
Gianmarco Tamberi waves an Italian flag as the Italian team parades along the Seine river in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024 (Photo by: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Gold medalists Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac of Team Czechia pose for a photo on the podium August 02, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Lifestyle
// A university student’s guide to managing money
Tips and tricks for tight-pocketed university students
PARUL BHOLA
University is expensive. Most students have limited income at this stage of their lives and, for many, it is their first time managing their own money. Budgeting is hard, but to help build a better relationship with money, here are a few tips and tricks to aid you on your money management journey.
The first step in creating a budget is understanding where your money is coming from, and where it’s going. Accountants call this an income statement. All the biggest businesses in the world have one, so why not you? It may sound intimidating, but it is actually very straightforward. All you need to do is take note of the money you have coming in, and the money you have going out.
Next, look at the sources of your income and expenses. Your income can include the jobs you work, any scholarships or grants, and family contributions
to your tuition. As for your expenses, this generally includes the “Big Five” — rent, tuition, transportation, groceries, and utilities (like phone, internet, electricity, and health insurance). You should also leave room for miscellaneous spending, like the Iced Capp at Tim’s, your friend’s upcoming birthday, and other occasional treats.
To figure out your average monthly income, analyze the past two months of your earnings and expenses. Mobile banking apps can make this step a lot easier, as they often have budget calculators. By looking at your past expenses, you will have an idea of how much you are spending monthly, which can help you plan for the future.
If you want a clearer picture of your expenses, organize them into short-term and long-term purchases. Short-term expenses are your regular monthly expenses, and long-term expenses are
investments like tuition fees or a car — expenses that you need to save up for over a longer period of time. With a budget, you will begin to understand how much of your income you are spending and how much you might be able to save, which will help you set up a timeline for longterm saving.
Another tip is to not spend more than you have. While credit cards are beneficial, many people get the illusion that they have more money than they actually do. You shouldn’t spend more than you have, regardless of your credit limit. The biggest financial trap for a university student is overspending and then having to pay back the debt. Keep your lifestyle below your income. And if your friends have bad money habits, don’t lend to them. Lending to someone who has a bad relationship with money is not helping them (or you) in any way.
Another useful tip as a fellow university
student is to wait for the first day of classes before buying textbooks. Semester reading can cost a pretty penny, so don’t buy them solely because they are listed on the course outline. Wait for the first day of classes, when the professors will inform you if buying the textbook is necessary for the class. And if they are required, try finding textbooks second hand, as they are a lot cheaper than when bought new. However, if the book has been listed merely as helpful reading material, you might be able to avoid buying it altogether. Cultivate a positive relationship with money by understanding your finances and their importance in your life. Meeting with a financial advisor can be a great way to do this. And most importantly, while being mindful with your money, don’t forget to enjoy life as you go about earning it. Your relationship with money is ever evolving; keep learning and growing with it as you go along.
Photo by Shannon Wright for NPR
Indigenous // Indigenization at UFV: in conversation with ISC and Keith Carlson
Who is responsible for creating equitable spaces? Surprise, it’s all of us
KIARA OKONKWO
The Cascade sat down with Tery Kozma, Chantel Watt, and Alexis Christie from UFV’s Indigenous Student Centre to talk about services, education, and beliefs. Keith Carlson, UFV history professor and Tier 1 Research Chair for Indigenous and Community-Engaged History, highlights his work with Stó:lō Nation and allyship on campus and in the Fraser Valley.
In September of 2005, UFV committed to “Indigenizing our Academy to strategically plan post-secondary education for Aboriginal communities in traditional Stó:lō territory.” Making strides over the years, such as implementing an Indigenous Studies Bachelor degree and certificate, and prioritizing the revitalization of the endangered Salishan language dialect of Halq’eméylem through certificates and diplomas. Indigenization and decolonization within institutions that were built in the ideals of traditional, Western education — like UFV — is no small feat. It requires dismantling a system of power not only with marginalized people in mind, but with the support and reflective involvement from those communities.
The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) offers continued post-secondary support for status and non-status First Nation, Inuit, or Métis students. Students eligible to receive their services, like the Elder Support program, are Indigenous to Turtle Island, meaning they are the “original inhabitants of the land that is now called Canada.” If you are not Indigenous, these services are not for you. This is an important thing to note, as mis-identifying yourself when going through UFV student intake takes time away from ISC staff that could otherwise be spent supporting Indigenous students.
I asked what indigenization means to Christie, the Indigenous student engagement & transition coordinator.
“Indigenization is the idea that we incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and pedagogy within every aspect of the institution. It’s not just having an ISC, but also having opportunities [for] Indigenous representation throughout the university, from classrooms to events, to when someone orders a cup of coffee — they see some sort of indigenization; it is embedd[ed].”
(Piqued by her statement, I looked for some coffee related evidence of indigenization at UFV… I was proud to find that our dining services do provide us with
Spirit Bear Coffee, a hyperlocal, fair trade Indigenous coffee company. I wish it were the same for Fair Grounds, but they source organic, fair trade coffee from Salt Spring Coffee).
The ISC roots its work in the truth that a vital process of indigenization lies in representation.
“At [the] Chilliwack [campus] Indigenous folks [make] up to 10 percent of the population. So, 10 percent of our faculty and employees [should be Indigenous]. [It’s about] adequate representation. When you walk into a meeting, you want to see Indigenous people sitting at the table. You want to see an Indigenous department, [and you] want to see Indigenous people running it.”
Carlson acknowledges that indigenization will look different in each department in education. It may be harder to implement decolonial learning in a physics class compared to history, but what matters is making Indigenous presence the norm, from the language we use to the practices we uphold — not just in the artwork on the walls. A simple example was to shift our language from “seniors” or “old people” to “elders,” a term that shows respect and creates a community.
“Right now, if you’re a professor from UFV and you retire, that’s basically, ‘bye, bye, see ya.’ Why aren’t we honouring our elders? If we have elders here who carry wisdom, lived experience — are we inviting those retired faculty back? Are we inviting those retired staff members back? [Those] who have that knowledge? Who built this place?” said Carlson.
The weight of educating settlers on Indigenous ways of knowing does not fall on the shoulders of Indigenous communities and knowledge keepers. In fact, as settlers, it is our responsibility to take action toward understanding our own positionality as it relates to our presence on campus, in the Fraser Valley, and as people living in Canada.
Christie, Kozma, and Watt all agreed that allyship begins with education: “Start learning Indigenous terminology — Turtle Island is North America. Indigenous means from the land.”
Carlson does not believe that sanitizing difficult course content builds educated individuals, but that being armed with proper terminology and theories is the way to personal empowerment.
“We need to have those difficult conversations. Deal with those difficult subjects, but in a way that is sensitive to people with intergenerational trauma, people
who are from racialized communities, people who are from genders that have been oppressed and overlooked. [That] anyone from a marginalized community, anyone who is Indigenous, has the support — intellectual, emotional, psychological, financial — to deal with all of those hard questions and all of that tough learning you need to succeed in the world today.”
And Carlson is doing just that, not only in his research with the Stó:lō people and in his classes at UFV, but through Xwelítem Siyáya: Allyship and Reconciliation Building with the Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC). The program is open to the community, with professional development spots saved for those working in close connection with Indigenous communities, like RCMP officers and BC Parks Conservation officers. The year-long program of about 100 participants creates an environment that is humble and equitable, exploring topics like “Indigenous resurgence, reconciliation, settler colonialism, [and] white privilege. [The program offers] a foundational knowledge to people so that they can build from that.”
Even the term “reconciliation” is a false start, as it is a colonial notion that also implies that there was a positive
relationship between Indigenous people and Canadian society — that a relationship that can be reconciled existed. Carlson explores the word.
“In the Christian world, if you sin, you break your connection to God and to your community. The only way for you to rebuild that connection, to reconcile, is to acknowledge your sin. Say that you’ve done wrong, do penance to make up for that sin, to compensate the person who’s been hurt, and then you will have reconciliation with the community and with God. The Fraser Valley is often referred to as the Bible Belt, right? So for people who come from that tradition, just embrace that term from your own Christian tradition.”
Embracing (re)conciliation as settlers means taking responsibility for the role we play in creating equitable spaces. It’s reading this article, listening to your peers (especially those from marginalized communities), and educating yourself. Luckily, here at UFV, there are no shortage of classes that explore, interrogate, and question settler colonialism — here’s a short list for next semester: HIST 103, ENGL 253, IPK 302, POSC 301, SOWK 320, BUS 400.
With the new season upon us, there is a shift from bright and fun hues to a darker, more muted colour pallet. Gone are the days of wearing white, lavender, and coral. Instead, an array of darker autumnal colours will take their place. Fall is here, in spite of the unusually hot September weather.
RUST ORANGE:
Is orange the new black this season? This burnt orange hue is reminiscent of fall leaves, pumpkin spice, and autumn itself. Consider wearing an orange sweatshirt with jeans, a black tee-shirt, and ankle boots for a casual look, or an orange sweater dress with tall boots and a black overcoat if you want to look more dressed up.
GREEN:
A flattering colour, green is another fall favourite taking the fashion world by storm. Try wearing a deep green sweater with dark jeans, black ankle boots, and a black coat for a casual fall look. For more of a statement, consider an olive green coat or dress paired with a simple outfit and accessories.
LIGHT PINK:
A surprising fall colour to be sure, but thanks to the highly successful popularity of the Greta Gerwig movie Barbie, a soft, light pink is one of the season’s most anticipated colours. Try pairing it as either an accent in a scarf with a dark grey or black outfit, or go full on pink and showcase your inner Barbie this fall in a sweat-suit, dress, or statement coat.
WINE:
Different shades of reds are popping up this fall, such as the popular rich wine colour. A blend between red and purple, wine looks great as a statement piece, like a coat, or as an accessory, like a scarf or bag. Consider pairing a wine coloured tee-shirt with a pair of indigo jeans and a cream sweater with black ankle boots for a nice everyday look. For a more
formal look, try a wine coloured dress with heels or a wine coloured tie with a dark suit.
DARK BROWN:
A rich, dark brown is a good neutral for this fall season and adds depth to any outfit, pairing well with black, denim, cream, and oatmeal. A dark brown boot is a good staple to have this season that is both versatile and functional. Looking for something cozy and casual? Try pairing brown ankle boots with jeans and a brown cable-knit sweater, or a brown teddy coat worn with an oatmeal sweater dress and tall brown boots.
GREY:
Light, medium, and dark grey are in style this fall and make for a versatile neutral to wear, complimenting many colours in your wardrobe. Style darker grey outerwear — such as a charcoal wool coat — with a black dress for night out evening wear. A light heather grey sweatshirt, light wash jeans, and sneakers can be great for everyday wear.
BLACK:
No matter the season, black will always be in style. Black is a universal classic, and is both slimming and flattering. Wear black jeans and a black turtleneck for a sleek head-to-toe look, or for more business casual, pair a black blazer with a white button-down shirt and jeans. If you are really adventurous, showcase your inner spy by pairing an outfit with a black faux leather moto jacket. There you have it, a compilation of some of the most popular autumnal colours out there! Take some time and reassess your closets — chances are you already own pieces in this colour pallet. Let the fall colours emerge as you go about your day on campus and beyond.
Column // The Cascade Kitchen: Double chocolate zucchini cake
ELYSSA ENGLISH
The Cascade Kitchen is a student-run food column that brings you budgetfriendly recipes and cooking tips. Check back weekly for something new to try in the kitchen, or if you want to see your own recipe featured next, get started by reaching out to culture@ufvcascade.ca.
I am drowning in zucchini! Once again, I find myself at that point of my gardening cycle when various squashes and zucchini plants are in their prime and manifesting a seemingly endless supply of produce at a rate impossible to keep up with. Friends and family — willingly or not — have been the recipients of much of the surplus, and still I am swimming in squash. Thankfully, this recipe uses a lot, and it tastes pretty darn good too.
Serves: 9
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 ½ cups of flour
* 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 2 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp nutmeg
* 3/4 cup butter, softened
* 1 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 ½ - 2 cups shredded zucchini
* Chocolate chips to your heart’s content
Optional:
If you’re looking for something with more of a savoury flavour and a bit of crunch, feel free to add your preferred kind of chopped nuts.
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 Celsius).
2. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg) until evenly combined; set aside for later.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the brown sugar and butter. Then add the egg, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, a half cup at a time, into the wet mixture, until all is combined.
5. Gently fold in shredded zucchini and chocolate chips (and nuts if desired).
6. Spread evenly into a greased 9x9 baking dish and sprinkle some chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake in the oven for 30-45 minutes or until a toothpick poked in the centre comes out clean.
Illustration by Natasha Zilkosky
RACHEL TAIT
Photo by Elyssa English
Movies // No flowers for It Ends With Us
How a powerful story lost impact on screen
CASSIE WILLIAMS
This article contains mentions of intimate partner violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, UFV has on and off campus resources for your support.
If I had to write five things I liked about It Ends With Us (2024), I’m afraid it would look the same as Lily’s list for her father’s eulogy.
Since I had already read the book, I’ll admit going into this movie I had some preconceived notions, mostly about the casting; I knew the characters weren’t going to be at all how I pictured them (not to mention the costume design). The media coverage also played a hand in colouring my view, yet, I went in trying to keep an open mind. I reminded myself that movies are severely rushed compared to their literary counterparts, but there were storylines missing here that I just couldn’t ignore.
As for the lead, Blake Lively… I always thought she seemed fun, and sure I was a bit jealous of her hair — and her husband — but do I think she was the right fit for this role? Absolutely not. When you are given an entire novel to base a character around, it becomes almost lazy not to embody and represent that character to the very best of your ability. I don’t believe Lively did Lily justice. She seemed out of touch with the character, especially because her co-stars, Justin Baldoni (who plays Ryle Kincaid) and Brandon Sklenar (playing Atlas Corrigan), did so well that the contrast, to me, was clear.
Baldoni truly embodied his character — the way he was able to completely change his demeanour gave me chills, and there were several times I let out audible gasps. There was an anxious weight that Baldoni expertly carried after the initial incident of abuse, one that didn’t leave until the end. The overall feeling brought a tension into the theatre that was palpable; people had their hands covering their mouths, with others sinking deeper into their chairs; not one word was spoken throughout the entire film.
Spoilers ahead
One of my biggest beefs was with the portrayal of Atlas Corrigan, Lily’s childhood love that reappears in her life, who felt more like a side character. For such a significant piece of the plot, he was barely in the film. Sklenar portrayed strong emotion in his limited screen time and I wish he had been more present throughout.
I do appreciate a good foreshadowing moment, and the early signs of aggression Ryle showed when he spoke to Lily
(the way he grabbed a cup out of her hand!) gave me just that. Not to mention “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” by Cigarettes After Sex playing over the montage of Lily and Ryle’s falling in love — a perfect, yet tragic, paradox.
One thing they got wrong with Ryle, apart from him already being an unreasonably attractive neurosurgeon (unbelievable), was that he is portrayed as a man who is charismatic and caring. The novel had shown an intensifying pattern of violence from him; gaslighting Lily and becoming racked with jealousy.
I understand if they decided to tone it down for the viewers’ sake, however the book has indefensible violence toward Lily, whereas in the movie, each of the incidents did not come across as obvious acts of violence (which they undoubtedly were) until the end.
The movie itself, I believe, portrayed an inaccurate representation of what it means to be in a circumstance such as this one. From Ryle abruptly disappearing after Lily leaves, to Lily’s character lacking any depth, it depicted a situation that was too simple to break free from.
Executive Director of Women’s Shelters Canada, Anuradha Dugal, said that the “movie’s story skips over difficult aspects of leaving an abusive relationship.”
Subsequently, the abuse is part of the romance, begging the question if this further romanticizes domestic violence. It was hard to tell that this was even a movie about domestic violence from the initial trailer and the PR. The clips showcased a lovey-dovey couple washed in warm light with snippets of flirting and kissing, and only minor instances of Ryle lashing out or Lily looking at her bruises. A
similar situation occurred with the movie 365 Days (2020), a film that essentially romanticized kidnapping, which led to a stream of young people online posting about abuse and kidnap fantasies.
This could have, and should have, been a shift in how we promote movies and educate younger, vulnerable audiences — to educate them on the early signs of abusive relationships and more importantly, offer tools on how to get out.
In Canada alone, “44 per cent of women and girls — that’s almost half — report violence at the hands of a partner in their lifetime.” These are the statistics we should be focusing on rather than making light of serious matters.
The contrast of Lively and Baldoni speaking about the film to the press is disconcerting; there seemed to be two separate agendas. Baldoni really shows
his care for the movie, and more importantly its message. In an interview, Baldoni said the one thing he wants people to take away from the film is hope and that “everybody has the ability to end a cycle that they didn’t ask for.” He’s done right by promoting awareness and support for domestic violence victims, whereas Lively comes across as a bit ignorant — like she hasn’t even read the book— using promotional time to plug her new haircare line, answering serious questions with jokes, and telling fans to “grab your friends, wear your florals, and head out to see it!”
The message of this film is important — ending the cycle of violence. It Ends With Us had the potential to be powerful, and even with over two hours of time and a ready-made plot, the film still managed to fall short.
It’s counterintuitive I know, but if you just stopped trying to control everything, it would all fall into place. Sometimes accepting that people, places, and things are out of our control can help us live in the world as it is — in harmony, and not as we want it to be, trying to bend it all to our will. After all, you don’t want to be controlled by anyone; you’re not unique in that.
Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20
A prosperous opportunity knocks at your door this month. Maybe even more than one. Things are looking good, and you should enjoy it. The cards only caution that you not be reckless with this newfound prosperity, lest you be taken advantage of.
Gemini - May 21 to Jun. 20
It’s time to come clean and change the way you’ve been doing things. Talking the talk but not being able to deliver on the walk is only hindering your ambitions. True accomplishment is not the matter of momentary grand gestures, it’s small wins over a long, consistent duration. You can do this — don’t let self doubt trick you into taking sabotaging shortcuts.
Cancer - Jun. 21 to Jul. 22
Oh hun, stop. You need to pause, rest, and please — for your sake — ask for help. Don’t let asking for help destroy your confidence. Delegating is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of power. After all, that is why royals of old had advisors. Rule your life with confidence and with the help of those you trust.
Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22
Wooden frame used to support climbing plants Beans ____ and squash make up a Three Lentils and peanuts are a part of this plant family Recycling plant material to fertilize a garden
You see yourself as king of the jungle. Unfortunately, this month you will learn that pride can distort how we see things, conflating a lion with a house cat. Your pride will be broken, but it’s not all bad. Have you heard of growing pains? This is a necessary pain one must endure to grow, and grow you will. Who knows, you might even grow to the size of a lion.
Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You are strong, and most won’t see the battles you carry inside. But there is a difference between strength and toughness. The stronger a metal is, the more brittle it may be, and therefore the greater the chance of it breaking under stress. You are approaching a burnout, and this armour you carry from past battles is now weighing you down. You’re no longer on a battlefield; you’re trying to swim in the river of life. Don’t let what once protected you drown you.
To trim parts of a plant for healthy growth 7. Vibrant yellow flower with edible seeds Fragrant flowering herb said to repel insect 9. Small shovel used in gardening pests 10. Delicious tubers from the nightshade plant family
Sudoku //
Libra - Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
This month is one of freedom, truth, and moving on. It’s a reset. A great time to start a new routine, a new project, or just go back to a system that worked for you. You are going to reclaim control this month. Stay motivated, be true to yourself, and go accomplish what we all know you are capable of.
Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
Like the leaves in the fall, you feel yourself floating aimlessly through the winds of life, only to end up on cold, wet cement or clogging a drain somewhere. This melancholy might be poetic, but it’s also dramatic. Your problem is not a lack of purpose, it is a fear of change. Things could be better, but they could be worse too — better float where you are. Wrong! Shed your fear and soar. You’re not a leaf, you’re a bird. Now fly.
Sometimes you must sacrifice something for success. Sometimes what needs to be sacrificed is change. This month is the time to keep things as they are. It might seem like you’re sacrificing a new opportunity, but in the long run, this will bring you more success in your endeavours.
Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
You feel like this is not where you should be right now. You compare yourself to others, or think of what you could have done differently. You feel behind, lost, and sometimes like a failure in comparison to others. But I’ll share a secret with you … Everyone feels this way. Those you admire had different stages in their journey, but I guarantee they too felt like they weren’t where they were meant to be. Trust the process. Stop thinking about the next step and just walk. It’s okay.
Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
Something happened recently, or will happen soon, that will make you want to give up. You’re going to fail or have failed, but failure is a part of life. Don’t let it stop you from reaching out and trying again, or even trying something new. Sometimes giving up on what we want leaves room for what we never imagined to shine through.
Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
How’s that pity party going? Let me guess … attendance of one? How about switching it up this month? There are people who love you who are just waiting for you to be done. Up to you, really, but if you’re going to be at a party, why not make it a fun one?
The sensitivity of the writer’s world
How social media and consumerism have changed a writer’s responsibility
SAMANTHA PENNER
In an era of banned books, BookTok, and the constant questioning of whether authors should sanitize their work, writers are left with a huge responsibility: to create, to inform, to produce, and to evoke, among anything else they can muster. But what are the parameters of that responsibility? There’s no rule book to authorship, and if there was, the literary minds wouldn’t listen to it anyways. That’s the beauty of writing, and maybe the burden.
I, a humble English student, believe we are all literary beings. We consume and create literature whether we like it or not — an Instagram caption, a long winded text to your best friend — we all do it. We watch movies and listen to music (which was once just a writer’s dream brought to life), we doomscroll BookTok reviews, we take to Goodreads before buying the novel, and have most likely skimmed a textbook or two. We consume literature in one way or another; it is embedded in our daily lives with such ease that it is easy to ignore the true complexities of it all. We glaze over the purpose and responsibility the writer holds for the consumer to interpret and digest.
The writer works to provide for the consumer, whether it be news, romance, theories, or fantastical escapism. But these roles are sensitive in the fact that they are produced to speak to a sea of people ready to consume.
Banning books suppresses literary ideas and knowledge. A Bookish Brews article, titled “Book Bans: A Threat to Cultural Literacy,” acknowledges and discusses the significance of book bans and what they mean in our society. “Banning and challenging subjectively dangerous books suppresses cultural education and hinders young readers’ ability to develop their own free ideas.” Author Mikada Green emphasizes the importance of exposure to opposing views, which “is necessary to form well-rounded beliefs.” The article further explains that the initiative to ban certain books is typically politically motivated with conservative views as guiding voices in this initiative. The article counters the conservative voice by prompting that “protecting books with opposing views that are not hateful or obscene does not mean we endorse those ideas; we are giving all young minds a chance to find their truth.” It’s the writer’s responsibility
to counter these voices, to prompt further and thoughtful discussion, as we are now in a new age of media. The writer must care
Media alters our perception of the writer. Megan Eesley wrote an article for The Seahawk titled “Literature in a digital age and the effect of social media” which thoughtfully analyzes how we interpret literature in this digital age. Eesley discusses the complexities of media and its influence on authors. Social media, like Instagram and TikTok, influence the consumers to buy as it promotes the product. However, the media has made this process very difficult because of the randomization algorithms. It can be completely out of your control whether your voice is heard or not through social media platforms. Algorithms push the titles and authors to consumers, which can either work in favour of or against the writer. Publishers now consider popularity on social media platforms before taking on a project. Writers are now being weighed by their performance on social media as an added factor that needs to be considered before publishing. Social media can be a great form of marketing and building a platform as a young writer, but it can also be completely unpredictable.
As a brand new writer myself, it is scary, but the work the literary community does is so powerful. In the realm of book bans and social media there is a ton of unknown, but a lot of freedom to express and create as well. So, my advice is to be thoughtful and careful when producing as well as consuming. Read banned books, support local authors, mindfully boost BookTok creators, and maybe write for that student paper! Literature can be its own form of humanistic magic. Cheers to consuming!
CHARTS SHUFFLE
CIVL’s Aaron Levy welcomes you back to school with some loosely themed institutional education songs to rock and rap out to until the next issue!
Deftones - “Back to School” Subtitled “Mini Maggit,” for reasons I don’t understand, part of the “Maggit” pairing on this, their cornerstone full length, is as anthemic as any of “Linkin Bizkit” etc’s rap-rock crossover era. “Stop that, quit, all that, quit / who ruined it? You did! Now grab a notebook and a pen.”
The White Stripes - “We’re Going To Be Friends” A sweet lil ditty about a school teacher and her pupils. I’ve always been curious about what I’ve interpreted as the questionable nature of the implication that the teacher embarrasses the singer over how he “sounds funny” — but it could all be friendly teasing among close classmates and an instructor.
dead prez - “They Schools” “I went to school with some redneck crackers / right around the time 3rd Bass dropped the Cactus Album / but I was reading Malcolm / I changed my name in ‘89, cleaning parts of my brain / like a baby nine / I took they history class serious…” This storytelling around politics is sublime.
Haviah Mighty - “Thirteen” Previously shuffled, and perhaps not the only such track on this list, no year of learning post2020 summer can be complete without the earnest, painful, and honestly compiled history of black families in North America over the past several hundred years, and Haviah is mighty with the pen on this topic.
01. ROOTS ROUND UP Up Rooted
02. KROY Militia
03. CARA BATEMAN STREET RAT SUMMER EP
04. Patrik Kabongo NOW YOU KNOW
05. DONOVAN WOODS Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now
06. HIATUS KAIYOTE Love Heart Cheat Code
07. COURRIERS Hell Has Beautiful Sights
08. LUELLA Summer Bummer
09. MAGDALENA BAY Imaginal Disk
10. CLAIRO Charm
11. COLA The Gloss
12. THE ANTI-QUEENS Disenchanted
CHROMEO Adult Contemporary
HOMESHAKE Horsie 15. BEGONIA Open Swim EP 16. POST-MODERN CONNECTION A Welcome Change EP 17. MAGGIE ANDREW DAY JOB 18. HILLSBORO White Trash EP
19. GOOD KID
Good Kid 4 EP
20. WYATT C. LOUIS Chandler
Illustration by May Beeney
Video Games // Wildmender: a review
Help the environment in and out of gameplay
LIAM SHEFFIELD
Ever wanted to help reforest a world? Wildmender is a survival game where you live in a barren desert with nothing but sand and ruins around you. The goal: to help rebuild the region by growing your own oasis. This game is part farming sim, but with added mystery and lore, which I personally love. You wander about the world as an almost child-like character, gathering seeds from different biomes and replanting them in any way you want. By having to dig waterways, plant a plethora of seeds, and build structures, your and my oases will look vastly different. Have I mentioned the magic yet? Any game with a magic system is instantly more appealing to me, and in Wildmender, you have to learn and grow your magic by conversing with gods and calming ancient spirits. This also acts as a skill tree, where you can progress however you want to. Whether you want to sing to your plants to help them grow or create magical springs of water to expand your reach, progress is progress. I know magic
isn’t realistic in our world, but taking care of plants in any form is a good life skill. Also, singing, even without infusing your song with magic, has been known to help plant growth, so let yourself go and serenade some greenery.
Not as much of a green thumb? Well, the world, though a desert, is full of things to explore, chests to open, materials to dig, and lore to uncover. Not to mention the odd sandstorm that just wants to have a little fun. There’s even combat, as you fight back corrupted spirits who are looking to control the desert for themselves.
I’ve just started playing through the game for a second time and I’m having just as much fun as the first time around, but this time with a friend. Our base looks completely different from my previous one and we have just barely started. Each time we play, I’m always sad to have to put it down because there is always something more that I want to do.
One of the best parts of the game, in my opinion, is that the developers, Muse Games and Kwalee Gaming, partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to try and help raise awareness for the non-profit.
The game fits really well with the ideals of the organization, whose mission is to build “a world where people and nature thrive in harmony,” making them good partners. An addition to the endorsement comes in the form of an adorable frog hat in the game.
Overall, the gameplay is not the most complex, but the simplicity helps with its accessibility to a larger audience of players. The progression through the game is expansive and satisfying, especially as you move through the map. The graphics, while not groundbreaking per se, have
a very soft style which fits the generally relaxing gameplay. Even after hours of playing, I still appreciate the running and sliding animations of the gardener. There is a lack of voice acting, but it doesn’t harm the experience as there is not much dialogue. Plus, coming up with your own voices can be really fun.
I think that the experience of helping to regrow a portion of land is very important for people right now. Learning how to protect the environment, even through a game, is a cool thing to learn.
Kalie Holford, a UFV student, recently released her debut novel The Last Love Song through Blackstone Publishing. The book has been praised as the “queer Mamma Mia! (2008)” for a new generation, creating a coming of age story surrounded by music.
We follow our main character Mia through her journey of discovering who her deceased rock star of a mother was, in a town that is dedicated to her. Despite her mother’s esteem, no one seems to be open to talking about the great Tori Rose with Mia. It isn’t until Mia receives her graduation present — a scavenger hunt left by her mom — that she begins to understand who her mother was. Mia follows clues, all linked to lyrics of her mother’s songs, to find pages of a lost journal. She doesn’t have long to piece together the clues before her best friend and crush, Britt, goes on her own musical journey, touring her way to Nashville; a tour which Mia is being pressured to come along on.
The novel spins off the classic Mamma Mia! plot by having the mystery be Mia’s mother, and Mia’s lost connection to her. Which, in theory, is a great take — if she
Television //
Kalie Holford
wasn’t also estranged from her father. Throughout the novel there are sporadic mentions of who her father could be. In the end, the reveal felt rushed, holding little to no weight for the story. As a reader, I was not emotionally attached to who her father is. In fact, that’s a main problem throughout the book: there’s little room for emotional attachment to a majority of the characters, especially Mia. This is mainly because the situation doesn’t feel realistic and neither do the characters. The reader isn’t given enough time to relate to characters or get to know them.
A great aspect of the book was the subtle, yet realistic 2SLGBTQIA+ representation. Mia herself being openly bisexual and shown to have been in relationships with both genders all felt very realistic. She is also raised by her two grandmothers who struggled with not being legally married for a large part of their relationship. As well, Britt has a non-binary identifying parent, who isn’t a large part of the story, but is still there.
The middle of the book becomes repetitive to the point where the start of each chapter feels like Groundhog Day (1993) with the opening page stating the same
things we already know. This repetition bogs down the second act, making it a slow read, even though the entire story takes place in the span of a week: a week in which Mia decides to not decide and becomes a very passive character.
However, the story is revived through lost journal entries from Mia’s mother; they were definitely the best parts of the book. The story of Tori Rose feels fresher and more vibrant when compared to Mia’s story. Where Mia is a passive character, Tori is active, her plot moving along at a steady pace. A part of me wished the entire book was from the perspective of Tori. Unfortunately, her narrative was wrapped up far too quickly to give room for Mia’s story, which I think was an injustice to Tori.
The stakes don’t feel incredibly high for Mia throughout the novel. Why does Mia have to decide on big decisions, like whether or not to pursue music right now? What exactly is it that’s stopping her from joining Britt and “The Lost Girls” on tour later in the summer? And looking past just this one summer, what is the rush for Mia to find herself? Perhaps these complications would have felt make or break if Mia was older and felt more stuck in her life,
The Umbrella Academy: A final flop
Streaming strikes again with the ruin of shows once loved
AKASHBEER SANDHU
Despite having the worst possible ending, The Umbrella Academy (2019) will be remembered fondly in a decade or two for its fun characters and attempt to show life after a superhero’s golden years are past. Immediately after the fourth (and final) season, dropped on Netflix, fans took to the internet to share their frustrations. Some even wished that the show had been cancelled instead! At first, I disregarded the angry fans. I thought they were mad only because the show didn’t cater to what they wanted — until I watched it for myself. Although the quality of season three was inferior to the ones before it, the fourth was far worse.
Spoilers ahead…
All seasons of the show follow a basic formula. The seven dysfunctional, super-powered Hargreeves siblings discover that the world will end, and they try their best to stop it. In their attempts, they discover just how difficult it is to work as a team. They are weighed down by personal baggage, which usually has something to do with their father, who
didn’t even care to name them. Despite this, watching the siblings fight each other and everyone else to save the world was satisfying every time.
The final season tries to follow the same pattern but ends up taking too long to set it up and ends too quickly. This season, the internal conflicts of the siblings, which made the show so captivating, have become boring and feel like filler.
The superpowers that the show utilized to tell a personal story ended up feeling like accessories forgotten until the plot demands them.
Dr. Jene and Dr. Gene, the primary antagonists of the fourth season, have potential. They are not competent assassins, but charming professors who use their wits to realize that something is wrong with their world, starting a murderous organization to fix it (played by the real-life acting legends Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman). But just when the audience starts to really understand the rivals of the story, the credits roll.
The show made quirkiness make sense; from two time-travelling assassins killing everyone in over-the-top animal masks, a
pre-teen girl doing gymnastics while her adoptive mother shoots a machine gun in her direction, or a hallucinogen-induced dance battle. The Umbrella Academy executed concepts without alienating their audience, but these actually get you invested. A lot of writers come up with fun ideas, but when it comes down to translating it to the screen, it falls flat and all that’s left is wasted potential. Something this show almost seemed to have mastery over until recently.
A big reason for this is Netflix’s tendency to pump out new media, tossing out shows viewers have become invested in. Inside Job (2021), Warrior Nun (2020), and I Am Not Okay With This (2020) are some of the best cases of shows with a strong fan base that were cancelled after one or two seasons. All preceding seasons of The Umbrella Academy consisted of 10 episodes. Yet the final season had only a measly six, and ultimately, cutting it down hurt the season. Which is still not a good enough excuse for the sloppy mess that was the final season of a beloved show. The one good thing about the final season was the acting. Everyone brought
rather than when she’s just graduating high school. Mia’s character has so much potential, and the story could have leaned more heavily on exploring the pressure she felt and the internal turmoil.
The narrative push — that you have to figure out what you’re going to do with your life as soon as you get out of high school — feels counterintuitive to Mia’s internal journey and the novel’s target audience of young adults. I’m not sure where all this internal pressure came from for Mia; it’s only ever hinted at, but never shown throughout the book. Even her mother’s journey appeared more direct, but far less pressured.
One of Holford’s strengths lies in writing emotionally charged scenes, like when Mia finds her mother’s missing guitar, or when Mia and Britt fight. The reader can feel the toll that is not knowing someone who you are biologically entwined with — a person you feel like you should inherently know.
We can only hope to see more from Holford. If you want to read The Last Love Song for yourself, it’s available at Indigo and on Amazon. And, if you’re an aspiring author, take the leap and write that book — whether or not it gets published.
out their best, and if you turn your brain off and squint your eyes hard enough, you can almost be moved by it. Tom Hopper as Luthor and Ritu Arya as Lila are the ones that deserve a shout-out. Luthor goes from being the punching bag and pathetically funny to just funny — he had very little respect as a leader, often ignored or mocked, and no appreciation as the only one who holds them all together, until now. Lila, on the other hand, takes on a much more serious tone; getting a giant family after the death of her old one, she is terrified for their safety and loses her identity in the process. Her struggles with morality and what her loved ones want her to do tears her apart and it is shown so beautifully on her face.
Now that The Umbrella Academy has concluded — and no matter how much we wish it was different — we can group it in with the likes of Game of Thrones (2011), Gossip Girl (2007), and How I Met Your Mother (2005) as some of the worst endings anyone could write. Even though the actors tried their hardest to make the best of what they had, there is only so much you can do with lazy writing.
EVENTS CALENDAR
09:00AM-04:30PM DAY ONE: Welcome to Campus @UFV Abbotsford Campus
12:00PM-01:30 PM Language and Territory
2:00PM-05:30PM The SUB Social@UFV Student Union Society, King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
06:30PM-10:00PM “Backyard Flix: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle!@UFV Abbotsford Campus
06:00PM-08:00PM Trivia Night at Old Yale Brewing@Old Yale Brewing 33738 Laurel St
04:00PM-07:00PM South Asian Folk Music Evening@Abbotsford Campus Building K Patio (K150)
02:00PM-06:00PM KICKBACK 004: The Daydream@UFV Student Union Society, King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
01:00PM-04:00:PM Community Arts and Space: Open Studio@The Reach Gallery Museum, 32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 0B3
02:15PM-04:15PM Orange Shirt Beading with Rebekah Brackett@Abbotsford Recreation Centre, 2499 McMillan Road, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 1C4
12:00PM-01:00PM Indigenous history, and the history of settler colonialism@UFV Abbotsford Campus, Room A203B
12:00PM-01:00PM Bhangra Workshop with Rooh Punjab Dee@ Building S, 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
08:00PM Paula Abdul STRAIGHT UP! TO CANADA TOUR@ Abbotsford Centre 33800 King Road
10:00AM-03:00PM The Mango Market Pet Appreciation Day@Gateway Community Church, 2884 Gladys Ave, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 3Y2
11:45AM-02:15PM Luminous Waters@Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
