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
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
Varsity Writer Micah Della Foresta micah@ufvcascade.ca
Columnist Sean Horn sean@ufvcascade.ca
Columnist Faby Cruz Alderete faby@ufvcascade.ca
Distributor Kirat Dhami kirat@ufvcascade.ca
Editorial // Your voice matters
Democratic participation and other engagements
KIARA OKONKWO
As I’ve taken over the management of The Cascade’s social media, I’ve had to think a lot about engagement and different forms of participation. As a publication, it’s important that we align ourselves with the voices of our readership, but it’s pushed me to think about engagement and participation on a personal level, as well.
Our provincial election voting closed last week, and at the time of writing, our province sits on the “knife’s edge” between two opposing parties. Democratic participation is not something we should take for granted; as the left vs. right polarities continue to stretch, voting is the means through which we can have our say.
This election’s top concerns are pivotal. How the next premier moves forward with crises in healthcare, homelessness, mental health, and housing shapes our immediate future — but maybe you don’t feel like your ballot makes a difference. If that’s the case, I encourage you to focus your efforts onto your communities. Whether on campus, online, or in your close circles, there are opportunities to be involved with what matters to you.
This issue opens with a recount of Wellness Week on p. 6, where local organizations, including SARA for Women and Purple Lights Nights, came together
to spread awareness, knowledge, and resources for community support.
Creep on to p. 9, where we explore the cultural decline of trick-or-treating. What is causing the younger generation to hang up their candy bags? In UFV Speaks on p. 19, we asked six students whether they’d don a costume on campus.
Cascades Hall of Famer Jamie Vaughan is interviewed on p. 15. Vaughan’s time on the Cascades men’s basketball team is a testament to the value of homegrown athletes who choose to play locally.
Notably, our featured article, beginning on p. 10, comes from UFV alumni Camille Candia, whose photo essay dials into the ongoing displacement of unhoused persons in Abbotsford — specifically, the unfortunate mismanagement of the peaceful encampment at the City of Abbotsford’s event for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
While reading this issue, I urge you to reflect on the ways you can be more engaged — politically aligned or not, your participation in our democratic process and community initiatives does make a difference. If you don’t know how to start, begin by following us on Instagram, @thecascadeufv.
Welcome!
INSTAGRAM.COM THECASCADEUFV TIKTOK CASCADE_FY Volume 32 · Issue 10 Room S2111 33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 604.854.4529
The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. This means that The Cascade is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting. It also acts as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, and is overseen by The Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority. The Cascade is published every other Wednesday with a print circulation of 800 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities.
The Cascade is open to written, photo, and design work from all students; these can come in the form of a pitch to an editor, or an assignment from an editor. Pitch meetings will be digital for the remainder of the semester. Please email managing@ufvcascade.ca to be put on the assignment email list.
In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief, copy editor, and corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. The Cascade will not print any articles that contain racist, sexist, homophobic, or libellous content. Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 200 words. As The Cascade is an autonomous student publication, opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of UFV, The Cascade’s staff and collective, or associated members.
The Cascade is published on the traditional, unceded territory of the Stó:lō peoples. We are grateful to be able to work and learn on this beautiful land.
New challenges for future international students in Canada
Caps on work hours and new post graduate work permit requirements for international students
AKASHBEER SANDHU
In 2022, Canada faced around one million job vacancies. To tackle this, the Canadian government planned to invite 1.45 million immigrants to Canada by 2025. International students were quoted as being the “ideal immigrants,” even though they lacked support in food security, affordable accommodation, and faced racism and discrimination. Additionally, being new to the country made them incapable of producing references and a credit score, making them common victims of scams. All these factors, combined with the new policies that the Canadian government has created, makes it more challenging for international students wishing to study in Canada.
In 2024, there are growing concerns among Canadian citizens regarding the increase in the cost-of-living and many people blame both private colleges and international students. Due to this perspective, about 64 per cent of Canadians said that they would like to see less immigration.
On Jan. 22, 2024, Marc Miller, minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, stated that the government was aware that some institutions had upped the number of international student intakes to increase their revenue. Miller also stated that international students had no real support
system to help them thrive in Canada. So, to protect both the system and international students — from institutions who’d turn immigration into a business and exploit vulnerable individuals for profit — they planned to reduce the number of international students and immigrants allowed into Canada as a whole.
Previously, on Oct. 7, 2022, Sean Fraser, former minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, declared that the limit to how many hours students can work off-campus would be lifted from 20 to a maximum of 40 to tackle labour shortages at that time. This change was only set to be in place until the end of 2022, but it remained until Apr. 31, 2024. The new intended changes were subsequently announced, which would allow international students to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week, a change that is supposed to take place sometime “this fall.” As it stands, international students are only permitted to work 20 hours per week.
The Government of Canada website states that international students who work more than the legally permitted hours are at risk of losing their student status “and may not be approved for a study or work permit in the future.”
On Dec. 7, 2023, the Government of Canada revised financial requirements for international students. Originally, an
applicant must have $10,000 in savings to successfully study in Canada. The revised requirements are a response to the increased cost-of-living in Canada, requiring applicants to show a total savings of $20,635, “in addition to first year of tuition and travel costs.” The increase in required funds is the “the first of its kind since the early 2000s.”
On Sept. 18, 2024, the Canadian government issued a news release expressing several changes for future international students, current students seeking a postgraduate work permit (PGWP), asylum seekers, and others. The government sets out to accomplish this by “reforming the International Student Program, tightening eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers, enforcing employer compliance more strictly, and making labour market impact assessments more rigorous to mitigate fraud and more.” The aims of these changes are to “manage the volume of temporary resident arrivals, uphold the integrity of our immigration system and protect vulnerable people.”
One strategy taken to strengthen the temporary resident program is to make language tests essential when applying for a PGWP. Anyone who wants to stay in Canada after their program is finished must be adequate in either English or French. The individual must pass a level 7 Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
for university graduates and level 5 CLB for college graduates, or its French equivalent, Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
The new requirements state that international students who apply for a PGWP after Nov. 1, 2024, will be approved only if they “graduate from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage.” Fields of study that correspond to occupations in long-term shortage are “divided into five broad categories: agriculture and agri-food; healthcare; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); trade; and transport.” The field of study requirements do not affect students who applied for a PGWP before Nov. 1, 2024, but those who applied before that date will need to meet the new CLB or NCLC language requirements.
As November closes in, it remains to be seen how these new requirements and added challenges will affect international students in the long-term. It can only be hoped that it stays true to when Marc Miller said, “International students are vital to Canada and enrich our communities. As such, we have an obligation to ensure that they have access to the resources they need for an enriching academic experience.”
University of the Fraser Valley, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
NEWS BRIEFS
FANS MOURN DEATH OF LIAM PAYNE
Liam Payne, 31, pop star and member of One Direction, was found dead after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Oct. 16.
The One Direction Instagram page, which had been inactive since July 2020, posted a joint statement following the loss of the former band member. Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik all shared personal condolences, remembering Payne’s energy and kindness.
Two weeks before his death, Payne attended Niall Horan’s stadium concert in Argentina. Payne’s presence at the concert evoked mass criticism online for “displaying so-called attention-seeking behavior.” Online criticism of Payne in recent years has been commonplace; the star received backlash after statements made on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast and had been scrutinized following the release of a novel, categorized as a roman à clef, by his ex-fiancée, Maya Henry. Days before his death, Henry had issued a cease and desist order against Payne. Fans who grew up with their youth marked by One Direction have reclaimed their online fan accounts in mourning. The resurgence of “Directioners” is telling of the lasting impact the band has on the hearts and minds of fans. Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear Grey.
B.C. PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS
B.C’s 2024 Provincial General Election took place on Oct. 19. Residents were given the opportunity to vote earlier at different designated areas, including the Student Union Building’s Evered Hall on Oct. 15 and 16 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This year, there were noticeably no candidates from BC United, formerly the B.C. Liberal party. Kevin Falcon, the leader of the party, decided not to run this year.
This year’s Abbotsford South nominees were Bruce Banman for the Conservative Party of BC, Sarah Kooner for BC NDP, and independent candidate Amandeep Singh. Abbotsford West’s nominees were Korky Neufeld for the Conservative Party, Graeme Hutchison for BC NDP, and independent candidate James Davison. This year’s advanced voting was reportedly one of the largest turnouts since 2020, with over a million residents voting before Saturday, Oct. 19. CBC News reported there were 223,000 voters on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The B.C. provincial election results show that the Conservative nominees won the most votes across the Abbotsford, Abbotsford-Mission, and Chilliwack ridings.
IT’S NOW ILLEGAL FOR ITALIAN CITIZENS TO SEEK A SURROGATE ABROAD
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Italian upper house Senate expanded their 2004 surrogacy ban, which led many couples, especially those in same-sex relationships, to pursue surrogacy outside of Italy, as they are also prohibited from adopting. In 2022, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called surrogacy a “universal crime,” while also introducing a bill to punish those seeking surrogacy abroad; in 2019, she vehemently argued against using the terminology of “parent one and parent two,” rather than the traditional “mother and father.”
With a winning vote of 84 to 58, Senate passed the bill that will penalize Italians who look for surrogacy in foreign countries with up to two years in jail and up to 1 million euros in fines. Meloni’s conservative rhetoric has 2SLGBTQIA activists questioning this backward logic. “If someone has a baby, they should be given a medal. Here instead, you are sent to jail … if you don’t have children in the traditional way,” Franco Grillini, a long-time 2SLGBTQIA rights advocate, shared with Reuters. The legislation doesn’t distinguish between same-sex and heterosexual couples, but it will disproportionately impact the 2SLGBTQ community. Its broad reach has led to wide criticism, with heterosexual couples joining the 2SLGBTQIA community in protest.
STORM CAUSES FLOODING IN PARTS OF B.C.
This weekend, an atmospheric river hit B.C., leaving Vancouver and other parts of the Lower Mainland partially flooded, forcing road closures. Additionally, heavy rainfall warnings were issued to areas, including the Fraser Valley, Vancouver, and Howe Sound.
The storm caused power outages across B.C., as well as a number of weather warnings, including a rainfall warning given by Environment Canada, a sinkhole warning sent out by the RCMP in Langley — with the affected road temporarily closed from public use — and a state of local emergency and mandatory evacuation order issued in the District of North Vancouver due to flooding.
On Sunday, Oct. 20, a weather warning was issued as the Central Fraser Valley and Chilliwack regions showed possible danger of local flooding and “water pooling on roads.” However, the warning was retracted for Monday, Oct. 21.
According to the Vancouver Sun, Environment Canada estimated that Vancouver and the Fraser Valley received between 90-150 millimetres between Friday and Sunday. However, cities such as Coquitlam received 233 millimetres.
International // Claudia Sheinbaum divides a nation
Mexico has elected its
first female president, an achievement surrounded by controversy
REBECA MARQUEZ LOPEZ
Claudia Sheinbaum, who became Mexico’s first female president on Oct. 1, 2024, has been a prominent figure both politically and academically. With impressive credentials in science, she presents a figure of considerable influence. However, her political approach and controversial affiliation with the Morena party brings into question whether her leadership will fix societal gaps or deepen divisions.
Sheinbaum holds a Bachelor’s degree in physics, and a Master’s and PhD in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), one of Mexico’s most prestigious universities. She has received numerous academic recognitions and has many published works, including two books on energy, the environment, and sustainability. In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and Sheinbaum was included among the academics and researchers who contributed to the panel. In politics, she has served as both the Head of Government and Secretary of Environment for Mexico City, where she was responsible for projects such as introducing the Metrobus and promoting cycling infrastructure.
Despite her academic background and focus on science and sustainability, not all of Mexico celebrates her victory in the elections. Sheinbaum is a member of
the Morena political party, a party that has divided social classes through policies. This ideology was also promoted by Andres Manuel López Obrador, Mexico’s former president and member of Morena However, the upper class remained mostly unaffected, as many politicians, including the president, are part of this group.
Morena has also been accused of vote buying by offering groceries to communities in exchange for political support. Along with their divisive ideology, this has worsened Mexico’s poverty problem, as neither Sheinbaum nor Morena have made meaningful efforts to address the causes of poverty. Instead, they focused on providing goods and groceries every once in a while. Additionally, while serving as governor of the State of Mexico, Sheinbaum was accused of oppressing feminist activists, labelling them as “racist and classist.”
Sheinbaum’s legacy is seen in two contrasting lights: those who align with Morena or have benefited from their projects support her presidency, holding high expectations for her ability to bring change. Conversely, many Mexicans, particularly those opposed to Morena’s policies, remain skeptical. Their concerns stem from issues that worsened during López Obrador’s presidency, such as corruption, poverty, and violence, among many others, leaving them uncertain whether Sheinbaum’s presidency will truly address the nation’s long-standing problems.
President Claudia Sheinbaum won a landslide victory in the June elections. (Photo courtesy of AP pic)
RACHEL TAIT
SKY S. TERRONES
KIARA OKONKWO
RACHEL TAIT
The controversial mourning of a Peruvian dictator
A pre-established Peruvian norm allows the honouring of ex-president and human rights violator
SKY S. TERRONES
On Sept. 12, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte granted ex-dictator Alberto Fujimori funeral honours typically reserved for a former president, leaving many Peruvian citizens outraged. This decision followed the Sept. 11 death of Fujimori, 86, who died after a long battle with tongue cancer. The announcement came from his lawyer, but was soon deleted and reposted by Fujimori’s daughter, Keiko Fujimori.
The Institute of Democracy and Human Rights of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (IDEHPUCP) rejected the honours bestowed on Fujimori, stating that “this government’s gesture is another step toward the demolition of democracy in Peru and it shows an alignment between those on top of the State with the legacy of authoritarianism, corruption, and violence left by the ‘Fujimorist’ regimen.” This isn’t the first time that the current government supported the former president as not long ago, Congress approved a law allowing Fujimori access to a lifelong pension despite his crimes against humanity.
Fujimori became president in 1990 when he won the election against Mario Vargas Llosa, with his campaign staunchly opposing Vargas Llosa’s
radical economic proposal. However, a few weeks after he won, he instated what’s known as the “Fujishock,” using an economic plan similar to the one he opposed by Llosa’s, which sent the country into a necessary crisis that would deal with the hyperinflation in the long-term. This, combined with the capture of terrorist organization Sendero Luminoso leader Abimael Guzmán during Fujimori’s reign, are some of the reasons why certain Peruvians remember him with respect. Nevertheless, Fujimori’s legacy was tarnished when he unconstitutionally shut down Congress in 1992. After prolonging his 10-year authoritarian administration filled with corruption and human rights violations, he fled to Japan in 2000 when leaked videotapes showed his then intelligence chief Vladimiro Montesinos bribing politicians. Fujimori later resigned his third presidency cycle via fax. With a renewed desire for power, Fujimori flew to Chile in 2005, where he was captured and subsequently arrested. Fujimori had previously been sentenced to six years for abuse of power, and received an additional sentence of 25 years in prison in 2009 for the 25 murders committed by a police squad in La Cantuta and Barrios Altos as well as “the kidnappings of a businessman and a journalist.”
The Peruvian people remained divided, as a large portion of the population was still loyal to “Fujimorismo.” Keiko Fujimori, Alberto Fujimori’s daughter, first lady during his reign, and new leader of the Fuerza Popular party, nearly rose to power in 2011, 2016, and 2021, showing that its devoted supporters persist to this day.
In 2017, violent protests spiked when Fujimori was issued a pardon on humanitarian grounds. This decision was revoked, and he was sent back to prison in 2019. It wasn’t until 2023 that he was released from jail, despite criticism from the InterAmerican Court of Human Rights. This same year, his daughter came forward to state his intention to run for the 2026 elections. This, of course, never happened, as his death came coincidentally on the same date, three years after Guzmán’s death.
Susana Baca, renowned Peruvian singer, songwriter, and former minister of Culture of Peru wrote on her social media, “Yesterday I learned that Fujimori had died, and I have not a single tear or sadness to give him. He is leaving without paying for his sins and debts, and without asking for forgiveness for the crimes he allowed and committed.”
Regardless, the government decreed three days of national mourning and the lawful funeral honours were carried out.
With fall finally here, so is the longawaited (at least for me) return of the football season. And with it I can feel my alter ego defrosting. My team always has been, and will always be, the Seattle Seahawks. My loyalty dates back to the good old days of leaving a bowl of Skittles on the table for Marshawn Lynch, like cookies for Santa, and cheering atop my dad’s shoulders as a little girl. Now the time to don my Seahawks swag and cozy up on the couch to watch the guys take the field is back.
With the football season also comes the revival of B.C.’s pride and joy, the Vancouver Canucks. (And yes, I write this to you while watching a Canucks game.) Maybe I cheer for these teams because they’re what I grew up with, maybe I like rooting for underdogs, or maybe I’m just drawn to a certain colour scheme. Both the NFL and the NHL are back in full swing, and with them come the cherished team colours.
‘Tis the season of green and blue.
CASSIE WILLIAMS
Alberto Fujimori ruled Peru with an iron fist between 1980-2000 (Photo by Prensa Fujimori/AFP pic)
Green and blue
Illustrations by Iryna Presley
Week of Wellness vs. midterms
From
Oct. 7 to 11, a rundown and highlights of UFV’s Week of Wellness
SKY S. TERRONES
The week of Oct. 7 to 11 marked this year’s Week of Wellness, run by the Student Wellness team and spurred on by their firm belief that health and wellness directly affect students’ experience at university. This year’s theme was “Dimensions of Wellness,” and the week was filled with activities including panels, boot camps, accessibility scavenger hunts, waffles, puppy therapy, and a Glow Zumba dance party.
Motivation Monday started strong at 11:30 a.m. at the Abbotsford campus, with Chilliwack campus hosting a Budgeting 101 workshop, the first of the “Fall Financial Literacy Workshops.” Later that day, the Abbotsford campus offered an “Emotional Fitness Bootcamp” with keynote speaker Khyati Shetty, which focused on aiding students in creating a well-being toolkit and developing strategies for stress management. The same day, in partnership with the Academic Success Centre, they presented the “Plan, Don’t Cram” workshop, which provided tips to help students prepare for their exams.
On Transformation Tuesday, while Chilliwack campus relaxed and enjoyed a “Garden Tea & Work Party,” Abbotsford campus gained vital knowledge with the “‘Crash Course’ on Boundaries, Communication & Healthy Relationships.” This seminar was offered by SARA for Women, a feminist non-profit community organization that provides support and resources to women while bringing awareness to domestic violence. Danica Elliot, Stopping the Violence (STV) counsellor and facilitator of the seminar, shared with The Cascade
that she reached out to Shyanne Boudreau, student wellness coordinator, to offer the workshop. The inspiration for this seminar came to Elliot when she noticed a pattern in her clients in how they grew up with no knowledge of establishing boundaries. “We can’t set boundaries if we don’t know what value we’re doing. And if you don’t value yourself, then you’re never gonna set a boundary for yourself.” To Elliot, taking the route of early intervention seemed like the best course of action to “stop the cycle in the beginning, versus waiting until they come to us decades later.”
Wellness Wednesday had Abbotsford packed with activities, including the “Managing our Emotions in and out of the Classroom” and the “In this together: Consent 101” workshops. There was also a student panel with counsellor Eileen Burkholder on “The Good, the Bad, and the Lonely” and a 60-minute session of “Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.” In Chilliwack, free waffles were offered on their Student Chill Zone Schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. alongside their adorable “WoofWoof Wednesday” (puppy therapy).
Thrive Thursday featured a heartfelt conversation with Elder-in-Residence Denise Douglas, who spoke on “Words of Wellness,” sharing some of her experiences and wisdom while raising awareness regarding Indigenous womens’ wellness: “Indigenous people suffer the unresolved grievances of colonial settlement, although, in our way, we continue to accommodate it. Although we’re smiling on the outside, and we’re walking strong, we’re not well.” She added that “Since contact, the wellness of women has steadily degenerated as they folded into the fabric of the settling society.”
Douglas shared a calming activity that inspired wellness and reminded students that “wellness isn’t about quantity. Wellness is about quality.” She ended her session with a love song about people and the environment that her mother taught her when she was little. The Cascade asked Douglas what she wished everyone knew about wellness, to which she answered, “To take in and to know what’s good in your life, identify those things. Count your blessings. That’s how my elders told me. Count your blessings.”
On Thursday at 3:00 p.m., Student Wellness provided supplies to make (and take) Glow-in-the-Dark bracelets in preparation for the 6:00 p.m. Glow Zumba Party! This event offered “Glow in the Dark painting,” a 50-minute Zumba class, door prizes, and a wrap-up speech.
Lastly, Frisky Friday tackled a “PRIDE Collective Conversation Corner & pleasure product sale” and another SARA workshop on boundaries, where Elliot once again reminded students that “boundary setting is about loving yourself at the risk of disappointing others.” Regarding the low number of participants, Elliot said that “four people now have this information, and hopefully, those four people will talk about it. Enforce it. It spreads.”
This concluded Wellness Week, which would not have been possible without UFV’s Student Wellness Education and Promotion team: Katina Noble, Dueen Meer, and Shyanne Boudreau, student wellness coordinator. Regarding the week, Shyanne shared on their blog that “wellness is within everyone and it’s an individualized journey that we’re here to support,” as she continues to work toward making students feel like they belong.
What are you afraid of? Spiders? Snakes? Giant creatures? Or even aliens? No matter what it is, you can find it at the bottom of the ocean. The thing is that they are just fish, very weird fish. From beauties like the firefly squid that looks like it came straight out of the Avatar (2009) franchise, to the horrible angler fish we all saw on Finding Nemo (2003) (the one with the dangly light). The sea is full of surprises, and it is very interesting to see where evolution can lead. Especially when under unbearable conditions such as the ones in the bottom of the ocean.
After a quick search, the most nightmarish creatures I found were: the giant isopod, which is basically a 40 cm cockroach; the gulper eel, which just looks like a big-faced wrong and evil fish; the viperfish, that looks so cursed it is ready to rip my soul out; the hagfish, which is a huge slimy worm with a face only a mother could love. And shout-out to the snipe eel that looks like a piece of old fabric; a very funny guy.
Monsters of the deep
Illustrations by Iryna Presley
Student Wellness Week offers something for everyone. October 1, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Student Wellness/UFV Today)
Students //
Late bloomer
An introspective, thought-provoking tale about the “comeback” of a late
bloomer
SHIVALIKA PATHAK
Dear late bloomer. My name is Shivalika, and it’s a pleasure to meet you. Every late bloomer’s story is different, but we all share the pain of feeling inferior to our peers, and shame for being “behind” in life.
I am a 27-year-old student sitting in a class of majority 18-year-olds, relating to conversations that start with “When I grow up,” and I do it shamelessly.
My late bloomer journey began in 2016 when I dropped out of Simon Fraser University due to health concerns, as the lines between ambition and self-sabotage began converging. Not only was I the first in my family to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a Canadian university, but I was also the first in my family to drop out of it.
This ushered in a new chapter of my life, the great disappointment. It wasn’t the multiple suicide attempts, car accidents, or losing touch with reality that ate me alive. It was the overwhelming feeling of inadequacy which condemned me to a vicious cycle of lasting denial and fleeting acceptance.
I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). All of which made me feel like Thanos, collecting acronyms like they were infinity stones. As a psych student at that time, I was painfully aware of the very real implications of those “infinity stones.” However, to my family, those “stones” were just labels with fictional meaning.
I fought my ailments, societal and familial expectations valiantly to make sure I remained on this earth long enough to feel the sweet reprieve of respite. It took me four years to feel an inkling of relief. However, even with all that fight in me, I felt like a failure — a self belief that was made worse by constant comparisons to my peers. From weddings to helping their parents pay the mortgage, from beginning new careers to post-secondary graduations, everyone’s success felt like my personal failure. No matter how hard
I tried, I couldn’t fix myself enough to “catch up” to them.
Taking tumultuous years to accept my disabilities, I learned the hard way that human entitlement to control our lives is an illusion meant to make us feel secure in our existence.
In light of my newfound acceptance, my first task was recognizing my high ambition and smaller than average energy tank; here, size mattered. I discovered that gaining education and experience was something that I was still enthusiastic about. So, at the age of 27, with some post-secondary credits, job experience under my belt, and the support of my healthcare providers and loved ones, I decided to go back to school to try once more.
The thought of returning to academia was easier than its execution. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being a pathetic ancient relic who was 10 years too late in pursuing her education. However, by putting my thoughts on trial, rationalizing my fears, and viewing my fragmented experiences as pieces of a successful future rather than shards of a shameful present, I effectively provided myself with the grace I needed to return to school, because I had a goal.
I was well acquainted with myself enough to know that my original desire to become a psychologist was not compatible with my chronic disabilities. So, I changed it. Now, my goal is to become a communications specialist; I want to be the person who forms connections and communicates with others for a living.
For my academic return, I was mindful of my limitations and decided to take one class per semester until I am ready to handle more. I realized that there is no shame in taking life one step at a time, and that the continued steps taken on the path to success are just as important as the last. With that mindset, I took the next step, which was asking for help. To do that, I registered with the Centre for Accessibility Services (CAS).
Currently, CAS provides me with tailored in-class accommodations that work in tandem with my disabilities,
making it easier to be present in an overwhelming classroom environment.
Taming my pride and unleashing my humility by reaching out to CAS was my way of practicing self-care, as I now know and accept that, for me, railings are necessary while climbing the staircase of accomplishment.
My self-acceptance is not synonymous with a cure. I still struggle, as I’m painfully aware that life is not a series of compounding or linear progress. However, now I’m equipped with the knowledge of recognizing my limits, nurturing my strengths, and keeping in mind that everyone is different. My destination demands a slower pace in the journey, and that’s absolutely okay.
It was the endgame in my head
You know how it goes — one day your friend picks you up to see the dreamiest Christmas decor, you go shopping and grab ice cream; the next minute you’re daydreaming about building a life together. A classic friends to lovers trope. I am a fan, but life never gets the memo.
Green flag? A whole green forest. He’s the guy who makes me feel seen and valued. He’s the one who teases me when I have too much sugar, but would tell me I look pretty when I just rolled out of bed. He’s funny, sweet, and communicates so well that every conversation feels like a warm hug.
“We’re going to end up together,” I thought to myself. But right when I started weaving hopes of this potential future, the universe threw a long distance at me: “Here, have another emotional rollercoaster.”
Yet, here’s the thing — sometimes, it just doesn’t work out the way you imagine. The friendship will stay and it’s still magical; but instead of imagining us growing old together, I’m texting across time zones to cherish him for who he is. It’s perfect in its own imperfect way. It may not be the endgame like I imagined, but who’s to say?
PRATI KAPOOR
Illustrations by Iryna Presley
Illustration by Natasha Zilkosky
The Environmentalist: choices that matter
Channelling your environmental concerns into proactive steps that reduce your footprint and inspire others
FABIOLA CRUZ ALDERETE
Feeling overwhelmed by the state of the planet? You’re not alone. The consequences of climate change are getting more severe and we need to start thinking differently about climate action. The good news is that small, everyday efforts can make a big difference, and it starts with you. Welcome to The Environmentalist, your column for understanding the natural world. Today we will explore individual and community actions you can take.
The American Psychological Association defined eco-anxiety or climate anxiety as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.” Eco-anxiety can be brought on by personal experiences related to extreme weather events, drastic changes in your local environment, or being exposed to information related to environmental issues. I have severe environmental anxiety and it’s horrible; not because of the mental strain, necessarily, but because it can prevent me from taking action. But there are solutions! We are not doomed; “small” actions have a great impact.
Research shows that environmental actions start positive reinforcement cycles. Starting a positive environmental practice results in minimizing negative impacts, leading to a healthier local environment. This betters the quality of life of the person or community involved and ends up promoting more positive environmental practices for them. Then the cycle starts over. Our actions matter.
Let’s discuss the individual actions you can start taking today.
As an individual, you might feel like you can’t really do anything about climate change, but you hold power in the choices
you make every day. You should know better than to leave your lights on all night and not recycle your trash, so keep up with that! But your power truly resides in what you consume. Think about what you eat and buy. Actions like not eating animal products one day a week, reconsidering your Amazon cart, or checking the ingredients of your shampoo can have a great impact on the environment. Before you consume, stop and think of the impact that product has. Further, get informed. I know it is uncomfortable, but knowledge and comprehension are the best tools to find effective solutions. Then share that knowledge, talk about these solutions, and help those around you care.
On a community level: volunteer. Find local organizations and go for it. Recognize the different levels of responsibility. You don’t pollute as much as big corporations, so call them out! Get involved with your local government; are there any environmental policies? Are they being followed? Reach out. The key is to speak up. Ask yourself: what is damaging my local environment? Who are the most vulnerable people? Take a proactive approach.
We need to understand that it’s impossible to be a perfect environmentalist, and that is fine. The world needs groups of people taking care of the planet — even imperfectly — rather than just a few doing it perfectly, so don’t be discouraged. As The Lorax once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” So, let’s care.
Personal Essay // Tell your mom you love her
A short reminder to let in all the love from your loved ones before time slips away
PRATI KAPOOR
When was the last time you told your mom, or anyone you care for, that you love them? Sometimes, we get so caught up with our daily lives that we forget to express the simplest gestures of love to our loved ones. Take a moment to reach out, hug them if they’re near, or ring them up if they’re far — remind them how loved they are. It’s these little tokens of love that stand out. You would never want to make people who you love and who love you feel taken for granted.
I may be biased, but I have never experienced a love as selfless and unconditional as the love I received from my mom. It could be because I had the best mom I could ever ask for, which makes my grief more profound. I am biased because she taught me what it truly feels to be loved. I am biased because she gave me so many childhood memories to cherish. I am biased because she was confident in me more than anyone else that I can make it in my life. I am biased for her love which wasn’t just a part of my childhood, but also the strength I carry with me today.
If I could go back in time and give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to soak in all the love from mom and cherish every moment you spend with her. Hug her tightly while she holds you in her arms and talks to you every morning by the window. Despite all these years without her, it’s as if a part of me still hasn’t fully accepted that I will never see her again.
One of the core memories that still gives me strength today is when I called myself “the unluckiest” in my middle school journal and my mom cut the “un” off, stating I am the luckiest. I am pretty sure everyone has their own share of favorite unforgettable memories close to their heart, for me, it’s all of my birthdays. My mom used to get me a new customized outfit made from her saree every year. My birthday celebrations with all my friends, decorations, and her doing everything for me to remember it forever keeps me grounded and grateful.
I often see my friends and flatmates sharing about days with their mothers, hearing their moms tell them how proud they are. It’s a bittersweet reminder of what I no longer have, which is why I feel so strongly about this: no one will ever love you more than your mother. While you are growing up, she’s also growing
Illustration by Natasha Zilkosky
older. Take the time to cherish her, love her, make memories with her before you are left with the regret that you didn’t. I think the love of a mother is immortal. It’s the love from her that keeps me going even when I don’t have her around anymore. I am grateful to have had a mom and best friend within the same person. I find her around me as the brightest star in the sky. I feel it’s her motherly love still protecting me in unknown ways. I know, without any doubts, she is watching over me.
If I could, I would tell her, “Mom, dad has been trying to make up for your role but he misses you and so do I. We love you so much. Your little son is all grown up and taller than his older sister. We might continue living without you, but we can never truly learn how.”
Time flies; before you realize, you have missed out on making memories with your mom. I may not have my own mother around, but if you have yours, tell her — tell everyone you care about — that they are loved. Check on them and show up; soak in love from them and give it back double.
As bittersweet as it is, it’s just one life. You wouldn’t want to lose anyone you care for and regret not telling them enough that they were loved.
Illustration by May Beeney
Community // Do kids trick-or-treat anymore?
54 per cent of Canadians believe there are fewer kids trick-or-treating
SAMANTHA PENNER
Trick-or-treat? That is the question. There has been a trending decline of trick-ortreaters that have led neighbourhood candy providers asking “Why?” Is the Halloween tradition faltering?
A 2023 poll reported that 54 per cent of Canadians believe there are fewer kids trick-or-treating in their neighbourhood. These numbers correlate with beliefs of neighbourhood safety, as 35 per cent of respondents believe their community is less safe than it was a decade ago.
My initial thought was that maybe this is a reaction to COVID-19. We don’t want to go up to strangers’ houses anymore, right? But that may not be the case. The Mirror wrote an article in 2019 about how Halloween is a dying tradition, meaning this phenomenon is not a result of germ safe kids, but rather something more.
There have been numerous concerns around Halloween safety through various lenses, the first being the candy crisis. Though there has been “no apparent evidence” of tampered Halloween candy, the scare tactic remains present. There is no harm in checking treats before eating: check for holes in wrappers or make a judgement call if it was a homemade treat. Coquitlam RCMP say, “when in doubt, throw it out.”
Road safety is another concern that may cause parents to avoid taking their kids out trick-or-treating. The RCMP suggest using masks that do not block visuals, as well as making sure costumes are visible in the dark by “adding reflective tape or arm bands to increase visibility.”
Another proposed cause is the lack of neighbourhood socialization. This comes in many forms — diminished social bonds cause a lot of questions to be posed. We all are familiar with stranger danger, but how many neighbours do we really know? Further, the social aspect is reflected with “welcoming” efforts of Halloween within the neighbourhood. If there aren’t any decorations set, lights are off, and you don’t know your neighbours, all of a sudden your options are shot.
The Sarnia Journal goes even further when acknowledging the correlation with urban planning. “Do the houses have prominent front doors and/or porches encouraging interaction? Do you trust that there are eyes on the street helping to keep your neighbourhood safe and welcoming?”
dilemma of the child’s mind. The article suggests the ever-apparent position of technology and disinterest in the world around us. Within our rapidly developing society, this is certainly becoming its own socialization problem that could definitely impact Halloween festivities.
I have to acknowledge that there is no direct proof of one reason or another being the ultimate cause for the decline in trick-or-treating; it is mere observation and speculation.
It could be one thing or the other; it could be two or three reasons listed here, or none of them. Maybe it’s everything all at once.
But I think that a child’s wonder, imagination, spirit, and love for sugar will always lead them to want to trick-ortreat. Maybe the reason for a trick-or-treat decline is just those pesky adults, but perhaps they have good reason. Our world changes rapidly, and that change can be scary — this causes a lot of anxiety around children’s safety. This weariness around tainted candy, traffic incidents, not to mention the reality of price increases, manifests in a protective instinct that has constricted children to a Halloween with less freedom than many of us grew up with.
All of this considered, I truly hope Halloween never falters and that the magic of childhood takes over all the worry — maybe in a perfect world.
Column // Tech Talk: Using technology to have a happy Halloween
Fun Halloween activities students can participate win from the comfort of their own computer
SEAN HORN
Ah, autumn — true autumn. The days are feeling shorter (not just because of our midterms and assignment due dates creeping up) and the nights are getting longer (again, those deadlines are coming). The leaves have started to change and there’s a crispiness to the air. This can only mean one thing — spooky season is upon us. (Back off Christmas; you have your time.) For those who, like myself, want to indulge in the festivities but have abhorrent amounts of social anxiety, what are we to do?
The Dalhousie Gazette poses a
Luckily technology has our back and can offer a window between us and the rest of humanity, if you’re an introvert especially or wish to experience something new without having to travel.
Something that brings us all together is getting spooked, our primal fears being preyed upon in a good natured night of trick-or-treating. But at a certain age, it’s frowned upon, and all I know is I have adult money to buy all the candy I want anyway. I digress. How can technology help you still have a spooky time while not interacting with the public? I’ve discovered virtual haunted tours. These tours are a great way to explore some of the world’s famous haunted houses, villages, and locales.
One such service that can be made use of is the Haunted Walk. For a nominal fee, you can join a haunted ghost walk through some of the most famous haunted places like Salem, Massachusetts and other spooky places. If you’re into history, local or otherwise, this could be a great way to learn something new while having a spooky experience.
What if you have a group of friends from around the world that want to indulge and hang out? Another thing that has gained popularity is streaming. That’s to say, watch parties. Enter Teleparty; you just need to download the browser app, have a Netflix account (or basically any streaming service account) and you and your friends can watch the latest horror movies without needing to leave your homes! It’s a great way to watch content with friends and family even if you’re separated by distance. The service will automatically synchronize across all users, so you can all react to jump scares simultaneously.
These are just a couple suggestions on how we can leverage our technology to still have some fun this Halloween without leaving the house. Even if we’re busy and have assignments and midterms to prepare for… now that is spooky.
Illustration by May Beeney
Illustration by Natasha Zilkosky
RECONCILIATION IN ACTION: THE ABBOTSFORD SHUFFLE
Encampment fenced off from the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
CAMILLE CANDIA
Photos by Camille Candia
Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A month later the fact stands that Truth and Reconciliation is not supposed to be a one day affair. For the habitants of the Drug War Survivors (DWS) protest encampment, located between Thunderbird Square and the Civic Plaza at Abbotsford City Hall, the week leading up to Sept. 30 was that of misaligned notices and instruction, intimidation tactics, court filing, and partial re-campments in downpour rains. This ultimately left the protest encampment — with Gitx san, ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐊᐧᐠ (Nêhiyawak/Cree), ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᒃ (Anishinaabeg), ᐅᒋᐺᒃ / ᐅᒋᐺᐠ (Ojibweg), and Lakȟóta (Lakota) representations — a front seat view of the City of Abbotsford’s “Truth and Reconciliation” event. The event was hosted in collaboration with 10 civic organizations, none of which were Indigenous groups, organizations, nations, or bands.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is intended to honour residential school survivors and the children who did not return home from these schools, and to bring awareness to the 94 Calls to Action laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grass-roots Indigenous movement shining light on the generational colonial harm perpetrated in the past and the present. It is a time of mourning, grief, and heavy emotions for Indigenous communities, especially as the truth of the performative actions of reconciliation by municipal, provincial, and federal governments rears its ugly head.
On June 29, 2024, the DWS protest encampment was relocated to Abbotsford City Hall from their previous location at Babich Park. DWS, formally the BC Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors, is an advocacy group working to prioritize harm reduction policies while reducing stigma and discrimination associated with illicit substances and those impacted by them through community engagement, awareness, education, research, and policy change. DWS has played an active liaison role for the habitants of the protest encampment, especially as the events of the final week of September occurred.
These actions take place almost ten years after Supreme Court of British Columbia (BCSC) ruling, where DWS — filed on behalf of Barry Shantz, who was shot and killed by RCMP at his home in Lytton, B.C. in 2020 — challenged the use of certain by-laws that violated the constitutional rights of the homeless population, and most notoriously the eviction tactic of spreading of chicken manure on the campsite of the Happy Tree Camp on June 4, 2013. In October 2013 the encampment relocated to Jubilee Park, eventually habitating a wooden structure in the parking
lot, which was to be vacated on Dec. 13, 2013. The encampment then relocated again to the Gladys Avenue Camp, where the city continued its displacement and intimidation tactics including eviction notices, deploying bear spray, and destroying and removing tents. Chief Justice Hinkson dismissed the City’s action, in addition to dismissing the claims for damages brought forth by Mr. Shantz.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, the City of Abbotsford issued habitants at the current DWS protest camp a notice of trespass, with a timeline to vacate the premises by the following Monday. Following is a timeline of events I witnessed and spoke to DWS supporters about since then:
Monday, Sept. 23: with police, by-law, and Recycle It employees on stand-by for city orders, no trespass ordinances were enacted, and attempts to forcibly dismantle the camp were made. Despite this, attempts to remove unoccupied tents were prevented by allies and supporters who occupied the temporarily vacant tents and were present as witnesses. The confinement fencing around the encampment was removed.
“ They’re on the wrong side of the fence … If history taught me anything, policy is a failed experiment …”
Tuesday, Sept. 24: DWS filed a short leave application with the courts, and served the city in the evening. The injunction was filed to prevent the City from enforcing the notice of trespass issued to the camp on Sept. 19, and would allow DWS more time to hire a lawyer, and compile accounts, evidence, and legal arguments in order to be fairly represented and judged.
Wednesday, Sept. 25: the short leave application is granted. Around 9:30 a.m., by-law officers began notifying residents of trespass. Fencing was reinstalled after a clear-out of about half the lower encampment area, corralling the encampment into a smaller zone.
Monday, Sept. 30: private security were positioned around the encampment, with “No Event Access” signs during the City’s Truth and Reconciliation day event, attempting to stop anyone other than encampment habitants from entering the city hall grounds where the protest was taking place. However, outside encampment supporters, including Augusta Gladstone who protested through song and drum, entered the public grounds anyway to show solidarity with the protest encampment.
Following are words and accounts from DWS protestors, supporters, and organizers on what the City’s display of “reconciliation” meant to them.
• “Well, it was supposed to be happening right here. That’s why they were moving us. This is the original location for this event, and they were moving us out of here so they could have Truth and Reconciliation? ... The city has actually been slapping us in the face all along, and not only are we First Nation, there’s also our homeless people nation, there’s also every other colour here … And we’re stuck. We’re stuck … Do something now, I mean, 10 years after the chickenshit event, and the [degradation] of homeless people, it’s time to take action, time to do something. After this is done, truth and reconciliation, what are they going to do with us? They’re going to go hard on us, I know it. They’re going to be so rude. They’re going to be so disrespectful, degrading… and where are we going to go… I have no clue.”
Augusta Gladstone, Kwakwaka’wakw protester
• “I heard things like they want to remove this for reconciliation day. I was like, this is reconciliation, this is what it’s about. They’re on the wrong side of the fence … If history taught me anything, policy is a failed experiment … it was against the law to be Indigenous, it was prohibited to be Indigenous, and we had the 60 year Potlatch ban, where we were not allowed to gather … That is white privilege and that is… white fragility at its finest … I’ve seen who’s hosting this one, and I don’t think I’ve seen any Indigenous host on the list.”
Doug Smith, Drug War Survivors organizer
• “We were here 10 years ago, we were up in court with the City and Supreme Court because… it’s not right for somebody to have to pack their bags up and wander around all day long with their stuff and then have to come back and set their stuff back up at night, and then do that everyday is like, what kind of life is that? But that’s what these guys have to do… [the City] come on a [Thursday], and they give us a paper, and say you have to be out of here by Monday because it’s against the by-laws… Your by-laws are important, yes, but Canada’s law states that if we’re a peaceful protest you can’t mess with us … Then they left us alone for a day, then came back with these other subsections… the cops all ready to move us out, so our program organizer Brittany sent in some papers… they ended up buying us pizza after all, because they had to give up … We’re not homeless, we’re houseless… and if you guys would just give us the piece of land, we’re willing to rent it… just a place where you don’t have to come in and tell us ‘oh, you gotta pack your seat up and move it six inches’… that’s where we came up with the Abbotsford Shuffle.”
Brittany Maple, Drug War Survivors program coordinator
• “... the City of Abbotsford moves to de-camp vulnerable, Indigenous, and disabled community members without appropriate judicial oversight or providing a safe and dignified place to go. The APD, upon direction of the city, intends to exercise this unchecked state power by enforcing the trespass act, despite both APD and the city knowing that we have filed a judicial review seeking [injunctive] relief based on significant Charter infringements” (stated Sept. 24 via social media).
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, the court hearing of the application for injunction took place. It was a full day of arguments from self-represented DWS program coordinator Brittany Maple, filed via Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society, and the City of Abbotsford’s lawyer, James Yardley. Drug War Survivors members, organizers, and supporters left feeling satisfied with what took place in court.
On the morning of Thursday, Oct. 17, Justice Sandra Sukstorf released her deliberation stating that she will not grant the injunction DWS was seeking. However, the Judge’s report is being viewed in a positive light by DWS petitioners and protestors. Within the 74 page statement, is an outline of a clear and concise harm reduction based approach that the City must uphold in order to enforce by-laws and remove the encampment.
The ruling states, “It is important to acknowledge that the irreparable harm identified by the petitioners, including the risk of toxic drug poisoning and the loss of community support networks, is substantial and cannot be ignored. Forced displacement without adequate alternatives may exacerbate these risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals who depend on harm reduction services for survival … Displacement should only occur when adequate shelter options, including access to harm reduction services, are available.”
These clauses meet the goal of DWS to reign in unchecked misuses of power, and unconstitutional enforcement that violates charter rights of encampment habitants. The phased approach outlined by the Judge compels the City to work in conjunction and in fairness with the encampment in order to reduce the harms and challenges that often accompany relocation and decampment. The deliberation also makes clear the need for unique and tailored approaches for habitants that don’t fit the basic means of outreach, such as housing with additional medical care for the disabled populations represented within the encampment.
DWS stated via Impact Abby, “This decision represents a significant step toward a more compassionate and just approach... We remain committed to working alongside the City to ensure that no person is left behind, and that the rights of all residents, housed or unhoused, are upheld with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Over the course of a month, DWS protest encampment habitants stood defiant through rain, shine, and false displays of community. They refused to once again have their charter rights denied by the City of Abbotsford and be privy to failed policy. We wait now on bated breath to see if the City can uphold this truth, follow through on these now mandated actions, reconcile, and finally break away from this deep-rooted dance we know as the Abbotsford Shuffle.
sports@ufvcascade.ca
Sports Editor - Jeffrey Kennett
Cascade Q&A: Ryan Hampe
Get to know your student athletes through our Cascades player profiles
CASSIE WILLIAMS
Ryan Hampe is a middle on the men’s volleyball team at UFV and the team leader in blocks. In 2023, Hampe set a Canada West record as the first player to have a 1.000 hitting percentage in a five-set match, and was named the 2023 Men’s Volleyball Newcomer of the Year. UFV’s next home game is Nov. 1 against the University of Winnipeg; come out and support our team!
Who falls asleep first on a long road trip?
We don’t really have any sleepers (unconfirmed).
Cheat day meal of choice?
Burger and fries. More specific[ally], Five Guys. That’s more from when I was in Calgary — there was one on campus. I don’t make the trek [to Chilliwack] very often [for it].
Opinion on wearing sandals to class?
Slides, no. Birks, yes. What’s your favourite place you’ve gone for a team trip?
Japan; we actually did a karate lesson while we were over there. They’ve had this international program for a bit, so the team that we visited came to [Abbotsford] two years ago and lived with us for 10 days. And then at the end of last August, we went over and we lived with them, slept on the floor for 10 days … that trip was incredible.
Do you have any game day routines? I nap, shower, eat, and then go to the gym … everything else just kind of happens. How does your team motivate each other?
v
We have a [strong] leadership group that people look to, and we all lead in our own way. I’m not as much of a vocal leader as Jonas [Van Huizen] or Nimo [Benne]. I go
about it more, lead by example, whereas Jonas will go [and] get on guys.
What’s the best way to unwind after a big game?
I’ll say Brown’s with the team. That’s the most PG way of putting it. How is sports relevant to other aspects of your life?
Just teaches you so much about routine and getting things done when they have to be done, and overall the discipline you [gain].
What inspired you to start playing volleyball?
Nothing. I got thrown in it by a hockey coach [when] I was playing hockey. My coach was like, ‘You’re tall, hey, come try this in the off-season!’ All of a sudden, I’m here.
Who’s your favourite athlete?
Tom Brady.
What’s your favourite football team?
I’m just kind of roaming … I’m actually going to a Seahawks game in six weeks.
We have good seats — I’m going with my best friend, he’s a huge Seahawks fan and has been his whole life, [but] he’s never been to a game.
Do you feel prepared for the upcoming season?
We just need to play more. Only three of [our starters] have played together before, so we’re introducing a whole bunch of new people, and we haven’t gotten to play a lot together.
Favourite sports quote?
Discipline over motivation.
What are your goals for this season?
Just make play-offs. This program hasn’t made play-offs since it joined Canada West [in 2021], so that would be cool.
Q&A has been edited for length and readability.
Photo by Joshua Sulpico
Commentary // The ethics of sportsmanship
What it takes to maintain a strong unit in sports
Reflecting on some sports games I’ve attended this semester, I was impressed by the sportsmanship from each team. Being involved in athletics myself for many years in the past, I have found that comradery and feeling like a part of the team is a key element that I always took pride in and appreciated. Having good sportsmanship brings players closer together and allows them to go further in their journey of improvement, competitively or otherwise.
This got me thinking: what makes good sportsmanship? What would happen without it? Below I touch on what I consider to be the core qualities of good sportsmanship, and to me, not one of them is less essential to a team than another.
Commitment
No team can perform to the best of their abilities without showing up. Attending practices, games, and meetings are the first step in creating a strong team. If you commit to something, stick to it! Bailing at the last minute because you “just didn’t feel like coming” isn’t a good reflection toward the teammates who are counting on you. Having a “team first” mentality prevents any opportunity to overshadow the success of the group or even the personal journey of the athlete. Something like being late can happen one time, then become two times, and soon it’s a habit. Being committed is what knits together a team, makes bad habits manageable, and provides consistency for the group.
Respect
Players don’t get the most out of their teammates without strong respect for one another. In most contexts of the word, you’re more likely to receive respect if you’re also showing it to others. Showing respect can be for small things, like telling someone that we appreciate them and their efforts. While humour is
appreciated, there’s no room for mocking, putting teammates down, or being secretive. Handshakes before and after every game are a symbol of respect in sports, as is listening to coaches and mentors who want the best for the team. It’s easy to get angry, frustrated, or show a negative attitude during challenging moments, but having mutual respect within your team goes an incredibly long way.
Fairness
Fairness can tie into respect, but is more an aspect of development that begins within the individual athlete. Fairness can display itself through being selfless, unbiased, taking responsibility for your actions and mistakes, not denying teammates equal opportunities, and obviously following the rules of the game. These are all things that can lead the athlete, and therefore their team, to the success they want. With an athlete who doesn’t have too large an ego, opinions, or sense of self, the team can work toward and reach their goals more smoothly and allows for a more pleasurable process.
Unity and friendship
It’s inspiring to see what a team can do when everyone is familiar with each other. By choosing to get to know each person, a bond is created that ultimately helps the team grow and work together continuously and effectively. Knowing each other’s strengths and specific skill sets makes being a part of the team easier and more comfortable. Therefore, we trust each member to have our backs and support us, which is the core of a strong team. Having positive and secure relationships also give us a sense of purpose and motivation to try harder and put our best selves forward.
Sportsmanship can make or break a team, that’s why it’s so important to be attentive to these qualities. If you do, you and your team’s value can only increase.
VERONICA POWELL
IDP playing football (Photo by Albert Gonzalez Farran / Unamid)
Basketball // WBB: pre-season challenges forge team identity
Cabuco and Leda comment on string of Cascades pre-season games
MICAH DELLA FORESTA
Over the past several weeks, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Cascades women’s basketball team (WBB) has been preparing for the approaching season, competing in five pre-season bouts. There have been ebbs and flows to this early season action, a testament to teams ironing out their wrinkles and finding their identity as a unit.
Canada West’s new divisional format will see UFV competing exclusively against British Columbia teams in 202425. This departure from their traditional inter-provincial regular season matchups prompted the coaching staff to arrange a diverse and challenging pre-season lineup, seeking to provide valuable experience for potential play-off scenarios.
The U Sports pre-season journey began with a double-header against the University of Calgary Dinos. The first game, held on Friday, Sept. 20, was a closely contested battle. Despite a strong effort from the Cascades, they fell just short, with Calgary edging out a narrow 49-44 victory.
Saturday’s rematch proved to be more difficult for the UFV squad, as the Dinos controlled key matchups throughout the game. The final score of 68-51 in Calgary’s favour highlighted the areas where the Cascades needed to improve.
The outcome of the series set the stage for the team’s subsequent introspection and improvement, leading into their series against Laurier University.
The Cascades way
Two weeks later, the Cascades hosted Laurier University’s Golden Hawks. The first matchup on Friday, Oct. 4 ended in dramatic fashion, with the Cascades narrowly losing 80-76 in overtime — unable to overcome a 7-0 start to the extra
period by the Hawks.
This loss, however, sparked a crucial moment of reflection for the team; a dispiriting outcome that became a catalyst for change. Post-game, head coach Al Tuchscherer challenged the team to fully embody what they call “the Cascades way.”
Nikki Cabuco, a fifth-year guard with UFV defined “the Cascades way” as the mentality of relentlessly applying pressure on their opponents, taking pride in being on every loose ball, and being the more physical team every time they step on the floor.
Third-year guard Bernie Leda added that “the Cascades way means playing with a chip on [your] shoulder.” She described it further by saying, “It’s being gritty, desperate, and not scared of getting your hands dirty, of doing the little things.”
Cabuco and Leda denote this attitude to be a collective standard held by the team and critical to their championship aspirations.
With a day separating the next matchup, the team had time to mull over the loss and arrive at the UFV Athletic Centre on Sunday ready to fully embrace a gritty, Cascades style of gameplay. Sunday’s redemption
The team’s performance in the second match against Laurier was indicative of their approach to the early adversity.
Cabuco recounted that when Sunday arrived “we played like we’ve never played yet [this pre-season.]” The Cascades secured a convincing 82-61 victory, brilliantly showcasing their ability to respond and adapt.
Maddy Gobeil had a dominant performance, scoring 31 points on 11/21 shooting from the field, tallying 12 rebounds and three blocks. Fourth-year Esther Allison
neared a double double tallying 13 points and nine rebounds, and Cabuco and Leda both scored in double digits to round out an all-around team performance.
Collectively, the Cascades shot an efficient 10/22 from three. A fulfilling outcome as it was an off-season goal of the team to increase their percentages beyond the arc.
The TMU game
The Cascades carried their newfound energy into their Friday afternoon match against Toronto Metropolitan University on Oct. 11 at UBC. From the tip, UFV demonstrated their intent to shoulder the same mentality they displayed the week prior and had carried into a week of practice. Seeking to prove to themselves that they are capable of playing “the Cascades way” on a consistent basis.
They did just that. The Cascades opened the game with a 12-0 run, and left Vancouver with a convincing win,
beating the TMU Bold 83-64.
“This is what it’s all about,” Cabuco concluded, reflecting on the team’s growth. “This is how we should be feeling after every game where we can just go in there, play the Cascades way, make them feel us, and we get out. We take care of business.”
Looking ahead
The team is now travelling to Waterloo, Ontario, where they will face three inter-conference opponents between Oct. 17-19. The Cascades will play against the University of Windsor and University of Waterloo from the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference, as well as Memorial University from the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference. The regular season kicks off at home against UBC on Halloween night.
Photo by Jordie Arthur / UFV Athletics
Community // UFV alum Jamie Vaughan’s legacy of leadership and excellence
Former coach Pat Lee, current MBB player Clay Kurtz, and Vaughan himself discuss induction into the Cascades Hall of Fame
MICAH DELLA FORESTA
On the night of Oct. 11, Rotary Stadium played host to the 2025 University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Cascades Hall of Fame class. Former basketball player Jamie Vaughan, surrounded by friends, family, and fellow inductees, was cemented into the university’s athletic history. The ceremony celebrated Vaughan’s remarkable achievements and the indelible mark he left on UFV’s basketball program.
An illustrious career
Vaughan’s journey with UFV began in 2003 upon transferring from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Northwest University in Washington state. Immediately he proved to be a game-changer for the Cascades. In his debut season, he played a pivotal role in the team’s 2004 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national championship win, earning MVP honours at the tournament.
Coming off a strong start, Vaughan faced a considerable setback: an untimely injury that forced him to miss the entire 2004-05 season. Vaughan responded to the adversity in the only way he knew how: by putting his head down and getting to work. He returned to the floor better than prior to his injury, responding with a campaign that saw him named the CCAA’s national men’s basketball player of the year.
Pat Lee, Vaughan’s former coach at UFV, spoke highly about his former player’s qualities. Lee described an innate work ethic and attention to detail that is not often seen replicated. Coupled with leadership abilities that were reflected in both Vaughan’s words and actions, Lee saw a unique collection of traits in the young athlete.
“What set Jamie apart wasn’t just his skill on the court, but his character off it,” Lee remarked.
In his last year as a Cascade, Vaughan’s presence continued to prove instrumental to the team’s success. Upon being promoted to the U Sports level in the 2006-07 campaign, Vaughan guided the unit as a leader while continuing to excel individually, pouring in 16.6 points on and 7.1 rebounds per night.
Reflecting on his time at UFV, Vaughan emphasized the value of the lessons learned through his time on the court that have carried into
his post-basketball endeavours.
“[Athletics] has taught me everything,”
Vaughan said. “There’s no way I’d be where I am from a career standpoint without it.”
Now a successful business owner in property management, Vaughan credits his sports background for equipping him with the competencies to handle high-pressure situations and remain unshaken in the face of hardship.
Building at home
Lee highlighted the significance of Vaughan’s decision to play locally. “We talked about what it means to be an athlete in your area,” Lee recalled. He expressed how this choice allowed Vaughan to influence his younger brothers’ lives and be present in his community.
In an era of sport where it has been normalized for athletes to frequently move between programs and cities in search of glory, Jamie’s story stands as a powerful counter-narrative. Lee’s words shed light on an often overlooked consideration in the rapidly evolving state of college sports in Canada and in the United States — the profound impact one can have by choosing to invest and build in their hometown region.
This legacy of local influence continues to resonate years later, particularly with Clay Kurtz, Vaughan’s cousin and current player for UFV men’s basketball. Kurtz shared his perspective on following in his
close relative’s footsteps, “Knowing that he’s being honoured for his past successes is incredibly motivating for me, especially as I now find myself playing for the same school nearly 20 years later.”
For Kurtz, wearing the same number 10 jersey that Vaughan once donned is more than just a coincidence — it’s a symbol of continuity and aspiration. “I feel a strong desire to help rebuild the program to that level of success again,” Kurtz explained. “It symbolizes not just our bond, but also the legacy of hard work and excellence that I strive to uphold on the court.”
Vaughan’s advice to young athletes When asked what counsel he would offer to the upcoming generation of players, Vaughan affirmed the importance of commitment and perseverance. “There’s a lot that’s outside of your control,” he noted. “But you can control your attitude, how you respond to the good and to the bad, and ultimately you control how hard you work.”
He encourages young athletes to focus on continual improvement, setting high standards for themselves, and being willing to put in the extra hours to achieve their goals.
As Jamie Vaughan’s name is enshrined in the UFV Hall of Fame, his legacy serves as a powerful and encouraging testament to the value of putting down roots, working relentlessly, and building something special where your feet stand.
This time of year has consistently reminded me of one thing: how much I miss trick-or-treating. I remember the unmatched excitement of getting home from school and scarfing down dinner because I couldn’t wait to step out into the darkness.
With my plastic pumpkin bucket in hand, I felt such pride in every costume that my mom would DIY for me. There was something special about the experience of uttering three magic words that would instantaneously get me candy. Or, maybe it was just the idea of endless sugar.
Now, trick-or-treating is picking what essay topic I want to write about. Halloween night is leftover candy dinners, pulling all-nighters for schoolwork, and combating sleep deprivation. My DIY costume is a sweatsuit and fuzzy Halloween socks. As a kid, my only concern was having to give my parents a portion of my sweet earnings to “make sure it wasn’t poison.” As a retired trick-or-treater, my concern is falling asleep because I ran out of candy to eat. Despite how my Halloween evenings have changed, I still have the choice of staying up past eight o’clock and not brushing my teeth for one night. Trick-or-
Photo by Joshua Sulpico
VERONICA POWELL
Illustrations by Iryna Presley
Rowing
UFV Rowing season update
Coach and player reactions from Cascades’ latest regatta appearance
JEFFREY KENNETT
BURNABY LAKE PARK (Oct. 5, 2024)
— UFV Rowing continued through race season with another gritty and determined effort early this month at the Western Canadian University Rowing Championships. Competing in small boat competition and in women’s composite eights with SFU, the Cascades had a respectable showing considering the field of competition.
Sophia Halas placed third in the Women’s JV 1x category, and was quick to credit her mentors after her race. “We have amazing coaches, Lisa and Alicia. They’re awesome,” said Halas, noting the training regime in place by the staff has pushed the athletes to new heights.
Aaron Hyde’s approach to the race involves only what’s in his control. “We go into it pretty loose. If we’re able to beat one of those boats, [it’s a] huge win for us,” he said.
Former Olympic gold medalist and current coach at UFV, Lisa Roman is in her third year with the program. “UVic and UBC are two of the top schools, so coming out here to compete is hard for us,” said Roman. She sees value in the process though. “It shows where we need
to be if we want to be super competitive. That’s important.”
Against top-tier rowing programs, UFV has ground to make up. Roman explained, “95 per cent of [our] athletes are walk-ons, so most people don’t have any experience.” She explained that “most of UBC’s athletes have had previous rowing, so it’s just a different ball game. Not that we can’t be competitive, because we have been already.”
While everyone wants a positive result in the final placements, Roman said it’s important to keep perspective. “We have to remember that we’ve only really been running the program for three years, and it really would take somebody that doesn’t know rowing about four to five years to really be competitive.” She thinks in the next two or three years, when athletes have been around the system and racing for multiple cycles, UFV can actually start to stand out and be a competitive rowing program.
What is Roman looking for in the present, then? “Just seeing them come down the course and have the confidence to be in the race. That’s what I’m looking for,” said Roman. “We’ve done a really good job of creating more of a squad. It’s fun to see all the other athletes come out and
support and be there and help people take down boats.”
Roman enjoys the bond that her rowers have. “All of our athletes tend to hang out with each other. They do things together. You don’t see that very often in varsity programs. They rally each other on and I really enjoy that.” As a former athlete, Roman is focused on “trying to provide an opportunity for people to have an experience,” as opposed to strictly pursuing athletic excellence at all costs.
Coach Alicia Borsoi expressed similar sentiments. “Rowing is very much a pattern; it’s a three part pattern, forward and backward,” said Borsoi. “A huge part of keeping your connection and power to transfer from your body to your oars, holding your body over in the mid part of the stroke. That’s actually quite a challenging thing to achieve consistently; it’s natural for people to want to open their bodies, and then it just ends up pushing the boat down and slowing down.” On her team’s rowing, she said, “I was really happy with what I saw in practice yesterday and then how it transferred today. In their race scenario, the men’s double had excellent form under fatigue and even though they were really fighting from behind, the habit is usually to lose that
body over, and they were both holding that very well.”
Hyde documented the biggest challenge of the race as, “Around the 1500 metre [mark] you don’t think you can go anymore, and you just have to find a way. You have to put it even harder in the last bit, and you really don’t want to. It’s part of the sport; it’s what the sport is really like.” He explained, “There’s a lot of development there. You figure out how to do it, you push and you don’t think you can anymore. It’s a really cool feeling at the end looking back at it. In the middle it’s like, this is horrible, but it’s always fun at the end to look back and see what we were actually able to do, and start comparing it to our races before.”
Long-time rower Peter Inden described what it’s been like teaming up with SFU. “[They’re] at a similar stage as us; they’re trying to develop their team.” Inden said it’s nice to have competition within their own range of experience. “We’ve got potential, and we just need to build it up.”
UFV Rowing is currently preparing for the Canadian University Rowing Championships at Elk Lake in Victoria this Nov. 1-3, 2024.
Campus Fashion: Halloween costumes
A guide to picking out a costume that is right for you
Column // The Cascade Kitchen: The best pumpkin pie you’ll ever have
As Halloween approaches, people are busy looking for fun and creative ways to dress up for the spookiest day of the season. With so many amazing ways to put together a wicked ensemble for the holiday, let’s take a look at how to celebrate Halloween in style.
Wearing trendy costumes:
Google Trends recently compiled a list of the top 15 most popular Halloween costumes trending on the internet. Characters from movie franchises such as Inside Out 2 (2024), Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) and Marvel, as well as pop culture icons like Sabrina Carpenter are some of the most sought out costumes of the year. Celebrating Halloween by wearing a costume guaranteed to be trendy is one way to be a hit on Halloween.
Thrifting your costume:
Going to a local thrift store to find pieces for your ensemble is another way to get creative this season. You may find pieces in the Halloween section or get inspired to build your own costume and shop in the clothing section. In some ways, this can be a cheaper alternative to buying a new costume, though it may take longer to find all the pieces you need.
Shopping online:
Shopping for your costume online will
offer more variety than the Halloween costumes sold in stores. Websites like Amazon offer a wide range of choices with different price ranges; the only downsides are that it is hard to gauge correct sizing and the costumes may not arrive on time. Revamping old costumes: Sometimes, you already have a costume hanging in your closet, ready to be reworn. Many try swapping a costume with a friend or reusing an old costume by adding something new. Sometimes all it takes is a new accessory like a necklace or a hat to add a fresh take.
Create a customized costume:
Sewing a costume from a pattern or following a DIY project may seem like a challenge; however, it is a good way to customize your costumes using materials you love and hand-picked. Getting the size right and ensuring that you get exactly what you want are added perks to sewing your costume for Halloween. It is a little more time consuming, but yours will be one of a kind!
With so many options to choose from, may you enjoy the journey of finding your costume whether it be from a store, your closet, or made by hand! Happy Halloween!
CATHERINE CAMPBELL
The Cascade Kitchen is a student-run food column that brings you budgetfriendly recipes and cooking tips. Check back monthly 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.
My sister and I have always been freaks for pumpkin-flavoured anything, and so when I was nineteen-years-old, I started my quest for the perfect pumpkin pie recipe. After trying out a few recipes — and after a few failures — I combined my favourite parts of each into this one, giving us the perfect pumpkin pie. We’ve been eating it every year in October for 12 years now; I imagine I’ll still be baking it when I’m old and grey.
P.S. the whipped cream is the real star of the show here. That little hint of cinnamon is chef’s kiss.
Serves: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the pie:
* 1 can pureed pumpkin (about 2 cups)
* 1 can sweetened condensed milk
* 2 eggs
* 2 tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves
* 1 frozen pie crust, thawed
* For the whipped cream:
* 1 cup unwhipped whipping cream
* 2 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 tsp cinnamon
Method:
Before you start, make sure you have an electric mixer on hand. While it’s not absolutely necessary for making whipped cream, it sure will make your life a whole lot easier! If you don’t own one, borrow one from a friend or family member — trust me, it’s worth it for that thick whipped cream!
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Pull your pie crust from the freezer to allow it time to thaw (about 15 minutes); set it in a ceramic pie plate, along with its foil base, for easy removal from the oven.
3. Combine pureed pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and spices in a large bowl; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into the thawed pie crust and place in your preheated oven.
5. Bake the pie for about 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.
6. While the pie is cooling, pour whipped cream, vanilla, and cinnamon into a high-sided bowl; whip with an electric mixer until the cream is thick.
7. Once the pie is cooled, top with as much whipped cream as you can stand, and enjoy!
I hope this pie brings you as much joy as it brings me and my family. May your October be bright and pumpkin-filled!
Illustration by NatNat /Adobe Stock
Illustration by Natasha Zilkosky
Holds thread for a
Crossword Puzzle
Horoscopes //
By: Madame LaCarte
Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19
You’re stalling, and I don’t blame you; we’ve all been there. Feeling uninspired, unmotivated, and disconnected aren’t just symptoms of depression; they happen to everyone at some point. I’ll tell you a secret though … it’s okay. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to take time for yourself. It’s okay to pause and take a breath. This will pass, after all. Nothing is permanent, and that’s okay.
Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20
Usually, I would not condone reckless and impulsive behaviour. Especially when it’s an emotional reaction to a recent disappointment. But the cards seem to signal that in your case the outcome might be the discovery of a new freedom or experience. Sometimes life needs to push us out of our comfort zones, and although it can be infuriating to be pushed in any sense, sometimes we land on something unexpected.
Gemini - May 21 to Jun. 20
What is it you want, exactly? Do you even know? You seem to have conflicting goals, and it’s leading you to pick short-term pleasure over long-term ambitions. Try to figure out what you want and focus on it, cause right now you’re giving off I’ll-start-tomorrow vibes.
Cancer - Jun. 21 to Jul. 22
How many jugs can a juggler juggle, if a juggler could juggle jugs. Don’t worry, I don’t expect an answer; after all, you’re not a juggler. So how’s about you put some of these things you’re juggling down. Don’t get me wrong, it’s very entertaining to watch, but sweetie you need some “you” time to consider the three R’s; reground, recentre, and reflect.
Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22
If this was a personal reading, it would be quite clear that you’re about to come into some inheritance, which will give you a new freedom in life. Something you’ve always wanted is now doable. But, since reason tells me not every Leo out there will have a distant rich uncle die — because let’s face it, there aren’t that many rich uncles out there — I’ll leave the interpreting to you
Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Anger has forced you to move forward on your own. It was sudden when it happened, but now there is no turning back. As a result, you’re about to go through some changes this month and at the end of it you will be an evolution of what you once were, be it butterfly or moth.
Libra - Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
There’s a new venture on your horizon, but you have stepped off the gas. You want to take a moment to reconsider your direction, and I get it. What is the difference between reflection and doubt? Opportunity is ahead, delay is behind you, but don’t dilly-dally too long or delay will catch up.
Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
Trick-or-treat? Trick, I think. Tricked by your self deception. You’ve done such a good job, even the cards are at a loss. Are you being brave, or just insecure? Will you move on or hold on? No one knows. You’ve surrounded yourself with so much manure, that the only thing clear here is your need for a shower.
Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
No “I” in team, but there is “team” in steamrolling. Sometimes you just have to get things done, and if you want them done right, you’ll do it yourself. Right? Or not. Lingering resentments are often the hardest to forgive.
Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
You’re tired of having your strings pulled by others. Go ahead, cut those strings, stand on your own two feet; wooden as they may be. Don’t let them whittle you down, make you fret, or make you frown. Cut those strings and be free.
Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
Cozy autumn’s got you comfortable, but like the leaves, change is upon you. Is it good? Is it bad? Will it make you happy or sad? A new light is shining through, there’s not much that you can do. Seasons come and seasons go, but one thing is certain… you will grow.
Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
You feel like the work you’ve done has reaped no rewards. But have you really been working all that hard? The cards seem to think you’ve been spending too much time gossiping in the coffee room. Desire and indulgence don’t pair well with ambition and diligence. Maybe step away from the beverages, and assess where you should be.
UFV Speaks //
UFV Speaks: How do you feel about dressing up for Halloween?
VERONICA POWELL
In UFV Speaks, our intrepid reporters pick a topic currently relevant to UFV students or staff, and ask them for their heated opinions to get a real sense of how the UFV population feels about the facts. Do you plan on dressing up for Halloween this year? Would you be willing to come to class in a costume? Curious to see how UFV students felt on the matter, I went around campus and grabbed some interviews hoping to find out.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Miranda Neufeldt / Geography and history
“I think if it was just me by myself and I had no friends, I would not dress up just because I’m not very passionate about Halloween. But I think if you have friends in your class and you could get people to participate... for sure, send it. It’s intimidating if you’re the only person with the big – I don’t know, pizza costume … other than that it’s pretty fun to dress up.”
Ella Vanderwyk / Psychology
“In high school, I definitely did not enjoy it as much. In my mind, I kind of felt like it was cringey. I felt like I’d be judged. But in university, it’s a lot easier to kind
of have fun and express yourself a little bit more, especially when you start to meet new people or meet new friends, it’s a lot easier to just go out and you know, enjoy yourself rather than feel like it’s this — I don’t know, social pressure to just not do it.”
Would you dress up on campus?
“Honestly, I think it would be a lot more fun if it was like an actual event but I think just going to class, I wouldn’t have the energy to do so.”
Derek Hua / Kinesiology
“I think it’s a great idea. It shows our [Halloween] spirit and pushes that move of being able to dress up and have fun as an adult. I think it’s a great idea.”
Would you dress up on campus?
“Not typically, because I don’t really see many people doing that around here, but I would love to if everyone else did it.”
Bergen Critchley / Psychology
“I think it’s a fun thing that we shouldn’t feel weird about doing because it’s a nice little cultural tradition, and it makes things fun. Obviously anything that has, like, accessories that look like weapons, anything you could hit someone over the head with, that’s not great. I understand concerns about having things that cover someone’s face completely, but if, for example, I showed up in a Lord of the
Rings kit dressed as Aragorn, I don’t really see that as in any way harmful. That’s just having fun, because it’s that time of year, right?”
Lucy Reimer / Kinesiology
“I think it’s kind of fun, actually. I mean, it beats going to school in like, sweatpants and a hoodie, but you get to dress up and be silly on campus.”
Would you do it by yourself or with friends?
“I think if I had costumes at home I would put together a little closet costume and put on some fun makeup, just for fun.
I don’t know. I don’t care what people think, as long as I’m having fun. Maybe I’ll get some candy … bring my little plastic pumpkin door to door.”
Allison Hayton / Education
“I think it’s fun because I have a bunch of nieces and nephews, so I like to still go trick-or-treating with them, but then it makes me sad because I miss doing it…”
Would you dress up now?
“Yeah, me and my fiancé dress up sometimes and we will sit and hand out candy. It’s fun.”
Celebrating life through death
Discover the meaning behind the mystifying Mexican tradition
NATALIA TOSCANO
October is a festive month for many, with celebrations like Halloween becoming popular outside of Canada, the U.S., and Europe. However, there is another celebration with some adjacent themes: the presence of skeleton decorations, vibrant costumes, and delicious sweets, for example. This holiday is called Día de los muertos, or Day of the Dead, a festivity of Mexican origin starting at midnight on October 31, celebrated over 48 hours through the first and second of November, serving as a time to commemorate loved ones that have passed on to a better life. The celebration encourages us to remember that death is a natural part of the life cycle that should not be feared. Día de los muertos is not just about death; it is a loving tribute and celebration of life itself.
The tradition dates back to pre-hispanic Mexico and the Aztecs, where the ritual took place during the whole ninth month of the Aztec calendar. It was believed that after death, a person’s soul traversed nine challenging levels in order to reach their final destination: Mictlán. In order to encourage these souls on their multi-year journey, food provisions and tools would be placed for them throughout the month’s duration to help them on their travels. After Mexico was colonized in the 16th century, this celebration was moved to match the Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day on the first and second days of November respectively, where they have taken place ever since. Nowadays, the first of November has transformed into Little Angel’s Day, with Day of The Dead on the second. Though some aspects were altered, a deep
respect for death and an invitation to fearlessly view it as a natural process of life have remained.
On the days leading up to Nov. 1 and 2, families will set up an altar, a sort of makeshift shrine, dedicated to their dearly departed. Altars are the centrepiece of the celebration, and are commonly set up inside the privacy of homes, in churches, or in cemeteries. An altar usually consists of two or more levels: one symbolizing heaven, and the other earth, although some may have three to include purgatory as well. These levels are adorned with colourful sheets of paper with patterns cut into them known as papel picado, candles to light the way, a path of Mexican marigold cempasúchitl petals to guide the dead to the shrine, sugar skulls to express death with sweetness and nostalgia, the dead’s personal objects and/or favourite
treats, and most important of all, a picture of the family members or ancestors that the altar is dedicated to.
With more and more people getting exposed to this holiday thanks to more visibility through the media, many wonder how to partake in the celebration, and if it is respectful to do so. In truth, the common consensus from the Latin American community is that being able to share this celebration with the rest of the world would bring honour to their culture and traditions. Should you stumble upon the chance of giving this celebration a try, take the opportunity to respectfully partake in the celebrations as Día de los muertos can offer a different viewpoint of death and its role in our lives.
Photo By The img / Adobe Stock
Community // Beading together for Orange Shirt Day
Honouring Indigenous children and culture with Rebekah Brackett
PRATI KAPOOR
Every year, Sept. 30 marks both a federal statutory holiday for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The former honours the survivors of residential schools as well as the Indigenous children who never returned home. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenousled grassroots commemorative day to promote the movement of “every child matters.” The day aims to raise awareness of the tragic history and symbolizes the stripping away of culture and freedoms experienced by the Indigenous community over generations.
In recognition of Orange Shirt Day and as a part of BC Culture Days, the City of Abbotsford organized a beading event with local artist and beader Rebekah Brackett on Sept. 22 and Sept. 29 at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre. For Brackett, being a member of the Piikani Nation, leading this workshop is especially important as it’s a way for her to honour her family members and everyone impacted by the tragic atrocities from the schools.
Book Review //
The event, which had around 30 people in attendance, started with Rebekah and her husband, Shawn Peters, sharing the history of Orange Shirt Day to emphasize the importance of the event. They handed out beading kits which included a manual, an orange shirt cab — a centrepiece to bead around — threads, beads, pins, and a beading mat. The event continued with Brackett demonstrating how to thread the needle and make the first stitch. As attendees started their projects, both Brackett and Peters helped, encouraging everyone to bead at their own pace.
As an attendee myself, it was a new and challenging experience; I have never sewn before. I was confused and hesitant on how to start, and I tangled my threads multiple times. Peters helped me untangle with so much patience while Brackett helped me wrap up my beading toward the end.
The inspiration behind the orange shirt traces back to the story of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the residential school system. Webstad was only six years old when she was sent to a residential school; she was excited to wear
her new orange shirt to school, but it was taken away from her upon arrival. “We bead the pins to honour Phyllis and all those who went to residential schools,” shared Brackett.
Jagjit Akali, a UFV alumni who attended the event said, “I found it to be incredibly well-organized. Rebekah Brackett, the local artist who led the workshop, was so knowledgeable, and it was a privilege to learn from her. The opportunity to engage in beading while learning more about Indigenous culture was both meaningful and eye-opening. I would highly encourage everyone to attend events like this — it’s so important to come together, especially in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and traditions.”
Another attendee, Tiffany Sanna, said, “It was very mindful, I think. Just spending time with people, learning stories and different things, learning craft together and having a community.”
Wearing an orange shirt pin or an orange shirt is a powerful symbol,
The most tortuous read this fall
A review of Stephen King’s Holly
JANKI RAM
Spoilers ahead
For those who, like me, were drawn in by the enticing summary and cover of Stephen King’s Holly expecting a riveting mystery whodunnit, prepare for disappointment — the element of mystery was noticeably lacking. Instead, King delves into the life of Holly, the main protagonist. Holly, who first appears in Mr. Mercedes, also shows up in Finders Keepers and The Outsider, a few of King’s earlier novels. In Holly, she runs a detective agency, using her skills to tackle tricky cases. Holly Gibney is a determined character who confronts challenges fearlessly and is driven by the strong desire to protect the vulnerable. Her journey reveals both her intelligence and emotional depth as she navigates her insecurities and traumas. During an investigation, Holly’s friend and co-worker Bonnie goes missing, leaving Holly to set aside other work to search for her. Really, Holly uses her
search for Bonnie as a way to cope with her mother’s death. But what starts as a distraction quickly spirals into an all-consuming obsession, leading Holly down a dark path where the lines between right and wrong become increasingly blurred.
As the investigation advances, it’s clear that the case is more complicated than Holly expected, making things truly tough for her. The investigation was complex and all the clues put forth seemed to lead Holly into different directions. Then all the shocking revelations and finding out the true motives of our antagonists made this even more hard to digest. Holly also struggles with her mental health and carries heavy emotional baggage, which clouds her judgement and aids to the complexity. Toward the end, Holly encounters unexpected twists, including the revelation of the true motives behind the crimes, which complicate the case further, while deepening the stakes for Holly to find Bonnie as soon as possible.
As Holly navigates these challenges,
by Prati
Brackett further emphasized, “It is not where the work stops. We don’t simply wear a pin; we have to do the work that the 94 Calls to Actions outlined. It will take time, and work, and wearing a pin is a great first step.”
Events like these pay respect to the Indigenous communities while creating a sense of community. These events help raise awareness and collectively heal while educating ourselves to build a future where every child matters.
the nature of the antagonists comes into play, affecting the overall tension of the story. The antagonists, Rody and Emily, are unveiled too early on as cannibals, which should have been a shock, but felt almost cartoonish. Their justification for their horrific actions — kidnapping and consuming others — was all in the name of a twisted logic to keep themselves young. Which was a bit too far-fetched for my taste, and lacked the complexity often found in King’s usual villains. There wasn’t any grounding, and felt like it was added to the book for shock value, but ultimately failed to keep readers intrigued.
I wasn’t particularly drawn to the slow unravelling of the mystery; it caused me to start losing interest. A book like this should be fast-paced, leaving the readers on the edge of their seats. A more lively plot would’ve helped make Holly a more gripping read.
Holly. By Stephen King, Scribner, 2023. Book Cover.
Photo
Kapoor
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
King’s work has evolved over the years, with his earlier books often providing an escape into supernatural horror. Now King tries to incorporate more realistic settings and characters, which, for me at least, reduces the escapism factor. Holly, being one of his newer books, blends real-world issues with horror, making the suspense feel more immediate. But for me, this defeats the purpose of reading a book; I read books so I can escape reality
Movies //
and be able to think freely and creatively. When there’s that intense suspense, it pulls me in and makes it hard to relax or let my imagination wander. Instead of escaping, I find myself stuck in this tension, which takes away from the joy of losing myself in a story and reducing the chance to live those thousand lives that reading is meant to offer.
A line from Holly that has stuck with me is: “There’s no more exquisite torture than hope.” This line holds so much weight to me; it’s almost like the heart is
too broken to beat but is still responsive to the bittersweet sound of hope. I have had many dreams, and I’ve had dreams taken away from me; what made it more painful is having that glimmer of hope, that one “what if” that kept me going. In the end, that hope turned into a constant reminder of what could have been. It is torture because it’s so intimately connected within me. It’s the lover who whispers sweet sayings and awakens love in someone with no intention of loving them. It’s the belief that time heals all wounds — but
what happens to the scars left behind by hope? It’s like the second chance everyone longs for but doesn’t realize is just another dead end.
If you’re after a classic whodunnit, this isn’t it. But if you’re interested in diving into the psychological mess of the main character, you’ll find a dark and twisted journey in Holly
Top ten autumn movies
Films to make your life more magical this fall
SAMANTHA PENNER
The movies I consume in the fall vary depending on my mood, but the overarching theme is one I have dubbed the “fall ache.”
The “fall ache” is the craving for movies that emotionally destroy you while simultaneously rebuilding the soul. I want my chest to hurt, my eyes to well, and my mind to light up. I want to feel intellectually uplifted while being emotionally wrecked to the core. Movies that feel like fall; the Halloween classics filled with nostalgia, the horror movies, and the ones that just give that fall vibe. I love collapsing into a night of Halloweentown (1998), wrapping myself up in childhood favourites to celebrate the season. I’m not strong enough to brave horror films alone, but with friends it can become the best night ever, screaming and then laughing at your own fright. I truly love it all.
Below is a list comprised of the movies that make fall special to me:
10. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): Wes Anderson uses stop-motion to create a striking dance of characters. The colour pallet screams autumn and the provoking dialogue seeks comfort, which formulates a concoction perfect for a fall bucket list.
9. Coraline (2009): this famously creepy film plays with the uncanny and sends shivers down your spine, leaving excitement after the rush of eeriness gives way. Visually beautiful with a plot full of conspiracy and intrigue. Terrifying in the best way — it is popular for a reason.
8. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): possibly the cult-classic movie. Displaying Tim Curry’s genius in full force, this movie is camp and outrageous in the best of ways. It is over-the-top, flamboyant, eerie, and shocking, with unbelievable musical numbers that scream stardom.
7. The Goonies (1985): a perfect classic with an everlasting special something. The gripping nostalgia effortlessly jumps out of the screen as an adventure between
friends unfolds into an epic. It’s quotable and funny, embodying the magic of childhood. It remains a feel-good film with a thoughtful narrative that teaches viewers the power of holding on to that which we do not want to lose.
6. Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987): my dad and I have dubbed this the best of the series (original — we still love you) as a slasher film that finds humour in itself. It is fun, punchy, foul-mouthed, and tricky with thrills that leave your heart pounding. A wonderful experience all around, “Welcome to prime time, bitch.”
5. Harry Potter (2001-2011): best 19 hours and 39 minutes of your life. Need I say more? It is not autumn without Harry Potter.
4. Hocus Pocus (1993): a seasonal family favourite, Hocus Pocus always provides laughs. A timeless Halloween classic that everyone needs to watch this spooky season.
3. Scream (1996): a 90’s slasher cult-classic. Jump scares and pace increases in all the right places with perfectly timed laughs, centred around the love for movies — what more could you ask for? Scream is brilliant to its core.
2 It (2017): hilariously horror, It makes for an enjoyable watch every time. The kids make this movie great with their epic acting, one-liners, and stellar sense of humour. The summer backdrop lets you soak in those last moments of sunshine as you watch a horror movie in the heart of autumn. It’s creepy and riveting wrapped up in one beautiful remake.
1. Dead Poets Society (1989): it may be biased of me throwing this in at number one, but I will stand proud on this mountain for eternity. This movie is a literary genius projected onto the big screen. It’s gut-wrenchingly beautiful, with its raw humanism, and empowering motive. It is gorgeous and I declare it a masterpiece. I will never not give Dead Poets Society five stars.
Movies make life special; they hold
language bending value and meaningful memories. Autumn movies have a magic in them that I believe we are all a sucker for. So, my greatest advice — beyond any
list — is to snuggle up, light a candle, pass the popcorn, and enjoy movie nights this season!
Billy-Ray Belcourt on writing, the role of literature, and teaching new creatives
Meet one of the Fraser Valley Writers Festival’s keynote speakers
ANNA MCCAUSLAND
With the Fraser Valley Writers Festival coming to UFV in early November, The Cascade sat down with Billy-Ray Belcourt, one of the event’s two keynote speakers, on all things writing, teaching, and literature. Billy-Ray Belcourt, from the Driftpile Cree Nation, is an author, poet, and associate professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He has published three poetry collections and two novels, the most recent being Coexistence (2024) which has been shortlisted for the 2025 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Book Awards He also has multiple works of prose and poetry published online.
A poet first and foremost, Belcourt is unconfined by genre. To Belcourt, poetry supplies a certain freedom that doesn’t tether him to traditional writing conventions. His poetic voice is evident in his long form work and fiction, though he admitted, “I have to quiet it down and write boring sentences, but I do have to feel that poetic voice at all times when I’m writing.”
When asked about the role of the writer in society, Belcourt emphasized his why: “I just want to write something that is moving and meaningful.” For him, being a queer Indigenous writer is to “engage with very real issues and desires that make up the queer Indigenous experience … to open up some kind of private and public space that is philosophical and emotional at the same time.” Belcourt encourages readers to “think with more nuance about queer Indigenous life, colonization, and desire.”
Much of Belcourt’s work is based around resistance against colonialism and its dominant ideals. “Literature affords us the opportunity to imagine otherwise,” he said. “As an Indigenous person, you feel like you’re born into a history that you’re fundamentally unfree from, but in my work, I’ve tried to insist on our right to be free.”
Indigenous agency is a cornerstone of Belcourt’s thematics. “I want my characters — in my fiction in particular — to be seen as people who are complex and full of desire and who deserve lives that aren’t mired in suffering.” Speaking to what motivates his writing practice, he said, “one of my main motivations is that every book includes something that feels important to me, [but] I can’t do
everything.” With each book he is “chasing after what I feel like I’ve left behind or left out … I feel like I’ve always got something else to write toward.”
When asked about the theme of vulnerability in his work, Belcourt was surprised. “It never occurred to me not to be vulnerable when I was writing,” he said. Growing up during the rise of social media, Belcourt noticed how we were all documenting our lives, yet representation wasn’t adequate. “I recognized there was a lack of books to buy about queer and dismissed people.” Vulnerability in his creative work was a way of offering connection. “Vulnerability can be something that is coerced out of you, or it can be like something that you’re offering up as a way of solidarity [and] connection.” His advice for emerging writers who are scared to be vulnerable is for them to “think about ... the difference between those two aspects of vulnerability — be vulnerable when it feels like you’re going to be received generously.”
Belcourt’s career in academia was something he knew he would pursue early in his undergraduate degree. As a creative writing professor, Belcourt mixes both writing and theory, and his teaching informs his creative work. “My students feel they’re important to my overall practice and process… I’m very lucky that I get to think about literary topics every week with students who want to write about the
world and want to do it rigorously.”
Speaking of the classroom as a place of uncertainty for both him and his students he said, “uncertainty creates a place where we can meet in the service of some larger knowledge projects… Whether that be poetry, fiction, or Indigenous writing… we’re always moving together toward some sense of understanding about how to be more purposeful and intentional and thoughtful.” Belcourt is looking forward to joining us at the Fraser Valley Writers Festival. “It’s always a joy to be with other writers and readers and to close the gap between your book and your imagined reader,” he said.
Belcourt left us with a few pieces of advice for new writers: “have time to commit to your craft.” In writing “harness both what [you] do and what [you] don’t know, because in combining the two, something irreducible emerges that can feel like art.” And to the sentiment of Toni Morrison, Belcourt said to “write the book that you need that doesn’t exist.”
You can hear more from Billy-Ray Belcourt on Nov. 1 at the Fraser Valley Writers Festival Opening Night in Evered Hall. While it’s free to go, you’ll need to reserve your spot on Eventbrite or through the Fraser Valley Writers Festival website. We look forward to his keynote address exploring writing, politics, and colonialism.
Photo submitted by Billy-Ray Belcourt
Book Talk: Jhumpa Lahiri and the art of the slow burn
A prolific, simplistic writer
CATHERINE CAMPBELL
Welcome to Book Talk, where we help you find new fuel for your bookish obsession. While you might not find these authors while scrolling short-form content online, you will find their work to be significant, impactful, and, hopefully, something you reach for time and again. Happy reading!
When I think of Jhumpa Lahiri’s career — as well as her books — the first term that comes to mind is slow burn. With her first book of short stories coming out in 1999, Lahiri’s professional writing practice has spanned decades, bringing forward works that are insightful and significant while highlighting universal aspects of life.
Lahiri, born in London, England to West Bengali immigrants, moved to the United States at three years old. After finishing a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, moved on to Boston University, where she obtained master’s degrees in creative writing, English, and comparative literature, and a postdoctoral degree in renaissance studies. During this time, Lahiri published three novels, one novella, three short story collections, and three non-fiction books.
While prolific, what I like about Lahiri is that she’s not rushing to pump out book after book to keep up with current trends; she takes her time, putting effort and care into each one to make sure it’s the best it can be. With themes of attachment, migration, family, and finding meaning, Lahiri’s books are relatable without being tedious.
A wonderful example of this is
Whereabouts (2018), a year-long narrative of a woman stuck between stagnancy and motion, restlessness, and being settled. I picked my copy up from a shelf at a local thrift store. I am, by and large, one of those people who judges a book by its cover (sorry). And while this cover isn’t complex, it is eye-catching — and the reason I now buy every book by Lahiri that I can find.
Though the synopsis for Whereabouts didn’t entirely intrigue me, I was hooked by the first page. Lahiri’s writing isn’t flashy, but it grounds you in its simplicity, while still managing to make each line engaging.
Lahiri’s work is very much the kind that, while not much may appear to happen on the surface, the characters often go through stark internal changes. Add to this realistic backdrops and relatable situations — written in such a personable style, like a friend telling you a story over coffee — and you have unforgettable narratives that surface again and again in your mind. And while much of Lahiri’s work is simply written, it conveys significant advice. I often find myself reading and re-reading her work just for this reason.
In her book The Namesake (2003), Lahiri writes:
“Do yourself a favor. Before it’s too late, without thinking too much about it first, pack a pillow and a blanket and see as much of the world as you can. You will not regret it. One day it will be too late.” Happy reading!
CHARTS SHUFFLE
AARON LEVY
October is like the Thursday of the entire year, so CIVL’s Aaron Levy mails it in for this week’s Halloween edition, with a quartet of essential autumn selections, re-shuffled like a stacked card deck to take us into election season in the U.S.!
Tracy Morgan“Werewolf Bar Mitzvah”
As the years tick by, it becomes ever so culturally important, for so many reasons, that we investigate the relevance of this prime time television parody of a classic twentieth century novelty song, absurdly juxtaposing comic Tracy Morgan with the Jewish coming of age tradition known as the Bar Mitzvah.
Bobby Pickett“Monster Mash”
One of the staples of the aforementioned brand of novelty songs from the mid-20th century, this song included the kind of evil, but somewhat sanitized, low, growling cackle that we may identify as relating to Dr. Claw in Inspector Gadget, various Bond villains, and many more, including this classic.
Michael Jackson - “Thriller”
A Halloween tradition since the early 80s, when this all-time chart-topping, dance-floor activating, music video revolutionizing, and globally worshipped masterpiece was unleashed on the world as the centrepiece of the King of Pop’s ultimate, masterful audio assemblage, which not only included hits like PYT and Billie Jean, but also included features by Paul McCartney.
Guns N’ Roses“November Rain”
Getting this one out of the way, because of course, there’s only one constant that follows the mischief and misanthropy that comes along with the completion of the Halloween season, and that’s colder November weather, which, perhaps more than in any other region on the continent, means rain in B.C.
01. CARIBOU Honey
02. ROOTS ROUND UP Up Rooted
03. TEON GIBBS The Calm Before
04. RAPALLO Merger
05. NILUFER YANYA My Method Actor
06. MAGDALENA BAY Imaginal Disk
07. FOLD PAPER 4TO
08. DONOVAN WOODS Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now
09. FRANCESCA WEXLER
I dreamt I Found a Red Ruby
10. DESIREE DORION Remember Your Name
11. HOTKID Downtown EP
12. INFRARED Manifestation
13. TEA FANNIE It’s All Love
14. PATRIK KABONGO Now You Know
15. ANVIL One and Only
16. GIRLY. About Maxine EP
17. BOY GOLDEN For Eden
18. OSEES Sorcs 80
19. ELLE MCANDREWS La bElle Epoch
20. KNITTING Some Kind of Heaven
Graphic by Gabriela Gonzalez, Illustration by ckybe, Generated with AI / Adobe Stock, Blank book cover mockup by James Thew / Adobe Stock, The Namesake. By Jhumpa Lahiri, Mariner Books, 2003. Book Cover. Interpreter of Maladies. By Jhumpa Lahiri, Mariner Books, 1999. Book Cover.
