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In 2019, Merriam-Webster – America’s oldest dictionary – declared the word “they” its word of the year and added a new definition: used to refer to a single person whose gender identity is non-binary. Despite what some language skeptics might think, the use of “they” as a singular pronoun in English goes way back, even…
“The pandemic has rendered useless many of the urban resilience plans that have been made over the past decade,” says Simon Fraser University (SFU) professor Meg Holden (PhD), director of the Urban Studies Program. “It presented us with the kind of emergency that our cities were unprepared for,” she adds. She will be co-panelist on…
Some, but not all Canadians know about our country’s residential schools and the dark phase of Indigenous history that resulted from colonialism. Two Indigenous authors Michelle Good and Waubgeshig Rice feel the persistent lack of awareness and knowledge of Indigenous issues reflect the structural problems in mainstream media and education. As part of UBC’s “Indigenous…
In a series of talks and workshops, the University of British Columbia (UBC) First Generation Student Union (FGSU) and guest speakers will inform and empower their audience for the pandemic and beyond. People of all ages and backgrounds can attend the GenOne Conference. Co-presidents Zahra Fazal, age 23, and Jaskirat Malhi, age 21, share their…
Like an enormous magnifying glass, the Coronavirus pandemic has thrown into sharp focus the true character and nature of individuals, communities and nations. And, almost unequivocally, how well or how badly this crisis has been handled has been a reflection of those in positions of power and their ability to lead. While some leaders have…
Excrement. Feces. Poop. No matter humanity’s level of technological advancement, dealing with fecal waste is a reality that we have never been able to escape; poop is just one of the byproducts of being alive. But as we face one of the greatest existential threats to our survival through climate change, could poop be part…
Life can get on top of anyone at times, whether due to work-related issues, family worries, sleep difficulties or physical health problems. With the added social isolation of COVID restrictions, depression and anxiety are on the rise in B.C. Luckily, BounceBack® – a free skill-building program designed to help boost mood and reclaim mental health…
Alissa Antle, PhD, explains that a collaboration between Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Curatio, a digital health company that develops peer-to-peer private online support communities, is creating a digital application that will help children overcome social-emotional and mental health challenges related to the impact of COVID-19. “Are children in danger when they go outdoors?” asks…
Mental health in the 21st century is still a topic that is surrounded by stigma. When talking about disorders like anxiety or depression, tones and voices in our community are still hushed. An organization that does not shy away from spreading awareness on mental health, and helping those in a position where they are unable…
Innovations in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) drive a large portion of today’s job market. Yet while many women now choose to pursue studies in STEM following post-secondary, the STEM sector remains a male-dominated one. “It’s highlighted that women, even if they finish their degree in STEM, are less likely to enter the…
“We’re trying to do our part to support newcomer youth in their transition into a new home, a new country, a new community,” says Mike Lally, manager of youth programs at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society (DCRS). DCRS aims to empower newcomers and other diverse communities so they can build the life they want in Canada.…
Diversity in Brewing is a new initiative aimed at diversifying the B.C. craft brewing landscape, awarding queer and BIPOC students a scholarship to aid their studies, and offering diversity and inclucity resources to breweries province-wide. Heather Keegan, coordinator of the Diversity in Brewing initiative, talks about the barriers to accessibility that the founders of the…
Taylor Hui, creator of The BeaYOUtiful Foundation, has been nominated for the Young Woman of Distinction Award 2020 by YWCA Metro Vancouver for encouraging self-esteem, self-love and empowerment. “I remember being 16-years-old and thinking, there needs to be a space for young girls to understand their self-love journey and have a safe dialogue about their…
