This month, UBC Arts faculty were featured in outlets including CBC, The Globe and Mail, The Vancouver Sun, and the National Observer. Their expertise informed stories on B.C. politics and Canada-U.S. trade, nuclear energy and online safety, while also exploring the history of postpartum traditions, using joy to motivate climate action, and the surprising link between creativity and intoxication.
Critical Indigenous Studies
Upcoming award-winning Indigenous festival at UBC continues to grow
The 2026 edition of ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl – Come Toward the Fire expands to three days, adding a Day of Knowledge Sharing to its lineup of music, film, and an Indigenous artisan market at UBC.
Vancouver is Awesome
Department of Asian Studies
Unique residential building with Buddhist temple gains approval in Toronto
Dr. Tsering Shakya (cross-appointed in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs) discussed the needs of Tibetan diaspora communities and the importance of accessible urban religious spaces.
The Hamilton Spectator (paywall)
Department of History
In China, motherhood begins with ‘sitting the month.’ The tradition is spreading
Professor emerita Dr. Diana Lary discussed the history and cultural significance of China’s postpartum “sitting the month” tradition.
The Christian Science Monitor
Department of Philosophy
Bright side: The country craze spreads from Texas to Japan
Dr. Edward Slingerland discussed how low-level intoxication enhances lateral thinking and creativity.
Daily Wire
Department of Political Science
Indigenous experiences highlight how Canada can respond to Trump’s threats, says professor
Dr. Max Cameron discussed how Indigenous experiences and perspectives could inform Canada’s response to U.S. threats under the Trump administration.
CBC
B.C. government rejects claim of massive, secret land transfers to First Nations
Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the political implications of claims about First Nations land transfers and B.C. Conservatives’ opposition strategy.
Vancouver Sun
Brief polling lead for B.C. Conservatives quickly erodes under new leader Findlay
Dr. Stewart Prest commented on the B.C. Conservatives’ declining support and the party’s strategic challenges under new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
Abbotsford News
Experts warn Trump may be driving wedges between provinces with threatened tariffs
Dr. Stewart Prest commented on how U.S. tariff threats could create divisions between provinces.
Insauga
French has become a sticking point in the Canada-US trade dispute. Here’s why
Dr. Stewart Prest explained why changes to Canada’s French-language laws would be politically difficult for the federal government.
Gulf Coast News Now
In the news today: B.C. chief on fires, Trump tariffs loom, e-scooter deaths rise
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed how U.S. tariff threats could deepen divisions between Canadian provinces.
The Canadian Press
Tit for tat
Dr. Stewart Prest discussed the risk that U.S. tariff threats could exploit divisions between Canadian provinces.
iPolitics
Department of Psychology
History can teach us how to use joy to motivate climate action
Drs. Elizabeth Dunn and Jiaying Zhao discussed how positive emotions such as joy could help motivate climate-friendly behaviours.
National Observer
Will mental illness ever be met with the same acceptance as other forms of difference?
UBC psychology student Ayden Coyne shared her perspective on mental illness, involuntary treatment and B.C.’s Mental Health Act.
The Hamilton Spectator (paywall)
An Ontario dad deleted his daughter’s app over ‘predatory’ in-game purchases. Experts say they could serve as a gateway to gambling
Dr. Luke Clark discussed the potential links between in-game purchases, loot boxes and youth gambling.
Toronto Star (paywall)
Personality trait of openness linked to lower antisemitic attitude, more Jewish contact study finds
Research by Psychology PhD candidate Talia Morstead and Dr. Anita DeLongis, exploring the link between the personality trait openness and anti-semitic attitudes.
The Jerusalem Post
Department of Sociology
In the age of online shopping, why are we still heading to malls?
Dr. Seth Abrutyn explained why shopping malls continued to serve as important social spaces despite the rise of online shopping.
Vancouver Sun
School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
The high cost of pitting generations against each other
Dr. Paul Kershaw argued that generational divisions risked undermining efforts to address Canada’s long-term economic and social challenges.
The Globe and Mail
Canada built its nuclear industry to avoid foreign fuel. Its new reactors will depend on it
Dr. M.V. Ramana raised concerns about Canada’s reliance on foreign fuel supplies for new small modular reactors.
CBC
Ottawa wants to block kids from social media. How would age verification work?
Dr. Heidi Tworek discussed how Canada’s approach to social media age verification compares with international efforts.
Sudbury.com
B.C. youth advocacy group forms ahead of municipal election
SPPGA master’s student Edward Yuan discussed youth voter engagement and the priorities of a new B.C. advocacy group.
Castanet
Vancouver School of Economics
B.C. government’s use of tobacco settlement draws mixed reviews: Deficit buster or cynical ploy?
Dr. Kevin Milligan commented on the B.C. government’s use of a $3.6-billion tobacco settlement and its implications for the provincial deficit.
The Province
90 male living spaces that are inspiration for how to live or how not to live
Dr. Marina Adshade discussed gender differences in household labour and why traditional expectations around domestic work persisted.
Bored Panda
