As 2024 winds down and we look to a new beginning, it’s time to reflect on a year of compelling stories, rich cultural insights, and inspiring scholarship. Find a comfortable spot and pour yourself a warm drink as we revisit the UBC Arts stories that made the greatest impression this year.
From the transformative power of Indigenous stewardship to the intersection of culture and cuisine, here are five standout pieces that captivated our readers this year:
5. How Pasang Yangjee Sherpa honours Indigenous wisdom on her quest for climate justice
Environmental Science undergraduate student Declan Taylor and Geography graduate student Maicen Stewart join Dr. Pasang Yangjee Sherpa in Khumbu for a community consultation visit. Image was taken in front of Gokyo Lake in May 2023 and was provided by Dr. Sherpa.
Dr. Pasang Yangjee Sherpa, an Indigenous anthropologist from the Himalayas, is internationally recognized for her work on Indigeneity and climate change. As an Assistant Professor at the Department of Asian Studies and the Institute of Critical Indigenous Studies, she emphasizes the importance of critically engaging with both the knowledge and educational systems that shape our understanding of Indigenous communities. Her research centers on the Mount Everest region, highlighting sustainable practices that contrast with Euro-Western consumerist models.
4. Education through comics: Exploring the pedagogical value of comic art
Artwork from Treading Water by Katherine Chupik-Hall
Comics are a powerful medium that simplify complex ideas through a blend of art and text. They engage readers, making them an invaluable tool for education, entertainment, and social commentary.
According to several members of the Arts community, comics have gained recognition for their ability to effectively communicate complex issues to diverse audiences. The visual graphics in comics offer a unique way to convey nuances that may be challenging to express through traditional educational methods.
3. Confronting Capitalism and Colonialism: Dr. Peter James Hudson’s Study on Black Dispossession
Images: The Sugar Mills of Cuba, 1850-1859 (upper left), Martin Luther King Jr. in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963 (upper right), James Baldwin receiving honorary degree, 1963 (bottom left), lithograph of a slave ship in London, 1851 (bottom right)
Dr. Peter James Hudson’s research on Black dispossession and resistance offers deep insights into systemic inequalities and the resilience of Black communities. An Associate Professor in Geography, Dr. Hudson draws from Black Studies, political economy, and history, contributing significantly to our understanding of Black history and excellence.
2. Indigenous data stewardship stands against extractivist AI
This image was generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.
Indigenous communities caution against the unchecked use of AI, emphasizing its role in perpetuating harmful extractivist practices. Dr. David Gaertner of UBC’s Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies advocates for Indigenous data stewardship as a counter to exploitative AI systems, highlighting historical contributions by Indigenous and Black communities to technological advancements as a pathway to a more sustainable future.
1. The intersection of culture and cuisine: How food shapes our identity
Photo by Paul H. Joseph / UBC Brand & Marketing
How does food promote diversity and inclusivity? Food goes beyond nourishment; it is a powerful medium for fostering diversity and inclusivity. It brings people together, creating connections while offering a window into different cultures and communities.
Exploring diverse cuisines allows us to understand the histories, traditions, and social structures of various societies. From preparation to consumption, food reveals meaningful insights, such as the influence of gender roles and power dynamics within a culture.
To explore these themes further, we spoke with faculty and staff from the Faculty of Arts about how food connects us to cultures beyond our own and strengthens our identities.
