For the past 107 years, the Sheaf has been a place where students could share their voice. 

In the first edition of the paper published in November 1912, John A. Rae, the first Editor­-in-Chief, wrote an editorial about what he believed to be the purpose of the paper.

“The Sheaf then, is primarily a student’s magazine. It is under the control of the Students’ Council. Its aim is to give utterance to the many sided interests of a modern state university,” Rae wrote. 

In that very first paper, important issues were explored by students. One could find the voices of students from agriculture to arts and science. Colleges within the freshly minted University of Saskatchewan were represented within the pages.

From the very beginning, the “Athletics” section, the precursor to our “Sports & Health” section, covered the football club and other activities in and around campus. 

There was room for creative expression. Satirical poems and jokes could be found scattered through the edition.

One could find a birth announcement for the calf of the famous Holstein cow, Blanche Butter Boy de Kol. A note of sympathy for a professor’s loss was left beneath. 

The paper was a reflection of the university at the time — a new institution that inspired prairie students. The Sheaf hoped to do the same.

But from the beginning it had mixed reviews.

“We have already received many criticism of our first issue, some favourable, some otherwise, but all helpful and suggestive,” a December 1912 editorial statement revealed.  

After 107 years, there is still room for growth, improvement and, of course, criticism. Write to us and tell us why you hate the Sheaf, challenge an article that you didn’t agree with by writing a response to that piece or share your voice, your passions and your ideas.

From the beginning the Sheaf’s mission was to amplify the voices of the campus community. This is still the goal today. So, share your thoughts, tell us your stories, be creative, be passionate, educate us.

These pages are for you.

To submit an article, visit https://thesheaf.com/contribute/

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Erin Matthews