SU Elections 2025: Indigenous Students’ Union Forum

The fourth forum of the University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) 2025 elections was hosted by the Indigenous Students’ Union (ISU) on February 28. The event was offered in-person and online.

Emma-Leigh Snow, vice-president (finance) of the ISU, gave attendees the opportunity to smudge before the forum began. Snow is also Sophie Martel’s campaign manager. 

Candidates were given 90 seconds each for opening statements. Each race was then asked a question by Snow, the moderator of the forum. Afterwards, candidates were given 60 seconds for closing statements. Finally, audience members had the opportunity to ask questions directed to specific races.

Here is the TL;DR version of this forum:

• President: communication between the SU and ISU, working towards Truth and Reconciliation
• Vice-president (external): ongoing consultation with ISU, working with NIAC
• Vice-president (operations and finance): including Indigenous voices in advocacy, safety initiatives, and housing support
• Vice-president (academic): advocating for more Indigenous student resources and representation
• Vice-president (student life): collaboration with ISU, fostering community
• Board of Governors representative: safety concerns, transportation, accountability  
• Period Equity Initiative: products set aside for CFB, people who opt-out still get access to products
• U-Pass: agreement, use of public transit for students
• Single Source Cold Beverage Agreement: Coca-Cola as a monopoly on campus, operations on occupied lands 

Presidential candidates discuss working towards Truth and Reconciliation and advocating for Indigenous students  

In her opening statement, presidential candidate Ofure Eigbe said that her “priorities,” if elected, “would be to advocate on issues regarding student safety … [and] also create a strategy to counter the general food bank crisis.” 

Eigbe also stated that she is “going to demand for consistent communication with the ISU and the [SU], so whenever there’s an issue that’s affecting the safety or well-being of Indigenous students, [the SU] will always be in contact with you and will always look for strategies to counter them.” 

Presidential candidate and ISU President, Sophie Martel, began her opening statement by saying that “reconciliation isn’t just a phase, it’s a call to action. It means confronting the ongoing impacts of colonialism, amplifying Indigenous voices … and ensuring that Indigenous students have a seat at every decision-making table.” 

“Reconciliation must be embedded in the policies we create, the advocacy we engage in, and the way our university operates,” she said. 

Following Martel, presidential candidate Pedro Almeida said that “it’s really disappointing to see the many ways through which the SU and the university have failed [Indigenous students] in the past year.” 

He stated that, if elected, he would focus on LRT safety, working on promoting different professional development programs targeted towards Indigenous students, and having regular communication with the ISU. 

Presidential candidate Joseph Sesek said that he plans to make two promises — adding an Indigenous councillor to the SU Students’ Council and making every October Indigenous Students Month. 

Sesek noted that Indigenous History Month is held in June in Canada, and “unfortunately, there are very few students here on campus during that month.” He stated that “Indigenous Students Month in October would provide a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and honour the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Indigenous students and communities.” 

Snow asked the presidential candidates what Truth and Reconciliation means to them and how they plan to work towards it. 

Eigbe began by stating that Truth and Reconciliation is not just a day, “it’s a way of being.” 

“It means to acknowledge the effects of residential schools on Indigenous people and work towards connecting and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous people,” Eigbe said. 

She mentioned inviting an ISU representative to Students’ Council meetings and “advocating for students who get the chance to visit cultural spaces in groups to learn more about the historical significance of these spaces.” 

Martel stated that “Truth and Reconciliation means more than just acknowledging the past, it means taking responsibility for the present and ensuring a better future.“ 

She discussed ensuring that “Indigenous students are properly consulted in every major decision that affects [them],” pushing for stronger Indigenous student representation in governance, and better financial and academic supports towards reconciliation. 

“It’s time to start taking action in an institution that was not built for us, and start rebuilding it around us,” Martel said. 

Almeida said that, if elected, he plans to have “different priorities that matter to Indigenous students across our campus.” 

“There’s many ways through which our university claims to be for Truth and Reconciliation and makes progress, but then falls back on it. My goal would be to work alongside the ISU to make sure that we’re correcting these wrongs, to make sure that we are pushing for the university to stick to its commitments towards Truth and Reconciliation, as well as for the SU moving forward,” he said. 

Following Almeida, Sesek said that Truth and Reconciliation “means acknowledging the painful truths of Canada’s history, especially regarding the residential school system and its ongoing effects on the Indigenous communities.” 

If elected, he stated that he will “always work towards reconciliation by supporting Indigenous-led solution initiatives, promoting education on Indigenous histories and cultures, and advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives on our Students’ Council and our university campus.” 

In her closing statement, Eigbe said that, if elected, she will “work towards addressing the ignorance that people hold about Indigenous communities.” 

She said that she plans to work with the vice-president (academic) (VPA) to ensure “that [an] Introduction to Indigenous Studies [course] is mandatory.” Eigbe also discussed advocating for “an increase in Indigenous studies bursaries and scholarships.” 

Martel, in her closing statement, stated that “reconciliation is not a one time action. It’s a long-term commitment that requires accountability and follow-through.” 

She said that “we can build an SU that doesn’t just acknowledge Indigenous students, but actively fights for [their] inclusion and success together.” Martel added that the “decolonization of higher education must be Indigenous-led.” 

In his closing statement, Almeida promised that, if elected, he will use his experience and communication with the ISU “to drive forward the priorities that matter to [Indigenous students].” 

“I’ve had the experience in these spaces to make sure that [Indigenous students’] voices are heard and that [Indigenous students] feel brought to the table in different conversations,” he said. 

Sesek, in his closing statement, reiterated his promise to add an Indigenous representative to the Students’ Council. He also restated his promise to have a “month-long celebration of Indigenous culture during the fall and winter semester[s] to fully appreciate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Indigenous student communities.” 

”These things should have been done a long time ago,” he said. 

Malijha Moyan, a former ISU president, asked the presidential candidates how they plan to be a good relative to the world around them, considering that Indigenous people “believe that [they’re] related to everyone,” including the Land, the Sky, the Water, and the Animals. 

Almeida said that “being a good relative is about listening.” 

“When I think about being a good relative here on campus, I would say that it’s really about that culture of communication and connection that the SU has with folks on campus,” he said. 

Eigbe stated that she thinks about “being in harmony with different individuals in the community [and] working together to achieve a common goal.” 

“To be relatives [is] sharing positive affects, encouraging words, and addressing trauma and anything that can hinder a successful and less toxic workplace,” she said. 

Martel said that “being a good relative is remembering that all of [her] relations are important.” 

“That means listening, valuing each other’s knowledge, giving proper protocols, and valuing the land that we’re on as relatives as well,” she said. 

Martel also said that “includes us being custodians of the Land, [and] remembering, as [we’re] walking around campus, looking at the trees, the rabbits, the squirrels, the geese — remembering that we’re all connected.” 

Sesek said that “to be a good relative, it’s understanding [that] there’s disagreements, there’s agreements, but always respecting each other and, at the end, always coming back together.” 

“There is some type of connectedness between us all and respecting that is of utmost importance to me,” he said. 

— Peris Jones

VPX candidates discuss plans to consult ISU in their advocacy and work with NIAC

In his opening statement, vice-president (external) (VPX) candidate Abdul Abbasi gave a land acknowledgment and discussed his efforts as current VPX to expand the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, to ensure Indigenous students “have support when it comes to education.” He added that he would continue his consultation with the ISU, if re-elected. 

VPX candidate Nate Goetz also began with a land acknowledgment. He discussed the safety concerns the ISU brought to the SU Students’ Council following the assault of an Indigenous student in the ISU lounge. He said he is “committed to fixing” these issues if elected. Goetz added that the SU needs to prioritize working with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations’ (CASA) National Indigenous Advocacy Committee (NIAC). 

VPX candidate Juan Munoz mentioned that Indigenous students face “barriers that shouldn’t exist.” He stated his intention to advocate alongside NIAC to expand the Post-Secondary Student Support Program. He also said he would advocate for improving work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for Indigenous students.

Snow asked the VPX candidates how they would ensure that they are including Indigenous students and referring to their needs when advocating for them, specifically as it relates to safety on campus.

Abbasi said that he would work with the vice-president (student life) (VPSL) and ISU on campus safety, and with the ISU and the Edmonton Transit System (ETS) on transit safety.

Goetz said that the SU needs to continue to build its relationship with the ISU’s U of A Protective Services (UAPS) liaison. Goetz added that the upcoming municipal election “presents a unique opportunity” for the SU to advocate for safety.

Munoz emphasized that he will advocate for “more funding for post-graduate opportunities for Indigenous students.” He reiterated his intention to advocate for WIL opportunities for Indigenous students. Munoz added that he will work with the ISU to create policies that ensure students’ safety.

In his closing statement, Abbasi said that he will prioritize ongoing consultation with the ISU and Indigenous students. 

“Consultation is important. That was something that I was lacking on for a good part of the year, but I am working on that,” Abbasi said.

Goetz said he is committed to “[working] with CASA and NIAC to advocate for the completion of important calls to reconciliation in regards to post-secondary education.” He added that he is committed to addressing the ISU’s concerns.

Munoz emphasized his focus on advocating for job opportunities for Indigenous students and improving their access to education. He mentioned wanting to work closely with the ISU and the International House Community Council (IHCC). 

The Gateway asked the candidates how they plan to consult and include the ISU in their external advocacy. 

Abbasi reiterated his belief that it is important to consult Indigenous students in addition to the ISU. He said he will ensure that Indigenous students are “in the room” during provincial and federal advocacy meetings, as he “[doesn’t] want to speak on behalf of them.”

Goetz said that he aims to regularly consult the ISU. He added that he will work with NIAC and “other Indigenous student groups across the country” to ensure that the SU is advocating for Indigenous students, but not “speaking on their behalf.”

Munoz emphasized his focus on having “constant communication” with ISU and Indigenous students. 

— Kathryn Johnson

VPOF candidates discuss safety and housing support

In his opening statement, vice-president (operations and finance) (VPOF) candidate Ryley Bazinet emphasized how the SU should make the lives of students easier, including Indigenous students. If elected, Bazinet said he would take a $10,000 salary cut. According to Bazinet, SU fees should “[provide] culturally safe spaces, [strengthen] support services, and [improve] transparency.”

Current SU VPOF and VPOF candidate, Levi Flaman, said in his opening statement that he wants to increase awareness about how SU-owned businesses operate “so students know where their money goes.” Additionally he mentioned wanting to ensure they are “inclusive.”

“Whether that’s by increasing Indigenous representation in our spaces, supporting Indigenous owned suppliers, or ensuring that SU spaces feel like places where everyone belongs,” Flaman said.

Nathan Thiessen, VPOF candidate and current SU arts councillor, started his opening statement with a land acknowledgement. He stated wanting to ensure that the SU is an “active partner in the journey towards reconciliation,” as well as ensuring to incorporate Indigenous students in the SU’s advocacy. Additionally he cited consulting the Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Committee (ARRC) “to see how we can continuously strive towards uplifting all peoples.” 

“I hope to build a community of trust, engagement, and vision, and that includes Indigenous students,” he said.

Snow asked VPOF candidates how they plan to provide and support Indigenous students on the issue of student housing, as it “affects campus as an entirety, but also disproportionately Indigenous students.”

Bazinet said he would incorporate a “priority residency policy” that ensures that those who need housing on campus receive it. He also detailed how he would expand existing emergency housing programs such as the Safe House Program. Lastly, he emphasized utilizing existing resources and connections to “make a real impact without raising fees.”

In his response, Flaman suggested using a “student-driven housing fund” that uses a “student levy” that works towards affordable long-term housing. Additionally, he said how the fee would “unlock larger investments from government grants, university, private partnerships, and community housing initiatives.” 

Following Flaman, Thiessen stated how “the SU needs to hold the university accountable when it says it will eliminate barriers to housing and Indigenous strategic planning.” He said that the SU should not “[provide] housing as an operation,” but that students “need an advocacy-first approach, rather than a provisional one.”

In his closing statements, Bazinet reiterated wanting to use existing resources to ensure affordability. He spoke on “advocating for safer, more affordable housing to [ensure] culturally inclusive spaces.”

Flaman followed by stating that students should know where their funds are going to. 

“Let’s ensure that discussions and decisions about our finances are based on accurate information,” Flaman said. 

Thiessen, in his closing statements, named engagement, support, and vision as his main priorities. 

“I believe there are meaningful strides within the VPOF portfolio that can serve towards helping Indigenous students, as well as helping out our community partners in the ISU,” Thiessen said.

The Gateway’s opinion team asked VPOF candidates what they will do to ensure SU spaces remain safe and welcoming for all students.

Flaman said that he “worked to address” this issue earlier in the year when the SU started making its budget principles for the year. He detailed wanting to plan for increased “expenditures” for “security upgrades.”

Thiessen spoke about reviewing the SU’s internal management to ensure proper training for “our staff.” He added that he intends to expand Safewalk to ensure students’ safety. 

Bazinet said that “when you increase security around spaces, people tend to avoid them.” He mentioned wanting to keep spaces safe through “[strengthening] our communal bond.”

– Brooklyn Hollinger

VPA candidates look to increase representation, student resources, and accuracy of material taught

In his opening statement, VPA candidate Aamir Mohamed said that the current “systems in place are just not ideal.” He mentioned the U of A’s Indigenous strategic plan, acknowledged a lack of Indigenous resources and said “we need to be expanding onto that.”

VPA candidate Manyu Rathour began his opening statement with a land acknowledgment. He said he is looking to “work toward greater inclusion, reconciliation, and support [for] our Indigenous students within our academic institution.” He then said “it is our responsibility to advocate for their rights and hand the mic over to them and understand their concerns.”

VPA candidate Katie Tamsett said that “the way that the university deals with Indigenous issues is appalling,” and promised three ways to combat this. She listed  increasing Indigenous representation, working with experiential learning and the “Indigenous advisory council” on land-based learning, and ensuring that Indigenous content taught at U of A is accurate. 

Snow asked the VPA candidates how they will address the issue of “overt racism” against Indigenous students on campus.

Mohamed said that he is looking to make reforms and that the launch of Spark-Eng will teach staff how to appropriately interact with students. He then said that the Indigenous Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (I-STEAM) program will aid in professional development. He stated that he will collaborate with Indigenous communities to create more ethical research programs as there are  “large scale unethical programs that shouldn’t be supported.” 

Rathour said that he will implement a decision made by the Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Committee (ARRC) to train staff how to work with Indigenous peoples and communities annually. He said he will also “advocate for scientific, philosophical, and artistic advancements that have been made by Indigenous nations to be included in the 100-level courses.” 

Additionally, Rathour said he would extend the ISU to Augustana and Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ). He also noted that Augustana and CSJ have never had an Indigenous support counselor. 

Tamsett reiterated her platform point to ensure that Indigenous content taught in classes is “accurate and culturally appropriate.” 

In his closing statement, Mohamed said that to combat the “structured racism [and] the structural issues that the institution has,” he will listen to student issues.

Rathour, in his closing statement, detailed that funding is needed for the Métis Archival Project (MAP) “which is to run out of funding this year.” He noted that although it “is not something that would fall under my power,” he would “advocate for the Indigenous in STEM Student Association (ISSA) to be granted hands-on access to the Life Sciences Innovation and Technologies (LIFT) program which received a $100-million investment from the Government of Alberta on February 27.” He also said that he wants to increase Indigenous research.

Tamsett said that she decided to run out of frustration and a desire to fix issues at the university. She noted that she “can’t promise to resolve issues, [but] can promise to always work with you and collaborate, build relationships, and find solutions.” If elected, she will develop the Faculty of ALES Undergraduate Association (FAUnA) and address student issues.

During question period, an audience member asked how the VPA candidates  “familiarized themselves with the MAP program, and also what [they] would intend to utilize that research grant money for.”

Rathour said that he learned about it from a friend. He then said that he understands how this program is important for Indigenous students to “understand their own backgrounds and locations.” He reiterated his promise to use the grant approved for the LIFT centre to fund this program, which he said will “initiate in Indigenous-led research, rather than always having to be used for helicopter research.” 

Mohamed said he wants to incorporate more projects like the I-STEAM program to revitalize it. 

Tamsett did not answer the question. 

— Liam Hodder

VPSL candidates push for advocacy in consultation with ISU

In his opening statement, vice-president (student life) (VPSL) candidate Saim Khokhar first gave a land acknowledgement. He followed by introducing himself as the previous vice-president of the Augustana Students’ Association (ASA) and the previous editor-in-chief of the Dagligtale, the Augustana student newspaper.

“Most of my focus today will be on engaging Indigenous students with the SU and at the university level,” Khokhar said. 

Following Khokhar, VPSL candidate Nikka Pakhomova also started with a land acknowledgement. She commented that “Indigenous students face many barriers during their university life, including a lack of culturally relevant support, representation, and safe spaces.” 

VPSL candidate Logan West said that she previously thought that “Indigenous spaces and Indigenous teachings weren’t for me.” She said that due to her position as a settler and “having benefited directly from settler colonial violence, that it wasn’t my place to exist in these spaces.” However, West noted that “over the course of the year,” she has “started to realize that these spaces are for all of us.”

West said that “it is a privilege to be able to advocate on behalf of others, not a right, and that privilege must be earned through fostering trust.”

Following West, VPSL candidate Ramish Raza started with a land acknowledgement. He said that after “months of collaborating with the ISU and the Dean of Students [(DoS)],” he plans to “address the safety situation [students] are currently facing.”

Raza said that wants to “aid in rebuilding the trust, because we need to acknowledge that this country is built on [a] past history of injustice.” He stated that “reconciliation is not just a statement, it is an action.”

Snow asked candidates how they plan on supporting the revitalization of Indigenous cultures, languages, and the accessibility of those teachings during their time as VPSL. 

Khokhar stated that the SU Students’ Council does not have an Indigenous councillor, and commented that the “student government at the U of A’s Augustana campus, however, does.” 

Without an Indigenous councillor, Khokhar said the SU cannot provide “the same representation and advocacy.” Additionally, Khokhar stated he wants to increase Indigenous-led events and advocate for “cultural preservation efforts for Indigenous peoples.”

In her response, Pakhomova said she’d like to work with the ISU and First People’s House to host more events that “promote cultur[e], language, and customs.” She stated that she’d also like to implement workshops to “tell your story,” and invite different Indigenous representatives to talk and work with “Knowledge Keepers to make sure your territory was recognized.”

Following Pakhomova, West said that she believes the first step is to collaborate and connect with the ISU and other Indigenous campus groups. 

“I also think that ensuring that the ISU is an autonomous body that is empowered to lead their own initiatives is the most important step. I believe that the Indigenous groups across campus have maybe felt a bit scattered, and in order to foster more community, I believe we can host some sort of an event to bring them together,” West said. 

Raza spoke about his own experiences in coming from a marginalized community in Pakistan, and that he does “have this understanding of how it feels to be systemically oppressed and opposed.” 

His first priority would be to have continuous consultation with the ISU and First People’s House and aim to expand the SU’s events beyond Indigenous Celebration Week (ICW). 

During closing statements, Khokhar spoke about his attendance at the Round Dance last year. 

“The moment that I entered and participated in the round dance, everyone was so welcoming, so kind, and it was a really nice environment to be in,” Khokhar said. He stated that one of the reasons he was advocating for an Indigenous councillor  on the SU was that “there should be voting power that Indigenous students deserve and need.”

Pakhomova said that she believes that “revitalizing Indigenous cultures and languages isn’t just about offering progress.” She stated that she feels it’s about “making sure Indigenous students feel truly at home.” 

She added that she will “push for real, lasting support that empowers Indigenous students.”

In West’s closing statement, she said she felt hurt to see so many people “that I care about impacted by these systems that they didn’t choose to be born into.” She said that she feels the best way to “combat these issues on our campus is to build a community that students care about.”

Following West, Raza said that he plans on prioritizing consultation with Indigenous communities and incorporating them into discussions for “the collective benefit of these communities.” He stated that his platform is built upon “more safety for [Indigenous students],” and “aiding and rebuilding a trust that has been lost.” 

After closing statements, an audience member asked the VPSL candidates about how they would bridge the gap for Indigenous students feeling disconnected from the Land while here on campus in Edmonton. 

Pakhomova replied that she would like to have workshops and invite Indigenous community members so they could “expand that culture.” She also said that she wants to “expand that knowledge of … how Indigenous students treat nature.”

Following Pakhomova, Raza said that his approach would be to consult with the ISU and the First People’s House. He emphasized that “throwing out an idea right now won’t be fair,” and that his priority would be to collaborate with the ISU to work on initiatives to connect students to the Land.

Khokhar also emphasized collaboration with the ISU and said that Indigenous students “could benefit greatly from having an Indigenous individual who does have voting power.” 

“The power really belongs to the U of A students,” Khokhar said. 

West said she felt it was an important topic that isn’t discussed much, and said that “Indigenous students are not a monolith, and come from communities all over the country.” 

“Their needs may vary, and they may be isolated from their communities,” West said. She noted that the SU could “do more” to uplift programs and events for Indigenous students. 

– Gabriella Menezes

BoG representative candidates acknowledge the need for safety and holding the university accountable

In her opening statement, Karina Banerji, BoG representative candidate, said that most resources on North Campus are “not suited” to engage with Indigenous students. She added that the resources “need to be more culturally competent [and] sensitive to the needs of our students.” 

Angelina Raina, BoG representative candidate, opened with a land acknowledgement at the ISU forum. She brought up that the university is “not providing enough support” to Indigenous students specifically regarding security needs, mental and physical safety, and food insecurity. 

“While I remain committed to making sure we continue our advocacy, tangible results are needed,” Raina said. 

Snow asked the candidates what they believe is the biggest issue Indigenous students face, and how they plan to address it.

Banerji said that finance and safety are “huge” issues. She said she will advocate for lighting and infrastructure needs around the ISU lounge area and next to the LRT station, in addition to “more” security efforts.

In regards to financial barriers, Banerji said she will fight for targeted financial scholarships and bursaries.

“I think we have to make sure we have greater efforts from all SU executives and representatives within all of these initiatives who can best represent students at all levels,” she said.

Raina said she will focus on “building a culture of safety and belonging.” She brought up the absence of Maskwa House and, if elected, she will “ensure that the university actively consults with the ISU” when it comes to infrastructure plans and clear timelines presented to students. 

Raina also highlighted the need for child care services for Indigenous students. She said her next steps would be to “ensure that these services are made to be sustainable and accessible for students.”  

Banerji explained why she decided to run for the BoG representative race in her closing statement. 

“I found that through speaking with given groups around campus, we all have a lot of shared concerns. But a large concern is that our voices aren’t heard, or a lot of the actions taken by the university are purely performative,” she said.

Raina emphasized she will be holding the university accountable, specifically when it comes to Maskwa House. She said there is a “need” for external funding for the ISU food pantry with SU support. 

“I plan to be more innovative in the relationship building strategies utilized by [the] BoG representatives to repair trust between administration, the board, and Indigenous students, while ensuring students are empowered by the institutions they work with.

— Lale Fassone

Period Equity Initiative will set apart additional menstrual products for CFB

Aidan Ly, vice-president for Club Periodically, presented the Period Equity Initiative referendum. He said their goal is to implement a $1 opt-outable fee for all undergraduate students to expand access to free menstrual products.

Ly said that North Campus has 20 baskets and dispensers filled with free pads, tampons, and liners, which are refilled “frequently” by Club Periodically. The referendum will increase the number of baskets and dispensers while “ensuring a consistent supply of products,” Ly said. 

He also highlighted that those who choose to opt-out of the referendum will still have access to the products. He added that they will set aside additional products for the CFB to “support those who need them most.”

— Lale Fassone

UPass acknowledges need of public transit for students

Daniel Witte presented the UPass referendum. He said the referendum entails the renewal of the UPass agreement with the City of Edmonton and all municipalities in the surrounding area. This agreement will have students pay $180 every semester for “unlimited free transit.”

“This is [an] incredibly important tool for promoting affordability, safety, and accessibility across our entire city, our entire region, and especially to our campus,” Witte said.

He acknowledged that the “majority” of students use public transit to get around the city, go to events, and get to campus. 

“It really enables people who are living off of student loans or living off of a part time job to be able to get around our city, to get their groceries. To do things not just related to getting to school, but to participate in daily life.”

— Lale Fassone

SSCBA lists examples of Coca-Cola operations on occupied lands  

Bassam Dakhel opened with a land acknowledgement and presented the Single Source Cold Beverage Agreement (SSCBA).

Dakhel said that the SSCBA “limits the university to a monopoly of a single cold beverage corporation.” For the U of A, the Coca-Cola Bottling Company is signed as part of the agreement. 

“Coca-Cola and Pepsi have both been complicit in the genocide of the Indigenous people of Palestine. Coca-Cola has also been accused of depleting Indigenous people’s local water resources in Mexico for their products,” he said.

He proceeded to list other examples of how Coca-Cola has been complicit in operations run out of occupied lands in India, Palestine, and Syria.

“Voting no to SSCBA would mean students are not forced to support the actions of a large corporation that does not respect Indigenous populations,” Dakhel said.

— Lale Fassone