Notes from Council: Motion to discuss Indigenous solidarity statement not accepted as part of agenda
"We vote after knowing the facts, not before. And the fact of the matter is that we don't know all the facts," Vice-president (operations and finance) says.
Helen Zhang“Notes from Council” is The Gateway’s ongoing series of recaps of noteworthy items from Students’ Council meetings.
At the June 24 meeting of the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) Students’ Council, a motion presented in the late additions of the agenda to discuss a solidarity statement on Indigenous representation in governance failed to accepted as a part of the agenda. Additionally, executive reports were presented.
The meeting began with a discussion on a late addition to discuss a solidarity statement on Indigenous representation in governance in light of recent events involving the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA).
Submitted by Native studies councillor Denee Reansbury, the motion specifically called for council to “express concern” about the rescission of Tamara Dubé’s appointment to the vice-president (Indigenous relations) position within the GSA. The motion also called for a statement of solidarity with Indigenous graduate students.
Speaker of Students’ Council Angelina Raina discussed her reasoning for accepting the late addition. Raina said that based on discussions she had, postponing the motion would “result in continued and compounding harm to Indigenous students and communities.”
Concerns raised about the “last-minute” motion
Vice-president (operations and finance) Nathan Thiessen spoke in opposition to the motion. He noted that the situation with the GSA is “very much in flux” and the motion came at the “last minute with no time for consideration and for council members to educate themselves on the matter.”
“We vote after knowing the facts, not before. And the fact of the matter is that we don’t know all the facts.”
A motion to accept the late addition as a part of the agenda did not stand.
Reansbury inquired about whether conflicts of interest impacted the motion, asking if those with a conflict of interest are allowed to vote on the motion. According to Reansbury, “there are several people that voted against it that do have a conflict of interest.”
Reansbury said that she believed that there was a conflict of interest “due to personal feelings that were expressed at GovCamp and due to friendships outside of this council.”
Executive reports
Board of Governors (BoG) Representative Karina Banerji reported on the last BoG meeting. She mentioned that an interim report on the implementation of SHAPE, the university’s 10-year strategic plan, was presented. Banerji also mentioned the university’s focus on international recruitment and retention.
Vice-president (student life) Logan West said that she’s been having conversations surrounding orientation and residence. West also mentioned doing the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new lactation pod on campus.
Thiessen announced that he has been appointed as chair of the Edmonton Student Alliance. He also mentioned his work with the Oilers Entertainment Group to secure deals and discounts for students.
Vice-president (external) Abdul Abbasi said that he has dedicated significant time to his role as the chair of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA). He mentioned his work with President Pedro Almeida and Thiessen surrounding the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP).
Vice-president (academic) Katie Tamsett said that she has been meeting with the Council of Faculty Associations (CoFA) to discuss their plans for the year. Tamsett also mentioned that she’s been attending meetings regarding artifical intelligence (AI).
Lastly, Almeida announced that he has been selected as the vice-chair of the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS). He also discussed his work surrounding the UASU Get Out The Vote task force in preparation for the 2025 municipal election.
Board and committee business
Tamsett was appointed to the First Alberta Campus Radio Association board. Additionally, arts councillor Christopher Reynolds and Reansbury were appointed to the Social Media Sub-Committee.
Council then moved to go into closed session to discuss “any ongoing proceedings that are going on with other associations here on campus,” Almeida said.
After council came out of closed session, the meeting was adjourned.
