Indigenous students at U of S push for own student union
Indigenous Students' Council continuing boycott of U of S reconciliation talks
Some Indigenous students at the University of Saskatchewan want to form their own student union.
A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon on campus to discuss these and other possible changes.
Indigenous students are currently represented by the Indigenous Students' Council.
Council President Regan Ratt-Misponas said this places them "under" the general student union. He says they want recognition as a full union.
Such recognition could give them seats on the board of governors, the senate and other powerful bodies.
Ratt-Misponas says Indigenous people deserve to be at those tables where reconciliation efforts are under discussion.
"One of the things Indigenous people have never given up is self-determination," he said.
The council has boycotted reconciliation and "Indigenization" talks with the university since March. That boycott will continue, Ratt-Misponas said.
Ratt-Misponas and others are expected to discuss these and other issues tonight. They're hosting the annual general meeting for Indigenous students on campus starting at 5 p.m. CST.
University officials have said they're committed to reconciliation and are working hard to resolve any issues.