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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Voting Link & Candidate statements

Voting Link for Students


  • Student candidate statements

    Student Governor

    Azzam Abu-Rayash

    I am your candidate Azzam Abu-Rayash, currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. As your representative at the Board of Governors, I am committed to bringing students’ issues and concerns at the forefront of the board in making financial and strategic planning decisions. I have been involved intensively in the Campus Community and am very familiar with the affairs pertaining to students and student life. I have a number of professional designations including Project Management Professional and Certified Energy Manager from the Association of Energy Engineers. I have served as BOD member in various organizations. 

    Tiffany Best

    Hi everyone, my name is Tiffany Best and I am a fourth year student in kinesiology. I was just elected as the next Ontario Tech Student Union President. I would like the chance to sit on the Board of Governors with Ontario Tech, in hopes to have the opportunity to help improve the university. Being in this position would give me the chance to share any knowledge of student concerns as they are brought to me during my presidency with the OTSU.

    Jacinta Obasohan

    I am Jacinta Obasohan. I am a 3rd-year Criminology student. I am running for the position of student representative to the Board of Governors. My past responsibilities as a Student Governor at Loyalist College allowed me to work with the student union, staff, and Board of Governors and obtained essential first-hand experience. It is critical that experienced voices contribute to the Board's efforts to ensure effective governance. I see this position as an excellent way to bring my abilities in creative, collaborative communication along with my passion for OTU toward serving the needs of students on the Board of Governors.


    Jahan Sheikh

    My name is Jahan Sheikh. I am a 4th year undergrad student in Nuclear Engineering. As a member of Board of Governors, I plan to assist the board to the best of my ability with establishing and recommending policies and standards. Having gone through quite a lot of issues as a student, I believe I have the leadership skills and knowledge to fulfill this role effectively.