Coty Zachariah has always wanted to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of students since beginning his postsecondary education. It’s a desire that has led the second-year Indigenous Studies student at Trent University to his new role representing the voice of students across Canada as the chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS).

“Being elected to this role by student unions across the country was one of the most exciting times, and one of the greatest honours, in my life,” says Mr. Zachariah about his new role.

Since beginning his postsecondary studies at Trent, Mr. Zachariah has served in a number of roles with the CFS, as well as working with the National Aboriginal Caucus where he was twice elected its chairperson. In these roles he has done everything from organizing student-focused campaigns and services across Canada, to representing the rights of postsecondary students at various levels of government.

For him, this new role representing students in Canada, and being the first student to hold this role from Trent University, is a meaningful opportunity.

“To come from a smaller university with a big heart like Trent, and represent Trent on the national stage is a big deal,” says Mr. Zachariah. “Trent University has a well-documented history when it comes to Indigenous academia and community inclusion, so being a small part of that and continuing to create space for other Indigenous and inter-sectional identifying students is an amazing feeling and a responsibility that I take seriously.”

This position also means a lot to Mr. Zachariah personally. As the first person in his family to go to university, he says it is important for him to represent his community and Trent University who have supported him well throughout his time as a postsecondary student.

“Getting into Trent University was a life-changing moment for me and my family, so I want to give back somehow and make the school and my community proud,” says Mr. Zachariah. “My friends in the Trent University Native Association, and the staff of the First Peoples House of Learning, made me feel welcome in academia and like a belonged in university. I would not have been able to make it here without them.”

While serving as the chairperson, he says that he will strive to listen to the CFS membership, find ways to continually improve the Federation all while continuing to advocate for student needs and rights across the country.