From campus club to cultural bridge
North African Society of Alberta started as a MacEwan group but now connects communities across Edmonton
Players competing on the pitch during the NAFCON soccer tournament at the Edmonton Soccer Dome in February 2026. Photo by Youssef Chtabou. Photo credit: Youssef Chtabou
The sounds of cheering echoed across the turf at the Edmonton Soccer Dome as players battled for the ball on the pitch during the third edition of the annual North African Nations soccer tournament. Fans and spectators decorated the sidelines with a sea of colours rippled through the stands, jerseys, and waving flags blending into a living mosaic.
Originally founded at MacEwan University in September 2024, the organization has since expanded its horizons beyond campus boundaries into municipal matters.
For President Salsabel Aboktef, the idea of creating the organization stemmed from a gap she noticed among other student associations at the time.
“There were many organizations that were very specific, like Lebanese and Palestinian groups, for example,” she said. “There was also an Arab Student Association at the University of Alberta, but the term ‘Arab’ is very broad and didn’t necessarily represent North African Students.”
Photo by Youssef Chtabou. Photo credit: Youssef Chtabou
For Amen Charef, who arrived from Fort McMurray to attend, the welcoming, vibrant atmosphere was immediately apparent.
“The event was loud and full of life,” he said. “It was great to see people having a great time and enjoying themselves.
The hosted event, also known as NAFCON, was more than just a tournament.
It brought people together from across Edmonton and around the province, many of whom were unfamiliar with one another; however, they were united by shared cultural, community, and soccer love.
Observing the lack of representation of her community, Aboktef decided to create a space where North Africans could come together and celebrate their culture and traditions.
During its early beginnings, the organization was modest in size and capacity.
“It was mainly just a group of friends,” she said. “We didn’t even know if anyone would show up.”
However, the demand became clear very quickly. After their first event, the interest among attendees grew rapidly, and various students reached out to ask how they could get involved with the operating group.
Aboktef emphasizes that the turning point came in late November 2024, when the team realized its reach extended beyond campus surroundings.
“A quarter or maybe even half of the people there weren’t even MacEwan students,” she said.
“That’s when we realized it didn’t have to be MacEwan-centric.”
Since then, hosted events have brought students together from various institutions, including high school students, families across the city, and people from other diverse backgrounds. It has evolved from a campus initiative to a larger community network.
The organization’s growth and success thus far have been driven by the careful, detailed planning of its events, with fostering a warm and inclusive environment for all as the top priority.
Amir Bensekhria, one of the event coordinators, told Edmonton Edge that each event begins with a clear purpose.
“We always try to create a positive environment that allows people to feel included and like they belong,” he said.
One event in particular, Atay n Shay, held in October 2025, was intentionally planned to bring people together through shared, relatable cultural experiences. The gathering included servings of traditional North African food and tea across the region, engaging games, and opportunities for attendees to connect and meet one another.
“It was an opportunity for people to share similar experiences and feel like they had others to connect with,” Bensekhria said.
For him, the event’s impact was heartfelt.
“It was the first time I felt I was part of something that included me and my culture,” he said.
That feeling of belonging is reflected in attendees like Charef, who said these events strengthened a closer connection to the growing North African community in the city.
“I’ve met a lot more North Africans at these events,” he said. “Before, I knew some people, but not many. It was really nice getting closer to my community and people who share the same culture as me.”
Charef also noticed the diversity within the community during the events themselves.
“People from different walks of life come together,” he said. “It’s not just about the event, but also the connections you build.”
A recent study on the value of extracurricular activities for post-secondary undergraduate students found that a stronger sense of belonging develops when students build social connections outside the classroom.
According to Statistics Canada’s 2021 census, 30 percent of Edmonton’s population are immigrants, and approximately 39 percent of residents self-identify as visible minorities.
These figures represent the continuous growth of cultural diversity in the city and underscore the need for more community-driven spaces.
Simultaneously, the presence of more student-led organizations and associations remains a foundational pillar in shaping students’ campus life.
As outlined by the Students’ Association of MacEwan University, student groups play an important role in the overall student experience by creating opportunities for skill development, relationship building, and community involvement outside the classroom.
The NAFCON tournament was also held as a fundraiser for humanitarian aid for Sudan, showcasing its social impact element as well.
For Aboktef, seeing the positive reactions and feedback from everyone who has attended the organization’s events makes all the effort put in feel more meaningful.
“It means the world to me. It’s very touching to see how happy people are and how much they needed a space like this,” she said. “Seeing people come together, meet new friends, and build connections, that’s what it’s all about.”
