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A time to celebrate
and a time to make things better
2010 National Aboriginal Day Statement by CUPE Ontario
Click for Aboriginal Day flyer
National Aboriginal Day is a time to celebrate the cultures and contributions of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario is proud to support this important annual celebration. In some cases, our members not only attend the events but are instrumental in organizing them.
While June 21 is set aside for celebration, it is also a day to remember that governments continue to neglect the deplorable conditions faced by First Peoples and have failed to provide for the basic necessities such as safe water, health care and economic sustainability. This year, 2010, it is also important to note that the long overdue Truth and Reconciliation process regarding Canada’s sorry history with residential schools, is now, finally, underway.
The inability of governments to recognize that these necessities are fundamental rights of citizenship is one reason that CUPE Ontario uses National Aboriginal Day to express solidarity with aboriginal peoples and support all efforts to improve their livelihood. Beyond simply wages, benefits and working conditions for the union’s aboriginal members, CUPE Ontario is also dedicated to advocating for First Peoples’ rights in the larger community. Education is one of the most important ways of doing this.
CUPE Ontario is firmly committed to furthering First Peoples’ rights and the ongoing work of the CUPE Ontario Aboriginal Council is a testimony to that commitment. CUPE’s Ontario was also the first provincial wing of the union to create a constitutionally mandated diversity vice president representing aboriginal members on the executive board. That position is currently held by sister Joanne Webb.
And so, as we celebrate the vibrancy and great traditions of our First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples on National Aboriginal Day, CUPE Ontario reaffirms its commitment to fight for equality, justice, full inclusion and the right to self-government for all aboriginal peoples.
