Please Click Here to find recent news, events and information from CUPE Ontario.
2013 Lois Hill Scholarship
Once again we are inviting applications for two scholarships in memory of Lois Hill, a long-time CUPE activist and former president of Local 778.
The scholarships are worth $500 each and they are open to Aboriginal members, or the children of Aboriginal members of CUPE Ontario, to undertake a course of post-secondary studies for the 2013/14 academic year.
We want to emphasize the importance of encouraging members to submit applications for these scholarships this year.
In order to qualify, an applicant must be accepted into a program of study at a public or union-based institute of post-secondary education. Academic merit, or the equival ence in career experience, are the principals governing the selection of successful candidates.
Click Here to download the 2014 Lois Hill Scholarship Letter (English) (French)
National Aboriginal Day 2013:
Since 1996, Canadians have marked National Aboriginal Day on June 21. It is a time to celebrate the cultures and contributions of the original peoples of Turtle Island. CUPE Ontario is proud to support this annual celebration and our members who organize and participate in events on this day.
This year is the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763. This proclamation recognized Native land rights and governed negotiations over land between the crown and First Nations. Created following the Seven Years War, it is one of the most important documents in our legal history and the First Nations rights and freedoms recognized by it are enshrined today in section 25 of the Constitution Act.
Governments would do well to recognize this important piece of history and take time to consider their obligations to original peoples of Turtle Island, including basic necessities such as safe water, health care and economic sustainability.
Visit Idle No More’s facebook page for information on the Sovereignty Summer event at Queen’s Park, June 21 at 12 noon
Click Here to read the 19th annual National Aboriginal Day poster
Click Here to see events across the country
The Way the River Flows – OFL 3rd Annual Aboriginal Gathering – June 14-16, 2013
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is holding its 3rd Aboriginal Gathering from June 14-16, 2013. The OFL and its affiliates have a long history of activism and lobbying on Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit issues.
This is a Gathering that is reaching out to all people – labour and community, Aboriginal, Métis, Inuit and non-aboriginal – who are concerned and interested in developing action oriented change, justice and reconciliation for Aboriginal Peoples: Idle No More!!!!!! Let us confront the truth and take action while finding peace and solace in the Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit traditional medicines and spiritual teachings.
Click Here for the registration form and for more information.
Idle No More – U of T Information and Activities
From March 18th to 22nd there will be a week dedicated to Idle No More at the University of Toronto. Click here for event and activity information.
Click to read Fred Hahn and Candace Rennick’s message re. National Aboriginal Day June 21st, 2012
Click for photographs from Grassy Narrow March.
Grassy Narrows Youth walk to raise awareness about Mercury Poisoning and Native Land Rights.
On June 5th, 2012 a group of youth from Grassy Narrows First Nation will be arriving in the city after walking more than 2000 kilometers from their traditional territory in Northwestern Ontario. They will be welcomed by members of the April 28 Coalition—Six Nations land defenders and non native allies—along with other Toronto allies, who will be holding a community potluck and barbecue on June 5th at 4PM in Grange Park.
Click Here to read more about the Youth walk.
Lois Hill Scholarship – Deadline: September 2012
We are inviting applications for two scholarships in memory of Lois Hill, a long-time CUPE activist and former president of Local 778.
The scholarships are worth $500 each and they are open to Aboriginal members, or the children of Aboriginal members of CUPE Ontario, to undertake a course of post-secondary studies for the 2012/13 academic year.
Click Here for more information on the Lois Hill scholarship
Walk 4 Justice – Thursday, September 8th @ 3:30pm
To honour and raise awareness of missing or murdered aboriginal women, you are invited to participate in a flash-mob demonstration, as we welcome the Walk 4 Justice walkers on their stop in Toronto, Ontario. The Walk 4 Justice team is holding their second annual walk across Canada.
See the photos & the results of the walk here
2010 National Aboriginal Day Statement by CUPE Ontario
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. more…
