National Aboriginal Day is time to celebrate the vibrant and unique cultures of Indigenous peoples, as First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities graciously share their ceremonies, customs and heritage with us all.
It is also a time for us to recommit ourselves to promoting truth and reconciliation. Canadians must fully and openly recognize the historical and ongoing harm Canada has inflicted through its failed policies and laws to assimilate Indigenous peoples. We must respect the rights of Indigenous peoples to their traditional and unceded territories, and we must acknowledge their histories on these lands – histories that date back far beyond 150 years.
CUPE is committed to working with Indigenous nations, communities and organizations towards reconciliation. We call upon governments in Canada to ensure the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. Our union is striving to educate our members on the legacy of the residential school system and the attempted genocide of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
More info: https://cupe.ca/aboriginal