On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we stand with the survivors of residential schools, their families, and the Indigenous communities who continue to live with the intergenerational trauma of colonialism. We also recognize that survivors of historical traumas and families impacted by loss walk among us – as union members, as colleagues, and as neighbours.
Colonial violence was not a moment in history but a legacy that continues. This past year, governments have walked back commitments to reconciliation and launched new attacks on Indigenous rights. Ontario’s Bill 5 and the federal government’s Bill C-5 trampled on Indigenous rights and sovereignty in the name of so called economic and national interests, while stripping away environmental and labour protections.
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation has always been a call to action: to deepen our understanding of history, to acknowledge the deep and lasting trauma of colonialism, and to commit to taking action towards justice. For OPSEU/SEFPO, that commitment means being ready to stand up in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and fight back against attacks on their rights.
At this year’s Convention, the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle launched a Reconciliation Story that was created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous members – a reflection of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. This decades-long archive captures our actions, our learning, and our ongoing commitments. We invite non-Indigenous members to take time on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation to continue to learn, reflect on this moment, and deepen their commitments to action as individuals and union members.
We have a long way to go to achieve justice and reconciliation, but we must walk this path together – and the labour movement has an active role to play.
Miigwetch.
In solidarity,
JP and Laurie