Our Reconciliation Story is a reflection of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. Built in collaboration with Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices, it captures our actions, our learning, and our ongoing commitments.
Table of Contents
“We can’t change yesterday but we can begin today to change tomorrow.”
– Kitty Maracle
Our journey is rooted in principles that matter deeply: justice, truth, sovereignty, and relationship. We’ve responded to the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Calls for Justice from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiry, and we’ve grounded ourselves in the spirit of UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples).
These aren’t just words—they’ve shaped our commitments, resolutions, conferences, and efforts to create space for Indigenous voices.
We need your voice!
If there’s a moment or action we’ve missed—something important to you or your region—we want to hear from you. There will soon be a space here to share your stories or connect with your Indigenous Circle representatives.
“We are the river and the river is us. We have no choice but to stand up.”
– LaDonna Tamakawastewin Allard, Lakota Historian and Activist founder of Sacred Stone Camp, Standing Rock North Dakota, speaks to OPSEU/SEFPO members at Wellesley (2017)
Our story
2025
OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Conference “Rising of Indigenous Women Protecting the Land & Water” in partnership with Six Nation of the Grand River.
OPSEU/SEFPO Resolution along with CLC and NUPGE call on the government of Canada to fund First Nations Initiatives and First Nations led approach.
Read the First Nations resolution
Be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO in conjunction with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and National Union of Public General Employees (NUPGE) and the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle, call upon the Government of Canada to support First Nations initiatives to revitalize their traditional justice practices by adequately funding an innovative First Nations-led approach to justice and healing that is meaningfully informed by the sacred Knowledge Keepers and oral traditions of First Nations.
Be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO in conjunction with the CLC and NUPGE and the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle encourage the continued engagement with First Nations and national or regional Indigenous organizations to determine options to support all First Nations as they seek to revitalize their legal practices and traditions and, where requested, by working with all First Nations and required internal and external partners in their co-development of processes that will revitalize Indigenous laws and traditional justice systems where mandated to do so,
Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO in conjunction with the CLC and NUPGE and the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle demand that a first report be provided within 2 years and a first report on actions to be taken be provided within 5 years of this Resolution passing
Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will develop a campaign in conjunction with the Indigenous Circle on this issue to be started within 3 months of this Resolution passing.
Convention Resolution demanding the creation of the Federal Red Dress Alert System
Read the Red Dress Alert resolution
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO in conjunction with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and Nationale Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and the OPSEU/SEFPO indigenous Circle, continue its actions in pressuring the federal government immediately for a definitive timeline to create a National Red Dress Alert system to notify the public when an Indigenous Women, girls, or two-spirit person goes missing
OPSEU/SEFPO Third Water Summit in Partnership with Onedia Nation of the Thames
Convention Resolution demanding government to legislate municipalities to implement UNDRIP
Read the First Nations resolution
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO in conjunction with the Ontario Federation of Labor and Canadian Labor will demand the federal, provincial and territorial governments to explicitly legislate requirements for municipalities to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO in conjunction with the Indigenous Circle will develop a campaign on this issue with the planning to be started within 3 months of this resolution passing
OPSEU/SEFPO endorses resolution for affiliates to connect with First Nations Land Defense Alliance
Read the Land Defence resolution
Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board refer the following resolution to the 2023 OFL Convention:
Whereas the Ford Government continues to show its utter disrespect for the rights of First Nations Peoples in Ontario by trying to pursue mining and resource extraction projects without their free, prior and informed consent; and
Therefore be it resolved that The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) continue to provide solidarity and support to the communities organizing to halt mining exploration on the so-called “Ring of Fire,” which sit on the traditional Indigenous lands of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka, Neskantaga, Grassy Narrows and Muskrat Dam First Nations, who together formed the First Nations Land Defense Alliance; And
Be it further resolved that The OFL work with affiliates to encourage them to invite the First Nations Land Defense Alliance to educate union members about how Ontario’s Mining Act threatens Indigenous sovereignty and the internationally recognized rights of Indigenous peoples.
Third Indigenous Conference Discovering the Métis: The People of the Sash in partnership with the Métis Nation of Ontario
Conference video and program
Discovering the Métis: The People of the Sash. The goal is to inspire and equip OPSEU/SEFPO members to partner and work with Indigenous communities during this time of reconciliation. The Conference is being planned with citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
OPSEU/SEFPO Water Summit, Water is a Human Right, in response to the urgent water crisis in Indigenous Communities
Read about the Water Summit’s themes
OPSEU/SEFPO’s Indigenous Circle Water Campaign Committee Hybrid event to address the urgent and emerging water crisis across Ontario
The Water Summit’s theme is “Water as a Human Right.” The goal is to inspire and equip OPSEU/SEFPO members and allies to partner and work with Indigenous communities during this time of reconciliation.
The Water Summit will focus on the current global water crisis and generate a critical conversation among OPSEU/SEFPO membership.
The water crisis particularly disproportionately affects Ontario’s Indigenous communities.
The summit will aim to raise a larger awareness among OPSEU/SEFPO members on the current water crisis and also highlight the longstanding inequities Indigenous communities face when it comes to accessing clean and safe water.
Themes for discussion will include:
1. Water sources (ecosystems, food and agriculture, energy and industry etc.)
2. Water Infrastructure (water treatment, storage, supply etc.)
3. Water and social cultural concepts (the role of water in homes, workplaces, schools and now during a global pandemic)
OPSEU/SEFPO supports Bill 286, the Inherent Right to Safe Drinking Water Act 2021
In commemoration of the 28th annual World Water Day, the Indigenous Circle and the Water Campaign committee host a virtual Water Day forum. Critical conversations were had on what water means to our communities and what we can do to protect this vital resource.
Tk’emlups Secwepemc First Nation confirms remains of 215 children found on the former Kamloops Indian Residential School
Chief Rosanne Casmir, Tk’emlups Secwepemc First Nation confirms remains of 215 children found on the former Kamloops Indian Residential School “an unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented by the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Remains of 215 children found buried at former B.C. residential at the school in Kamloops.”
2019
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls published its Final Report in 2019, recommending 231 Calls for Justice
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) concluded in 2019 with the release of its Final Report, “Reclaiming Power and Place,” which includes 231 Calls for Justice aimed at ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
2018
Second Indigenous Conference – Cultural Reclamation and Restoration: Weaving Culture Back Into Our Blanket held in partnership with Wikwemkoong First Nation
Read more about the Reclamation and Restoration Conference
OPSEU’s second biennial Indigenous Conference was held from June 22 to 24, 2018, at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre in Little Current, Ontario. By all accounts, it was a huge success.
The conference was organized by Indigenous members in conjunction with Elders of the Wikwemkoong Unceded First Nation. Together, throughout the weekend, Elders, organizers, speakers, workshop facilitators and performers invited Indigenous people and settlers to come together to engage in a process of education, healing and reconciliation. Conference participants accepted this invitation.
The Indigenous Circle chose “Cultural Reclamation and Restoration,” as the theme of the conference. It is in direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s finding of cultural genocide against Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island.
OPSEU Region 7 Executive Board Member Ken Maclam, liaison to the Indigenous Circle, welcomed participants to the conference by quoting OPSEU’s Affirmation of Principles on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: “Healing cannot begin until Indigenous peoples re-establish full control over their communities, economies and cultural traditions, and revitalize their languages and cultures.”
The conference was OPSEU’s firm commitment to partner with Wikwemkoong Unceded First Nation and other Indigenous communities to recognize and honour this cultural revitalization.
Participants were welcomed by Band Council member Rachel Manitowabi, designee for Chief Duke Peltier.
Included Blanket Exercise closing brought the Indigenous items back to Indigenous people. Sacred Fire Fire keeper from communities and did pipe ceremony
2017
OPSEU/SEFPO event, Heartbeat of Reconciliation Pow Wow, held in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Circles of Reconciliation event calling on MPP’s to make June 21 National Indigenous Day, a statutory holiday.
More details on Circle of Reconciliation event
That’s the day MPP Michael Mantha hopes to table a private member’s bill to make National Indigenous Day, June 21, a statutory holiday. The OPSEU Indigenous Circle brought leaders and activists together on August 17 to plan the Pow Wow.
“It is time we do this,” said OPSEU Indigenous Circle member Linda Broer, chair of the June 21 campaign and lead organizer of the event.
“Rather than a typical labour rally, we chose a Pow Wow as the best way to introduce the bill and to celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions which are the heart of this legislation.” The Pow Wow is a follow up to the Lobby Day organized by the campaign on May 9, 2017.
“This will be a holiday for all Ontarians to learn about and celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities,” added Mantha, who serves as NDP Critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
Chief R. Stacey Laforme, Chief of Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, said his community is “happy to partner with OPSEU on this important initiative toward reconciliation.”
Executive Board affirms and commits to Principles on Indigenous Peoples Rights
Whereas OPSEU supports Indigenous cultures, heritage and languages; and
Whereas OPSEU Convention 2015 committed to fund projects that provide healthy and affordable food to northern Indigenous communities, recognizing that systemic poverty Minutes from the Executive Board Meeting and inequality are the cause of much of the despair facing Indigenous communities;
and Whereas upon release of the TRC Report on June 23, 2015, OPSEU President Smokey Thomas declared that “Our Union can play a part in the truth and reconciliation process by adopting these recommendations within our negotiated contract agreements;” and
Whereas OPSEU Convention 2016 passed a resolution on Attawapiskat First Nation suicide crisis that committed OPSEU to build long-term partnerships with First nation communities; and
Whereas Akwesasne First Nation partnered with OPSEU for its very successful 1st biennial Indigenous conference on September 30-October 2, 2016 in Cornwall, ON; and
Whereas OPSEU partnered with Ontario First Nations Chiefs on the Indigenous Mobilizing Team during a presentation of OPSEU President Smokey Thomas to an assembly of First Nations Chiefs from throughout Ontario on November 22, 2016; and
Whereas The President of OPSEU and the Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation signed an historic agreement on July 7, 2017 to work together to ensure justice for First Nations; and
Whereas The OPSEU Indigenous Circle June 21 campaign held its first-ever Pow Wow on the South lawn of Queens park as the way to introduce the Bill to make June 21 a statutory holiday in Ontario and to celebrate Indigenous culture and traditions which are at the heart of the legislation; and
Whereas The OPSEU IMT released its ground-breaking video titled, “Coming Home: Sixties Scoop Survivors Reclaim their Culture,” that includes both Sixties Scoop survivors and OPSEU member C.A.S. workers committed to improve the child welfare system so this will never happen again;
OPSEU/SEFPO Convention Resolution Supports Ontario Chief’s Call for a National Strategy on Aboriginal Suicide affecting First Nations in Northern CommunitiesRead the National Strategy on Aboriginal Suicide
Whereas this latest state of emergency is part of a “suicide pandemic” affecting Northern Indigenous communities for the past few years; and
Whereas in 2013, the Mushkegowuk Council established a People’s Inquiry to explore the roots of the suicide crisis and the final report released in January 2016 pointed to the history of residential schools, the loss of language and culture, and substance abuse as factors leading to suicide; and
Whereas the Truth and Reconciliation Report Executive Summary released in June 2015 identified the legacy of the Canadian residential school system as “cultural genocide” and made 94 recommendations to redress this legacy; and
Whereas OPSEU recognizes that true reconciliation with indigenous communities requires a national strategy that uproots the systemic causes of poverty and hopelessness; and
Whereas OPSEU has supported actions for justice for Indigenous communities, and Attawapiskat in particular;
Therefore be it resolved that the Executive approve that OPSEU supports the Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day`s call for a national strategy to fight the suicide epidemic affecting First Nations communities; and
Be it further resolved that OPSEU, in conjunction with the OPSEU Aboriginal Circle, partner with Northern Indigenous communities to address poverty, inequality, and other systemic causes of hopelessness that fuel the latest suicide epidemic and to monitor the federal government`s implementation of the 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Report.
First Biennial OPSEU Indigenous Conference held at Akwesasne in partnership with the Mohawks of Akwesasne First Nation members to discuss the union’s response to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).More details on TRC conference
2015
Truth and Reconciliation Commission releases Report that includes 94 Calls to Action and Principles of Reconciliation
Convention Resolution funds projects to provide healthy and affordable food in Northern Indigenous Communities
OPSEU’s 2015 Convention, members committed to funding projects that provide healthy and affordable food to northern Indigenous communities, recognizing that systemic poverty and inequality are the cause of much of the despair facing Indigenous communities.
2012
Indigenous Circle recognized as Constitutional Committee Read the Constitutional language
OPSEU/SEFPO was part of a group of organizations that brought a Mongolian yurt to Attawapiskat First Nation.
OPSEU/SEFPO Establishes Annual Tim Brown Award recognizing Indigenous contributions in Labour Movement. Read the Tim Brown Award resolution
2006
Convention Resolution demanding justice for Leonard Peltier and funding the Leonard Peltier FundRead about OPSEU’s support for Leonard Peltier
The UN General Assembly passes the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Canada did not vote in favour of the Declaration at this time.More info about Canada’s objector status
Aboriginal members of OPSEU requested the permanent establishment of an Aboriginal caucus and appropriate funding under the umbrella of the Provincial Human Rights Committee (PHRC).
The Aboriginal Chair was Wut-tun-nee (Tim Brown) L.144
1999
Resolution demanding public inquiry into the Death of Dudley George, at Chippewa of Kettle & Stoney Point First Nation Read the Dudley George resolution
1991
OPSEU/SEFPO adopts Employment Equity Policy including definition of Native People
Policy manual – Native People: Means people who identify themselves as Indian, Inuit or Métis and includes people who come from an Indian, Inuit, or Métis background status as well as non-status
Convention Resolution on Indigenous Land claims
Read the land claims resolution
Indigenous Land Claims1. Convention 1991 [C25]
2. April 27, 1994 [B20]
3. April 27, 1994 [B21]
1. Negotiations
OPSEU/SEFPO lend its voice to the growing calls for the Canadian and provincial governments to negotiate in good faith for the resolution of land rights and self-government.
OPSEU/SEFPO expand its contacts with Native groups working for justice and to lobby the federal government to resolve all outstanding land claims in a timely manner.
2. Job Protection
OPSEU/SEFPO members are concerned about our current policy on Native issues; therefore, our policy be revised to state: that while OPSEU/SEFPO fully supports Native issues, our obligation and responsibility lies with protecting our members’ jobs.
3. Safeguarding Rights and Jobs
Any negotiations exploring the transfer of management, or co-management must include OPSEU/SEFPO representation to safeguard the rights and jobs of OPSEU/SEFPO employees.
Critical Links – Native Issues Seminars in partnership with Indigenous communities on reserves and friendship centres across Ontario.
In partnership with the Native Secretariat, OPSEU stages a series of Native Issues seminars.
These weekend seminars, held on reserves and Native Friendship Centers across Ontario, are led by Native facilitators.
They expose union members, staff and leaders to some of the problems facing First Nations people in their efforts to achieve equity.
We can’t change yesterday. But we can begin today to change tomorrow. – Kitty Maracle
