September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to commemorate and reflect on the history and legacy of Canada’s residential school systems and enduring colonial violence against Indigenous communities. Most importantly, it is a time to re-commit to action.
Survivors of historical traumas and families impacted by loss walk among us – as union members, as colleagues, and as neighbours. 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. Resistance to Canada’s genocidal policies of assimilation cannot be shouldered by Indigenous communities alone.
September 30th is also known as Orange Shirt Day – calling upon the public to wear orange in the spirit of reconciliation and commitment to the truth that every child matters – is an important aspect of the reconciliation process established by and called for by Indigenous peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. It is also a time to reckon with the ways Indigenous history underpins the present for all of us, as treaty people, and what material commitments we can each take to uphold and advance Indigenous sovereignty.
From the criminalization and displacement of land defenders fighting for the exercise of Indigenous sovereignty on their ancestral lands, to the ongoing recovery of hundreds of unmarked mass graves on the grounds of former residential school sites, to the ongoing search for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S) loved ones – it is clear that there is not only “history” when it comes to colonial violence. This is still a reality today.
Free Grassy – Labour Shows Up for the Annual River Run
Just last week, OPSEU/SEFPO members took part in the annual Grassy Narrows River Run, an effort between Grassy Narrows youth and its community and the broader public to draw attention to the struggle for mercury justice. Due to industrial discharge and waste dumping from the paper mill upstream in the 1960s-1970s, the waters of Wabigoon River by Grassy Narrows have led to mercury poisoning for generations of the Indigenous stewards of that land.
OPSEU/SEFPO stands behind the demands of the Grassy Narrows people and will continue to do so – until Grassy Narrows is free, and mercury justice is achieved for every community member.
Solidarity is Verb – Water Summit 2024 and the Call to Act
This weekend, from September 27-29, the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle will bring together Indigenous leaders – including Chief Todd Cornelius from the Oneida Nation of the Thames and Chief Rudy Turtle from Grassy Narrows – alongside representatives from Water First and OPSEU/SEFPO members for the 2024 Water Summit. The purpose of the Water Summit is to bring awareness, advocacy, and education on the water crisis in Ontario, specifically in how it continues to advance colonial violence in its impact on Indigenous communities.
This year’s summit is partnered with the Oneida Nation of the Thames. According to the Government of Canada, Oneida has been under a boil water advisory since 2019 which has affected 546 homes and 22 community buildings. Attendees will visit Oneida territories, building relationships while learning how trade unionists can work together with the Oneida Nation and Indigenous communities across our province to create change.