Strength in Solidarity: Union Conference Brings Together Workers in Northwestern Ontario

By Alexandrea Seggewiss, Local 715, InSolidarityBuilding community was a common theme throughout Region 7’s Leadership Conference on Jan 31 to Feb 2. Over 70 members from across OPSEU/SEFPO’s largest region gathered, where new and experienced members alike connected through activism. The annual conference aims to discuss constitution and resolutions with an emphasis on the importance of worker empowerment and skills building.Several years ago, Carl Thibodeau, former Regional Vice President, initiated the leadership conference with a goal of bringing the vast region’s members together to have important conversations about the inner workings of OPSEU/SEFPO and the labour movement. Today, though it has evolved throughout time, the conference combines workshops, panel discussions and a mock convention to build worker power, but more importantly, provides opportunities for networking and connection despite the region’s geographical barriers.A plenary session and awards dinner hosted by Region 7 Regional Vice-President Ed Arvelin, and Executive Board Members Erin Smith and Jody Tsubouchi, kicked off the event.“One of the things I love about this conference in particular and coming up to Region 7 is that you all and your EBMs do such a good job of building community and building skills and supporting one another in ways that we don’t often see in some of the other areas,” said JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO President, who traveled to Thunder Bay for the event. The region welcomed many guests from across the province, including Equity Executive Board Members, Dr. Crystal Garvey, Nicole Anozie, Dan Brisson, Robert Hampsey and Kaylee Heath.

 In keeping with the themes of connection and community, members were treated to an exemplary keynote address by Esther Maud, a local Indigenous entrepreneur. A self-described “mother of eight and kokum,” Maud shared her story of reclamation and resilience. Trauma and years of using substances had left Maud feeling lost and disconnected from herself, family and culture.Though in 2019, Maud began her journey of sobriety, which in turn provided her with the clarity and strength she needed to heal, find resilience and dream again. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood needs, Maud founded Wabshakaa Animkii Benesii, an afterschool program for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. “Our program is about so much more than keeping kids busy after school; it’s about empowering them to embrace their identities, learn their culture and connect with the land,” said Maud.Despite the ongoing fight for funding, Maud hopes to spread the program throughout the city of Thunder Bay. She is a true advocate for cultural reclamation and youth empowerment and will be sharing her story at the upcoming “She is Wise” conference in Niagara Falls.“This work is hard, but it’s worth it,” Maud said. “Every time I see a child light up when they finished their first ribbon skirt or when they speak their language with pride, I am reminded of why I started this journey. It’s not just about creating programs or checking off boxes, it’s about creating a legacy, it’s about giving our kids a future they can be proud of and a foundation to build on.”The evening concluded with awards presented by Arvelin, Smith and Tsubouchi to celebrate the positive of the past year.

Leadership Conference Award Winners List

1. Local Award of the Year – Historic strike and efforts made
   • Liquor Board Employees Division (LBED)
2. Heart of Seven – “Super female in the Region”
   • Linda Kuizenga
3. Activist of the Year
   • Stefanie Bourelly
4. Lifetime Award
   • Joanne Villeneuve

Over the next three days, participants were provided with a wealth of knowledge ranging from building power within their locals by spending time on organizing, the role campaigns play in mobilizing, how solidarity can bring about change, navigating the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution and practicing writing resolutions. Considering the upcoming Convention, a mock edition allowed members to exercise their newfound skills and gain a better understanding of Robert’s Rules of Order. As the conference ended, members departed with renewed determination, equipped with the knowledge, tools, and solidarity to drive change and advocate for workers’ rights with strength and unity.