This United Nations day of observance calls attention to the systemic barriers and challenges facing Indigenous communities in Canada and across the world. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly in 2007. At the time, Canada was one of four countries that voted against its adoption, but it has since reversed its position and now supports the document.
Check out how UFCW Canada gets involved through supporting Aboriginal rights, the reconciliation process, and the inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
The Declaration provides a universal framework that encourages international cooperation in upholding minimum standards to ensure the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples around the world.
Approximately 75 Indigenous members, leaders, and allies gathered online to take part in UFCW Canada’s Fifth Annual National Indigenous Rights Conference. The 2021 conference theme was “Grounding Our Indigenous Spirit” and called upon participants to reflect on the diverse ways Indigenous rights are embedded in activism, culture, language, and healing.
The work to re-build meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples remains a priority for the labour movement and for UFCW Canada. With the increasing representation of Indigenous peoples in our workplaces and in our unions, it is more critical than ever to support the ongoing struggles for Indigenous justice.
The conference was followed days after Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation discovered the remains of 215 children near the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School. UFCW Canada Resident Elder Eric Flett opened the conference with a special teaching and candle lighting ceremony in memory of the children.
“Why I am Proud to Be Indigenous.”
UFCW Canada 2021 - Indigenous Conference - Conference Opening - The kick-off to the 2021 UFCW Canada Indigenous Conference virtual event with remarks from UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema, UFCW Canada resident elder Eric Flett and Indigenous Sub-Committee member Lorraine Anderson. www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPVYRl5shfw&list=PLFTIxk740pZ57XgdftpSVqmVheuA3pel
LISMORE
CBD MAGAZINE
www.ufcw.ca AUGUST 2021 ISSUE
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