June 21 - National Aboriginal Day

[Sep 22, 2006 01:47 PM]

June 21, 2005 10:10 AM

On May 23, 1996, the Government of Canada proclaimed June 21 - the first day of summer every year - as National Aboriginal Day.

CUPE proudly joins our aboriginal sisters and brothers across Canada in marking this important step in the wider recognition of the ongoing contributions Canada's first peoples are making. Aboriginal Peoples are indeed an integral part of the fabric of Canada.

June 21 is a time to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal Peoples to Canadian society and to recognize the different aboriginal cultures.

It is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about the rich aboriginal cultural heritage of Canada. Aboriginal Peoples have made important contributions to the struggle for social justice, equality, the fight for unions and the betterment of our communities.

It is also a time for CUPE members to reinforce our solidarity with our aboriginal members and their communities. In that same spirit of solidarity, CUPE marks June 21 with a pledge to continue fighting for aboriginal rights.

Through our aboriginal councils and the Rainbow Committee, we will continue to work with aboriginal members to ensure they are represented at the local union level. We will strive to help them get access to public sector jobs. We will encourage them to run for election at all levels of CUPE. And we will empower them to become staff members.

Our ongoing work includes anti-racism education, training, the fight for healthy and safe working conditions, employment equity through partnership agreements and political action in defending aboriginal rights.

We urge all CUPE members to participate in activities commemorating this day and to continue the fight for aboriginal rights in our workplaces, our union and communities across the country.

Paul Moist
National President

Claude Généreux
National Secretary-Treasurer