3rd National Gathering of Indigenous Steelworkers

Message from National Director Marty Warren

Dear Sisters, Brothers and Friends,

I am proud to put out the call for registrations for the third National Gathering for Indigenous Steelworkers, October 5-6, 2022 at the historic Machine Shop building in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

This gathering will be a place for Indigenous Steelworkers to share their experiences and to contribute to our union’s ongoing strategy for advancing the rights of Indigenous workers and Indigenous communities. It will also coincide with a week of activities organized by USW local unions in Sault Ste. Marie to share truth and promote reconciliation.

Who should attend?

First and foremost, I’m inviting Steelworkers of Indigenous ancestry, meaning First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. I am calling on local unions to help us with this important work by reaching out to and sending Indigenous members to this gathering.

Registration is also open to non-Indigenous officers and stewards from local unions with Indigenous memberships.

I look forward to seeing a strong turn-out of Indigenous Steelworkers in Sault Ste. Marie in October!

In solidarity,

Marty Warren
National Director for Canada

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The Gathering will be held on the main floor of The Machine Shop at 83 Huron Street, Sault Ste Marie, ON P6A 5P9 (just a 10-minute walk or short shuttle-bus ride from the Holiday Inn Express on Bay Street). Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided both days at The Machine Shop.

Agenda Highlights

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

• Registration (8:00-9:00 a.m.) at The Machine Shop
• Call to Order (9:00 a.m.)
• Opening by Elder and Chiefs
• Circle Discussions and Key-note Speakers
• Evening Feast and Cultural Event – The Machine Shop

Thursday, October 6, 2022

• Call to Order (9:00 a.m.)
• Circle Discussions and Speakers, continued
• Words from Marty Warren, National Director for Canada
• Adjournment (4:00 p.m.)

Registration

Registration online only at usw.ca/IndigenousUSW
Please note that a unique email address is required for each registration.

Registration site includes the option to request child care and accommodation for special needs. Registration Fee: $250 per participant

Registration deadline is: September 16, 2022

Registration is not limited. Payment and mailing information are included in your registration confirmation email. Please include a copy of it with your payment. For assistance, please contact: Mustapha Makri at mmakri@usw.ca or 416-544-5994.

Hotel and travel

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express, located just a 10-minute walk from The Machine Shop. (Shuttle-bus service will also be provided.)

Holiday Inn Express
320 Bay Street West
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1X1

Rate: $159.95/night (two queen beds)
Hotel details: Check-in at 3 p.m.; check out at 11 a.m. Cancellation 24 hours before arrival. Guest room rate includes complimentary internet in all rooms, complimentary hot breakfast buffet, and use of small fitness centre including indoor pool, hot tub & sauna. The group rate of $159.95/night is also available if you want to extend your stay in the beautiful Sault Ste. Marie area by arriving early or staying after the Gathering. The hotel will extend the group rate from Sept 30 to Oct 2 and from Oct 6 to 9, subject to availability.

***The cut-off date for the block of room reservations is September 16, 2022, but we encourage you to book as soon as possible. After September 16, 2022, room rate (and availability) is not guaranteed.

To book your room, go to: hiexpress.com/saulton, enter the dates you want and go to the “rate preference” drop down menu. Choose “Group Rate” and enter USW to book within the room block. Note that the parking fee of $5/day will be waived if you are parking at the hotel during your stay.

Driving: Sault Ste. Marie is approximately 7.5 hours by car from Toronto, and 3.5 hours from Sudbury.

Flying: to book a flight to the Gathering, consider booking with WE Travel at 613-232-9908, 1-888-676-7747, or by email with Lorna Parent: lorna@wetravel.net. A booking fee of $62.15 per airline ticket will apply.

We look forward to seeing you in Sault Ste. Marie in October!

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