It has already been 10 years since the 94 Calls to Action from the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) were released in 2015.
“The TRC’s mandate was to inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools. The TRC documented the truth of Survivors, their families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience. This included First Nations, Inuit and Métis former residential school students, their families, communities, the churches, former school employees, government officials and other Canadians.
September 30, Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is a day to remember and pay tribute to the children who were forcibly taken from their families and sent to residential schools.
It is also a day of solidarity with the families and communities deeply impacted by historical and ongoing colonial systems in Canada, which as we have heard over the course of the latest National Gathering for Indigenous Steelworkers, still bear much weight in 2025.
The USW has developed resources for supporting Indigenous members of the union and for becoming stronger allies.
Most recently, the union released its Indigenous engagement guide – Building Trust, Becoming Allies. The guide draws on the experience of USW local unions with successful histories of engaging with Indigenous members and with neighbouring Indigenous nations and communities.
To mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, make a commitment to learn more about past injustices and do more towards reconciliation.
What are you and your USW local doing to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
In solidarity,
Marty Warren
USW National Director
Scott Lunny
USW District 3 Director (Western Canada and the Territories)
Nicolas Lapierre
USW District 5 Director (Quebec)
Kevon Stewart
USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada)
KAMLOOPS, B.C. – United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 7619 has issued 72-hour strike notice to Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (HVC) operation near Logan Lake, B.C., following unsuccessful negotiations to reach a fair collective agreement. The notice was served Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., with the union preparing for potential strike action if an agreement […]
The jobs of thousands of USW members have been plunged into uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs, outsourcing and offshoring. In 2025, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has supported initiatives that help build union-to-union solidarity, which is critical to ensuring workers have a voice. Over the years, the USW has supported the efforts of the Mexican […]
Scott Lunny, United Steelworkers Director for Western Canada, released the following statement following the Alberta referendum vote: “Albertans have made their voices heard. They want to remain part of a strong, united Canada. Now it’s time to put division behind us and get back to work building a better future for working families. “It’s time […]