USW local unions in all districts are doing important work to reach out to their Indigenous neighbours and Indigenous members, everything from attending community powwows to negotiating accords on job creation.
If you and your local union haven’t yet started, use June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, as an opportunity to learn more about the Indigenous people on whose traditional territory you live and work. Read about their history and culture. Educate yourself, such as by attending USW’s Unionism on Turtle Island course. Take part in public events and listen to Indigenous speakers.
Above all, show respect. If you have a question, ask in a respectful way. If you aren’t sure if you can attend an event hosted by an Indigenous community, ask respectfully. In any culture, “please,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry” go a long way!
The USW also encourages our local unions across the country to make a priority of negotiating new statutory holidays into their collective agreements to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 as well as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
(Also, watch for our new guide, “Strengthening Indigenous Participation: Practical approaches to supporting and building power in USW local unions representing Indigenous Steelworkers,” coming later this year through USW’s Indigenous Engagement Coordination project!)
In solidarity,
Marty Warren, National Director for Canada
Scott Lunny, District 3 Director
Dominic Lemieux, District 5 Director
Myles Sullivan, District 6 Director
USW Guidelines to Being a Good Neighbour and Ally
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