UFCW honours the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples – August 9
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Toronto – August 3, 2017 – August 9 marks the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, a day to honour the rich cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples around the world. The day also serves as a somber reminder of the displacement and extinction of thousands of indigenous communities throughout history.
This year's theme is a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The declaration provides a universal framework to achieve what the United Nations describes as the minimum standard for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples globally.
As Canada's leading union, UFCW proudly represents members of the indigenous community across the country and has joined hands with a number of progressive organizations – including the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society – to work towards justice for Canada's indigenous communities.
As Canadians, we must never forget or ignore the severe and irreversible injustices that have led to the exploitation of and systemic discrimination against indigenous peoples in social and economic spheres. We must also continue to be advocates of indigenous justice by extending our solidarity efforts and taking guidance from Indigenous communities on how we can achieve Reconciliation.
Accordingly, UFCW Canada has taken steps to ensure that Reconciliation principles are embedded in workplaces across Canada, and has also produced a series of resources available to members outlining what each of us can do to support Reconciliation in our workplaces and communities.
To learn more about UFCW Canada's work on Reconciliation, visit ufcw.ca/reconciliation. Activists are also encouraged to follow and participate in the United Nations’ campaign to honour the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Twitter, using the hashtag #WeAreIndigenous.
In solidarity,
Paul R. Meinema
National President