Wiikinahmahgeh Corner with Indigenous Subcommittee member John Lowe

Toronto – June 1, 2024 – For the start of Indigenous History Month this June, UFCW Canada is launching its new video series: Wiikinahmahgeh Corner.

Wiikinahmahgeh means Education in Anishnawbe. Members of UFCW Canada's Indigenous Subcommittee and other indigenous members are sharing their voices and stories in this ongoing series.

In the video below, John Lowe, who is an indigenous subcommittee member and a member UFCW Local 864, shares his story about his call. Lowe says, “Elder Flett told me, that the ancestors were speaking to him, and he told me that I needed to help my people.”

He shares his stories of fostering, union work, advocacy and more. He concludes with this advice, “Don't be scared to learn who you are. And don't be scared to help other people. Because we are losing our culture all across all across Canada, in the States. And we need to, we need to bring that back. And we need all the help we can get.”

Lowe adds addressing allies, “And for people who are non-Indigenous, but are allies, don't be scared to ask questions because I find a lot of people won't ask the questions or too scared to ask, or they think they're they're not appropriate to ask. But I always tell people, don't be scared to ask questions.”

Watch the full video below.

National Indigenous History Month

Since 2009, June is declared National Indigenous History Month in Canada. In June we reflect on the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, Métis peoples. June 11th is the National Day of Reconciliation, created in 2008, to mark the federal government public apology for the creation of the Indian residential school system. June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which coincides with the summer solstice. On this day we celebrate the unique cultures and contributions made by Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. Learn more about National Indigenous History Month here.