With the insight and support of our Indigenous members, UFCW 1006A is proud to announce the creation of a Local Union Indigenous committee.
“I’m excited to launch our 1006A’s Indigenous committee in collaboration with our Indigenous members,” said President Wayne Hanley. “As a union, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous, Metis, Inuit people across Turtle Island. This committee is an important step for our union as we work with members of the Indigenous community and allies to honour Indigenous rights, raise awareness and continue our work towards truth and reconciliation.”
UFCW 1006A Union Rep Gloria Elstone and UFCW 1006A Executive Board Member and Union Steward Shane Morse will be founding members of the committee.
“This announcement immediately brought me so much joy,” said Elstone. “It just reminds me of how our local is so proactive in organizing solidarity within our membership, and it's a great example of reconciliation.”
This committee will provide a space for members from Indigenous backgrounds to come together to build solidarity for Indigenous justice, to raise awareness, to educate and to build connections with Indigenous and non-Indigenous workers. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation, and vow to work towards the elimination of discrimination and barriers to work opportunities, and equality rights for Indigenous people.
The founding of the local union committee follows the initial groundwork laid by the UFCW Canada national Indigenous sub-committee.
The local union's committee will amplify and support initiatives started at the national level, such as the UFCW Canada campaign to make September 30, The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a Canada-wide statutory holiday.
“I am excited to hear the great news,” said Morse. “It's truly a great day for the union, our new Indigenous committee and all Indigenous members. I'm looking forward to working with the newly formed Indigenous committee. I know great things will happen and take place in our communities and in the union.”
If you are an Indigenous member looking to get involved in the committee, please speak with your Union Rep to indicate interest.
