National Indigenous Day coincides with the Summer Solstice. Not only is it the day when the sun travels its longest path through the sky, which explains why it is the longest day, but it is the day that many Indigenous peoples celebrate their culture and heritage.
The second National Truth and Reconciliation Day will take place September 30. As one of the 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the purpose of this day is to commemorate and honour the lives of Indigenous people killed by the State and the Church.
CUPW calls upon its members and society more broadly, to be awakened to the abominable effects of colonization on Indigenous peoples on whose land we live, work and learn. We call upon all to raise awareness of the trauma that settlers have visited upon our first peoples through genocidal practices, discrimination, and continued sweeping aside of their pain and their claims.
In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30th will now be a statutory holiday. Federally regulated workplaces like Canada Post will be closed, to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in our country. This date coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013, and involves wearing orange shirts to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.
Friday, June 21, is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and one where we celebrate the culture and heritage of Canada’s first peoples. The rich tapestry of the myriad traditions that make up over 600 Indigenous nations beckons reflection from us all from which we can draw inspiration. For instance, in the Anishnaabe culture, the strawberry, known as the “heart berry”, is associated with forgiveness in various oral stories. Summer is, therefore, a time for the heart, when we clear out old energy and make room for new possibilities.
Can we have a better future? Can our children and future generations have a secure and holistic future? All is possible. In Canada’s celebration of 150 years of colonialism there are some important questions missing.
First Nations, Métis and Inuit members are represented on the Aboriginal working group of CUPW’s National Human Rights Committee. Each year, the working group directs the creation of a poster for June 21, to express traditional teachings or symbolism from the animals of turtle island. This year’s poster carries the dragonfly.
“We are approaching the crucial moment in the case of Leonard Peltier. It is time to take action and ask President Obama to pardon him. Leonard is now 72 years old and in poor health. In spite of all the political factors that may have influenced the legal handling of the case, Leonard has been in prison for over 40 years and it is time to let him out.” This is what Frank and Anne Dreaver, in charge of the Canadian Leonard Peltier Defence Committee, came to tell the members of the National Human Rights Committee when they met on December 3 in Ottawa.
Every year June 21 marks the Summer Solstice as well as National Aboriginal Day. Though we recognize one day is not sufficient to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of Aboriginal peoples, it is an important moment for all First Nation, Métis and Inuit members.
Support Postal Banking - Download and Sign the Petition
Canada needs a postal bank. Thousands of rural towns and villages in our country do not have a bank, but many of them have a post office that could provide financial services. As well, nearly two million Canadians desperately need an alternative to payday lenders. A postal bank could be that alternative. Download and sign the petition urging the Government of Canada to instruct Canada Post to add postal banking, with a mandate for financial inclusion.
Yesterday, August 20, CUPW’s Negotiating Committees returned to the bargaining table to present comprehensive global offers for both the RSMC and Urban bargaining units.
While we had planned to meet again tomorrow, Canada Post has told us today that it needs more time to review our offers.
Tomorrow, August 20, your Negotiating Committee will return to the bargaining table to present new global offers for both postal bargaining units to Canada Post.
Unfortunately, our scheduled meetings for Friday, August 15th and Monday, August 18th, have been postponed. The Federal mediators will not be able to assist CUPW and CPC due to their current involvement in the Air Canada negotiations.
This September, CUPW joins its Malayali brothers and sisters with joy and pride to observe Onam celebrations in Canada. Onam is one of the most significant regional festivals celebrated in Kerala, the southernmost state of India.
After pressing the Employer to come back to the bargaining table early last week, we received a response from Canada Post CEO Doug Ettinger on Friday evening, just hours after we posted Bulletin 128, “CUPW is Waiting for Canada Post.” In his letter, Mr. Ettinger stuck to the lines we’ve heard from Canada Post for many months now.