Our work and the work of our union allies takes place on traditional Indigenous territories across
the province. We acknowledge that there are 46 treaties and other agreements that cover the
territory now called Ontario. We are thankful to be able to work and live in these territories. We
are thankful to the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people who have cared for these territories
since time immemorial and who continue to contribute to the strength of Ontario and to all
communities across the province.
We are also compelled to acknowledge our colonialist history, the devastation and destruction it
has caused, and the ways it continues to damage the lives of so many Indigenous People.
We continue to commit ourselves to work with others to bring justice to murdered and missing
Indigenous women and girls from coast to coast to coast.
The recent and ongoing finding and recovery of Indigenous children buried at unmarked mass
graves on the sites of former Residential Schools across the country is a haunting and horrific
legacy of the residential school system.
These sites along with the deep disparities and inequities that exist in many Indigenous
communities and reserves, are stark reminders of Canada’s past and continuing assimilationist
policies, colonial laws and discriminatory attitudes that continue to harm Indigenous Peoples.
As a public service union and providers of vital front-line public services, we are committed to
working diligently to achieve prosperity and equality for all peoples.
Our recognition of the historic importance of Indigenous Peoples is clearly and overtly linked to
our collective commitment to continually pursue and make real the Truth and Reconciliation
calls to action in our communities, and in our union.