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Unifor members, Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray and Director of Indigenous Relations Gina Smoke joined community members in St. John’s, Newfoundland on September 30 for First Light’s Rally for Reconciliation, marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and honouring Survivors and those who never made it home from residential schools.
“Truth and reconciliation must be more than a conversation we have once a year. As a union, we have a responsibility to listen, learn and stand alongside Indigenous communities as we work toward meaningful reconciliation,” said Murray. “Our members have an important role to play in this work, and participating in events like the Rally for Reconciliation is one way we can turn our commitment into action.”
The rally brought Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members together for an afternoon of remembrance, learning and reflection. Participants took part in a Memorial Walk featuring items, quotes and symbols connected to the history and legacy of residential schools. Rally-goers then heard from Survivors and watched drum and dance performances before walking to a nearby lake, where an offering was placed as part of the closing ceremony.
“Reconciliation requires all of us to be willing to learn about the truth, to remember those who were impacted by residential schools and to take meaningful action in our own communities,” said Adele Jackman, Atlantic Regional Council Chairperson. “When Unifor members show up, listen and learn alongside Indigenous communities, we are demonstrating the solidarity and respect that are at the heart of this union.”
Unifor’s commitment to truth and reconciliation extends beyond September 30. Across the country, the union supports Indigenous-led initiatives and solidarity actions, including its ongoing support for Drag the Red in Winnipeg, a community-led effort to search for the remains of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people.
“Truth and reconciliation requires ongoing action, and Unifor is committed to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and creating opportunities for our members to learn, listen and take action,” said Smoke. “From supporting community-led initiatives like Drag the Red to providing Indigenous education through our Turtle Island course, we are working to strengthen our relationships with Indigenous communities and advance reconciliation.”
Unifor was proud to make a $5,000 donation to First Light in support of the important work they do in the community.
The union has also committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
For Unifor members, participating in the rally was an opportunity to stand together in solidarity, honour Survivors and their families, remember the children who never returned home and reaffirm the union’s commitment to the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation.
