Aboriginal and Workers of Colour

It was a weekend to share, to heal, to celebrate, and to resist.

More than 200 delegates met for Unifor’s annual Black, Indigenous and Workers of Colour Conference in Port Elgin, Ont. from Sept. 26 to 28. The conference focused on the theme of “Rooted in resistance: healing, justice and solidarity.”

“Solidarity is incomplete if it does not reflect the realities and experiences in racialized workers – workers who have too often carried a dual burden of economic inequalities and discrimination,” said Unifor Director of Equity and Racial Justice Tricia Wilson.

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an observance that honours the survivors of residential schools and remembers those who did not return home. Known as Orange Shirt Day, this day draws its name from the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, whose orange shirt—a gift from her grandmother—was confiscated on her first day at a residential school in 1973.

Re-posted from resources at the United Nations. Photo by by Ansgar Walk.

Colourful costumes and beats of masquerade bands came together to create magic at the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival on Aug. 2, 2025, at Exhibition Place.

“The energy of this event–this celebration of diversity, community, and joy–is incredible and inspiring,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our union is proud to walk and dance in solidarity with our members and their families in the Grand Parade.”

The summer heat added to the lightheartedness and excitement of the Junior Carnival as it revved up celebrations for this year’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

“Unifor is proud to support this inclusive community event again this year,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“Carnival is a celebration of diversity–of Caribbean cultures, voices, and traditions, uniting in joy. Unifor is thrilled to share in this celebration of our community and our members, knowing our strength lies in the solidarity we build together."

In honour of National Indigenous History Month, Unifor is profiling trailblazing activists who are advancing workers and Indigenous rights. 

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and honour the cultures, contributions, and enduring strength of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It is also a time for reflection—on Canada’s colonial history, on the ways in which ongoing settler-colonialism continues to impact the present-day realities of Indigenous communities, and on the union’s collective responsibility to work toward reconciliation through action.

To recognize Red Dress Day in 2025, Unifor members participated in an online workshop with Winnipeg researcher and activist Sandra Delaronde. 

May 5 is Red Dress Day—a day of remembrance and solidarity for the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people (MMIWG2S), and a time to renew the union's collective commitment to justice. 

Unifor members from across the country gathered—both in person at the national office in Toronto and through virtual watch parties—for the union’s second national Black History Month event, held on February 22, 2025.