Aboriginal and Workers of Colour

This February, Unifor proudly celebrates Black History Month by honoring the remarkable achievements and contributions of our members who strengthen our union, communities, and country every single day. We recognize the important work of Unifor members, BIWOC committee activists, and Racial Justice Advocates who champion equity and inclusion year round.

In his government’s mandate letter to B.C. Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey, Premier Eby recognized the epidemic of gender-based violence and empowered Bailey to take steps to address the crisis.  

January 4 is newly celebrated as National Ribbon Skirt Day in Canada. The movement to recognize the importance of ribbon skirts to many Indigenous communities arose out of the experience of Cote First Nation youth Isabella Kulak, who was belittled by school staff in January 2021 for wearing a ribbon skirt to Kamsack Comprehensive Institute in Kamsack, Saskatchewan.

On November 13, members of Unifor Local 1075 took part in a flag-raising ceremony alongside Fort William First Nation (FWFN) at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay, underscoring the union’s commitment to strengthening ties with Indigenous communities.  

Local 1075 President Justin Roberts previously participated in Unifor’s Turtle Island course and felt that the local and employer could do more to build relationships in the community: “This flag-raising is a step in recognizing and respecting the contributions of local Indigenous communities.”

Unifor members across the country participated in the 2024 Tears to Hope relay to raise funds for the Tears to Hope Society, an Indigenous-led organization primarily focused on supporting the families and loved ones of MMIWG2S, raising awareness, and promoting prevention.

Members in 15 communities mobilized to show their support. Photos from the event can be found in two albums on Unifor’s Facebook page.

Unifor marks the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on August 9 by reaffirming our commitment to Indigenous communities through the union’s ongoing projects and initiatives. 

On National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Mi’kmaq lawyer, professor and activist Pam Palmater joined Unifor Indigenous Liaison Gina Smoke to lead a webinar introducing the diverse traditions and protocols used by Indigenous communities.

“There is a rich diversity of cultures and traditions across Turtle Island,” said Smoke. “We want to help members appreciate that there is not one monolithic ‘First Nation,’ but thousands with their own histories and enduring practices.”

The Manitoba government has inaugurated its first Matriarch Circle, an initiative aimed at bolstering the protection and well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. Announced by Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, this assembly draws together prominent matriarchs from across the province.

The 2023 Black, Indigenous and Workers of Colour Conference theme was “growing together,” celebrating 10 years of Unifor’s victories through the lens of BIWOC communities and continuing to build on these victories. Check out the powerful and joyous moments that reflect on a decade of solidarity.