June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the diverse histories, cultures and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. This month culminates in National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 — a day to celebrate Indigenous knowledge, contributions and resilience.
As union members, we have a collective responsibility to learn from Indigenous perspectives and advocate for equity and reconciliation in our workplaces and communities. Indigenous members play an invaluable role in our union, shaping discussions, strengthening solidarity and driving meaningful change.
Indigenous Peoples have lived on these lands since time immemorial, shaping the country we share today. Advancing reconciliation requires a commitment to truth, understanding and respect — an effort that belongs to all of us.
As the Honourable Murray Sinclair once said, “The road we travel is equal in importance to the destination we seek. There are no shortcuts. When it comes to truth and reconciliation, we are forced to go the distance.”
Let’s move forward together, ensuring that justice, fairness and reconciliation remain at the heart of our union’s values.
We invite you to act by:
- visiting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, either online or in person
- reading the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- using the resources and educational tools offered by the National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials
- seeking out learning resources on different topics related to the history, cultures and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
- spreading the word and showing your support on social media with campaign images (posters, meeting backgrounds and more) and by using the hashtag #NIHM2025
- attending one of the pow-wows taking place this summer across the country and local events organized on National Indigenous Peoples Day
- joining Indigenous guides on a transformative journey on their traditional territories and enjoying the wisdom of storytelling handed down through generations
- taking PSAC’s Walking in Our Truth Together online course
Together, as Local 70713 members, let’s reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation by fostering a culture of learning, solidarity and celebration in honour of Indigenous Peoples. Each step forward must be guided by humility, respect and a genuine commitment to understanding.
Thank you to all 70713 UHEW members for your unwavering dedication to reconciliation and for ensuring that equity, justice and inclusion remain at the heart of our union’s work.Thank you / Wela’lin / Ekosani / Miigwech / Meegwetch / Marsee / Mahseecho / Mutna / Wopida / Gunałchéesh / Hei Hei / Marci Cho / ᖁᐊᓇᖅᑯᑎᑦ / Quanaqqutit / Nakurmik / Kukwstsétsemc / Tiawenhk / Woliwon