What follows is a statement form the Canadian Labour Congress. The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest democratic and popular organization in Canada with over three million members. The Canadian Labour Congress brings together Canada's national and international unions, the provincial and territorial federations of labour and 136 district labour councils.
Standing together with First Nations on June 29, the National Day of Action
The Assembly of First Nations has called for a National Day of Action, to take place on Friday June 29th. This day of action is an opportunity for all residents of Canada to stand together in support of a better life for the first peoples of this land.
The Assembly of First Nations has set out a path for the way forward with four much needed actions that can truly create meaningful opportunities for change. Their action plan calls for governments to:
The Canadian Labour Congress representing 3.2 million workers joins in this four point call to action because the Canadian labour movement like First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples wants to build bridges not blockades with all the peoples of this land.
June 29th marks a day when workers can stand together with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in peaceful solidarity to call upon the governments of Canada to walk the way forward on an honourable path that will truly improve the quality of life for those who lives are intimately connected with the land.
For more information on the June 29th day of action check out: http://www.afn.ca/nda.htm
Standing together with First Nations on June 29, the National Day of Action
The Assembly of First Nations has called for a National Day of Action, to take place on Friday June 29th. This day of action is an opportunity for all residents of Canada to stand together in support of a better life for the first peoples of this land.
The Assembly of First Nations has set out a path for the way forward with four much needed actions that can truly create meaningful opportunities for change. Their action plan calls for governments to:
Resolve land claims disputes - There is a need for Canada to recognize that land - particularly long standing and unresolved land claims, provides a viable community and resource base for First Nations communities. With over 600 First Nation communities spread across the country and an estimated 900 specific land claims unresolved (breach of treaty rights) it is estimated at the current pace of negotiations it will be another century before these claims are resolved. Clearly this is an untenable time frame to wait for justice.
Reform self-government policy to enable a renewal of the relationship between First Nations and Canada.
Close the gap in socioeconomic status between aboriginal peoples, and other Canadians. Currently one in four First Nations children live in poverty, compared to one in six Canadian children. Employment and economic development are fundamental to the future prosperity of First Nations communities and Canada overall.
Apologize to residential school survivors who are still waiting for the Prime Minister of Canada to close the chapter on this shameful tragedy.
The Canadian Labour Congress representing 3.2 million workers joins in this four point call to action because the Canadian labour movement like First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples wants to build bridges not blockades with all the peoples of this land.
June 29th marks a day when workers can stand together with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in peaceful solidarity to call upon the governments of Canada to walk the way forward on an honourable path that will truly improve the quality of life for those who lives are intimately connected with the land.
For more information on the June 29th day of action check out: http://www.afn.ca/nda.htm
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