PSAC Prairies Letter: National Indigenous Peoples Day 2019

Dear members of our union family:

Each year in Canada on June 21, Canada recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day to celebrate the rich, diverse cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous peoples and their contributions to Canada, as well as their struggle for respect in confederation.

PSAC members are encouraged to take part in activities celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, and also to reflect on the harm done to Indigenous Peoples throughout our history.

This year such reflection is particularly poignant given the findings of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The report makes several recommendations to different levels of government and police agencies, as well as all Canadians, to address what it calls the “Canadian genocide” of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

PSAC members and activists have spent more than a decade advocating and rallying for a serious investigation into this tragedy. Today we ask our members to read the report for a full understanding of what has happened in our country. You can read the report and its 231 recommendations here: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/

We stand committed to work for true reconciliation with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

Please see the national statement on the website.

In Solidarity,                                          

Marianne Hladun                                                        Sandra Ahenakew

Regional Executive Vice-President,                            Prairie Region Council,

PSAC Prairies                                                              Aboriginal Peoples Rep