Sisters and Brothers,
This weekend our country was forced to confront the atrocities it has committed against Indigenous peoples of this land and acknowledge the systemic inequalities it continues to perpetuate. The discovery of an unmarked mass grave containing the remains of 215 children from the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory near a Kamloops residential school has rightfully brought forth feelings of pain, anguish and anger. It is clear that Canada must do better and implement tangible measures towards real reconciliation.
ATU local 113 is distraught and heartbroken by the news. We are dedicated to supporting the Indigenous community throughout and beyond this crisis. Our union aims to foster a culture of support, equality and inclusion. We are unequivocally committed to the dismantling of institutional discrimination against Indigenous peoples.
For non-Indigenous members, please ensure to utilize our Indigenous History Month educational resources to further our allyship:
Resources – ATU Local 113 Indigenous History Month
Additionally, we will be holding virtual educational workshops throughout Indigenous History Month which we encourage all to sign up to here:
Events – ATU Local 113 Indigenous History Month
Most importantly, to our Indigenous members directly impacted and forced to relive the realities of their personal and intergenerational traumas, know that we are not only deeply sorry, but we are also with you, shoulder-to-shoulder.
In Solidarity,
Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113