Author: Spencer

Sisters and Brothers,

Today, the Cowessess First Nation revealed another heartbreaking discovery of 751 unmarked graves on the grounds of a former residential school in Saskatchewan. Our hearts are with the Cowessess First Nations and all Indigenous communities during this tragic time.

ATU Local 113 stands with Indigenous communities across Canada throughout and beyond this horrifying discovery. This is a shameful reminder that we must all work together on a shared path towards reconciliation.

Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113

As part of ATU Local 113’s #IndigenousHistoryMonth, we are highlighting Brent Peltier, Maintenance, Shop Steward. A proud ATU Local 113 member, Brent has been working at the TTC for over 27 years. Brent has shared his experience growing up with the struggles and inequalities he faced as an Indigenous man. He is excited to share his story with his ATU sisters and brothers.

Sister and Brothers,

ATU Local 113 stands with the LGBTQ2S community and encourages members to participate in Pride Toronto festivities throughout June – and support the community throughout the year. LGBTQ2S members and allies are important to our city – and to our union. Together, let’s celebrate Pride 2021 and continue to advance inclusion for all.

ATU Local 113 values the importance of diversity and inclusion in all its forms. As part of our union’s social justice framework, we’ll continue to fight together against injustices wherever they exist.

Carlos Santos
President, ATU Local 113

https://prideguide.online/Home

“The reality is, if we didn’t have a guard there it could have been a catastrophic incident,” said ATU Local 113 President Carlos Santos in an interview with CTV Toronto about the importance of keeping the subway guard position on the TTC.

Video shows TTC trains one metre away from ‘catastrophic head-on collision’ | CTV News

Sheldon Morriseau, TTC Operator, talked about his experience growing up on Fort Williams First Nation just outside of Thunder Bay and the hardships he endured. He also touches on his experiences when he became a Professional Golfer after moving to Arizona. Sheldon is now a proud Operator, but wants to shed light on the importance of hiring and retaining more Indigenous Peoples at the TTC. Sheldon poster

Tomorrow, June 3 at 10:00 a.m., ATU Local 113 will be hosting its first workshop as part of its #IndigenousHistoryMonth initiative, with additional sessions on June 7, 15 and 18 hosted by Indigenous Cultural Educators. The first workshop hears from Paul Nadjiwan, Ojibwe, a former elected chief of the Nawash First Nation of Capre Croker on the Bruce Peninsula. He is deemed Cultural Content Authenticator by Carelton University Musicology Department! Members can register here https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wT09fu4lQmajlG1tyLNFjw

Join us in watching the online screening of “There’s Something in the Water” throughout the month of June! The World Premier at Toronto International Film Festival and Netflix original sheds light on the struggle of minority communities in Nova Scotia as they fight officials over the lethal effects of industrial waste. For more details, visit Indigenous History Film: There’s Something in the Water – ATU Local 113 (wemovetoronto.ca)

All month long we will be streaming the original screening of RUMBLE: THE INDIANS WHO ROCKED THE WORLD. This documentary tells the story of a profound, essential, and until now, missing chapter in the history of music: the Indigenous influence. RUMBLE shows how these talented Native musicians helped shape the soundtracks of our lives.

Indigenous History Film – Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World – ATU Local 113 (wemovetoronto.ca)

As we commemorate Indigenous History Month in June, ATU Local 113 will be launching its first ever program to amplify stories from Indigenous members, engage with our communities, and support capacity-building within our union. More details about the initiative and how members can participate can be found on the program’s webpage:

Indigenous History Month – ATU Local 113 (wemovetoronto.ca)

In support of the family of Brother Cam Woodburne, we want to share this Go Fund Me page in order to offset the funeral and other costs. ATU Local 113 encourages all those who can support, to please do so.

Fundraiser by Syd Palmer : Memorial for Cam Woodburne (gofundme.com)