Residential School and Reconciliation
Dear members,
As many of us spend the day celebrating Canada’s 153rd year, we ask that you also spend time reflecting on the history that has created this country we call our home. With each recovery of unmarked graves at residential schools across the country, we are reminded of how genocide and colonialism have taken the lives, culture and history of Indigenous Peoples.
These recent discoveries highlight that it is more important than ever to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their unceded territories, honour treaties, as well as to preserve and protect their cultures and languages.
CUPE 4070 has engaged with the WestJet Group on how our two organizations can best move forward committing to meaningful reconciliation.
Read CUPE Local 4070 Letter to WestJet ELT
We have asked the Westjet Group to adopt the 92nd Call to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and outlined a number of points we believe will increase safety, accessibility and visibility for Indigenous Members, and Indigenous people within WestJet’s world. We have also asked the Westjet Group to commit to supporting Indigenous Nations in the research and recovery efforts in their communities, either through financial support or in kind.
Throughout these discussions, the WestJet Group has committed to sitting down with CUPE 4070 to have meaningful discussions around what we can do to support our Indigenous Members as well as the Indigenous Communities within Canada. If you would like to participate in this, please reach out to your Base VP at www.cupe4070.ca/contact. One (1) Member from each Bargaining Unit will be chosen by random from those who step forward.
CUPE 4070 reaffirms our commitment to meaningful reconciliation, to respecting our ongoing treaty relationships, and stands in solidarity and in mourning with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation, the Cowessess Nation, the Ktunaxa Nation and all Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island.
If you or anyone you know requires support you can find resources below or through our Crisis Hotlines Document:
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
1-866-925-4419
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
www.hopeforwellness.ca (online chat available)
1‑855‑242-3310
Crisis Services Canada
1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 CARD Committee and Executive Team