COURSES & ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CUPE BC
If you wish to be added to CUPE BC email list, please send an email request to info@cupe.bc.ca.
CUPE BC Web Conference | Build Your Resilience | June 15
Please join CUPE BC’s Summer 2021 Web Conference led by Diana Vissers, Occupational Health Consultant and CEO of Work to Wellness. In this webinar, Diana will introduce a framework for understanding mental health and wellness and share tools for managing the stress of the pandemic.
Build Your Resilience: Tools for Managing the Stress of COVID-19 Date: June 15, 2021 Time: 9:30-11:00 am Pacific Time (90 minutes) Presenter: Diana Vissers Free Registration: Click here Registration Deadline: Monday, June 14, 2021 at 12:00 pm PST |
Live captioning and translation in French will be provided. Members of all affiliated and non-affiliated locals are welcome to attend.
2022 Election Training Workshop | So You Want to Run for Local Office | June 22
Are you considering running for Council, School Board, or Regional District Board in 2022 in your community? The CLC and the Winch Institute are hosting a 90-minute workshop for potential candidates, which will consist of a panel discussion with current and former councillors and trustees, regional breakout groups, and expert instruction. The workshop will be part of a series of campaign workshops and community forums in the lead up to the 2022 Local Government Elections. This workshop will focus on the reasons to run for public office, the work of elected officials, and what you need to start doing now in order to win in 2022.
So You Want to Run for Local Office? Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm Pacific Time (90 minutes) Application Form: Click here Organizer Contact: Neil Gaudreault (e: neilgaudreault@gmail.com | p: 778-980-5670) |
Canadian Heritage | National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21
This June 21, 2021 is the national 25th anniversary of celebrating the heritage, cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. For more information on First Nations, Inuit and Métis-led virtual activities, please visit the Department of Canadian Heritage website (click here) and join the conversation via social media:
Twitter: @GCIndigenous and @GovCanNorth use the hashtag #NIHM2021
Facebook: GCIndigenous, GovCanNorth and @GCIndigenousHealth
Instagram: @gcindigenous use the hashtag #NIHM2021
CLC Resources | Truth & Reconciliation | Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
CUPE BC stands in solidarity with Indigenous peoples across the country who are mourning the loss of not only the 215 children found buried at the former site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, but the thousands of other children who never came home. Please see the following information from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and BC Federation of Labour, which includes actions that union members can take in the wake of the recent news from the territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc People.
Write to your elected representatives
Let federal and provincial leaders and elected representatives know that you want to see real commitments and concrete action for justice for Indigenous people and communities.
Click here to send an electronic letter.
Learn more about Reconciliation
Many Canadians were shocked by the reports of this discovery in Kamloops, but Indigenous peoples weren’t, because they knew and they know there will be more. You can learn more about the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission via the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, but the best place to start is the 94 Calls to Action.
If you have yet to do so, please also take this opportunity to learn more about the long history of discrimination against First Nations children; read the Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada; and review the findings from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the 230+ Calls for Justice in the Final Report of the National Inquiry.
Stay Informed
The Hon. Murray Sinclair chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and delivered its final report and 94 Calls to Action. He released a statement after the discovery in Kamloops, and he says there will be more. Click here to watch Murray Sinclair’s Video Statement dated June 1, 2021.
To learn more about what the labour movement is doing provincially and nationally, please also read the following statements:
BCFED Statement – On the confirmation of mass grave of children at the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School
CLC Statement – Canada’s unions mourn with Indigenous communities, call for action
Support Resources | Indian Residential School Survivors Society
If you or any members you know are suffering trauma from ongoing discussions online and in the media about the Kamloops Indian Residential School discovery, please contact the Indian Residential School Survivors Society 24 hour Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. To learn more about the Indian Residential School Survivors Society and its support services, please click here.
Should you have any questions regarding this update, please email info@cupe.bc.ca for further information.