June is National Indigenous History Month

Hello 4207 Members,

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a meaningful time to honour and celebrate the rich heritage, resilience, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

This month offers us all important opportunities to:

  • Learn about diverse Indigenous cultures and languages
  • Acknowledge the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism
  • Celebrate Indigenous excellence in all aspects of our lived experience, for example in areas such as arts, governance, science, and environmental stewardship
  •  Support Indigenous-led initiatives and voices

Whether through community events, storytelling, film, literature, music, or education, taking time to participate, reflect and engage helps foster a deeper understanding and creates space for deep reflection regarding reconciliation and calls to action. Here are some meaningful ways you can participate in and celebrate

National Indigenous History Month:

1. Learn from Indigenous Voices

  • Read books by Indigenous authors like Thomas King, Cherie Dimaline, Richard Wagamese, or Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.
  •  Watch films or documentaries such as: We Were Children (residential schools) Beans (Oka Crisis) The Grizzlies (Inuit youth resilience) Wind River (MMIWG)
  • Listen to podcasts like:  This Place (CBC),  Métis in Space  Unreserved (CBC Radio)

2. Acknowledge the Land

  • Learn about the traditional territory you live on using tools like Native Land Digital.
  •  Practice land acknowledgements genuinely, not just as a formality.

3. Support Indigenous Creators & Businesses

  • Shop from Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, and clothing designers.
  •  Follow and share Indigenous content creators on social media to help amplify their voices.

4. Attend Events & Ceremonies

  • Join local or virtual events for National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2025).
  •  Participate in cultural workshops, powwows, art exhibitions, or storytelling circles.

5. Educate Yourself & Others

  • Take a free online course: “Indigenous Canada” from the University of Alberta (Coursera) “The Path” from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
  •  Host a learning session in your workplace or community.

6. Support Reconciliation & Justice

  • Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
  •  Support efforts around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

7. Learn About Indigenous Communities and Indigenous Organizations in the Niagara Region.

  • Explore the programs and services offered by local Indigenous organizations:
  • Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC)
  •  Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (FENFC)
  •  Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Niagara Chapter
  •  Native Women of Niagara (NCNW)
  •  Indigenous Youth Employment Training (NPAAMB)
  •  Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC)
  •  De Dwa Da Dehs Nye’s Aboriginal Health Centre

In humble Solidarity.

Kay Waboso Equity Officer CUPE Local 4207 Brock University

WSIB fighting for their rights

CUPE Ontario Convention delegates showed up at the Ministry of Labour in full force to support the striking workers of CUPE 1750 (WSIB employees). CUPE 1750 also stike in St. Catharines with support from NDP Jennie Stevens. One member was working late last Thursday when the employer closed access to email and work tools and locked them out. We support these members having their issues addressed such as overwork and a much needed wage increase. See CUPE’s write up here.

Calling members at the Marilyn I Walker Campus

CUPE 4207 is looking for a Unit 1 member to serve on the Marilyn I. Walker Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) from May until the end of April.

Union training will be provided with respect to serving on a Joint Health & Safety Committee.

To serve on this committee, you must hold a current CUPE 4207 contract (TA, Course Coordinator, Marker-Grader or Instructor) at the Downtown Campus or expect to hold a contract at the Downtown Campus in September.

If you would like more information, send an email here

Special GMM

A Special General Membership Meeting is being held to discuss a Cost Share with CUPE National for a Unit 1 Mobilizing Campaign for the upcoming round of Bargaining. The current collective agreement expires on September 6. Gains at the Bargaining Table are made with a mobilized membership.

CUPE National supports Locals by offering Locals the opportunity to apply for 50% funded Cost Shares for eligible campaigns. We will be seeking a mid-range cost share. Register for the meeting using the QR code or go to the calendar section of the CUPE 4207 website.

Elections Results

Hello members. The election results are posted to the Election Tab on this website. Congratulations to those holding office and thank you to all who ran as candidates.Everyone can remain active in your union for the coming year by participating in committees, volunteering as stewards, and attending events and meetings.