Dear CUPE 4207 Members,
Today, on September 30, 2025, we observe National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation, a day to honour the Survivors of Canada’s residential school system, the
children who never returned home, and the families and communities who continue to
carry this legacy. This day also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots initiative
that began with Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her orange shirt taken from her on
her first day at a residential school. It has since become a symbol of the profound loss
of culture, identity, and dignity experienced by generations of Indigenous Peoples.
This day exists because of Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC), which urged the creation of a statutory holiday dedicated to
commemoration. But commemoration alone is not enough.
For CUPE 4207 members, this day is both a time of reflection and a call to
responsibility.
As your Equity Officer, I encourage us all to journey together in consideration of what
truth and reconciliation means, in the context of our work, our classrooms, and our
communities and other spaces of influence.
Reconciliation is not an abstract concept—it is about listening deeply to Indigenous
voices, acknowledging ongoing inequities, and taking concrete steps to ensure that
Indigenous perspectives and knowledges are respected and included and prioritized.
It is also about holding institutions, including our own, accountable for meaningful
change.
What We Can Do as Members
- Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action and
reflect on those connected to education, equity, and justice, or whatever is your
own nuanced domain. - Attend local events in Niagara marking Truth and Reconciliation Day. These
gatherings are opportunities to learn directly from Indigenous community
members and knowledge keepers. - Engage in ongoing learning by exploring resources such as the National Centre
for Truth and Reconciliation, CUPE’s reconciliation guides, and Brock University’s
Indigenous initiatives. - Support Indigenous-led work in our communities, including through
partnerships with local Indigenous organizations in the Niagara region. - Bring reconciliation into your role—whether by incorporating Indigenous
authors in syllabi, ensuring equity in student services, or advocating for policies
that reflect Indigenous rights and perspectives.
Resources for Our Region: For those wishing to go further, I recommend the following starting points:
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action: available on the
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website and also this link - CUPE’s Reconciliation Guide and resources on bargaining for recognition of this day.
- The Niagara Region’s Indigenous Engagement initiatives and Creating Our Way Forward report, which highlight local pathways for reconciliation.
- Indigenous programming and support services offered through Brock
University.
I invite all members to use this day not only to remember, but to recommit ourselves to
the work of reconciliation. As a local, we must continue to ask:
How can CUPE 4207 contribute to justice, healing, and equity?
Let us take this opportunity to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities—on
September 30, 2025 and every day thereafter.
In solidarity,
Kay Waboso
Equity Officer
CUPE 4207