Sisters, Brothers, Friends,
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day of mourning, of remembrance, and of reflection.
The Teamsters honour the survivors of residential schools, and the children who never made it home. We stand firmly with the families and communities who, to this day, still carry the weight of this injustice.
Residential schools were deliberately built to erase indigeneity in Canada. The children in these institutions were routinely abused and subjected to unconscionable treatment.
Reconciliation is not a one-day event. Today and every day, our union will work to ensure that Indigenous peoples have opportunities in the workplace and the right to dignity on the job. We will continue to fight all forms of discrimination.
We encourage all Canadians to take time not only today, but throughout the year, to learn, to reflect, and to commit themselves to building a more just and respectful future.
In solidarity,
François Laporte
President, Teamsters Canada
Ernie Bishop
Teamsters Canada Indigenous Persons Liaison
Business Agent, Teamsters Local Union 879
