First Nations National Day of Action

June 29, 2007 09:04 AM

CUPE members and a First Nations representative gathered in Dieppe, today, for the official opening of the new Moncton area CUPE office.

The Pipe Carrier for the Fort Folly First Nation, Jean Nye, presided at a sweet grass ceremony as part as the opening ceremony.”We are honoured by the presence, here today, of the Fort Folly First Nation representative,” said Claude Généreux, CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer. “Today across the country CUPE members are supporting the Assembly of First Nations National Day of Action in response to the crisis their communities face.”

“This gathering is more than a ribbon cutting ceremony,” he continued. “It’s an occasion to renew our friendship with our brothers and sisters from the First Nations and to say that CUPE members will continue to support our sisters and brothers who live in communities and who need essential public services such as water, education and housing”

The Assembly of First Nations is calling on the Parliament of Canada to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to respect the decision by the UN Human Rights Council that the Declaration establishes the essential standards for respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

CUPE’s National Executive Board met in Ottawa last week, and passed a resolution calling on CUPE members and all Canadians to support the Assembly of First Nations National Day of Action. CUPE members are asked to support and attend any events and activities in their area, sign the online petition at the AFN website, wear a wristband to show support for Make Poverty History campaign, call or write MPs, the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister.

Members are also encouraged to watch this moving and informative video footage of Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine speaking about the importance of this day:
Cloick here to view video.