« Mid-Day Song » de l’artiste Leland Bell, Première Nation non cédée de Wikwemikong “Mid-Day Song” by artist Leland Bell, Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation Weaving Culture Back Into OurBlanket Conference Cultural Reclamation Indigenous Indigenous 2018 2018 and Restoration: Autochtones Conférence des Retissons notre culture dansnotre courtepointe restauration denotre culture : Réappropriation et

Welcome/Bienvenue

On behalf of over 155,000 OPSEU members from across Au nom des plus de 155 000 membres du SEFPO de the province, I am delighted to welcome you to the toute la province, j’ai le grand plaisir de vous souhaiter second Biennial OPSEU Indigenous Conference. la bienvenue à la deuxième Conférence biennale des Autochtones du SEFPO. The Conference theme chosen by the Indigenous Circle, “Cultural Reclamation and Restoration,” is in direct Le thème de la conférence, qui a été choisi par le Cercle response to the TRC’s finding of cultural genocide des Autochtones, « Réappropriation et restauration de against Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. The OPSEU notre culture », est une réponse directe aux constatations Executive Board acknowledged in its Affirmation of de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation relativement Principles on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights that “healing au génocide culturel dont les peuples autochtones ont cannot begin until Indigenous peoples re-establish full été victimes sur l’île de la Tortue. Dans son affirmation control over their communities, economies and cultural de principes sur les droits des peuples autochtones, le traditions, and revitalize their languages and cultures.” Conseil exécutif du SEFPO a précisé que « la guérison We are proud to stand with Wikwemikong First Nation ne peut s’accomplir que si les peuples autochtones and other across as they revitalize reprennent le plein contrôle de leurs communautés, their languages and cultures. économies, traditions culturelles, et redonnent de la vitalité à leurs langues et cultures ». Nous sommes fiers Reconciliation means learning ways of relating with one d’être aux côtés de la Première Nation de Wikwemikong another. OPSEU demonstrates this in the manner in et des autres Premières Nations de partout au Canada au which this conference was organized to remain rooted in moment où elles s’efforcent de faire revivre leurs langues traditional ceremonies and teachings. Indigenous people et leurs cultures. and settlers are invited to come together to engage in a process of education, healing and reconciliation. This La réconciliation, c’est apprendre is the way things could and should have been done de nouvelles manières de nouer from the first day settlers arrived on this land. des relations les uns avec les autres, à l’instar du SEFPO qui a I wish you all an inspiring and educational organisé cette conférence en se conference. fondant sur les cérémonies et les enseignements traditionnels. Les peuples autochtones et les colons sont invités à s’unir pour s’engager dans un processus d’éducation, de guérison et de réconciliation. C’est de cette manière que les choses Warren (Smokey) Thomas, auraient pu, et auraient dû, President, Public Service être faites le premier jour Employees Union où les colons ont mis le pied sur cette terre. Président du Syndicat des employés de la fonction publique Je vous souhaite à de l’Ontario toutes et à tous une conférence éducative et inspirante. Welcome/Bienvenue

Rachel Manitowabi is a proud member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, on Mnidoo Mnis.

Ms. Manitowabi’s employment background includes 25 years in Child Welfare, Traditional Health, Children’s Services, and work in the Justice System. Rachel holds diplomas in Social Services and in Drug and Alcohol Counselling. She is in pursuit of her degree in Native Human Services.

In addition to her professional background, Rachel Manitowabi also serves in Leadership on Band Council. Councilor Manitowabi’s service to the Unceded Territory of Wiikwemkoong includes Committee work as Co-Chair of the Governance and Justice Committee, as well as President and Council Liaison to the Tribal Police Board.

Rachel is the mother of two sons, Julian and Luke. Julian is pursuing studies in Southern Ontario while her youngest son, Luke, lives at home with the family pet: Chi-Tedi.

Statement of Respect

OPSEU Minaadenjigewin (Objibway) konojel ri ewinaq ri man are ta nab’e kitzij ri inglés. Gaawin da bigidnigaadesinoo Chi uxo’l ri qaxolaj kqawok ri uto’ik qib’ ri uj k’o pa mgoshgaasgewin maage aanwenjigewin ri wokaj OPSEU. zhiwe OPSEU nakmigziwining We kana’ la chi sib’alj ktzur la, ketzalax ne wach la Manjigwa pii debendaagizijig maawnjidiwaad rumal jun winaq chik, chya la ub’ixik che: Darlene kina nawiikamaanaanik bemaadzijig. Gaawin nga Kaboni Fridmar Facunda rech aninaqil kato’ la. daapnaziinaanin maanaastaagziiwinan, zhiiwin Énoncé de respect du SEFPO (French) maaga zhiyaawin wii doodwindwaa debendaagzijig. Aucune forme de harcèlement ou de Ni minaadenmaanaanik kina bemaadzijig, manjigwa discrimination ne sera tolérée aux activités du enso bboongiswaad, ezhi digwaapkaazwaad bekish SEFPO. giiye enaaswaad, kweok, ninwok, anishnaabek, aabtooziinhyak miinwaa chi giiwedinong Au SEFPO, chaque fois que nous nous rassemblons, anishnaabek, begwaanmigzijig, miinwaa pkaan nous souhaitons la bienvenue à tous les peuples ezhi maadziwaad miinwaa kina bemaadzijig du monde. Nous n’accepterons aucun geste, parole ezhaagnaashiimsigok ou comportement indésirable dirigé contre les membres de notre syndicat. Eni zhi’aadandseing kani mshkogaabwimi enji dibendaagzii’ing Nous témoignons du respect à toutes les personnes, quels que soient leur âge et leur appartenance iishpin debwendaman mgoshgaasmigowin maage politique, y compris aux personnes de couleur, aux aawenmigowin femmes, aux hommes, aux peuples des Premières ka wiindamoowaa Darlene Kaboni miinwaa Fridmar Nations, métis et inuits, aux membres des groupes Facunda weyiip ji naadmaagowin ethnoraciaux, aux personnes handicapées, aux personnes gaies, lesbiennes, bisexuelles, Uq’alajisaxik ri unimanik ri OPSEU (Maya transsexuelles et transgendéristes (transgenres), K’iche’) aux francophones et à toutes les personnes dont la Ri tzurunik, ruk’ ri etzalan wachil che jun langue maternelle n’est ni l’anglais ni le français. winaq chik man kak’amawax ta wi pa taq ri Dans notre diversité, nous renforcerons notre chak ri kub’an ri OPSEU. solidarité à titre de membres du syndicat. Ronojel mul are taq kqamulij qib’ ri ujwokowinaq Si vous estimez être victime de harcèlement ou ri OPSEU, kqaya’ utzalaj kipetik ri etinamit rech ri de discrimination, communiquez avec Darlene uwach ulew. Kaboni ou Fridmar Facunda pour obtenir de l’aide Keqanimaj konojel ri winaq xa paw ta ne je’ kepe immédiate. wi’, joropa’ ri kijunab’, jas ri keka’yik, ri kikojb’al, ri enab’e tat tinamit, ri emets, ri einuit, ri jalajoj kech’awik, jalojoj keka’yik, ri jalankina’wib’al, ri utz kikil kib’ chi achyab’ chi ixoqib’, ri achi xuk’ex rib’ che ixoq, ri ixoq xuk’ex rib’ che achi, enik’aj chik, Statement of Respect

Statement of Respect (English) Declaración de Respeto de OPSEU (Spanish) Harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be El acoso o la discriminación de cualquier tipo tolerated at OPSEU functions. no serán tolerados en los eventos de OPSEU. Whenever OPSEU members gather, we welcome Cada vez que los miembros de OPSEU se reúnen, all peoples of the world. We will not accept any damos la bienvenida a todos los pueblos del unwelcoming words, actions or behaviours against mundo. No aceptaremos palabras, acciones o our union members. comportamientos ofensivos contra los miembros de nuestro sindicato. We accord respect to all persons, regardless of age, political affiliation, including people of colour, Damos respeto a todas las personas, women, men, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, independientemente de su edad o afiliación política, members of ethno-racial groups, people with incluyendo personas de color, mujeres, hombres, disabilities, gays, lesbians, bisexual, transgender/ las Primeras Naciones, los pueblos Métis e Inuit, transsexual people, and gender diverse persons, miembros de grupos étnicos y raciales, personas francophones and all persons whose first language con discapacidades, gays , lesbianas, personas is not English. bisexuales, transgénero/transexuales y de géneros diversos, francófonos y todas las personas cuyo In our diversity we will build solidarity as union primer idioma no es el inglés. members. En nuestra diversidad estaremos construyendo If you believe that you are being harassed or solidaridad como miembros del sindicato. discriminated against contact Darlene Kaboni or Fridmar Facunda for immediate assistance. Si usted cree que está siendo acosado o discriminado, póngase en contacto con Darlene Kaboni y Fridmar Facunda para obtener asistencia inmediata.

Acknowledgement of Territory Unceded Territory in Canada means that it has not ‘relinquished title to its land to the The 2018 OPSEU Indigenous Conference is government by treaty or otherwise. being held on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg on . It is home to Protocol the following seven First Nations communities: The elders leading the ceremonies during the • Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation Conference will announce any protocols. The OPSEU Indigenous Circle recognizes and • M’Chigeeng First Nation (formerly West Bay respects the incredible diversity that exists First Nation) among the Indigenous communities on Turtle • Sheguiandah First Nation Island.

• Sheshegwaning First Nation Please respect traditional medicines and ceremonies by refraining from being under the • Wauwauskinga First Nation (formerly influence of drugs or alcohol while attending the Whitefish River First Nation) Conference. • Zhiibaahaasing First Nation (formerly known About the conference as Anishinabek of Cockburn Island) The Conference theme is “Cultural Reclamation • Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation (formerly and Restoration: Weaving Culture Back Into known as Ojibways of Sucker Creek) Our Blanket.” The goal is to inspire and equip The OPSEU Indigenous Circle has partnered OPSEU members to partner and work with with members of Wikwemikong First Nation to Indigenous communities during this time host this conference. of reconciliation. The Conference is being planned with elders and community members Wikwemikong Unceded Territory is located on of Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation. the eastern side of beautiful Manitoulin Island Participants will be equipped with the necessary and spans across both Georgian Bay and Lake tools and knowledge to effectively network Huron. Translated, “Wikwemikong” means with Indigenous members within and beyond “Bay of Beavers.” Known as “Mnidoo Mnissing OPSEU on various projects and campaigns. We (Spirit Island or Land of the Great Spirit),” will be joined by Maya K’iche’ guests who will Manitoulin Island was utilized as a stop-over lead a workshop on reviving cultural midwifing in the seasonal migration route and is the practices in Guatemala. ancestral home of the people.

The village of Wikwemikong is the first permanent settlement on Manitoulin Island and has a rich history and culture. The population consists of three different tribes: the Ojibway (Faith Keepers), Odawa (Traders), and Pottawatomi (Fire Keepers). The alliance is known as the Three Fires Confederacy. Goals and Objectives of the About the Artist for the 2018 OPSEU Indigenous Conference Artwork, Mid-Day Conference Song By the end of the conference, participants should be able to:

• Partner and work with Indigenous communities during this time of reconciliation specifically respecting the role of elders to provide teachings and spiritual support

• Appreciate and be inspired by traditional Indigenous cultures

• Network effectively with Indigenous OPSEU members within and beyond the Indigenous Circle

• Recognize historical roots of colonialism and its current manifestations

• Educate others about Indigenous human Leland Bell is Anishinabe from the rights issues, including land claims, access to Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation on healthcare, housing and clean water, etc. Manitoulin Island. He is Loon Clan and a • Celebrate the important role Indigenous second degree member of the Three Fires youth play in the preservation and promotion Society. of Indigenous culture and traditions Leland was one of the young men mentored by

members of the Indian Group of Seven at the

Manitou Arts Foundation, a summer school that

operated on Schreiber Island in 1972. He was

deeply inspired by the work of the Woodland

artists and with the help of elders has made the

connection between the Anishinabe concept of

vision quest and his own commitment to living

life as a good being.

Leland Bell’s paintings are of stylized human figures sharing the affinity of family or friends, often depicting imagery of nurturing, sharing, learning, peace and serenity. Agenda

2018 OPSEU Indigenous Conference Agenda

Friday, June 22, 2018 Time Activity Location 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Registration (Dinner not provided) Sacred Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Fire will be lit Ballroom 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Opening Drum Song Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Dancers Ballroom Opening Prayer Welcoming Remarks Blanket Exercise Part 1 Childcare 7 Grandfathers Room Saturday, June 23, 2018 Time Activity Location 5:30 a.m. Sunrise Ceremony Teepee outside 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Breakfast (provided) North 46 Restaurant 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Keynote Presentations from Elder Phyllis Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Williams and Autumn Peltier, followed by Ballroom Q&A 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Break Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Ballroom 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Workshop I & II Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Ballroom 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch (provided) North 46 Restaurant 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Workshop I & II Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Ballroom 3:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Break Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Ballroom 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sharing Circles with Panel of Elders from Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Wikwemikong Ballroom 5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Break Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Ballroom 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dinner (provided) North 46 Restaurant 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Social and Entertainment Elijah & The Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Back Burners Ballroom Childcare 7 Grandfathers Room Sunday, June 24, 2018 Time Activity Location 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Breakfast (provided) North 46 Restaurant 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Blanket Exercise Part II Three-Fires Confederacy Conference/ Closing Remarks Ballroom Closing Prayer Travelling Drum Song (Lunch not provided) Childcare 7 Grandfathers Room Bios

Elders She studied business and became an active member of the Indigenous community Phyllis Williams (Keynote) in Toronto. With the Company of Young Canadians, she worked with First Nations Phyllis was communities across this country. In 1965, she born and raised was named Indian Princess of Canada. on beautiful Manitoulin Island Yet in 1970, because she married a non-native in Wiikwemkoong. man, Ms. Corbière Lavell, under the Indian Act, She came from a was stripped of her legal status as an “Indian” family of ten. and consequently lost many rights. Among them, her right to pass on status to her children; Throughout the the right to live on, own or inherit reserve land; years, and while the right to participate in the community’s social being involved in and political life; and the right to be buried in her community, she cemeteries with her ancestors. By contrast, pursued many different avenues that interested a Native man with status who married a non- her. She consistently attended workshops Native woman did not face the same losses and which helped to further her education in would keep his Indian status and pass it on to counselling, as a medical secretary, and as a his wife and children. court interpreter. Ms. Corbière Lavell challenged section 12 (1) She worked as a guard for the First Nations (b) of the Indian Act under the reasoning that police for seven years and as a court interpreter it discriminated by gender. Her landmark case for fourteen years. For the past fifteen years, went all the way to the Supreme Court in 1973. she has also served as a panel member for the Although that specific case did not prevail, it Restorative Justice Program. paved the way for momentous change and over a decade later, section 12 of the Indian Act was Jeannette Corbière Lavell repealed.

Ms. Corbière Since then, Ms. Corbière Lavell has relentlessly Lavell, of the fought “against unfairness and injustice.” She is the first Anishinabek Nation Commissioner on people, was Citizenship. She is a founding member of the born on the Ontario Native Women’s Association, serving Wiikwemkoong first as Vice-Chairwoman, then as President Unceded Territory of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, on Manitoulin the Nishnawbe Institute – which promotes Island, Ontario, but Native culture – and Anduhyaun Inc. a Toronto her life’s pursuits residence for Native women. Promoting have resonated creativity and the arts, she is a long time board across Canada and member of Debajehmujig Storytellers. Other beyond. degrees include Doctorate of Laws, Doctorate of Bios

Education from York University in Toronto and Her closest neighbour is a bear who seems to Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario. drop by regularly when she is gathering apples and sweetgrass. Ms. Corbière Lavell went on to earn her teaching degree and became a school principal. She has Dorothy Fox been a cabinet appointee to the Commission on the Native Justice System, an education Dorothy is a mother and employment counsellor, and an Ontario to two daughters government consultant to the community. and a grandmother In 1995, she was given the YMCA Women to three of Distinction Award. In 2009, she was granddaughters and honoured with the Govern General’s Award two grandsons. in Commemoration of the Persons Case for She has been retired making an outstanding contribution to the goal for several years of gender equality. and likes spending More recently on December 29, 2017, Jeannette time with her family, was honoured by being made a Member of the helping out in any Order of Canada. way she can. Muriel Assinewai Dorothy has served in various employment capacities throughout her working life but Muriel was born mostly in the field of Social Work. She has in Wiikwemkoong worked specifically in the Child Welfare where she has lived programs responsible for both off-reserve and her whole life. She on-reserve programming. Her last employment is the daughter of was with the Wikwemikong Board of Education Esther and John as their Social School Counsellor at Pontiac Wakegijig Sr. She School in Wikwemikong. is the proud mother of two daughters, a She served as a Board Member on the son and has thirteen Provincial Legal Aid Committee in Toronto. grandchildren. Dorothy also served as one of the founding Muriel worked at the members of the Legal Aid Clinic on Manitoulin Wiikwemkoong Nursing Home for over twenty Island. For many years, she was also a Board years helping care for Elders. She is an Elder Member with the Children’s Aid Society of active with the Wiikwemkoong Justice Program, Sudbury and Manitoulin and also sat on the the Wiikwemkoong Heritage Organization, the Manitoulin Health Board. Wiikwemkoong Elders’ Council, the Elders’ Dorothy currently volunteers with the Advisory Council for Kina G’bezhgomi Child and Wikwemikong First Nation Justice Program as Family Services and a member of the Nokomis a Panel Member of the Diversion Circles. She Circle for the Wiikwemkoong Prevention also assists in the support of group sessions for Program. She enjoys knitting, beading, clients. attending ceremonies and harvesting medicines. Bios

Howard Trudeau Raymond Jackson Ahnii, my name G’MIWON is Howard OTCHITCHAKONS Trudeau. I was aka Raymond born and raised Jackson M’gizeh in Wiikwemkoong Dodem Odawa Unceded Indian M’nising Reserve. My doonjibawh Odawa parents were Nishinabe dowh William and Helen Trudeau and I am I was born in a log one of 12 children. cabin in Dooganing (South Bay). My I thank my parents parents are Eli and for leaving me our language. They were strong Elizabeth Jackson. I was blessed with four boys, advocates in keeping the language strong. two girls and 16 grandchildren. I ventured out to tour the Great Turtle Island at a very young My partner and I have been blessed with age and came back to the roots about 20 years three children and blessed again with three ago. Eight out of those 20 years, l was Band grandchildren. Councillor and for five months in 2000, Deputy I worked as a Band Housing Builder for 23 Chief. Now, l’m just being a Nishinabe on the years, and in 1995, acquired my Certificate of Pow Wow trail living the good life. LIFE IS Qualification as a carpenter. In 2008, I started PRECIOUS LOOK AFTER IT! my own business. Mii gwetch Debenchget I served the community as a Justice Committee member where we developed the now existing Justice Program. Guests & Artists

Guests and Artists “My experience as a water keeper is more of an honour to the water and Mother Earth. Autumn Peltier (Keynote) Doing this work is very spiritual, and I feel connected to the water in spirit. I am also proud Autumn Peltier is to represent my people, and especially my a 13 year old from community.” Wikwemikong Unceded Territory Harvey Bell Jr. (Drums) and is a well-known advocate for safe Hello, my name is drinking water Harvey Bell Jr. I am for Indigenous from Wiikwemkoong communities and Unceded Territory. clean waterways Please allow me to in Canada. She share a bit about is driven by the myself. I have been tradition and ceremony of her elders. a singer since I was four years old. I have Of Mother Earth, she says “she has been been involved with surviving for millions of years without us and it ceremonial practices has taken us less than a century to destroy her. my whole life. I have Mother Earth doesn’t need us but we need her.” worked with youth and in the justice areas with clients for a few years now. I have worked in She attended the 2015 Children’s Climate the prison system, as well as a Native Inmate Conference in Sweden, is the only Canadian Liaison Officer (NILO) in the Sudbury jail, and nominated for the 2017 Children’s International helped out in many more throughout Canada. Peace Prize, and had a tearful encounter with Thanks for your time! Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2016 where he promised to take steps to protect water in Elijah Manitowabi and the Backburners Canada. (Entertainment) Autumn has become an internationally Elijah Manitowabi, is recognized warrior for the right of Indigenous the lead front man, peoples to clean drinking water across the globe. guitarist/pianist of Back on March 22, 2018, World Water Day, she Elijah and The Back addressed the United Nations General Assembly Burners. He is also and called on the world’s leaders to ‘warrior up’ a singer songwriter and start protecting Mother Earth and her water. of his own original She was the youngest to speak at the event. music. A man raised She is inspired by her great-aunt Josephine by the sounds of Mandamin, who trekked the shores of all Jazz, Rhythm & five Great Lakes to bring attention to issues Blues to Gin soaked threatening Canada’s largest natural resource. country, Elijah Guests & Artists delivers a glimpse of pure Rock and Roll when Harmony Rivers (Dancer) excited. Going back to the earliest years of Rock and Roll, he is recognized as one of the great Hello, greetings. guitars wielders in the north. An extremely My name is talented musician, he learned the likes and Harmony Rivers, styles of early rockabilly guitar playing. At the my spirit name is same time, he will surprise you with how he has “The eagle that flies adapted himself to the 88 ivories of the piano like a seesaw”, and by giving you a taste of Jerry lee Lewis and Ray I come from the Charles. Originally from the eastern shores of Bear Clan. I am 18 Manitoulin Island, Elijah has travelled all over years old and I am the province playing his heart out and sharing a band member of the excitement of his talent. the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian As for the Back Burners, they are a network of Reserve. I go to the Wikwemikong High professionally experienced musicians. They School and am part of the graduating Class of also are never one to skip a gig, nor fall short of 2018. Two of my many greatest achievements talented musician sidekicks. have to be representing Wiikwemkoong as Miss Wikwemikong 2015/16 in Albuquerque, On stand-up bass, you have the extremely multi- New Mexico at the Gathering of Nations talented musician Mr. Ben Wardo. He delivers a Pow-wow and completing the 7 week Black burst of energy with every performance. Ben is Bear Indigenous Program in Gagetown, New from Sudbury and one of the most talented in Brunswick and receiving a Basic Military the area. Qualification. Miigwech For the beat of the band, you have young percussionist Andrew Gagnon, also from Colton Recollet (Dancer) Sudbury. Classically trained in the areas of jazz, Aanii Boozho, he himself developed a liking of old fashion Colton Trudeau rockabilly swing and hop. His love and passion Ndizhnikaas. to play just adds more spice to group. Mshiikenh Dodem.

On lead and rhythm guitar, you have Robert Hello, my name Winter from Toronto. When he got started, is Colton Trudeau he played frequently in the city’s east end. and I come from Throughout the years, he has embarked on a the Turtle Clan. I’m musical guitar-weaving relationship with Elijah. 19 years old and Robert gives you that Classic Rock-Mick Taylor I go to school at style type of music. As the Back Burners’ fourth Wikwemikong high member, Robert completes the group. school. I’m very energetic and love spending time on the Pow Wow trail with family and friends. I’m a traditional dancer. I love to hunt and fish to provide for my family. The reason Guests & Artists why I’m a traditional dancer is because when other Unions including NUPGE, CUPW, PSAC, I’m out hunting and fishing, I use those stories CUPE and the CLC. and change it into my dance. I really love to camp outdoors; canoeing is something that I Darlene is on the Board of the United Way of enjoy doing. Some of my accomplishments in Sudbury & Nipissing Districts as the labour life are finishing the 10 day canoe trip as one of representative, also on the Board for the the leaders. Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Centre (SWEAC), and an Executive Member of Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) the Sudbury & District Labour Council. Darlene Kaboni She was one of three members of OPSEU’s Indigenous Mobilization Team (IMT) and is the Darlene Kaboni is Lead on the Union’s 60s Scoop Campaign. She from Wikwemikong is tireless and part of many networks. Unceded and is fluent in the Objibway language and culture. She belongs to the CAAT S division of OPSEU and has numerous ties with Workshops

Workshop Descriptions Indigenous Circle and have gatherings across our Region. If you are interested, please contact Workshop 1: Reclaiming me at [email protected] or text/call Culture and Traditions 519.379.3117. Miigwetch. This workshop will look at how storytelling Krista Maracle (Region 5) keeps Indigenous cultures and traditions alive. I am a Mohawk It will be facilitated by members of OPSEU’s from the Six Indigenous Circle. Nations of the Grand River Theresa O’Conner (Region 2) Territory. I also I am a Métis have family on woman and my the Tyendenaga Métis homeland is Mohawk Reserve in Blind River, my and I belong to the ancestor is Louis Turtle Clan. I have Riel. I am a citizen been a member of the Métis Nation of OPSEU’s Indigenous Circle for 12 years. I of Ontario and started my OPSEU career with the Provincial also the Region Young Workers Committee (PYC) and after a 2 representative couple of terms, I moved on to a term on the on OPSEU’s OPSEU Executive Board. Indigenous Circle. As the current Chair of the Indigenous Circle, Being on the Indigenous Circle has truly been a I have strived to increase the visibility of the humbling experience and very rewarding. It has Circle within OPSEU. I ensure that we are introduced me to many strong activists from not an afterthought but are involved from the whom I have learned a great deal. My journey beginning. In the past, I have been told that “we for Indigenous knowledge has been wondrous; tried that and it didn’t work, so you cannot do and as I travel this road, I am forever grateful it.” To me, this means that they did not try hard to my teachers. I have been active in the enough. I have always been told to never back Indigenous Community in Grey Bruce County down. If something didn’t work out in the past, through my involvement with the Great Lakes that doesn’t mean that it will not work now. Métis Council and the M’Wikwedong Native and I work as a Senior Medical Laboratory Cultural Resource Centre. Technologist at the University Health Network As the daughter of a dedicated trade unionist, in the Blood Transfusion Lab. In my spare time I have been involved in the movement for (what little I have), I go figure skating and read most of my life. Social justice is at the heart as many books as I can get my hands on. of who I am and what I do. I am reaching out to the Indigenous members of Region 2 with the hopes that we can form our own Regional Workshops

Lise Dampier (Region 7) communities. Traditional Indigenous Maya midwives known as comadronas work I am Anishinaabe tirelessly to help fill those gaps. By drawing kwe and belong from traditional knowledge and practices, as to Michipicoten well as updated health training, comadronas First Nation (Robin provide indispensable health and spiritual Superior Treaty) care for Indigenous mothers, newborns and on the shores their families. Horizons of Friendship, with of the Great the backing of the Government of Canada and Lake Superior. OPSEU, is leading a Maternal, Newborn and I have been a Child Health (MNCH) initiative alongside its Customer Service local partner PIES that supports the Guatemalan Representative Ministry of Health’s comadrona training with ServiceOntario program and that advocates for greater respect for over 25 years. I am a union steward with for and recognition of comadronas’ traditional OPSEU Local 736 and since January 2011, have knowledge and work. served as Treasurer on the OPSEU Indigenous Circle. In this workshop, join two Indigenous Maya K’iche’ and Kaqchikel women to learn more I believe in making a difference and having our about the practices, experiences and struggles voices heard. I am passionate about and have of comadronas. Verónica Mazariegos, a been involved in many causes which greatly lead comadrona trainer, will explore the role impact Indigenous communities across Canada. comadronas play in the Maya culture and the Maya worldview, as well as share traditional With the Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, I have comadrona practices. Antonia Buch, a been a proud foster parent throughout the comadrona and Spiritual Guide or Ajquij, will years. From this experience, I was also able to then recount her efforts in advocating for adopt my two children, both of whom are First the rights of comadronas, and the role these Nation. efforts play in the struggle for the rights of all With guidance from the Creator, I want to Indigenous Maya peoples. be a protector of Mother Earth. I believe in education especially as it pertains to truth and Verónica Mazariegos reconciliation. Verónica is an Indigenous Maya Workshop 2: Comadronas – K’iche’ woman Practices, Experiences and and was born in Struggles Las Cataratas, a small sector of Indigenous Maya women and children are the Justo Rufino disproportionately affected by an underfunded Barrios village Guatemalan health system with poor coverage in Olintepeque, for the country’s rural, primarily Indigenous Quetzaltenango, Workshops

Guatemala. Verónica is a nurse and pharmacist international level. Antonia carries with her a auxiliary by training. As such, she worked gift, or nawal, to serve her people in a more as a manager for several community health direct manner, a responsibility given since birth centres in the province of Quetzaltenango that cannot be set aside. She is thus a traditional before joining the Guatemalan non-government Indigenous midwife, or comadrona and a organization PIES – the Association for Health Spiritual Guide, or Ajquij, also. Her passion for Promotion, Research and Education. Over the aiding her community runs in her blood. last 17 years, Verónica has facilitated culturally pertinent training for diverse community Special Thanks health practitioners and actors alongside PIES, including community health promoters, The organizing of the 2018 Indigenous Community Health Commissions and Conference was, from the beginning, a traditional Indigenous Maya midwives known partnership among OPSEU, Wikwemikong as comadronas in the Mam and K’iche’ areas Unceded Territory and community groups. of the country’s Western Highlands. Currently, Special thanks to the following people who Verónica is one of the MNCH project’s lead made it happen: Lauren Fong (Region 6 comadrona trainers supporting the Guatemalan Representative on OPSEU’s Indigenous Circle), Ministry of Health’s comadrona training Gladys Wakegijig (Wikwemikong Unceded program in the province of Totonicapán. Territory), Raúl Scorza (Horizons of Friendship), Tim Vining (OPSEU) and Fridmar Facunda Antonia Buch (OPSEU). A proud Indigenous Labour-Indigenous reconciliation happens when Maya Kaqchikel we learn and practice ways of relating to one woman, Antonia another that undo the legacy of colonialism. began working for her community in Lauren Fong Sololá, Guatemala My family is from by leading M’Chigeeng First education initiatives Nation (West on addressing Bay) on beautiful child malnutrition Manitoulin Island in the country’s and I belong to the Western Highlands. Eagle Clan. I work Starting in 1992, Antonia undertook a lead role for the Ministry of with the organization, which Defensoría Maya the Attorney General stands in defense of the rights of Indigenous as the Group Leader Maya peoples with an emphasis on the full of court support participation of Maya women in all aspects of and jury duty in public and private life. Her tireless activism Sudbury. has led her to advocate for the social, political and cultural rights of Indigenous Maya peoples My life’s passion is for all communities to have at the municipal, provincial, national and Thank you access to clean water because without it, there Gladys is employed with the Ministry of the would be no life. Attorney General and is currently on a leave of absence to work for her community of I live each day honouring our grandfather Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. teachings even in the face of adversity. She has accepted a position within the Gladys Wakegijig Wiikwemkoong Justice Program as the Bail Supervisor and Gladue Aftercare Worker. Gladys Wakegijig is a member of the Gladys is an elected official and has held the Wiikwemkoong position of Band Councillor for Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Unceded Territory since 1997. Her husband’s name is Daryl and During her tenure as an elected official, she her son’s name is served the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory as Cheyenne. She Chief of Wiikwemikoong. is grandmother Gladys has held many portfolios in to a wonderful Wiikwemkoong as an elected official. As grandson named Portfolio Holder, she has experience and Hudson. expertise in the areas of housing, education, Gladys is fluent in her language. public works, health, and culture.

Her career experience includes employment at Gladys is honoured to have been able to be the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa where part of the team to help plan the 2018 OPSEU she was a dedicated member of the organization Indigenous Conference on the traditional for 9 ½ years. Anishnawbe lands of beautiful Manitoulin Island. Thank you

Raúl Scorza He currently works with the OPSEU Indigenous Circle as Raúl works for a Human Rights Officer. He Horizons of Friendship, and his partner Steve have an organization that been blissfully married for empowers people and over 27 years. Together, they strengthens communities are proud parents to Tosca to eliminate poverty and and Mario, two rambunctious injustice across Central cats who are the apples of America & Mexico. As their eyes. a Community Outreach & Communications Fridmar Facunda Coordinator, Raúl oversees outreach Fridmar currently works as a initiatives for the Canadian public under the Bilingual Human Rights Officer with OPSEU. He Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) has worked with the Union for ten years. This project in Guatemala. This includes organizing role suits him well especially considering his and executing reciprocal knowledge-exchanges German name, when translated, means “famous between Canadian and Guatemalan MNCH for peace.” providers, practitioners, experts and advocates. He received his Honours B.A. degrees in Originally from Mexico, Raúl has a background English Literature and French Linguistics at in international development and graduated York University in Toronto. Following his from the University of British Columbia with a undergraduate studies, he moved to Bordeaux, B.A. in International Relations. Raúl recently France where he taught English at Université moved from Vancouver to Cobourg. Bordeaux Montaigne.

Tim Vining Fridmar has spent the last few years working Tim is of Cajun francophone descent with Indigenous communities from across and originates from Southern Louisiana. Ontario. This experience has left him feeling Professionally, he has done a variety of jobs humbled. It has inspired him to create that include practicing as a labour lawyer with greater visibility for those who are forgotten, an emphasis on anti-racism and employment marginalized and invisible. discrimination, teaching at high-school and He was born in Manila, in The Philippines, and University levels, Executive Director of a traces his ancestral roots to Fujian province in Social Justice Organizing Centre, working Southern China. He speaks English, French and as Coordinator for an Aboriginal Women’s Fukien, which is his first language. Emergency shelter in Toronto, and an Estates Analyst with the Ministry of the Attorney Fridmar is a certified yoga instructor having General. In addition, he lived with homeless traveled to Mysore, India to complete his men in his home state of Louisiana for over 8 training. years. Foodie. Yogi. Wanderlust. These are three words that best describe him. Affirmation

OPSEU Affirmation of • Healing cannot begin until Indigenous Principles on Indigenous peoples re-establish full control over their communities, economies and cultural Peoples’ Rights traditions, and revitalize their languages and cultures. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) affirms that each of the Indigenous • The harms caused to Indigenous women and groups in Canada has its own language, culture, children by patriarchal colonial policies and traditions and self-governing structure. discriminatory provisions in the Indian Act must be redressed, and their equality rights OPSEU further affirms that each also has its must be fully respected. own political agenda in its dealings with federal, provincial and territorial governments. • Indigenous peoples have made significant cultural contributions to Canadian culture that OPSEU affirms that all Indigenous peoples have must be adequately valued and acknowledged the inherent right to: in our history books. Indigenous peoples are • full access to all human rights and actually among the richest humans because fundamental freedoms, including the right to of the roots they have in the beautiful cultures preserve and strengthen their own political, handed down by their ancestors. economic, legal, and cultural traditions and • Indigenous peoples attribute cultural institutions; importance to women and give them a • self-determination, sovereignty and the ability high level of respect and authority within to remain on their ancestral lands; Indigenous cultures. As a result, their cultures have functioned with great balance • freedom from subjection to any form of and harmony for thousands of years. forced assimilation or integration (we recognize the devastating impact of • Labour rights are human rights, recognizing Residential schools and the Sixties Scoop on that Indigenous members remain a vital the children affected and the lasting harm to part of organized labour and the Canadian generations of families for years afterward); workforce.

• freedom from poverty, recognizing that social OPSEU commits to: justice requires economic justice; and • calling on the federal government to adhere • freedom from all forms of injustice, racism to the principles in the U.N. Declaration on and discrimination the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to working towards the adoption of a convention OPSEU affirms that: on the rights of Indigenous peoples by implementing Bill C-262, the United Nations • The Canadian government must fulfil its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous historic treaty obligations and settle all Peoples Act; outstanding land entitlements, nation to nation. Affirmation

• allowing for consultation and communication • developing the capacity of our full with, and education and development of, membership to engage in the kind of Indigenous members. awareness raising, leadership and political action that draw attention and action to the • fully supporting Indigenous members as struggles faced by Indigenous peoples; and a leading voice in creating opportunities for Indigenous members as leaders of • working in coalition with progressive partners the Canadian labour movement, and in in Indigenous communities that share our developing strategies and alliances with other vision of justice, equality and fairness to unions to focus our energies where they are working people and their families. most needed;

• providing resources to its Indigenous members to organize within Indigenous communities, and providing a platform to protect and advance social and economic rights;