Toronto – June 1, 2021 – With the revelation of mass child burials in Kamloops, B.C., UFCW Canada takes solace to remember the horrors of Canada’s colonial past and present.

While the graves were dug many years ago the legacy of Canada’s residential school system are still fresh wounds in the hearts of many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The destruction of language, culture and traditions contributed to a lost generation of Indigenous children still reeling from the traumas of colonialism.

In the month of June, which holds a particular significance in Indigenous culture, we renew our commitment to reconciliation not only for the sake of yesteryears horrors but to do better for a new generation of Indigenous children.

On this day UFCW Canada stands in solidarity with Indigenous led campaigns such as Orange Shirt Day and encourages supporters to dawn orange shirts to commemorate the past and present victims of Canada’s residential school system. We also call on all party support in the passing of Bill C-5 to make September 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

While we mourn the lives of each child lost to racism and colonialism we also resolve ourselves to support every effort that moves us as a nation closer to reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Turtle Island.

In Solidarity,

Paul R. Meinema
UFCW Canada National President