We acknowledge that we are meeting on land that has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples from the beginning.
We gather today throughout this province on Treaty 2, Treaty 4, Treaty 5, Treaty 6, Treaty 8, and Treaty 10 territory; the traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota and Saulteaux peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.
We recognize the contributions of Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples, both in shaping and strengthening in these communities throughout our province. We are all treaty people and should commit to support Indigenous rights to self-determination.
We recognize the contributions and historic importance of Indigenous peoples must be clearly connected to our collective commitment to make the promise and the challenge of reconciliation real in our communities. Each of us has a part to play in making Canada a more just society. CUPE has committed to partner with Indigenous allies to ensure government fulfills their promise to fully implement the 94 calls to action through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
I pay my respects to the traditional caretakers of this land.