June 21 is Aboriginal Solidarity Day
Jun 21, 2012
June 21 is celebrated as Aboriginal Solidarity Day across the country, a day first proclaimed in 1996 as an annual occasion to recognize the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions to Canada of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Collectively the groups make up the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. The date of June 21 was selected for several reasons, including the fact that it coincides with the summer solstice.
June 21 celebrates the achievements of all Aboriginal peoples, including art, language, reverence for the land, Aboriginal epistemology and spirituality.
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) produced a series of posters promoting on the theme of human rights for all. You can download the Aboriginal Solidarity Day poster here.
"As a national union we are committed to working together with Aboriginal workers and Aboriginal communities to eliminate systemic racism and improve access to jobs, health care, housing, child care and education," says James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
Unemployment rates for Aboriginal peoples remains very high at 82 per cent. While post secondary graduation within the Aboriginal population (aged 25–64) has increased since 1996 from five per cent to eight per cent, it still remains far behind the non-Aboriginal population at 23 per cent. As Statistic Canada reveals "as of 2005, half of Aboriginal peoples had a total income below $16,752, almost $10,000 less than for the non-Aboriginal population."
"We know there is much work to do before equality is achieved for all citizens, especially for Aboriginal peoples," Clancy continued. "Our work to end poverty and homelessness and to eliminate discrimination in all areas of employment is far from over."
"We are proud of the Aboriginal workers who are members of our union. We will continue to deepen our common bonds, strength our solidarity and forge new relationships into the future."
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