Guiding the path towards reconciliation

The Indigenous Committee was established to provide information, awareness, and education to Indigenous CUPE members in the province. The Committee builds membership capacity and participation in the support of campaigns and activities promoting the rights of Indigenous members in the workplace, and in society more broadly.

Working with an Elder, the Committee promotes awareness of Indigenous issues, supports community events, plans gatherings, and helps guide CUPE BC’s commitment to reconciliation.

Making a better future for Indigenous Peoples

This term, the committee focused on improving representation by promoting the guide to add an Indigenous executive position to locals, appearing in the Public Employee and Child Care campaign, and supporting locals bargaining for cultural leaves.

The Committee continues to work with CUPE leaders, locals, and members to increase awareness about the inclusion of territorial acknowledgements, important social justice campaigns, events, and dates such as Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Committee work supports building CUPE BC into a welcoming and inclusive union for Indigenous workers, one that is committed to reconciliation and creating cultural safety for future generations.

2023-2025 Committee Members

Back row, left to right: Kerra Michel (Recording Secretary), Karen Green, Deea Bailey (Staff Advisor), Sarah Olson, Shawn Bortolon, Sherri Havig, Yvonne Desabrias, Simone Gauthier, Konrad Beston, Scott Sywake, Sam George (Elder). Front row, left to right: Lisa Gregory, Jonathan Dyer, Michael Gonzales, Tracy Telford, Taily Willis (Co-Chair), Debra Merrier (Chair), Charity Spalding. Missing: Nicole Dargent.