Aboriginal Peoples

The BCGEU recognizes and supports treaty negotiations and the right of self-government and self-determination for First Nations. The BCGEU is committed to supporting the transfer of responsibilities for education, health and social services to Aboriginal communities.

Our Aboriginal members work in areas like social services, native court workers, health care, education, friendship centers, band offices, and fire fighters. We also represent many more Aboriginal workers in government and other organizations.

As a result of an increased number of Aboriginal workers choosing BCGEU to improve their wages and working conditions, BCGEU has allocated staff resources and established an Aboriginal Network to ensure that Aboriginal people have a strong voice within the union. It’s a recognition of the unique needs, concerns and traditions of aboriginal workers.

National Aboriginal Day - June 21, 2010

June 21 marks National Aboriginal Day in Canada. The day was first proclaimed by the Canadian Parliament in 1996. Since then, National Aboriginal Day has been celebrated annually coast to coast to coast.

National Aboriginal Solidarity Day is significant for the BCGEU, so much that some BCGEU collective agreements recognize it as a work holiday. There are calls for the federal government to make National Aboriginal Day a national statutory holiday.

National Aboriginal Day day is meant to recognize and celebrate the important contributions Aboriginal peoples make in every Canadian community. Aboriginal peoples continue to play a key role  in the fight for social justice, equality, and workers' and human rights.

Check out National Aboriginal Day events around the province.

National Aboriginal Day Events (PDF)

Check out the latest segment of "In Conversation"  with BCGEU presdient Darryl Walker on BCGEU TV. This segment features Gladys Radek, founder of the Walk4Justice speaking about the 2010 walk to Winnipeg and National Aboriginal Day events scheduled for June 21, 2010.