STATEMENT from the VDLC on Canada’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Dear KFA Members,

The Kwantlen Faculty Association would like to share with you the statement (copied below this email) from the Vancouver & District Labour Council (VDLC).

We acknowledge, as noted in the VDLC message, “that the labour movement in Canada has not been the ally it needs to be to Indigenous peoples.” This is true in our workplace as well. We are thankful for the work of KFA Executive Representative and Negotiating Committee member Seema Ahluwalia who is guided by Indigenous Elders, scholars, and labor activists who struggle for justice for Indigenous workers and Indigenous peoples. Her input has helped our Negotiating Committee understand what Indigenization means in relation to our working conditions and the bargaining context. Much more learning, reflection, and work still needs to be done.

If you wish to learn more about the connections between working conditions, Indigenization, and Truth and Reconciliation, please read the 2020 CAUT Bargaining Advisory: Bargaining for Indigenization of the Academy,  Indigenizing the collective bargaining process at North Island College, Indigenization through collective bargaining: Lessons and ideas for academic staff associations, and the many articles on Truth, Reconciliation, and Decolonization posted on Academic Matters

We encourage members to review and reflect upon the below statement from the VDLC and to participate in the events hosted by your local communities.

In Solidarity,

Mark Diotte

President, Kwantlen Faculty Association