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The Canadian Union of Skilled Workers – British Columbia (CUSW-BC) observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, standing alongside Indigenous communities across British Columbia and Canada. This day, also known as “Orange Shirt Day”, is a vital moment to honour the children who never returned home, hold space for residential school survivors, and recognize the intergenerational impacts inflicted on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families.
For organized labour, marking this day is about taking responsibility for continuous action. Reconciliation is not a static concept. It requires learning uncomfortable truths about our nation’s history and actively working to undo systemic barriers that persist today. As skilled trade workers building infrastructure across traditional Indigenous territories throughout British Columbia, our members hold a direct connection to the land and the communities where we operate. Respecting Indigenous sovereignty and upholding treaty rights must be integral to how we live and work.
The trades industry thrives on solidarity, fairness, and inclusion. True solidarity demands that we answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly those focused on equitable access to jobs, skills training, and economic opportunities for Indigenous workers. By creating safe, welcoming work environments and dismantling racial discrimination within our workplaces, we ensure that every worker can thrive with dignity.
On September 30, CUSW-BC encourages all members, partners, and allies to wear orange, listen to survivor stories, and participate in local reconciliation events. More importantly, we ask our membership to make reconciliation an everyday practice: educate yourself on local Indigenous histories, challenge systemic bias, and support Indigenous-led initiatives.
Reconciliation requires the sustained commitment of every individual and organization. By remembering the past and working together toward justice, we can build equitable workplaces and stronger communities across British Columbia.
