The water is calling. Who will answer? I know at least one group who does answer that call: Water Walkers
One of our very own WLUSA/OSSTF Members is a Water Walker: Laurie Minor. Laurie takes on hard issues Indigenous people face in our community and beyond through her work on protecting and healing our waters. Laurie facilitates monthly water ceremonies for the Grand River in Kitchener and the Credit River in Georgetown, as well as walking for the Grand River and the Credit River. She just completed the Water Walk for the Credit River, June 14 & 15 and looks forward to the All Nations Grand River Water Walk in September.
“The Grand River Water Walk is based on the teachings of Grandmother Josephine-Baa Mandamin, who walked around the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence River before passing into the spirit world in 2019. With a copper pail of water in one hand and an eagle staff in another, she brought worldwide recognition to the value of water. The Water Walkers walk to honour Nibi (water), they speak, sing and pray to her spirit and we offer petitions for healthy rivers, lakes and oceans for future generations.”
You might also find the following article interesting:
https://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/all-nations-grand-river-water-walk-to-heal-nibi/
There is also a 10-minute video about first-hand experiences about the impact of lack of clean water: Is the clean water crisis in Indigenous communities being purposely suppressed in the media? Is the clean water crisis in Indigenous communities being hidden?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRDqe2t0Zr4
Children of the Poisoned River: Grassy Narrows: https://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/children-of-the-poisoned-river-mercury-poisoning-grassy-narrows-first-nation/
Clean drinking water still unavailable to many of Canada’s most populated reserves: https://www.groundwatercanada.com/clean-drinking-water-still-unavailable-to-many-in-one-of-canadas-most-populated-reserves/
No one should have to live without clean, potable water. Anywhere. I am appalled and ashamed of Canada, and its response to Indigenous communities who are suffering, and in some cases, dying due to complications of not having clean water. Most often the water is put in jeopardy due to big corporations that have no interest or involvement with the people in the territories that they occupy. If you have ever watched the movie “Erin Brockovich”, you will see the correlation between that story and the reality many Indigenous families and communities are facing.
I thank the Water Walkers who connect to the spirit of water and sing to her while also spreading awareness of the importance of protecting water sources and clean drinking water in our communities. Miigwetch.
Sandra Dalpe
Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression Officer
Every April 22nd workers observe a day of mourning to remember comrades who were injured, killed or made sick because of hazardous workplace exposures. The event is always observed on April 22nd regardless of the day of the week. Fortunately this year it fell on a Sunday so workers could attend without missing work.
The Waterloo Regional Labour Council hosts the event locally with the location alternating between Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. This year the ceremony was held at Riverside Park in Cambridge which is just south of the 401 and not far from Kitchener. Jeff Pelich, the WRLC President, acted as the master of ceremonies. Sherri Roberts spoke first on behalf of Cambridge mayor Jan Liggett, and she was followed by Regional Chair Karen Redman. Brian Riddell, the Conservative MPP from Cambridge also attended and spoke. This is a little surprising given that it was Doug Ford’s Conservative government which passed Bill 124 during the pandemic limiting wage increases and bargaining for the public sector. Bryan May, the MP for Cambridge spoke next and told Brian Riddell that weather falls under provincial jurisdiction. The crowd enjoyed that quip because there was a lot of rain falling that morning.
After the elected officials spoke, two union leaders addressed the crowd to advocate for safer working conditions and greater accountability for employers who kill or injure workers. Greg Bobier, Business Manager of the Waterloo Wellington Dufferin Trades Council went first, and he is a mainstay at these events because of the hazardous nature of the work performed by his members. Marty Warren, National Director for Canada of the United Steelworkers, spoke passionately about the need for the Westray Law which expands liability for employers if their workers are killed on the job. Pastor Jenn Urquhart closed the solemnities with a heartfelt plea to remember those who have died and to fight for the living. WLUSA/OSSTF Members and the broader WLU community can take her words to heart by ensuring that our University community is a safe place to work and learn.
This article originally appeared on page 104 of volume 50, issue 2 of OSSTF’s Education Update Magazine, read the full issue here: https://education-forum.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Education-Forum_Vol-50_Issue-2_2024.pdf
With their tenth Collective Agreement expiring in 2026, the Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Association (WLUSA) is no stranger to the impact a union can have on workers. WLUSA is unique in the threads that bind it as they represent a variety of professionals including information and communication technologies (ICT), administrative assistants, lab technicians, finance, payroll, research professionals, and more. They represent all of the office, clerical, and technical employees at the Waterloo and Kitchener campuses of Wilfrid Laurier University, boasting over 600 members who also work 12 months per year providing services throughout the summer, March Break, and reading weeks.
WLUSA members provide vital services for students and staff at Laurier; however, like many support staff in the
university sector, job security, funding, and working conditions are ongoing challenges. Reductions in funding allocations in Ontario universities, coupled with the imposed cap on international students authorized by the federal government, has sent this sector into unchartered territory.
In many cases, WLUSA members are doing the job of 1.5 people and are struggling to keep up with higher workloads. WLUSA stands strong behind its members to address these adverse effects, and to find a path forward as they continue to navigate this unexpected challenge.
On a higher note, the connection between the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) and WLUSA aids in navigating this unusual labour landscape. Belonging to a union and having representation on
a wider scale within the OSSTF/FEESO community and with exposure to the many divisions of the education sector provides increased awareness of the issues WLUSA and the university sector face.
For this unique Bargaining Unit, the future may well hold many challenges, but they feel protected as members of an organization of over 60,000 strong.
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