David Martin vividly remembers the traumatic stories that his mother, aunt, and uncles told him about their experience in the residential school system. And he is certain that anti-Indigenous racism continues today. 

“Systemic racism still exists against Indigenous peoples, and hopefully, with knowledge, there will be change,” David says. “Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of PSAC have a big role to play.” 

An Inuk community member from Nunatsiavut Labrador, David wanted to be a part of that positive change, which motivated him to join PSAC’s National Indigenous Peoples’ Circle (NIPC). 

NIPC was created in 2003 to provide a unified voice for First Nation, Inuit and Métis PSAC members. Since then, they have played a crucial role in growing Indigenous involvement in the union, advancing Indigenous rights and seeking justice.  

The Circle has done important work, from organizing the National Indigenous Peoples' Conference, to working on issues such as Bear Witness Day and Shannen’s Dream for culturally-based education for First Nations children. The Circle has also provided valuable input into major PSAC campaigns such as Still Thirsty for Justice, Illunnata campaign for food security, and partnered with the National Human Rights Council Indigenous Working Group and artist Jaime Black to create the red dress pin honouring, mourning and raising awareness about the national tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women.  

Jill MacNeill is a Tsimshian community member living on Lax Kxeen (Prince Rupert, B.C.) and also a NIPC member. 

“The work that we do with NIPC is important to help heal relationships, address injustices, and move toward a healthy post-colonial union, workplace, community, and society,” Jill says. 

NIPC has a lot of work on the horizon. With the ongoing tragedy of unmarked graves around residential schools across treaty and unceded lands, PSAC passed a resolution at our national convention to host a healing circle for NIPC members. Led by knowledge-keeper Tina Vincent, this healing circle is an opportunity for members to build solidarity, share lived experiences and priorities for Indigenous members.  

NIPC is also reviewing a number of resolutions impacting Indigenous members that were passed at convention and will provide input and guidance to PSAC’s leadership on how to implement these resolutions. In addition, NIPC is directly involved in consultations on PSAC’s Anti-Racism Action Plan as we work towards building a truly anti-racist union.  

“For PSAC to successfully address injustices and act in the spirit of reconciliation, it is imperative to listen deeply to what we have to say,” Jill says.