Working towards truth and reconciliation is an important priority for PSAC, and we are taking steps toward fulfilling this commitment at the bargaining table, through education and political action.  

At our national convention earlier this year, we committed funding to push the government to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 97 Calls to Action, including the calls related to missing Indigenous children and burial information in order to redress the legacy of residential schools.  

All our work on Indigenous issues is guided by discussions with our National Indigenous Peoples’ Circle (NIPC) representatives.  

Continuing to learn and teach Indigenous histories, realities and solidarity 

Following a convention resolution, PSAC will now offer the advanced course ‘Unionism on Turtle Island’ in every PSAC region. Facilitated by an all-Indigenous team, the course links historical events to the current-day conditions lived by Indigenous peoples, debunks myths and stereotypes, identifies ways to be an effective ally and develops concrete measures for reconciliation and solidarity actions. It is open to Indigenous members and non-Indigenous members.  

PSAC’s education program also includes other courses intended to advance reconciliation for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members.  

Reach out to your nearest PSAC regional office to learn more about courses intended to advance reconciliation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous members.

Advancing reconciliation through bargaining 

Bargaining is another important aspect of our work towards reconciliation. PSAC represents many Indigenous members working for Treasury Board and federal agencies, the three territorial governments, and other northern public services in Indigenous public administration, policing, and private sector employers.  

At the table, we are negotiating paid leave for Indigenous cultural traditions, ceremonies and practices, leave for Indigenous languages training, access to elder counsel in health benefit plans, and anti-harassment and anti-racism plans for the workplace. 

This round of bargaining with Treasury Board, PSAC is also calling for mandatory training on Indigenous history that aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action #57 and a bilingual allowance for workers who speak an Indigenous language.