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In this guide you will find information on how to acknowledge a territory or treaty on which a gathering takes place, summaries of First Nations social conventions, useful terminology, as well as links to other helpful resources.
Vancouver (11 Oct. 2018) — There is a groundswell of change happening in Canada with respect to relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) has always strived to be a ally to Indigenous peoples. As part of its ongoing work to put this commitment into action, Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President, announced the release of the BCGEU guide to First Nations acknowledgement, protocol & terminology.
Showing respect through communication
In this guide you will find information on how to acknowledge a territory or treaty on which a gathering takes place, summaries of First Nations social conventions, useful terminology, as well as links to other helpful resources.
The BCGEU/NUPGE expresses unity with and respect for First Nations by beginning every formal meeting and union event with a grateful acknowledgement that we gather on the traditional territory of First Nations people. However, delegates at BCGEU's 2017 Constitutional Convention asked their union to go further and encourage all meetings at the local and component level to include an acknowledgement. This resulted in the development of this guide, and BCGEU/NUPGE hopes members, staff and elected representatives of the union will find it to be a valuable tool.
The BCGEU/NUPGE is open to suggestions and/or questions so we can continue to maintain the best resource possible. Please contact communications@bcgeu.ca with any feedback.