Canada's largest building trades union to sign Statement of Partnership with Assembly of First Nations

MASQUAEM, VANCOUVER, BC, June 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Joseph Mancinelli, Labourers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) International Vice-President and Regional Manager or Central and Eastern Canada, Canada's largest building trades union, and National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations will sign an historic Statement of Partnership at the 2017 LiUNA Canadian Conference affirming LiUNA's commitment in support of the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the UN Declaration for Indigenous People and education and training of First Nations communities.  

"LiUNA represents over 110,000 members from coast to coast to coast and is the embodiment of strength, honour and justice as we collectively remember the struggle of those who paved the way before us. The century old struggles of the indigenous communities across Canada have for hundreds of years sought to be treated as equal and LiUNA strongly believes that together we can build a strong partnership with an emphasis on training and education as youth are the future builders of our growing economy." LiUNA International Vice President Joseph Mancinelli. 

“Education and training are the keys to a brighter future for young First Nations men and women. As we work to close the gap and build strong communities and healthy homes, this partnership with LiUNA will help to ensure First Nations are at the fore of this development, and advancing in the areas of construction, waste management, and health care. Through this statement of partnership, LiUNA has demonstrated its commitment to First Nations and to walking down the path of reconciliation, and we lift them up as a model for other organizations in Canada.”  National Chief Perry Bellegarde.

WHAT:	LiUNA and AFN sign Statement of Partnership
WHEN:	June 6, 2017 9:30 a.m.
WHERE:	Fairmont Hotel
	900 W Georgia St. Vancouver BC
	www.LiUNA.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Established in 1903, The Labourers' International Union of North America (L.i.U.N.A.) has been at the forefront of defending the rights of working men and women who have been unfairly treated by governments and industry. This union movement became a platform to enact change, where wrongdoings were addressed and the voices of oppressed finally listened to. LiUNA remains an advocate for worker's rights, as we continue to work together for the betterment of our members and for the men and women throughout Canada. LiUNA proudly represents over 110 000 members, building better communities across North America.

BACKGROUNDER 

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities and in cities and towns across the country. First Nation leaders (Chiefs) from coast to coast to coast direct the work of AFN through resolutions passed at Chiefs Assemblies held at least twice a year. The AFN National Executive is made up of the National Chief, 10 Regional Chiefs and the chairs of the Elders, Women’s and Youth councils.  Regional Chiefs are elected every three years by Chiefs in their regions.  Chiefs, who are elected by the citizens and members of their respective communities, elect the National Chief every three years .The role of the National Chief and the AFN is to advocate on behalf of First Nations as directed by Chiefs-in-Assembly.  This includes facilitation and coordination of national and regional discussions and dialogue, advocacy efforts and campaigns, legal and policy analysis, communicating with governments, including facilitating relationship building between First Nations and the Crown as well as public and private sectors and general public.

SOURCE Labourers' International Union of North America (L.i.U.N.A)

Victoria Mancinelli, LiUNA Director Communications, Public Relations, [email protected], [phone]; Anthony Primerano, LiUNA Director of Government Relations, [email protected]| [phone]