OPSEU to sponsor Assembly of First Nations 2012 General Meeting

TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is pleased to announce that they will be one of the sponsors for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Meeting which will take place July 16 to 19, 2012 in Toronto.

The meeting will combine the election of a National Chief with a celebration honouring First Nations' contributions during the War of 1812. There will be a play based on that event along with a First Nations' Veterans Commemorative War of 1812 service, a private viewing of the Norval Morrisseau collection, a concert of various First Nation talents and much more.

"This is a great opportunity to honour our First Nations," says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "We are proud to assist in paying tribute to the contributions that First Nations peoples have made to our country."

OPSEU Executive Board Member Gord Longhi says it's not only about honoring the past. "OPSEU cares about the local economy and social justice in the broader community. This event will bring millions of dollars into the city of Toronto. We hope that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford will demonstrate his own commitment and recognize the AFN's 33rd Annual Meeting."

There will be formal signing event for the sponsorship on Thursday, February 23 at 11 a.m. at OPSEU's Head Office, 100 Lesmill Road, Toronto. Thomas and Longhi will be present for the ceremony, and present a cheque to representatives from the AFN for $25,000, and pledge $25,000 for in-kind services specifically to support the annual meeting.

Laurie Miller, OPSEU Communications  416-697-1594