WAPSO Joins City of Winnipeg's Indigenous Accord

On Thursday, July 29, the Winnipeg Association of Public Service Officers-Local 162 (WAPSO) took a historic step in becoming the first labour organization in Manitoba to become a partner to the City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord.

Passed unanimously by Winnipeg City Council in 2017, the intent of the Accord is to provide “a tool in which Indigenous and non-Indigenous Winnipeggers can come together and explore reconciliation.” In light of the recent of recovery of unmarked graves on the sites of former Residential Schools, WAPSO felt words were no longer sufficient, and action was necessary. City of Winnipeg Indigenous Relations staff and Local 162 board member, Danielle Carriere, had this to say:

“The Accord is an invitation to look at Reconciliation and expand its goals into various spheres of influence. Unions have significant spheres of influence. WAPSO Local 162 has the capacity to build solidarity and be able to walk the walk. Let’s do it!”

Local 162 took lengthy steps to ensure this was not just another signature on a document. Lengthy discussions were held to ensure larger ideas could be put into action. The board is looking at various ways to ensure the Accords success such as further education and training for the board and members, advocating within the Winnipeg Labour Council, the Manitoba Federation of Labour, and the Canadian Labour Congress, and using the mechanisms available to measure progress.

WAPSO-Local 162 president Richard Mahe articulated WAPSO’s goals as such:

“We need to do our part. To rehash a recent slogan: We’re all Treaty people. It’s especially important for us because the first numbered Treaty, Treay One, was signed right here. We’re ready to show other unions the way forward with our efforts.”

Learn more about the City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord here.