The First Nations Solidarity Working Group was created in March 2007 and supports landrights struggles in First Nation communities in our region. The FNSWG is active primarily in supporting the struggle at Six Nations and in working closely with the Haudenesaunee Men’s Fire at Six Nations.

Our mandate is as follows:

1. To organize and raise awareness among the CUPE 3903 membership regarding issues of indigenous sovereignty and solidarity, and to encourage membership participation both within the working group and the local on this issue.

2. To work within and to help build rank and file networks of union activists working on issues of indigenous solidarity and solidarity.

3. To co-ordinate efforts in support of indigenous sovereignty with other local, regional and national (union and non-union) projects in support of indigenous sovereignty and solidarity.

4. To actively participate in supporting indigenous struggles such as (but not limited to) the Six Nations struggle to reclaim the Haldimand Tract.

Since our inception we have organized and collaborated with First Nations groups, as well as organizations acting in solidarity with First Nations groups. The FNSWG has helped organize support for direct actions; multi-day community gatherings, festivals, and conferences focusing on the
struggle of Six Nations and the role of non-native support for Six Nations; community meetings; potluck dinners, as well as helping to publicize and send delegates to marches and rallies in support of Indigenous landrights.

In addition to the Haudenesaunee Men’s Fire at Six Nations, some of the groups we work with include: (TRUE) the Two Row Understanding through Education (a Brantford-based group of non-native solidarity activists who organize monthly educational meetings), trade union activists, the Native Youth Movement, the Community Friends group in Caledonia, the Black Action Defense Committee in Toronto, the York Aboriginal Student Association, and the Six Nations Youth Centre Committee.

For a two page report detailing past working group activities and further future initiatives, please see the pdf: 2008 Report of the CUPE 3903 First Nations Solidarity Working Group.

The First Nations Solidarity Working Group meets monthly. If you’re interested in attending a meeting or in being added to our mailing list, please email:3903fnsw @ gmail.com. We are also developing a website for the group at fnswg.wordpress.com.