Issue 107 – 26, June 21, 2026
National Indigenous Peoples Day, today!
Every year, on June 21st, Canadians celebrate a special day called “National Indigenous Peoples Day”. This day is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the cultures, traditions, and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada.
June 21 is the longest day of the year, known as the summer solstice. For many Indigenous communities, this day has been important for a long time. It is a day filled with ceremonies, celebrations, and time spent with family and community. The date was chosen because it connects to Indigenous traditions and respect for nature and the changing seasons.
The idea of a special day to celebrate Indigenous peoples has been around for many years. Different Indigenous groups asked the government to create a day that would honor their cultures and history. In 1996, the government officially declared June 21 as “National Aboriginal Day”. This was an important moment because it brought attention to Indigenous stories and traditions across Canada.
Later, the name was changed to National Indigenous Peoples Day to better include all the different groups, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The day is now part of a larger celebration called Celebrate Canada, which includes many festivals and events during the summer.
National Indigenous Peoples Day helps all Canadians learn about and appreciate the rich cultures and history of Indigenous peoples. It is a time to recognize their strength, resilience, and important contributions to our country. It also encourages us to think about how we can work together to build respectful relationships.
The Congress of Union Retirees of Canada in supporting this day encourages union retirees and others to participate in community activities, learn about Indigenous traditions, and celebrate their important role in Canada. CURC also promises to keep working towards better relationships, understanding, and fairness for Indigenous communities. Our last convention witnessed this commitment by including an Indigenous Representative position on our Executive to help us learn and guide us in representing the diverse membership of CURC. We are pleased to work with sister Joanne Webb, CUPE union retiree, our elected Executive Indigenous Representative.
You can support National Indigenous Peoples Day by:
- Attending local celebrations and events
- Learn about Indigenous history, culture, and traditions
- Share what you learn with friends and family
National Indigenous Peoples Day is an important day for all Canadians. It reminds us of the rich history and culture of Indigenous peoples, and it encourages us to build a future based on respect and understanding. Let’s celebrate this day together and learn more about the Indigenous peoples who have helped shape this land for thousands of years.
Read more - National Indigenous Peoples Day
New Human Rights Treaty for Older People
The Congress of Union Retirees are working with over 400 organizations to help create a new international agreement, called a "convention," to protect the rights of older people around the world. This effort is led by a global organization called the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP).
In July 2026, the United Nations (UN) is starting to work on a draft of this new convention. A special group within the UN called the Intergovernmental Working Group will help write the treaty. This is an important step because it shows that protecting the rights of older persons is becoming a priority at the international level.
Many older persons face unfair treatment, discrimination, and even violence just because of their age. In the past, the UN has focused more on issues like poverty and health for older adults. Now, the goal is to create a legal document that clearly states the rights of older persons and how countries should protect those rights.
The Congress of Union Retirees, along with many other organizations helped prepare a shared position that explains what should be included in this new treaty. Nearly 200 older persons from different countries were asked about their experiences and needs. This helped make sure that the treaty reflects real life and what older people want and need.
The position emphasizes that older persons should enjoy all human rights equally, no matter where they live or their background. It also highlights that age should not be used as a reason to treat someone unfairly. The position suggests that the treaty should be based on principles like dignity, respect, equality, and independence.
The UN will use this shared position to guide the writing of the treaty. It will help countries, organizations, and communities understand what is needed to protect older persons’ rights. The goal is to make sure that everyone, no matter their age, can live with dignity and have their rights respected.
Creating this treaty shows that the world recognizes the importance of protecting older persons. It can help prevent abuse, discrimination, and neglect. It also encourages countries to change laws and policies so that older people are treated fairly and with respect.
This effort is based on the real experiences of older people and aims to make society fairer and more inclusive for everyone as they age.
The Congress of Union Retirees and GAROP are asking for the new treaty to protect the rights of older persons:
1. Equal Rights for All Older People
Older persons should have the same rights as everyone else, no matter where they live or their background. For example, they should have access to healthcare, education, and social services just like younger people.
2. Protection Against Age Discrimination
The treaty should stop people from being treated unfairly or stereotyped because they are old. For example, an older person should not be passed over for any reason just because of their age, and they should be respected in society.
3. Freedom to Make Their Own Decisions
Older persons should have the right to decide about their own lives. For example, they should be able to choose where they live, how they want to receive healthcare, and what kind of support they want.
4. Protection from Violence, Abuse, and Neglect
The treaty should help prevent older people from being hurt or taken advantage of. For example, it should include rules to stop elder abuse, whether at home, in care facilities, or in the community.
5. Access to Healthcare and Support
Older persons should be able to get the healthcare and support they need, including help with daily activities, mental health services, and palliative care for serious illnesses.
6. Freedom from Poverty
The treaty should support policies that help older persons live with dignity and avoid poverty. For example, it should promote fair pensions and social benefits.
7. Participation in Society
Older persons should be able to participate in community activities, work, and decision-making. For example, they should be able to vote, share their ideas, and be involved in decisions that affect their lives.
8. Eliminating Negative Stereotypes
The treaty should promote positive views of aging and older people to challenge stereotypes that older persons are not useful or capable.
9. Addressing Intersectional Discrimination
The treaty should recognize that some older persons face multiple forms of discrimination, such as older women, persons with disabilities, or those from minority groups, and protect their rights.
10. Right to Justice and Remedies
If an older person’s rights are violated, they should have the right to seek help and get justice through courts or other means.
These examples show the kind of protections and rights the treaty aims to include, making sure older persons are respected, protected, and able to live full and dignified lives.
Process of Creating a Treaty or Convention:
Working groups draft a treaty and propose it to the General Assembly.
The UN General Assembly adopts the treaty and proposes it to member states for signatures.
Member states sign and ratify the treaty or may also object to the treaty.
The treaty enters into force