Thunder Bay Office
Servicing: Aroland, Attawapiskat, Bearskin Lake, Big Island/Big Grassy, Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree, Chapleau Ojibwe, Cochrane, Constance Lake, Couchiching, Curve Lake, Cat Lake, Christian Island, Deer Lake, Dokis, Eabametoong, Eagle Lake, Emo, Fort Frances, Fort Albany, Fort Severn, Fort William, Garden River, Geraldton, Ginoogaming, Grassy Narrows, Heron Bay, Iskatweizaagegan #39, Kasabonika, Kashechewan, Keewaywin, Kenora, Kettle Point, Kingfisher Lake, Lac LaCroix, Lansdowne House, Longlac, Magnetawan, Marathon, Marten Falls, Matachewan, Mattagami, Mishkeegogamang, Mobert, Moose Factory, Muskrat Dam, Naotkamegwaning, New Post, Nibinamik, Nipissing, North Spirit Lake, Northwest Angle #33, Northwest Angle #37, Ochiichagwe'Babigo'Ining, Onigaming, Poplar Hill, Pukasaw National Park, Rainy River, Rocky Bay, Sachigo Lake, Sagamok, Sandy Lake, Shawanaga, Shoal Lake #40, Slate Falls, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Wabaseemoong, Wabigoon Lake, Wabauskang, Wahgoshig, Wahnapitae, Wapekeka, Wasauksing, Washagamis Bay, Wauzhushk Onigum, Webequie, Weenusk (formerly Peawanuck), White River, Wunnumin Lake.
| REGIONAL WOMEN'S COMMITTEE | AREA COUNCIL |
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| Minutes - Nov. 3, 2008 [word] [pdf] | Minutes - Oct. 20, 2008 - [word] [pdf] |
| Minutes - Oct. 16, 2008 [word] [pdf] | Minutes - Sept. 23, 2008 - [word] [pdf] |
| Minutes - Sept. 15, 2008 [word] [pdf] | Agenda - June 17, 2008 - [word] [pdf] |
| Minutes - June 16, 2008 [word] [pdf] | Minutes - Apr. 22, 2008 - [word] [pdf] |
| Minutes - April 21, 2008 [word] [pdf] | Minutes - Feb. 26, 2008 - [word] [pdf] |
| Minutes - Jan. 22, 2008 - [word] [pdf] |
LINKS |
December 6, 2010
December 6th Vigil
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December 17, 2009
Thunder Bay Stands Up! Against Poverty
On October 17, 2009, organizers and participants of the PSAC RWC Women's Fair "Surviving Tough Economic Times" Stood Up and Took Action to End Poverty! More than 3,000 events were organized across the world with over 173 million people participating. Regional Representative, Judith Monteith-Farrell, read the Stand Up! pledge.
"We are asking not for charity but for justice. We are millions of voices standing in solidarity to say, 'no more excuses - end poverty now!' "
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RWC Women's Fair a Great Success!
The Sisters of the Thunder Bay PSAC Regional Women's Committee are proud to announce the success of their first annual Women's Fair, entitled "Surviving Tough Economic Times."
On October 17, 2009, we gathered at the Lakehead Labour Centre with over 20 representatives of community-based organizations that provide useful services to those affected by the current recession. Though the primary focus of this fair was women, the food/ drink served and children's craft table in the corner ensured a broader, family-oriented emphasis.
"Often when there are hard economic times, women are hit harder,” said Judith Monteith-Farrell, Regional Representative for PSAC. “They often make less money than men, so they get less employment insurance and they have family duties as well. For many they may be out of a job for the first time in their lives and don‘t know where to turn to. We decided to try a fair like this so people, women and men, can see what services are available to them that will help them.”
To find local newspaper coverage of this event, please click on the link below:
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories.php?id=218317
Thank you to our sisters and brothers at Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada.
And to our friends at Speaker's School (funded in part by the PSAC Social Justice Fund); John Rafferty, MP Thunder Bay-Rainy River; Faye Peterson Transition House; Lakehead Adult Education Centre; Thunder Bay Counselling Centre; Job Connect; P.R.O. Kids; YES Employment Services; 211; Volunteer Thunder Bay; Investors Group; Catholic Family Development; Thunder Bay Sexual Assault & Abuse Clinic; PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise; BDO Dunwoody; Independent Living Centre; Cinderella's Closet; Journey to Wellness; True Vision Coaching and Kids Help Phone Thunder Bay.
Thank you also to the PSAC Think Public Campaign for partial sponsorship of this event. We hope to see you all next year!
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Chew'n'Chat - National Local 00296
On September 24th, 2009, Judith Monteith-Farrell, PSAC Regional Representative, and Gary Farrell, Area Council President, took 200 sausages and a portable BBQ over to Fort William First Nation for a "Chew'n'Chat" session with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada workers: our Sisters and Brothers from NAT 00296. Staff from neighbouring organizations Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay (DCL 00002) and Dilico were also invited. Dilico provides Anishinabek Family Care Services to areas of the Thunder Bay-NWO Region. It was windy and cold, but as always members braved the weather with smiles.
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December 4, 2009
Invitation to All Members: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - Dec. 6
Sisters and Brothers,
December 6th is Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.
This year marks twenty years since 14 young students of L'École Polytechnique de Montréal were brutally murdered because they were women.
The members of the Thunder Bay PSAC Regional Women's Committee, in collaboration with our OPSEU Sisters, are asking you to come to the Lakehead Labour Centre this Sunday and join us as we honour their memory.
Click here to view the poster for this event [PDF]
In Solidarity - Please call 807-345-8442 for more information
November 27, 2009
Nipigon Nylons
The Thunder Bay and Northwest Ontario PSAC Area Council, along with donations from NHU 00035, CEIU 623 and UTE 00020 sent over 400 pairs of wool socks to Ottawa in a unique show of solidarity with fellow PSAC members in their eighth week of their strike. The socks were each tagged with a message from the Council that read, "Nipigon Nylons are unique to Northwest Ontario. Nipigon is a small town about 110 kilometres NW of Thunder Bay that has trademarked the name of these unique to us, but ordinary to you, wool work socks. History buffs say the “nylons” handle developed over a century ago, when Nipigon women in poorly-heated houses would fight the cold by putting socks on right over their shoes, both keeping warm and dusting the floor at the same time. As the story goes, in the old days women would wear their Nipigon Nylon wool socks under their long dresses in attempts to stay warm. They also wore them to local dances where there was, inevitably, no heat. These stories depict the spirit of the strong, pioneer men and women of the North. In the hardest of economic times some humour and fun makes the idea catchy for the nippy times. Despite the local name fame , they are called by name in the North, all provinces and can even be heard being referred to as Nipigon Nylons through the US. May these Nipigon Nylons keep your heart and spirits warm with solidarity and your feet toasty as you continue your struggle.
In solidarity, Thunder Bay and Northwest Ontario Area Council.”
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In the picture to the left - Jenn Kovax, Cathy Harasym, Sandra Goodick - Developmental Regional Representative, Debbie Linkletter and Judith Monteith-Farrell Thunder Bay PSAC Regional Representative tag and pack “Nipigon Nylons” for the striking Ottawa Museum members |
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October 7, 2009
Thunder Bay RWC Women's Fair - "Surviving Tough Economic Times" - Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009
Click here for poster [PDF]
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For more information (bulletins, pictures, news clips, videos, etc.) on our Regional website CLICK HERE For more information, please visit our National website CLICK HERE |
November 27, 2008
NAN Urges Government of Canada to Work with First Nations to Strengthen Economy
Please see article CLICK HERE
November 27, 2008
RWC Adopts Family for Holidays
The Regional Women's Committee in Thunder Bay adopted a family through the Children's Aid Society to play Santa for this Christmas.
A single mother with two children will be provided with a food hamper, a gift card for groceries, as well as much needed household products, and gifts for each member. With the super bargain shoppers of the RWC, the most was certainly made of this opportunity to share in excess of $700 of seasonal cheer.
The RWC also would like to thank the NWO Area Council for its financial contribution to this very worthwhile seasonal project!
Happy Holidays!
 RWC members hard at work - Sara Williamson Sheila Karasiewicz Kathy Pham Sandra Goodick |
 RWC President Dianne Rayner and committee member Debbie Linklater |
November 17, 2008
Wreath Laid at Fort Williams
Wreath laid at the Fort Williams Garden centoph by Sara Malo on behalf of PSAC Area Council.
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November 6, 2008
Treaty Three Police Welcome New Cheif
Please see article in the Kenora Daily Miner & News - Click here
October 31, 2008
NAPS Policing Negotiations Update
Update - October 16, 2008
As part of the commitment made at the Keewaywin Conference to develop an ongoing communications plan, I am writing to provide you with an update on the status of the NAPS negotiations.
The current extension to the NAPS agreement expired on September 30th, 2008 and we signed the necessary six month extension to ensure the ongoing operation of the police service while we continue to negotiate with Ontario and Canada.
NAN Chiefs Resolution 08/53 directed us to create a steering committee of NAPS board members, Chiefs and an independent advisor for the negotiations. The steering committee has held a number of conference calls to discuss our negotiations strategy.
At the July 2008 Annual General Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations, the NAN leadership put forward an emergency resolution on First Nations policing. The resolution directs the National Chief to seek an urgent meeting with the Solicitor General on our funding crisis and to develop an advocacy strategy to make our voices heard in Ottawa.
Progress at the negotiating table was sidelined by the federal election call. We continue to press for an independent review of NAPS and NAN Chiefs Policing Forum but are currently at an impasse as we wait for the appointment of a new federal minister. The uncertainty following a possible cabinet shuffle will likely slow down progress at the negotiating table until the new year.
Rather than wait for clarity in Ottawa we have decided to develop an aggressive lobby and advocacy strategy to get our key messages across to the decision makers in Toronto and Ottawa.
A number of events are in the planning stages for the next few months.
Policing is essential to our communities. While our policing costs rise, we continue to struggle to provide adequate infrastructure and service community needs. Meanwhile Canada refuses to meet its core Constitutional responsibilities to support our police service.
The ever increasing costs of policing cannot continue to be financed out of the existing agreement. We deserve the same level of policing as other Canadians. The goal of our negotiations remains finding a sustainable approach for funding our police service.
Meegwetch!
Alvin Fiddler
Deputy Grand Chief
October 23, 2008
CEIU Local 00623 - Chew & Chat Session
Members of CEIU Local 623 Thunder Bay dressed in black and wore PSAC "I support my bargaining team" wrist bands on Wednesday October 8 in support of the PA Bargaining team. This event was accompanied by a lunch time "Chew and Chat" sausage bar-b-que sponsored by the PSAC Regional Union office promoting voting in the Federal Election by PSAC members. Judith Monteith-Farrell, Regional Rep; and Beth Boon, Admin Assistant; of the PSAC Regional office offered pop and candy while Ian Monteith was the chef extra ordinaire. Members of this local are committed to supporting the Bargaining Team in this round of negotiations and are eager to participate in the Federal Election next week where they will cast their ballot for the next Government and their new employer.
In solidarity
Cathy Harasym
PSAC Ontario Area 1 Rep
Vice president PSAC Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario Area Council
President CEIU Local 623 Thunder Bay
Alternate CEIU Ontario Northern Rep
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October 20, 2008
Rally in Front of MPP Bill Mauro's Office
On Saturday 27 September members of the PSAC joined other unions and activists at a public rally in front of MPP Bill Mauro's constituency office. Wayne Samuelson President of the OFL was one of the speakers who urged the Provincial government to stop the privatization of health care and nursing homes, to stop cuts to hospital services, to regulate minimum care standards, to stop extra billing and to support public non-profit home care. The event was attended by over one hundered participants and motorists driving past showed their support by honking their vehicle's horns.
 Check out the PSAC Area Council gang at the rally on Sat., Sept. 27th |
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 Melanie Kelso (Thunder Bay & District Labour Council President) |
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 Sarah Malo (RWC and AC member from INAC) |
 Sara Williamson (RWC, AC, TBDLC retired member), along with Cathy Harasym (Ont Regional Council Area 1 Rep, RWC, Ac, and TBDLC member from Service Canada), and Sarah Malo |
No Fly Zone
September 3 , 2008
Labour Day Events 2008
Labour Day is just around the corner. It is a day where we celebrate the struggles and successes of the labour movement without forgetting where we have been and where we want to go.
Click here for Event information.
August 29, 2008
MASS PROTEST - SUPPORT PUBLIC HEALTH CARE
We will be meeting at Patterson Park (corner of Miles and May St.) for anyone interested in leafleting at 1100 am Saturday September 27th and a brief demonstration will also be held at Local MPP Bill Mauro's office- 240 S. Syndicate St. at 1 pm.
August 13, 2008
Cathy Harasym Attends Vigil
Tuesday August 13 I attended a vigil at Marina Park to support the walkers who are involved in the Walk 4 Justice campaign. This activity is for the thousands of women who have gone missing in Canada over the past 10 years and whose cases are unsolved on the books of law enforcement.
The women and men who are walking started in Vancouver on June 21 and plan on arriving in Ottawa September 15 when they will present a petition to the Federal Government demanding an enquiry into the murders and disappearance of so many. They are seeking justice for the victims and closure for their relatives.
The vigil included Aboriginal druming and songs, words of encouragement from the participants, introduction and back ground given by the walkers, lighting of candles, gifts of tobacco and prayers for success of this quest. It was quite fitting to have the Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior as a backdrop to the ceremony. Click for pics
In solidarity
Cathy Harasym
PSAC Ontario Area 1 Rep
Vice president PSAC Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario Area Council
President CEIU Local 623 Thunder Bay
Alternate CEIU Ontario Northern Rep
July 31, 2008
Anishnawbe Keeshigun taking place August 15 - 17, 2008 on the grounds of Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay
Anishnawbe Keeshigun (roughly translated as 'First Nation Days') is a commemoration and celebration of the culture of all First Nation people while highlighting the positive contributions the Ojibwa, Cree, and Ojicree collectively made to Canadian history. It is an opportunity not only to bring these cultures together in celebration, but to educate the general public of the history of the region and the surrounding territory.
This year’s festival will feature Northwestern Ontario’s largest competitive pow wow that will welcome dancers from all over North America, world class Aboriginal entertainment such as Grammy winners Susan Aglukark and Northern Cree Drum, a craft market and Aboriginal foods.
Fort William Historical Park and Nishnawbe Aski Nation is pleased to offer complimentary shuttle service for Anishnawbe Keeshigun happening August 15, 16, 17th, 2008.
Charter buses from the city of Thunder Bay Transit services will be leaving Brodie Street terminal every half an hour during the following times.
Friday Aug 15 - 6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Aug 16 - 9:30 am - 10:30 p.m.
Sunday Aug 17 - 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Come and experience Aboriginal culture with traditional dancing, singing & drumming and check out the PSAC Think Public tent!
Click here for Anishnawbe Keeshigun flyer in pdf format
July 15, 2008
A Town Hall to End Poverty - July 17th, 2008
Click here for flyer in PDF format
July 14, 2008
WALK4JUSTICE FOR MURDERED AND MISSING WOMEN
June 21st - September 15th, 2008
The B.C. Federation of Labour is supporting women who are making a journey from British Columbia to Ottawa in honour of missing and murdered women across Canada. This Walk is supported by Amnesty International, B.C. Federation of Labour, BCGEU, ILWU Local 500, United Native Nations, Native Women’s Association of Canada and countless other organizations across Canada.
This important walk began in Vancouver, BC on June 21, 2008 and ends with a huge event in Ottawa on September 15, 2008 where there will be a full day session on Parliament Hill and presentation of a petition.
These women need your help, and we are asking unions, labour councils and communities along their route to pitch in and help support this important Walk. Even if you are not en route, you can help by sending a donation to support the walkers.
What can you do?
- Make a monetary donation -- All donations should be sent to the Aboriginal Mother’s Center Society in Vancouver, BC. Make your cheque payable to the Aboriginal Mother’s Center Society and mark “Walk4Justice” in the subject line on your cheque. An account has been set up through this Society. Cheques should be mailed to: #208 – 2019 Dundas Street, Vancouver, BC V5L 1J5.
- Sign the Petition -- Visit http://www.petitiononline.com/glradek/petition.html to sign this very important petition and then pass this link on to all of your contacts!
- Organize an event in your town -- This could be a fundraiser, a dinner for the walkers, a social event, a donation collection station or any other event you think will support this Walk.
- Provide or arrange lodging for the walkers when they come through your town. This would mean scarce funds could go to support the Walk, and the walkers would have adequate and safe accommodation;
- Donate much-needed items for the walkers – these don’t have to be big-ticket items, but a camper or utility trailer would really help. Rather than filling their support vehicles with supplies, they could use a utility trailer to hold their supplies. Smaller items will help, too -- for example, food, cases of bottled water, oranges, medical supplies, socks and runners, sunscreen, mosquito protection or rain slickers can all be invaluable for the walkers to help keep them healthy on their journey.
- Help the walkers stay healthy -- Nurses or other healthcare workers could meet with the walkers at one of the stops or en route to ensure these women remain healthy.
The Walk4Justice organizers need you to get in touch as soon as possible to:
Know who is joining the walkers from town to town so they can accommodate and feed people adequately;
Know if you will provide a support letter to ensure all arrangements are confirmed; and
Gather information about missing and murdered women in your communities so they can represent them accurately when they get to Ottawa.
They would like to hear from you, so please connect with the organizers or our Federation to let us know how you will support this important Walk4Justice on behalf of murdered and missing women in Canada. Contact: walk4justice2008@yahoo.ca, or call 604-253-5989.
We must let our federal and provincial governments know these women will not be forgotten. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.
For a list of the tour locations click here
For the BC Federation Website click here
June 26, 2008
PSAC Fact Sheets on Aboriginal Peoples
PSAC Statement on Aboriginal Peoples
Making Aboriginal Poverty History
Ending Violence Against Aboriginal Women
First Nations Water Reaches It's Boiling Point
June 25, 2008
Activities From Days of Action
Click here to see pictures
June 11, 2008
Aboriginal Day Celebrations
The Thunder Bay National Aboriginal Day Celebrations on June 21, 2008 is being held at the Fort William Historical Park.
Please share with your network of contacts and we look forward to seeing you at this year's celebrations!
For more information, please contact Stephanie Feletto, Chairperson, Thunder Bay National Aboriginal Day Committee www.nad-tbay.com (807) 474-1733.
Press Release [word] [pdf] Events [pdf]
Miigwetch!
Beth Boon
North Bay R.O.
boonb@psac.com
June 5, 2008
Media Release - Graduates from Speakers School
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release June 3, 2008
Nine participants will graduate from the Speakers School tomorrow, Wednesday, June 4.
The Media Conference will take place at 11 am on Wednesday, June 4 at Kinna-Aweya Legal Clinic. Read more
May 26, 2008
NAPS- A Sacred Calling
Greetings All,
I would like to bring this video to your attention for the purposes of support, education and awareness.
Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service: A Sacred Calling is a 20 minute video documentary portraying the deplorable working and living conditions of NAPS officers and detachments, resulting from an accumulation of severe provincial and federal funding shortages.
Video Link:
http://www.nan.on.ca/article/nishnawbe-aski-police-service-a-sacred-calling--307.asp
Click Here to view photos
http://www.nan.on.ca/article/naps-gallery-315.asp
Show your support by contacting:
Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci at rbartolucci.mpp@liberal.ola.org
AND Public Safety Canada Minister Stockwell Day at http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/abt/electronic-eng.aspx or days1@parl.gc.ca
Other Related News and Links:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=285717
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/300461
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2008/16/c9460.html
Please pass on this information.
Miigwetch/Thank you
Kevin Nadjiwon
Aboriginal Representative- PSAC Ontario Regional Council
Human Rights Representative- National Component, Ontario
May 26, 2008
A National Day of Action in Support of First Nations – May 29, 2008
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and First Nations people across the country are calling on all Canadians to join with us for a National Day of Action on May 29th.
We are calling on the Government of Canada to work with First Nations to protect our children, invest in our
future and respect our responsibility to one another.
We invite all Canadians to join us in putting forth a strong, clear call for action to the federal government.
For more information Click Here
May 23, 2008
PSAC National Aboriginal Peoples’ Conference - “Maawangiteeng”:
Where The Journey Begins
The objectives of our 2008 PSAC National Aboriginal Peoples’ Conference are to:
- Connect with our Aboriginal Brothers and Sisters
- Educate and build capacity within Aboriginal communities and the Union
- Politicize Aboriginal Rights around the eradication of poverty (clean water, housing, education), for quality public service and a clean environment
- Raise awareness of the Union’s role in advancing Aboriginal Peoples’ Rights in the workplace, community and society as a whole
2007 PSAC Thunder Bay & District Labour Council Labour Day Picnic
Nearly 500 people attended the Labour Day Picnic. Irene Harris, OFL Vice President was the keynote speaker.
Janice Hilton (PSAC Agriculture), donated some of her lovely handmade jewellery for a raffle for Shelter House.
Cathy Harasym, CEIU and alternate Chair of PSAC Area Council organized PSAC's contribution of ice cream, T-shirts and other goodies with the help of Janice and Debbie Linkletter.
Labour Council presented Sara Williamson (CEIU Local 623), the honour of Labour Council Person of the Year Award for 2006.
2006 Thunder Bay Labour Day Picnic