CUPE’s Water is life campaign raises awareness about the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples, and shows how CUPE members can listen, learn and act.
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Fact sheet
Water is life: Indigenous communities confront environmental racism
Environmental racism is a form of systemic racism that leaves Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities far more exposed to environmental hazards than predominantly white communities. It includes industrial and environmental policies and practices that lead to environmentally hazardous sites being located close to Black, Indigenous and racialized communities.
Water is life: Pledge to listen, learn and act
Water is life. It’s an internationally recognized human right. But some Indigenous communities live with no tap water or wastewater treatment, water that’s undrinkable, and polluted rivers, lakes and streams.
Resources
Water is life: Listen, learn, act
CUPE has long recognized that water is a basic human right for all people and our union is committed to taking action towards truth and reconciliation. CUPE’s Water is life campaign provides educational tools to learn about Indigenous water issues and mobilize all locals and members in support of Indigenous peoples and allies to protect and fix the water.
National Indigenous Council
The National Indigenous Council promotes and defends the rights of all Indigenous workers in our union and in our communities. They provide advice and assist in the development of CUPE policies to combat racism and discrimination, to increase participation in the union, and to support employment equity.
Counterpoint
Niibi Bimaadiziwin - Water is life
Niibi Bimaadiziwin. Translated into English, it means water is life. While not universal, it is a law common among many Indigenous nations. To harm or threaten water is to harm yourself, your family, your people, the land and all that live on it. Today, ‘Water is life’ is a rally cry for Indigenous peoples facing a devastating water crisis.
News
CUPE’s Water is life campaign
Water is life. But for far too long, Indigenous peoples have had to fight to protect this precious resource and vital service. CUPE is committed to working towards truth and reconciliation. Our Water is life campaign recognizes the strength and dignity of Indigenous peoples who have been affected by water injustice, and who have fought for change.
Video
Video: Water is life: it’s everything
Watch CUPE’s new Water is life video featuring Dawn Bellerose, CUPE National Indigenous Council member and CUPE 1880 member. It’s the fourth in a new series featuring members of CUPE’s National Indigenous Council talking about what water means to them, the significance of water in their communities, and the need to protect water resources and services.
Video
Video: Water is life: it could be gone tomorrow
Watch CUPE’s new Water is life video featuring Nathalie Claveau, CUPE National Indigenous Council member and CUPE 1500 member. It’s the third in a new series featuring members of CUPE’s National Indigenous Council talking about what water means to them, the significance of water in their communities, and the need to protect water resources and services.
Video
Video: Water is life: we’re in this fight together
Watch CUPE’s new Water is life video featuring Leo Cheverie, CUPE National Indigenous Council member and CUPE 1870 member. It’s the second in a new series featuring members of CUPE’s National Indigenous Council talking about what water means to them, the significance of water in their communities, and the need to protect water resources and services.
Video
Video: Water is life: without it, there’s nothing
Watch CUPE’s new Water is life video featuring Lindsay (Loyer) Poll, CUPE National Indigenous Council member and CUPE 4070 member. It’s the first in a new series featuring members of CUPE’s National Indigenous Council talking about what water means to them, the significance of water in their communities, and the need to protect water resources and services.
Fact sheet
Water is life: The fight for clean drinking water continues
For hundreds of years, many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities have struggled with access to clean drinking water, as well as other necessities like quality food and safe housing. The current federal government has zeroed in on ending long-term boil water advisories in First Nation communities. But that’s just the start of what’s needed to end decades of water injustice and discrimination once and for all.