OPSEU sponsors social-cultural program of Assembly of First Nations 2012 Annual Assembly
 

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is pleased to announce that it will be one of the sponsors of the social-cultural program at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly (AGA) which will take place July 16 to 19, 2012 in Toronto.

At a formal signing event for the sponsorship on Thursday, February 23 at OPSEU’s Head Office, President Warren (Smokey) Thomas presented a cheque to Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald from the AFN’s Host Committee for $25,000, and pledge of $25,000 for in-kind services specifically to support cultural programming at the AGA.

The AGA will combine the election of a National Chief with a celebration honouring First Nations’ contributions during the War of 1812. There will be a play based on that event along with a First Nations’ Veterans Commemorative War of 1812 service, a private viewing of the Norval Morrisseau collection, a concert of various First Nation talents and much more.

“This is a great opportunity to honour our First Nations,” says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “We are proud to assist in paying tribute to the contributions that First Nations have made to our country.”

OPSEU Executive Board Member Gord Longhi says it’s not only about honoring the past. “OPSEU cares about the local economy and social justice in the broader community. This event will bring millions of dollars into the city of Toronto. We hope that Toronto’s Mayor Rob Ford will demonstrate his own commitment and recognize the AFN’s 33rd annual meeting. 

Photo: President Smokey Thomas (L) with Tuesday Johnston-Macdonald (R) signing the memorandum of understanding agreement for the sponsorship of the social-cultural program at the Assembly of First Nation’s Annual General Assembly held in July, 2012.