Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Indigenous Voices

Reconciliation begins with listening, learning, and taking care—of each other and of the land we share

CLAC is proud to stand with Indigenous workers, amplifying their voices and partnering to create stronger, more inclusive workplaces.

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This national day of observance was created in 2021 to encourage all Canadians to renew their dedication to building a country where Indigenous communities can thrive while preserving their cultural identity.

For National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, we talked to three members who are building bright futures for their families while safeguarding the traditions and insights of their Indigenous heritages. Here we share their thoughts on the past, present, and future.

Troy Payne

Local 68 Steward, Heavy Equipment Operator, Hall Constructors Corp.

Long-time Local 68 member Troy Payne has deep respect for his heritage.

“I’m Métis, French-Indigenous,” says Troy. “I learned to hunt, fish, trap, process furs, and understand the land. My grandparents had a fishing lodge. That shaped who I am.”

Troy, who is currently employed by Hall Constructors, has worked for more than 20 years in the construction industry. He has witnessed a cultural shift—and has been part of that change.

“It wasn’t easy—it used to be a white boys’ club,” he says. “But I found that once you show up on time and work hard, you earn respect. I’ve always tried to be a mentor to younger Indigenous workers—helping them see there’s a place for them here.”

His advice to young workers? Show up, learn, and take pride.

“There’s so much opportunity,” says Troy. “Don’t believe that construction is just for people who can’t do anything else.

“You can be an operator, engineer, supervisor. There are even better opportunities now with specific training programs for Indigenous people.”

Indigenous Values at Work

One of the strongest cultural influences Troy brings to the workplace is respect—for people, animals, and the environment.

“We’re taught to protect the land,” he says. “So, when there’s a spill, or something goes wrong, I make sure the proper protocols are followed. It’s about respecting nature.”

He also highlighted the ongoing systemic challenges: promised jobs that fall through, especially on large projects. But progress is being made—with support from organizations like CLAC.

“CLAC’s been great,” says Troy. “I’ve never been out of work in 20 years. The benefits are strong. They’re working to make sure Indigenous youth aren’t just promised jobs—they’re actually hired. That’s huge.”

Reconciliation in Action

To Troy, reconciliation means genuine recognition and education—not assumptions.

“A lot of people still think First Nations get everything for free—that’s just ignorance,” he says. “Reconciliation means taking time to understand who we are and moving forward, together.”

It’s not about politics, he says. It’s about understanding, mutual respect, and forging a path forward.

“We’re not all struggling,” says Troy. “There are lots of strong examples out there. Indigenous people are getting educated, entering politics, and helping their communities.”

Dave Faubert

Local 52 Steward, Labourer Leadhand, Caron Equipment Inc.

Dave Faubert’s connection to his cultural roots has been shaped by the history of his family.

“My grandmother attended residential schools,” he says. “Because of that, she didn’t pass on much of our culture. I’m trying to relearn the best I can—for my children’s sake.”

While Dave’s cultural upbringing may have been limited, his pride in being Indigenous runs deep.

“I’m proud of the resilience of our people,” he says. “The fact that we can still stand after everything we’ve been through—that makes me proud.”

Dave views his coworkers as extended family and has found connection through a shared cultural thread: humour.

“Talking with other Indigenous people, we all seem to share the same humour. I use that in my day-to-day—it helps us all get along.”

“We Borrow This Land from Our Children”

Working in the mining industry, Dave carries a strong environmental ethic rooted in Indigenous values.

“I believe we borrow this land from our children,” he says. “It’s up to us to leave them something to live off. We need to respect the land, keep it clean, and respect the animals in it.”

He sees National Indigenous Peoples Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as important platforms for education.

“We’re still learning,” says Dave. “I’ve heard racial slurs in the past—it usually comes from a lack of understanding. That’s why days like these are important. They open up conversations. They’re teaching days.”

Dave has been a CLAC steward for two years and values being part of a team.

“It’s not really something that’s pointed out, but I’ve always felt supported,” he says.

A Voice of Many

When asked what reconciliation means to him, he reflects on the importance of education and voice.

“Reconciliation is about learning and teaching,” says Dave. “It’s our voice being heard. We were a people, and we are a people—of many.”

He calls on all workers and employers to share in a sense of responsibility for the land we work on.

“Indigenous people are often seen as caretakers of the land,” he says. “I hope more companies take that seriously. It shouldn’t just be about production.”

Dave’s advice for young Indigenous workers is straightforward and empowering.

“Keep your head up, be proud, work hard, and be yourself,” he says. “Be comfortable being yourself.”

His hope for the future reflects the spirit of reconciliation.

“My hope is that we are all in this together,” says Dave. “I hope one day we learn to live and work and accept each other—and that we succeed as one nation.”

Bryan Towers

Local 6 Steward, Labourer, Rankin Construction Inc.

When asked what part of his heritage he’s most proud of, Bryan Towers shares a story with deep cultural roots.

“I really like the history of how the Six Nations came to be,” he says. “They used to fight among each other, but then a peacekeeper came and brought them together. They buried their weapons under a pine tree—that’s where the Tree of Peace comes from.”

This story, rooted in unity and peace, is not just part of his heritage—it’s a worldview that continues to shape Indigenous identity today.

Bryan doesn’t feel that identity has created obstacles in his career.

“I haven’t faced challenges because I’m Indigenous—everyone’s been very nice,” he says. “I get treated the same as anyone else.”

That said, his sense of identity remains strong.

“I’ve lived in a white man’s world,” says Bryan. “I’ve been raised not to be very different—but I’m still proud of my heritage.”

In his civil construction role, Bryan works hard and builds connections with humour and camaraderie.

“We all joke to get along,” he says. “Having a friendly environment and messing around with your coworkers is a good way to form relationships.”

On Reconciliation and Understanding

Bryan appreciates that reconciliation efforts are evolving and creating greater awareness.

“I like what it’s becoming,” he says. “People are more aware now of what happened—and that it didn’t stop too long ago.”

But he believes real understanding comes from curiosity and first-hand experience.

“People who don’t understand should go out to local powwows,” says Bryan. “There are booths where you can ask questions and learn a lot.

“What people don’t know, they’re scared of. Visiting Indigenous areas and educating yourself can really help.”

His message to employers and coworkers is simple: “Indigenous people aren’t really any different than anyone else. We shouldn’t be treated any different from the rest of us.”

Bryan’s advice to young Indigenous workers entering the trades is grounded in confidence and connection.

“Don’t take to heart what people might say—it’s usually just jokes,” he says. “There’s opportunity out there, and building friendly relationships at work makes the job better.”

Days of Remembrance and Celebration

National Indigenous Peoples Day

This day, held annually on June 21, is a celebration of the diverse cultures, heritage, and contributions of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

The date was chosen because it aligns with the summer solstice, which holds great significance for many Indigenous communities as it symbolizes a new season of life. Special events are held across Canada and include traditional ceremonies; displays of music, dance, and art; and educational activities.

The event, first celebrated in 1996, is part of a broader effort to build a more inclusive society by fostering respect and meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

This day is observed each year on September 30 to honour the survivors of residential schools and acknowledge the damaging legacy these institutions had on Indigenous children, their families, and communities. Deep and lasting harm was caused by the residential school system, which forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families and stripped them of their languages, cultures, and identities.

The creation of this federal statutory holiday honoured one of the 94 Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Its goal is to foster awareness and understanding of past and present injustices faced by Indigenous people and communities.

The event coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement that began in 2013 to affirm that “Every Child Matters.” Each September 30, communities and organizations across the country hold events and ceremonies to enhance understanding and recommit to healing and justice.

Tree of Peace

The eastern white pine was chosen as the Tree of Peace because its five coniferous needles clustered together signify the unification of the five original Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) nations in the early 1800s: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. The tree represents unity, peace, and strength. It was chosen as the symbol to embody the unification of the nations and the promise of a lasting peace.

The eastern white pine is a large tree native to eastern North America. It is the provincial tree of Ontario. In colonial times, the trees were used to make masts for British Royal Navy ships. It is a popular lumber tree that is also sometimes grown as Christmas trees. Only one percent of old growth eastern white pine remain due to extensive logging in the 1800s and early 1900s. Old growth trees can be over 400 years old and reach a height of 200 feet.

Sources: ontario.ca, wikipedia.com

Troy

Dave