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REPORT TO THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING ON 

ETFO’S EQUITY AND WOMEN’S PROGRAMS

V

SUPPORTING FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS AND INUIT (FNMI) MEMBERS

From time to time, ETFO FNMI members may face some unique challenges in the workplace. On 
December 9, the Supporting FNMI Members webinar was offered to local leaders. The webinar included 
relevant and useful information from the Canadian Teachers’ Federation research document, A Study on
Aboriginal Teachers’ Professional Knowledge and Experience in Canadian Schools. The Canadian Teachers’ 
Federation and its advisory committee on Aboriginal education initiated the study that explored the 
professional knowledge and experience of Aboriginal teachers. 

The following areas of inquiry in the study were shared and discussed during the webinar: philosophy of 
education; integration of Aboriginal content and perspectives into the curriculum; experiences of racism; 
and relationships with allies. Recommendations from the study were shared and local leaders were 
provided an opportunity to share their current best practices on engaging FNMI members in their local. 

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT 

The month of September is typically recognized across Canada and around the world for Take Back 
the Night activities. Numerous events are held to raise awareness of the issue of safety for women and 
children, and to celebrate freedom from violence. The recent surge in violence against women both 
locally and globally has never been more acute, and the call to eliminate such violence is paramount.

WOMEN IN ACTION

This three-day program is an introduction to ETFO and a call to action for women to become more 
involved. It is often a jumping-off point for women leaders. Once again this year, the program reached 
maximum capacity, with seven locals sponsoring workshops. At the 2014 Annual Meeting, “I’m A 
Woman in Action” buttons were distributed to all delegates who had participated in the workshop 
over the past 15 years. Many women who are now leaders in ETFO were part of this program at the 
beginning of their union involvement.

WORKING WITH EQUITY-SEEKING COMMUNITY GROUPS WP

This program is a partnership with locals, through their Equity Committee(s), focusing on support 
for women in their community. Up to $2,000 is provided for initiatives with equity and social justice 
emphasis. Funded projects this year included a screening of Girl Rising and support for a community 
festival, an International Women’s Day event and local shelters/services for abused women. 

Partnerships 

ETFO collaborates with many other organizations that work for social justice. These are some of ETFO’s 
key partnerships:

CAMPAIGN 2000 AND KEEP THE PROMISE

2014 marked the 25

th

 anniversary of the unanimously-supported motion in the House of Commons 

to end child poverty by the year 2000. Campaign 2000 marked this anniversary with an increased 
presence in the media, events and through research.