Labour Council held its third annual Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Conference on May 7th. The conference,“Linking Our Struggles for Equity - A Million Reasons to Organize”, was opened with a traditional welcome by Wanda Whitebird of the Miq Maq Nation. Solidarity Greetings were given by Ontario NDP Leader Howard Hampton and CLC Secretary Treasurer Hassan Yussuff.

After a set of intense action-oriented workshops, delegates were treated to the energetic African rythyms of performance ensemble TC3. The first annual Bromley L. Armstrong Award, was presented by Brother Armstrong to Sister June Veecock of CUPE. June is retiring this summer as Human Rights Director of the OFL. In the afternoon Harroon Siddiqui, Editorial Page Editor Emeritus of the Toronto Star spoke of his experiences, and the changing face of Toronto.

Keynote Speaker David Miller spoke on the City’s agenda and critical issues that are part of his commitment to equity. Two years ago, Miller unveiled his equity program to the Labour Council’s fi rst Workers of Colour Conference, and he came back to report on the progress made since that time. The fl oor was then opened for questions and answers.

Zanana Akande, President of the Alliance on Race Relations gave closing remarks as delegates prepared to board buses to join information pickets for the Day of Action at Wal-Mart. “It was a very good day”, commented Equity Committee Co-Chair Said Duale, a member of CAW Local 252. “It was the best one we have had so far”.