Resolution 9 - We Support Council FIRE in Solidarity with Native American, Native Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Workers

Resolution 9

We Support Council FIRE in Solidarity with Native American, Native Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Workers

WHEREAS: the North Dakota AFL-CIO and the AFL-CIO always strive to win the full respect for the dignity of the human individuals whom our unions serve; and

WHEREAS: the Labor Movement in the United States has long known the importance of constituent engagement through the recognition of organized constituency groups whose missions include supporting workforce development, worker and member retention, retiree participation, worker mentorship, apprenticeships, internships, and leadership within organizations reflective of their racial, gender, and sexual orientation identities, and to provide a voice at the table when decisions that impact their economic lives and Worksites are made; and

WHEREAS: acknowledgment of Indigenous workers is critical to building solidarity, mutual respect, and connection across social and class barriers; and

WHEREAS: Council FIRE (First Inhabitants’ Rights and Equality) is a body of Indigenous union members seeking recognition as a formal AFL-CIO constituency group, and would establish a space for Indigenous union members within AFL-CIO affiliates to work collaboratively with their own and other Indigenous communities, and would provide a seat at the table for these worker-leaders; and therefore, be it 

RESOLVED: that the North Dakota AFL-CIO will review and, if appropriate, adjust its strategies to educate the public and other constituency groups to better understand our region’s history with respect to Indigenous people’s ways and cultures, and to ensure the preservation of Native Indian, Native American, Native Alaskan, Native Hawaiian, and other Indigenous people’s cultures and ways of life; and be it further

RESOLVED: that the North Dakota AFL-CIO supports the National AFL-CIO’s formal recognition of Council FIRE, and endorses its importance to our broader movement due to its promotion of good wages, quality benefits, healthy work cultures, and the well-being of Indigenous people; and be it further

RESOLVED: that the North Dakota AFL-CIO will forward this resolution to the AFL-CIO for consideration; and be it finally

RESOLVED: The North Dakota AFL-CIO will explore the creation of a state Council FIRE chapter and report back at the 2027 Convention with an update on the progress made toward the aims of this resolution.