Northeastern Ontario area supervisor Robert Turpin was recently recognized for his work with Indigenous peoples.
He received a framed Statement of Partnership between Local 793 and the Chiefs of Ontario from the Métis Nation of Ontario and artisan Kathryn Malo in recognition of his work in helping to foster strong relations between the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
Robert is a registered Métis citizen with the Métis Nation of Ontario.
The frame incorporates the Métis sash, which surrounds the agreement. A blue Infinity Flag is at the bottom as a universal symbol of the Métis culture, along with a medicine wheel, which is a visual representation used by many First Nations and incorporates colours representing the houses of man, and animals representing First Nations clans – the turtle, buffalo, eagle and bear.
In the middle at the bottom is Local 793’s logo, which includes an inuksuk.
The agreement is lined with blue to represent the union.
From L to R in the photo are EPSCA business rep Larry Richard, Northeastern Ontario area supervisor Robert Turpin, Timmins business rep and former Métis Nation of Ontario employee Kirk Fournier, and Sault Ste. Marie business rep and Garden River First Nations member Rob Catling.