National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. This is an important day, as families and loved ones of women and girls who have been murdered, or are currently missing, remember their sisters, mothers, daughters, aunties, and friends. This day is often called Red Dress Day, in recognition of the Red Dress Project. The following was submitted by SEIU-West member by Freda Weeseekase.

FNMIC Donations Drive 2022

SEIU-West's First Nations, Métis and Inuit Committee is requesting your support to help those in our communities that are struggling with homelessness and housing insecurity.

They plan to fill backpacks with necessities and hand them out to those that could really use a little help.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We hope you take this day to pause and reflect on the history of Canada and its relationship with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, as well as working towards a different future that respects and acknowledges the unique and independent role of all First Nations. We encourage you to challenge yourself to find your role in building a harmonious relationship with the original peoples of this land.

Angie is a member of SEIU-West's First Nations, Métis and Inuit Committee (FNMIC). Here is her story:

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2022

Our First Nations, Métis and Inuit Committee (FNMIC) along with our Multicultural Mentorship Committee (MMC), would like to share some resources and events for you. We hope you join us in celebrating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on August 9, 2022.

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

Today we were excited to participate in Saskatoon’s Rock your Roots Walk for Reconciliation, but mother earth had other plans.

Committee Openings

As you may be aware, we have a number of committees who are looking to fill vacancies. If you are an SEIU-West member (or know of an SEIU-West member in your workplace) that is looking for a great way to get involved in your union, are enthusiastic, curious, and ready to learn, take a look at the various committees and see if one peaks your interest.

The committees looking to fill out their allotted number of members are as follows:

• Aboriginal Committee
• Multicultural Mentorship Committee
• Political Action & Awareness Committee
• Worker Safety Committee
• Young Workers Committee

If one catches your eye, send in an Expression of Interest form. 

We also have a Committee Openings poster that can be displayed on the SEIU-West bulletin board in your workplace for coworkers to find. Joining a committee is a great way to meet new people, step outside of your comfort zone, and show your solidarity in your union.

 

 

National Indigenous History Month

SEIU-West's Aboriginal Committee met on May 31 and has many exciting initiatives coming up. 

We'd like to share a list of June events and ask that you join us in celebrations of National Indigenous History Month and work towards Reconciliation in Saskatchewan. 

Email [email protected] if you'd like to walk with us in Saskatoon for Rock your Roots for Reconciliation!

Join a SEIU-West Committee!

SEIU-West Committees keep us at the forefront of the Labour movement in Canada, and provide an excellent opportunity for members to learn from each other. Committee members serve for two years, and we have now approached the end of a two-year term so we are requesting SEIU-West members and all current committee members to submit their Expressions of Interest form should they wish to serve or remain on committees.

 

Connecting for Reconciliation

Have you ever thought: “I support reconciliation. I want to do my part, but I’m not sure what to do?”

If so, Reconciliation Saskatoon has put together the ConnectR website (www.beaconnectr.org). It’s an excellent interactive tool for people looking to find a way to help build better relationships between Canada’s Indigenous and settler communities. Its motto nicely describes how it works: “Choose your next step”. There are four “paths”: Spirit, Head, Heart, and Body. Clicking on a path takes you to suggested actions like “Attend a cultural event at your local friendship centre,” “Learn Indigenous teachings about plants,” and “Support Indigenous artisans online.” Each suggestion includes links to further information. You can also access this information by clicking one of the “Themes”, such as “Current Events”, “Facts and Figures”, and “Safe Spaces”.

ConnectR is the latest project of Reconciliation Saskatoon, a partnership of about 100 organizations, including the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, the City of Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and the Central Urban Métis Federation. Some of the information is Saskatoon-specific, but most of it is useful wherever you live in Saskatchewan.

Check it out. It works well on cellphones too!

Join SEIU-West in Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day – Saskatoon and Regina events!

Join SEIU-West in Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day – Saskatoon and Regina events!