Purpose:

To promote awareness of the cultures of our Workers of Colour Members within our union membership, and how their values intertwine with union values.

We are committed to promoting racial justice, inclusion, and equality in the workplace and in our communities. 

We aim to build strong relationships with community organizations and allies through participation in cultural events. 

Composition:

The Committee shall be composed of up to eight SEIU-West members in good standing. The committee will be comprised of members that identify as workers of colour. Motion to appoint members will be approved by the Executive Board.

The committee will be tabled by two co-chairs that identify as workers of colour. There will be an elected recording secretary, nominated by the committee members. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

  1. To assist the SEIU-West Executive Board in achieving its targets and priorities while ensuring diverse representation.
  2. To engage our Workers of Colour members to strengthen their union knowledge and engagement. 
  3. To promote racial justice, inclusion and equity in our workplaces and communities.
  4. To educate and inform all union members on Workers of Colour issues within the workplace.
  5. To keep our Workers of Colour members up to date on specific issues that might impact them.
  6. To recruit possible members by attending meetings, conferences and cultural events.
  7. To work with other Equity seeking groups to broaden and develop the goals of union members.
  8. To be an advisory and a resource for all union members, the Executive Board and bargaining committee on Workers of Colour issues and to ensure that diversity is reflected.

Committee Members:

Chair:

Yolanda Sagayo - Head Cook, Davidson Health Centre (Davidson) - 306.262.3163  

Recording Secretary:

Arlene Lontoc - Medical Laboratory Assistant - Saskatoon City Hospital

Committee Members:

Roya Mahmoud Kalayeh

Theophilius Oni - Unit Support, St. Paul's Hospital (Saskatoon) 306.263.3555

Leta Raquel-Lee - Health Information Management Clerk, St. Paul's Hospital (Saskatoon)

Christiana - Continuing Care Assistant, Sasaktoon City Hospital (Saskatoon) 639.916.1029

Ex-Officio Top Officer:

Jason Monteith - 1.888.999.SEIU ext. 8731

Staff Representative:

Dennel Pickering – 306.652.1011 ext. 2241

Resources:

The myth of race, debunked in 3 minutes - YouTube

History of Racism in Canada - YouTube

Doll test - The effects of racism on children (ENG) - YouTube

Microaggressions in the Classroom - YouTube

Equality Diversity & Inclusion in 2021 - WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT? - YouTube

Threads Library from the Saskatoon Open Door Society

Inay (Mama) (You need an account to watch this but accounts are free)

Roots Miniseries official trailer - Full Episodes

First Nations, Métis and Inuit Committee (FNMIC) and Workers of Colour Multicultural Mentorship Committee (WoCMMC) recently asked folks to apply to join them at the People Bridge Advocacy's TRC Calls to Action - Walking Together: A Sharing Circle Gathering for Truth and Reconciliation. 

When members attend events, we ask that they send in reports so members can read up on what the events are all about and learn from the reports. Have a read:

The Workers of Colour Multicultural Mentorship Committee (WoCMMC) sent delegates to the Asian Pacific Island (API) Summit in October 2025. The purpose of the summit was to shape the future of API leadership, connect with inspiring API leaders and create real change, empower API workers through education and organizing workshops and to celebrate the richness of API culture and heritage.

Members that attend are asked to provide a report so that the membership can also benefit from the events. Please have a read:

SEIU-West's First Nations, Métis and Inuit Committee and Workers of Colour Multicultural Mentorship Committee are pleased to co-sponsor up to two (2) members to attend the People Bridge Advocacy event: TRC Calls to Action - Walking Together: A Sharing Circle Gathering for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, September 27th 2025 from 9:00am - 4:00pm located at 359 1st Ave North (Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans office) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 

The SEIU-West's Workers of Colour Multicultural Mentorship Committee (WoCMMC) will be sponsoring one (1) SEIU-West member to attend the THREADS Cultural Conversations 2025 Conference on October 7 and 8, 2025, hosted by the Saskatoon Open Door Society. This is a virtual conference. Day one is from 9:30-4:30 and day two is from 9:30-12:00. The WoCMMC will reimburse lost wages for those who are selected to attend according to our policies. 

Locals from across Canada and the United States had their first ever Asian Pacific Islander (API) Summit in Toronto. SEIU-West sent two members to attend to participate in skill-building workshops focused on recruitment and organizing, and build connections, share strategies, and celebrate the richness of API heritage.  

Read their reports below to hear all about it!

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