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

You're invited to join the SEIU-West Multiculturalism Mentorship Committee to celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day with a potluck and karaoke party! Use the RSVP function here to let us know you're coming!

Families are welcome! And feel free to bring a special dish to share with other attendees!

Please note that we ask all ingredients are clearly marked on a card with any food so people may handle their dietary restrictions and/or allergies appropriately.

Black History Month is a great opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of African Americans in North America. The theme for this year (2023) is “Ours to tell”. As an African diaspora and the Multicultural Mentorship Committee co-chair, I would like to reflect on the “Year of Return”, (2019) and “Beyond the Return” initiatives organized by Ghana in West Africa to recognize the 400th anniversary of the year the first slave traded Africans landed in America. 

The SEIU-West Multicultural Mentorship Committee and Young Worker Committee have partnered to invite you to apply to attend their 2023 Conference. This conference is intended for young workers, new Canadians and workers of colour, where we can discuss mental health, discrimination, the challenges of coming to Canada, and issues like accessing affordable, nutritional food. 

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