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

World Refugee Day 2022

June 20 is World Refugee Day. The SEIU-West Multicultural Mentorship Committee (MMC) wants to highlight why World Refugee Day is so important.

Not only does this day encourage us to think about what we can do to help, it also motivates us to be better neighbours and friends. Compassion would make this entire world a softer place for us all. Imaging leaving your home, friends, and country because you're afraid of being persecuted for your beliefs.

Let's not just pause on June 20 to reflect, let's all commit to supporting refugees on their journeys and appreciate the sacrifices and strengths of refugees that have settled in Canada. Let's look at the work that needs to be done to help over fifty million refugees/displaced persons that are at risk worldwide.

There is a huge need to create a more peaceful world. Together, we can work so that fewer people will be forced to leave their homes due to violence, war and unrest. Why is it that world peace seems so impossible, while world war seems so possible? World peace is a monumental goal, but every step we make towards it matters. 

We may see a greater amount of refugees in Saskatchewan with the current situation in Ukraine. This is an opportunity. Be friends, neighbours, co-workers and citizens.

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.

 

 

Celebrating Multiculturalism Week: A recap of our meeting with the Saskatoon Open Door Society

The Multicultural Mentorship Committee (MMC) recently hosted a “Coffee Break” zoom meeting with the Saskatoon Open Door Society. We invited members, their families, and their communities to attend.

We wanted to share with you some of what we learned.

Stories from the Front Line: Manu

November 20-28, 2021 is Saskatchewan Multicultural Week. This year, the Multicultural Association of Saskatchewan is asking us to celebrate Saskatchewan Multicultural week by having residents share stories with the hashtag #TogetherWeMakeSaskatchewanStrong.

We couldn't be more proud of our members, so we are highlighting some of our multicultural members this week. Meet Manu.

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Moose Jaw

Phone: 306.693.7922
Fax: 306.692.2807
Address:
39 Athabasca Street West
Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2B6

Saskatoon

Phone: 306.652.1011
Fax: 306.652.1392
Address:
200–747 46th Street West
Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A1

Swift Current

Phone: 306.773.2536
Fax: 306.773.7535
Address:
333 Central Avenue North
Swift Current, SK S9H 0L5