Indigenous workers committee
Want to advance reconciliation in your workplace, union and the wider labour movement?
We are seeking indigenous members of UFCW 1518 to join the Indigenous Workers Committee – contact your union rep for information on joining.
About the Committee
What we do
- We support the wellbeing of Indigenous workers by being a community where people feel safe, supported, and connected
- We advocate for Indigenous workers by advancing Indigenous rights within workplaces, and in policy at all levels of government
- We work collectively to support the wellbeing of Indigenous workers and to advocate for meaningful Truth and Reconciliation through education, awareness, and respectful engagement
Our Goals
- Advocate for changes in contracts that affirm Indigenous workers’ rights
- Provide employers and managers with education around Indigenous ways of being and needs for Indigenous workers
- Provide education opportunities for non-Indigenous members to be closer to the work of truth and reconciliation, and build a network of allies
- Establish mentorship opportunities for Indigenous workers to get involved with the Committee’s work
Our Committee Members
Marylou Fonda as been a UFCW 1518 member for 20 years. In that time, she has been involved with political action and union organizing, and recently fought for a fair contract at the Save-On-Foods bargaining table.
Marylou also serves on the Indigenous committee and as a shop steward in her workplace.
Dedicated to the fight for fairness, Marylou is a committed advocate who speaks up for workers’ rights across North America.
Christine Holowka, a dedicated 35-year member of UFCW 1518, joined the Executive Board in 2012.
She is a passionate advocate for education and awareness on indigenous issues, having served on the Provincial Indigenous Committee, National Indigenous Sub-Committee, and Human Rights Equity and Diversity National Committee.
Christine is committed to engaging with members and empowering them to use their voices to champion workers’ and human rights.
Anita Letendre, a UFCW 1518 shop steward for 35+ years and current Executive Board Member, fearlessly advocates for members.
Dedicated to Indigenous issues, she dismantles barriers, educates, and defends those who are exploited.
She looks forward to serving UFCW 1518 members, while empowering and advocating for workers across BC and the Yukon.
Join the Indigenous workers committee
We are seeking indigenous members of UFCW 1518 (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) to join the Indigenous Workers Committee – contact your union rep for information on joining! Fill in this form to let us know you’d like to be involved, or ask any questions you might have.