Sheena Yew is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and a proud member of SGEU’s education sector. As a career advisor with the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Sheena assists Métis people in our province achieve self-sufficiency through education and meaningful employment.

Within SGEU, Sheena has over twenty years of union involvement under her belt, having served as a steward, chief steward and bargaining chair. She is currently SGEU’s SFL Vice-President and chair of the SGEU Indigenous Committee.

In her role as SFL Vice-President, Sheena brings an Indigenous perspective to both the Administration Committee and Provincial Council, and she is always looking for ways to advance reconciliation in the union and the Saskatchewan labour movement.

As chair of the Indigenous Committee, Sheena is very proud to support truth and reconciliation with her fellow members. Under her leadership, the Indigenous Committee successfully advocated for the creation of an Indigenous Vice-President position, making SGEU the first union to recognize this important role.

 “I am so grateful for my involvement on the committee and the valuable insight of our members,” says Sheena. “Each member that has spent time on the committee has contributed to a legacy of respect, trust and commitment to truth and reconciliation.”

She notes that we are not so far removed from the ‘history’ of colonization.

“My kokum attended the Île-à-la-Crosse residential (day) school, my father and older brother were part of the 60’s scoop, my father only received Indian status about 15 years ago after Bill C-31 came out – my kokum being a Bill C-31 status Indian – and I am a survivor of domestic violence.”

 “Attend a cultural event, watch a documentary on events like the 60’s scoop, and talk to your friends and family about why truth and reconciliation matters.”

The intergenerational effects of colonization are still being felt, which is why Sheena says it is up to all members to participate in creating change.

 “Attend a cultural event, watch a documentary on events like the 60’s scoop, and talk to your friends and family about why truth and reconciliation matters.”

According to Sheena, members should feel comfortable speaking up in their workplace when there is something they need, or they have ideas that would improve their work environment. 

“When you are asking an Indigenous person what they need, approach the conversation with curiosity. When they share their needs, please listen and understand that it is very personal because this is part of our identity.”

Sheena believes in revitalizing culture through our children. Her nitôsim (nephew) has a natural talent for traditional dancing while her nitânis (daughter) attends a Cree immersion school and can sing O Canada and Happy Birthday in Cree (her class will hopefully be performing at convention this year).

To Sheena, this is the definition of truth and reconciliation.

“The focus on culture and language brings pride, promise and the hope that the next generation is setting a new path forward.”