Jacinta Morin is a proud Indigenous woman from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, raised in the Denare Beach (Amisk Lake) community before moving to Flin Flon, Manitoba. Her family’s history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the residential school system, which impacted four generations of her family before her and only ended in 1996. That painful history has shaped Jacinta’s identity, instilling in her a deep sense of resilience, strength and pride in her journey forward.

In 2008, Jacinta moved to Alberta in search of new opportunities and soon joined UNITE HERE Local 47, a union representing hospitality workers. Over the years, she worked in nearly every position within the hospitality industry, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the work and the people who form the backbone of the sector.

Jacinta’s deeper involvement with the union began in 2015 when she started attending membership meetings and volunteering at community events. From Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) fundraisers to Labour Day celebrations with the union’s food truck, she found joy and purpose in giving back. These experiences sparked a passion for advocacy and community service that continues to guide her work today.

In 2016, Jacinta officially became a Job Steward at Suncor’s Mount Logan Lodge at Fort Hills mine. In this role, she has proudly represented her fellow union members, standing up for their rights and ensuring their voices are heard. Her leadership and dedication have strengthened the workplace and reinforced the values of fairness and respect that UNITE HERE Local 47 upholds.

Her commitment to the union deepened further in 2022 when she was nominated and elected as one of three Trustees forLocal 47. This role has allowed Jacinta to grow personally and professionally while continuing to give back to the organization that has supported her journey. She approaches her responsibilities with humility and gratitude, always striving to uplift others and contribute meaningfully to the union’s mission.

Jacinta’s story is one of perseverance, leadership and community.From her roots in northern Saskatchewan to her role as a Union Steward and Trustee, she embodies the strength of her heritage and the power of collective action.