Eight years after Meka Okochi arrived in Saskatchewan, he decided to run to be Regina’s newest mayor in 2012.

Though he didn’t win, he told the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) in a recent interview that it drove him to seek out different ways to serve his community.

“After that [election] I was looking for how I could contribute to the community,” Meka said, noting that finding his way to the Board of Directors for MCoS was a “good place to land.”

“The things MCoS were talking about were not only things I experienced, one way or the other … [but also] the importance of not just multiculturalism but … anti-racism work, work that seeks to bring people together through those intercultural exchanges and connections.”

“These were things [that] were very strongly aligned with my values.”

He said that his alignment with MCoS was not only because of his personal relationship and understanding of multiculturalism as something of value to Saskatchewan, but that it was his desire to help support the community, that drove him to run for a seat on the Board of Directors at the 2013 AGM.

“I didn’t know I was going to spend 11 years on the Board [of Directors,]” He said, laughing.

“Over the years I’ve seen how that growth has taken place … more people from around the world [have come to Saskatchewan,]” he said.

“How do we come together, how to we make sure we capture the collective creativity of this Canadian population to help Saskatchewan grow? Most of the things that MCoS was focused on were really important help drive a lot of that social change … [and] economic growth across Saskatchewan.”

I think [IDEA principles] are important, they are valuable to the growth of Saskatchewan … I don’t think we want to lose that … we don’t want to cave,” Meka Okochi.

It’s his feeling that having diverse skillsets will help the province grow. He also noted, that if newcomers arrive in Saskatchewan and see organizations that welcome them and are clear about their commitment to inclusivity, more people will start calling Saskatchewan home.

“Because I tell people this all the time. Diversity in [and of] itself is something that helps nations and communities grow.”

Highlights of Tenure: Indigenous Support & Organizational Growth

Meka was elected to his first term as President in 2020, early on in the Covid-19 Pandemic.

And aside from the changes and challenges the pandemic brought, and being able to watch diversity in Saskatchewan grow over his decade on the board, Meka also watched the rise of anti-black hate in the United States after the killing of George Floyd.

“Anti-black racism was [on] the rise in the United States and [was] in conversations around the world. It was also important to shine a greater light on the Indigenous story and make sure we are deepening kinship with Indigenous people and communities,” he said, referring to the changes he saw during his time on the board.

“[MCoS] must continue to lend its voice to dismantling the racism against Indigenous people … as well, there’s a need to keep educating ourselves and new Canadians coming into the province on some of the challenges that are existing within Indigenous spaces.”

Meka noted that sometimes, when newcomers come to Saskatchewan, they pick up some of that negative perception of Indigenous people that already exists in settler spaces. He thinks though the process has begun, there is still a longer journey ahead towards building meaningful relationships with Indigenous people in the province.

“I find it to be one of the … best organizations in terms of board I’ve sat on. I’m incredibly proud of the work the board, Rhonda, the staff have done together in ensuring that … proud of the work the board, Rhonda, the staff have done together in ensuring that … we have a workplace that genuinely cares about the employees and is focused on values and work that are important to them and our members,” he said, highlighting MCoS’ work to optimize organizational efficiency during his tenure.

These are the things, Meka says, he feels most proud of when he looks back.

“We did some really good work,” he said, referring to the organization’s support of member groups, other organizations, schools, and in supporting community and humanity connected across Saskatchewan.

A Vision: Multiculturalism Moving Forward

Meka also thinks the future is hopeful. His vision for growth for MCoS would be to see the organization continue to be a leading voice in the multicultural space.

“I’m extremely excited. When I looked ahead, I’d love to see MCoS be a strong voice in helping shape … informed government policies. I think we need more voices that tell the fuller story of the diverse population we have here in Saskatchewan.”

Specifically, Meka noted MCoS can continue to support its strong membership across the province while also supporting more groups in rural areas and municipalities. Stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities, he also noted, is an exciting space for growth at MCoS.

“That would really create a better Saskatchewan for everyone.”

He added that across Saskatchewan, every organization needs to work more with Indigenous partners towards reconciliation — to find a meaningful way forward, in partnership.

But his optimism is also tempered with the need for caution.

“And I think in the immediate future we need to be very careful about not losing those values … as a province, as organizations. I know we’re on the verge of a new Trump Presidency and we’re seeing some unsettling changes coming on the horizon … [there are also] lots of conversations that are negative and divisive.”

And in the face of that division, Meka notes that we need to be sure Saskatchewan is aware of the progress we’ve made towards diversity, equity, and inclusion and ensure — as others consider rolling back those promises — folks here at home don’t lose focus.

“I think [IDEA principles] are important, they are valuable to the growth of Saskatchewan … I don’t think we want to lose that … we don’t want to cave.”

“I’m being true to myself [by focusing on] public service. It’s something I’ve always loved,” Meka Okochi.

“I think it’s going to be very challenging for MCoS and for the multicultural community. But it’s important to preserve that belief system … values mean something when there is a challenging situation and you stick to it.”

Meka Okochi: A Legacy of Public Service

And this vigilance, this desire to serve the community was instilled in Meka from a young age.

Though he came to Saskatchewan in 2004 and thought he would leave the province after he finished his studies at the University of Regina, something about the province and the community convinced him to stay.

“Regina welcomed me when I got there. I made some really good friends … but I just found Regina to be home. It was home to me,” he said, noting that he’s now called Saskatchewan home for over 20 years.

Through his career and his various volunteering capacities, Meka said he’s always trying to make an impact on the province that welcomed him home.

Currently, he works with the City of Saskatoon, trying to make the world a better place, in his own way.

“I’m being true to myself [by focusing on] public service. It’s something I’ve always loved — I come from a family of people that are in public service, right? We’re proud of giving back to the community and the public space.”

“Whether it was through teaching or through diplomacy or true community service … giving back has always come naturally to my family” he added.

And beyond his work with MCoS or his career with the City of Saskatoon, Meka noted that he’s also served in various other positions across Saskatchewan. Work which includes serving on the Saskatchewan Economic Development Association Board, the Soccer Association Board, and he’s been closely involved with both the African Canadian Resource Network and the Igbo Cultural Association of Saskatchewan.

But currently, he says he’s in the phase of his life now where he’s taking time to reflect and decide where he’d next like to contribute — beyond spending time with his family both in Canada and Nigeria.

“Sometimes you’re driven by what’s happening about you, and that sort of sparks that desire to be a voice, to help support a cause. But for now, I just enjoy serving at the City of Saskatoon.”

“The future for me really is about contributing to humanity in the best way that I can.”

 

Story by Miguel Fenrich

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The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan has been raising awareness of the benefits of cultural diversity and the dangers of racism since November 22, 1975. MCoS became a provincial not-for-profit, non-governmental agency that works to ensure ethnocultural survival, strength and prominence and foster opportunities for cross-cultural interaction.