The nomination deadline for a seventh member to join the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Governing Circle has been extended to October 31, 2023.

The Governing Circle Member will represent First Nations Survivors, or their families or ancestors, and must identify as First Nations.

This call for nominations is pursuant to the Administrative Agreement signed with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

How to Nominate:

First Nations organizations, groups, communities, and individuals may nominate the individual to the Governing Circle.

Individuals nominated may be employees or elected officials either working for or designated by the nominating body. In the case of elected officials, the nominating entity should ensure the elected term of the nominee is sufficient to cover their role on the Governing Committee.

Each nomination must consist of:

• A brief biography of 350 words or less;

• A CV of the individual; and

• One or more letters of support.

Nominators must confirm the individual nominated is willing and able to accept nomination to the Committee prior to submitting names to the Nomination Committee for review.

Selection Process:

Nominations will be reviewed by a Nomination Committee comprised of the University of Manitoba, University Partner, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Community and Youth representatives.

This committee will have sole discretion to appoint the members of the Governing Circle. Decisions shall be made on a consensus basis.

Submission of Names

Please send nomination submissions no later than September 12, 2023, at 4:30 PM

Nominations can be sent to:

Attention: Storm Allard

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Chancellors Hall – 177 Dysart Road Winnipeg, Manitoba

R3T 2N2

Nomination packages can also be faxed to (204) 474-7533 or emailed to: storm.allard@umanitoba.ca

All submissions will be treated with the utmost of confidence.

Background

Constitution:

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is guided by the Governing Circle, which is composed of seven members, each serving two-year terms (capable of renewal).

The Governing Circle is comprised of:

• Two members being employees of or holding an academic appointment with the University of Manitoba;
• Two members from Partnering organizations;
• Three members representing survivors or their families or ancestors, one each of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis background; and
• At all times, a majority of seven members must identify as Indigenous.

Members shall:

• Reflect a spirit of shared governance by the University, survivors and their families, and other Partners;
• Include a diverse set of cultures and languages; and
• Possess skills, experience, and ability to help fulfill the Purposes and Objectives.

Power and Duties:

The Governing Circle makes decisions and provides advice to the NCTR, University of Manitoba and the Partners on matters related to the Centre, such as:

• Ceremonies and protocols relating to the Purposes, the Objectives, and the Settled Property;
• Indigenous concepts important to the Purposes and Objectives
• Methods, sources, and subject matters for expanding the Centre’s holdings and resources
• Communications strategies for the Centre
• Establishment of committees, including the Survivors Circle
• Engagement with external experts and interested parties for the furtherance of the Purposes and Objectives, including inviting such individuals to provide advice to the Governing Circle or to participate in any of its meetings or committees;
• Procedures and rules for Governing Circle meetings; and
• Policies and input to guide the University of Manitoba in the exercise of its powers and discretions in relation to the Trust Deed, especially in relation to lending or disposing of any portion of the Settled Property

The Governing Circle provides advice and guidance to the University and the Partners on other topics, including the following:

• Priorities for the Centre’s activities and spending;
• Identification and acceptance of new Partners, or removal of existing Partners, and identification of categories of Partners that would benefit the Centre;
• Policies for the exercise of such discretionary decisions as permitted by freedom of information, privacy and copyright law;
• The application of appropriate research ethics related to Indigenous matters, including (where appropriate) reference to Indigenous principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possessions (“OCAP”), Protocols for Native American Archive Materials, and the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, specifically the chapter on Research involving the First nations, Inuit and Metis people of Canada, or any similar related protocols which have been or may in the future be developed;
• Exercise of discretion to waive fees under the Manitoba Freedom of

Information and Protection of Privacy Act;

• Raising funds to support the Centre to help achieve the Purposes and Objectives;
• Hiring and evaluation of Centre staff; and
• Rules regarding the conduct or ethics of members of the Governing Circle and its committees;

Travel expenses, and a modest honorarium related to participation in the Circle will be provided by the Centre.