View and download the Indigenous Advisory Circle call for interest here
BGC Canada is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and increasing our support to Indigenous partners and communities. To guide our efforts, BGC Canada is creating an Indigenous Advisory Circle.
Background
BGC Canada is Canada’s largest child and youth-serving organization, providing quality childcare, after-school, and out-of-school programs during critical periods of child and youth development. Our mission is to provide safe, supportive places where kids and teens can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life. Located in 736 communities across Canada, our federation of BGC Clubs are in neighbourhoods where they are most needed, including large city centres, remote rural communities, and Indigenous communities.
A founding partner of the 4Rs Youth Movement, BGC Canada is committed to building knowledge, awareness, and engagement in truth and reconciliation nationally and within Club communities. BGC Clubs serve 200,000 young people across Canada, including thousands of children, youth, and families that identify as Indigenous. Our strategic plan commits our organization to working collaboratively with Clubs to support Indigenous kids and teens and their families in our Club communities and to prioritize reconciliation through the work we do across the country.
Through our ability to provide transformative spaces and meaningful opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous young leaders to forge new pathways and by supporting Indigenous young people to achieve their potential, we make meaningful contributions to supporting Indigenous youth and their communities.
We recognize the value of guidance from Indigenous Peoples as it will help ensure that planning, practices, programs, and policies meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples, remove barriers, and better support Indigenous children and youth.
BGC Canada’s Core Values
Belonging: We welcome everyone in a safe, accepting environment based on belonging and positive relationships.
Respect: We ensure that everyone—children, youth, families, volunteers, staff—is heard, respected, valued, and treated fairly.
Encouragement & Support: We encourage and support every child and youth to play, learn, and grow to achieve their dreams.
Working Together: We work together with young people, families, volunteers, our communities, and government.
Speaking Out: We speak out for children, youth, and families so that we can make our world better.
BGC Canada’s Indigenous Advisory Circle
The Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) will provide high-level guidance to BGC Canada, including advice to our CEO and executive team as they further develop strategy and operational plans that strengthen BGC Canada’s engagement with, and support of, Indigenous Peoples and communities. This guidance, in collaboration with Club leaders and other partners, will influence multiple aspects of the BGC movement, including our strategic and annual plans, policies, program delivery, local Club tool and resource development, relationships with Indigenous leaders, and human resources. The IAC will also be consulted on how it might be shaped moving forward, including governance structures and organizational design.
Joining BGC Canada’s Indigenous Advisory Circle
All First Nation, Inuit, and Métis persons in Canada can apply to be part of the Advisory Circle. The Circle will have six to ten members selected from interested applicants and aims to include diverse experiences and representation such as:
- Regional representation (including across Canada as well as rural, northern, and urban areas)
- Knowledge of Indigenous protocols, teachings, and worldviews
- Experience with Indigenous communities, organizations, or businesses, preferably with a focus on Indigenous children and youth
- Age, including youth, elders, or knowledge keepers
- The 2S & LGBTQIA+ community
Selected members will be offered two-year terms of service. Some members may be re-appointed for an additional two-year term to allow for systematic rotation while maintaining continuity. The Advisory Circle will hold a minimum of 3 – 4 meetings or teleconferences per year.
Financial Compensation and Other Expenses
Compensation will be provided to all members in recognition of their preparation and travel time, as well as their participation in meetings. BGC Canada will also reimburse members’ approved travel expenses in accordance with its internal policies.
If you are interested in learning more or joining the Indigenous Advisory Circle, please contact Natasha Beedie, Indigenous Community Engagement Advisor, at nbeedie@bgccan.com.
The deadline to provide interest is January 15, 2022.
