Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Development Network (AAEDN)
Draft Terms of Reference
PART A
PREAMBLE
A network is hereby established to be known as the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developers Network.
The following constitutes the Terms of Reference of the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developers Network.
The Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developer's Network (AAEDN) will have the authority over these Terms of Reference.
PART B
INTERPRETATION
In these Terms of Reference,
(a) "AAEDN" refers to the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developer's Network as established by Part A, Section 1.
(b) "AAEBS" refers to the Atlantic Aboriginal Economy Building Strategy.
(c) "First Nation Organizations" refers to an organization that falls under the control and jurisdiction of First Nation, Innu or Inuit leadership. This includes tribal councils, economic development corporations and/or Aboriginal capital corporations.
1.0 VISION
AAEDN promotes Aboriginal Economic Development through the implementation of initiatives that enhance the capacity and effectiveness of its membership.
2.0 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developer's Network (AAEDN) shall base activity and recommendations on the following principles:
2.1 AAEDN shall be representative of an official body for its membership.
2.2 AAEDN is established to serve as the lead in the implementation of the Atlantic Aboriginal Economy Building Strategy (AAEBS).
2.4 AAEDN shall be a place that provides an opportunity for open and well informed discussion, responsible undertakings and consensus building.
2.5 AAEDN is dedicated to sharing knowledge recognizing that access to accurate and current information is a primary condition essential to decision making.
2.6 AAEDN shall be regionally managed by its membership, administered by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs (APC), and funded by a partnership of funding sources.
2.7 AAEDN works with its membership in a priti of respect for local autonomy, political allegiance and candid in communication.
2.8 AAEDN members work in a unique context, relying on trusted advice and assistance amongst its membership to overcome challenges and be successful.
2.9 AAAEDN promotes and supports the interest of its membership.
3.0 MANDATE
AAEDN utilizes all available resources for the implementation of the Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Development Strategy.
4.0 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
AAEDN is a technical network that supports First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic development officers involved in economic development and the implementation of the AAEBS including but not limited to the following:
4.1 To gather, analyze and disseminate business and development information.
4.2 To share practical knowledge and expertise that promotes economic development best practices.
4.3 To promote and be representative the interests of First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic development.
4.4 To provide strategic input, advise and make recommendations to the AAEBS Executive Committee regarding the AAEBS.
4.5 To be leaders in promoting the AAEBS.
4.6 To proactively engage and consult with respective business, industry, agencies, service providers, NGO's and governments regarding Aboriginal economic development issues at local, regional and national levels.
4.7 To prioritize, plan and deliver training that enhances the capacity of First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic developers
4.8 To identify, assess and seek opportunity to facilitate larger economic development projects.
4.9 To explore an economy of scale and be a communication vehicle for Atlantic First Nations, Innu and Inuit communities.
5.0 GOVERNANCE
5.1 The organizational structure of AAEDN is depicted in Appendix A.
5.2 For a partnership model please refer to Appendix B that demonstrates the partnerships that have been established and linkages to organizations.
5.3 An executive body of the AAEDN to be herein referred to as the AAEBS Executive Committee is established to support and facilitate the implementation of the AAEBS fostering economy building in accordance with the strategy as prioritized by the APCFNC.
The primary purpose of the AAEBS Executive Committee is to provide strategic input, advise and make recommendations with regard to the implementation of the AAEBS.
Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Developers Network (AAEDN) in the support and implementation of the Atlantic Aboriginal Economy Building Strategy (AAEBS) has four Strategic Goal Committees, under the governance of the AAEBS Executive Committee that addresses a substantial portion of the AAEDN activity within the Atlantic Aboriginal Economy Building Strategy (AAEBS).
Please refer to Appendix C for the Terms of Reference that governs the AAEBS Executive Committee.
6.0 STRUCTURE
The network shall be composed of voting members, with two
Co-Chairs. The voting members of the network will be comprised of the following
Representatives with the exception to section(s) 5.7 and 5.9 respectively that are
considered ex-officio members to AAEDN.
6.1 All First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic developers in Atlantic Canada and the Mi'gmag of Quebec are eligible to be representatives within the AAEDN.
6.2Eligibility to be a Representative also includes those Economic Developers who work for Tribal Councils and/or Aboriginal Organizations including: Confederacy of Mainland Micmac (CMM), Union of Nova Scotia Indians (UNSI), KMK, Union of New Brunswick Indians (UNBI), Micmac Confederacy of Prince Edward Island (MCPEI), and Ulnooweg Development Group (UDG).
6.3 Official Appointment(s) of representatives of each First Nation, Innu, Inuit and Official Atlantic Aboriginal Tribal Council economic developers (Hereinafter defined as "Representative(s)") must be confirmed via letter from their respective Chief or First Nation organization. This shall be required of new Representatives, replacement Representatives and/or Alternate Representatives*.
6.4 Alternate(s) Representatives* may be proxy to a Representative in an official capacity, should they confirm their attendance in advance of scheduled meetings.
6.5 There shall be no more than one Representative and/or proxy for a Representative to vote on issues related to the AAEDN.
6.6 The co-chairs of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs (APCFNC) may sit as voting representative(s) and may guide AAEDN on issues related to policies or other matters.
6.7 The Assembly of First Nation (AFN) Regional Vice-Chiefs may sit as ex-officio representatives and may provide guidance and direction on issues related to economic development matters at the national level.
6.8 Official withdrawal of a Representative shall be confirmed via letter from the respective Chief and/or First Nation organization.
6.9 Ex Officio(s): Government and Agencies including: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC),Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
7.0 OBSERVERS
Observers are able to attend meetings upon invitation and are considered non-voting. The observer(s) may be considered but not limited to presenters and/or host community participants.
8.0 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
7.1 Implement the AAEBS.
7.2 Monitor progress and advise of necessary amendments to the strategy.
7.3 Advise implementation staff on budgets and funding for the strategy.
7.4 Assist in accessing funding for economic development initiatives at all levels.
7.5 Establish a network of First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic developers for the purposes of exchanging focussed knowledge, practices, and information and of ensuring its quality and currency.
7.6 Act as an information clearinghouse on issues related to economic development.
7.7 To act as a communications vehicle to both its membership and to the First Nation, Innu and Inuit leadership.
7.8 To hold scheduled meetings which promote active participation of its membership including economic developers, representatives, aboriginal organizations and ex-officios.
7.9 Address practical barriers to economic success within and across communities, and assist in troubleshooting those matters.
7.10 To facilitate discussion regarding Economic Social and Human Resource Development.
7.11 Advise the membership and First Nation, Innu and Inuit leadership on matters pertaining to economic development policy and of AAEBS implementation issues.
7.12 Form Committees as necessary to develop new work plans for goals 1 -4
7.13 To Be done By AAEDN re: AAEBS
Capacity Building:
? Standardize job descriptions for First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic developers.
? Develop and implement training programs that enhance the capacity and effectiveness of First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic developers.
? Maintain a useful set of information on business and economy topics.
? Carry out a communication plan attached to execute the Economy Strategy and develop AADEN's Members roles and responsibilities
? Aid First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic developers in the delivery of community based initiatives when requested to do so.
Advocacy:
? Communicate clearly the job definition of the First Nation, Innu and Inuit economic developer to various audiences and interested/affected persons.
? Lobby for increases to the current CEDO budget arrangement.
? Act as a dialogue platform for its membership.
? Promote the interests of its membership.
9.0 TERM OF APPOINTMENT
AAEDN members shall be appointed according to the procedures and principles of Section 5.0 Structure of these Terms of Reference.
These positions are considered permanent until such time that AAEDN terminates an appointment.
If vacancies arise during the regular operations of AAEDN, the committee shall make a recommendation to the respective first nation Innu, Innuit, organization to fill such vacancy if needed.
10.0 MEETINGS
AAEDN meetings will begin with the identification of a representative(s) as Co-Chair(s) to call the meeting to order.
The Co-Chair(s) shall proceed with a roundtable of introductions to identify those representatives in attendance.
Resolutions are to be brought before AAEDN membership to be duly moved and seconded and must be passed by a majority of voting representatives in attendance, assuming a quorum.
The AAEDN meetings shall, generally be held quarterly or at the call of the Co-Chair(s), with the provision that at least three meetings be held per year.
The AAEDN may consider holding meetings in alternating geographical areas of the membership's composition to encourage participation from all representatives.
Members shall make a reasonable effort to notify the network of their inability to attend a meeting by contacting administration at APC main office no later than 10:00 a.m. one(1) day prior to the meeting date or via email notification.
In order for a meeting to proceed a notice with agenda and minutes shall be sent out at least seven(7) days prior to a scheduled meeting with a quorum of thirteen (13) including nine (9) First Nations, Innu and Inuit economic developers and four (4) tribal council and/or aboriginal organization representatives to proceed with any such decision making.
11.0 QUORUM
The committee will take action and make recommendations by way of consensus. Decisions must receive a majority vote to move forward. Once quorum is established majority is half of the voting members plus one. The Co-Chairs are considered as non- voting members on the committee however in the event of a tie, a co-chair shall break the tie.
If quorum cannot be established once thirty minutes has elapsed after the start of a meeting, the AAEDN may continue with the meeting in an informal setting with any proposed motions or actions to be tabled for the next AAEDN meeting for consideration and enactment.
12.0 ATTENDANCE
APC Staff Support shall maintain a record of attendance to be included in the minutes of each meeting.
In order for a member to be in good standing, regular attendance at meetings is required. A member who is absent for three(3) consecutive meetings, without providing the AAEDN with written or verbal notification of just cause for such absence, shall be deemed to have resigned from the position. A formal written notification from the AAEDN shall be forwarded to the member in this regard.
If a leave of absence is required by a member, written notification shall be forwarded to AAEDN explaining the length of time needed.
13.0 COMPENSATION
No honorariums shall be made to the members of the AAEDN and/or all subcommittees for their participation. The AAEDN is considered a voluntary process until such time that the APCFNC deems otherwise.
14.0 ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY COORDINATION
The AAEDN shall be supported by the APC and shall prepare the AAEDN notices, agendas, minutes and all other correspondence as requested by the committee.
Minutes are to be recorded and must be forwarded to the membership no later than fifteen (15) working days after a meeting has been held.
15.0 REPORTING
The AAEDN shall report principally to the APCFNC and to any other key stakeholders with a vested interest in AAEDN as required.
14.1 Bound reports containing information on special initiatives, activities, training and funding of AAEDN are to be prepared for distribution to APCFNC. The membership shall determine the content and format of the report prior to productions and distribution.
14.2 Reports shall be prepared on annual basis
14.3 Current Community Economic Development Officer (CEDO) budgets will not be negatively impacted by the creation of AAEDN and/or any subsequent working committees.
14.4 Any change to the TOR shall be recommended to the APCFN executive for approval prior to implementation.
16.0 WORKING GROUPS
Extraordinary meetings of all or part of the AAEDN may be convened as required. The location, frequency and participation of these meetings shall be held at the discretion of the Co-Chair(s).
Support Staff shall support the working groups, where possible including the arrangement of room(s) and hospitality, record of attendance and minutes.
17.0 ACCOUNTABILITY
The committee shall report its discussions with AAEDN membership by maintaining minutes of meetings and providing oral reports to APCFNC as requested.
18.0 CONFIDENTIALITY/CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Appropriate measures shall be implemented to ensure that a formal policy is in place to ensure confidentiality and avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interests as per the conflict of interest guidelines See Annex B.
19.0 GUIDELINES, PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES
The committee may establish its own guidelines, procedures and or practices. These may include:
17.1 Notification of meetings
17.2 Setting and establishing agendas
17.3 Striking subcommittees or working groups
17.4 Conflict of interest guidelines.
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