Interview with CBC's Metro Morning

In the early stages of our petition process, back on January 12, 2016, our Crane Clan Leader Audrey Rochette joined Matt Galloway for an interview on CBC's Metro Morning radio show. They discussed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report recommendation for mandated Indigenous education in Canadian schools, and the crucial role of education on Indigenous history, culture, and issues in the reconciliation process.

Listen to their interview here.

The Varsity: "U of T strikes Truth and Reconiciliation steering committee"

The following article was published by The Varsity, the University of Toronto's campus newspaper, January 25, 2016. The original article can be found here.

In the wake of the recent release of the full report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), U of T president Meric Gertler and U of T vice president and provost Cheryl Regehr have struck a university-wide steering committee to review and implement the TRC’s conclusions. The committee was created on January 15.

The TRC released its historic final report which includes a total of 94 “Calls to Action.” These “Calls to Action” are recommendations that cover steps institutions and people can take towards expediting reconciliation. Many of them involve educational reforms.

Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo, coordinator of U of T’s Council of Aboriginal Initiatives and director of Aboriginal student services at U of T’s First Nations House, alongside professor Stephen Toope, director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, are the steering committee’s co-chairs. Community Elders Lee Maracle and Andrew Wesley are also confirmed to be providing “guidance and wisdom” to the committee.

“The steering committee will be guiding the implementation of the Terms of Reference. I will participate in the same way all the members of the committee do,” said Maracle.

“The role of the committee is to consider the recommendations of the TRC and implement those that are relevant to the university. Students and faculty can become involved in the working groups attached to the steering committee and projects the committee proposes to undertake,” Maracle continued.

Other supporters of the committee include associate professor Sandy Welsh, vice provost, students, and professor Sioban Nelson, vice provost, academic programs and faculty and academic life, who will work closely with academic divisions and other stakeholders following the TRC’s Terms of Reference.

Native Students’ Association calls for mandatory Indigenous Studies class

The Native Students’ Association (NSA) recently circulated a petition calling on the university to implement a mandatory Indigenous studies credit across all levels of education. The petition, which was posted on Change.org last week, had 476 supporters at press time.

“The topic of Indigenous studies is relevant to everyone who was born or resides in this country as it is an often overlooked but essential factor in the search to fully understand our collective Canadian history and identity, regardless of one’s ethnic background,” said Matthew Cappella, Maten Clan Leader of the NSA.

“There are so many Canadians that are not educated on Indigenous people in Canada. I see this everyday in my classes. The University of Winnipeg and Lakehead University in Thunder Bay have already approved mandatory Indigenous studies for undergrads,” said Roy Stebel, Bear Clan Leader with the NSA.

The movement in support of a mandatory Indigenous studies course now directly responds to Call 62 of the TRC, which calls for funding and for the inclusion of Aboriginal knowledge on high school and university curricula.

“The University of Toronto is far overdue in keeping up to speed on such an important issue. It is about time that university students begin to have a better understanding of Indigenous Canadians, this will ensure a stronger more succinct nation for our future,” said Stebel.

According to the NSA, the steering committee has yet to reach out to them, and NSA members hope to be included in the process.

“At this point we know very little of the committee. Unfortunately we have not been contacted by anyone yet either. However, since we are already responding to Call 62 of the TRC Calls to Action, we are confident that at least one of our members will be selected for the committee,” said Dhanela Paran, Loon Leader, and Audrey Rochette, Crane Leader, in a joint statement.

“In fact we are hoping to have at least three of our council on the committee due to the tangible work we do everyday, every month, and every year on campus and [the] impact we have not only through thoughtful discussions but through our events, campaigns, community work, and dedication to our goals. We do this work already and our insight could be very valuable as student leaders,” they added.

Committee set to have “working groups”

“I am Mohawk, so this impacts many people in Indigenous communities and myself,” said Hamilton-Diabo. We want to be able to increase the inclusion of Indigenous people in the post-secondary sector and society where many members have disadvantages. [This is] me working for my community,” he added.

Hamilton-Diabo says the committee will look at all mechanisms available to them when considering a mandatory course in Indigenous studies for all students at U of T.

“First Nations House have been putting it out there on behalf of the NSA we support any activity the NSA puts forward to recommend change, and I think it is a important piece and we are well aware of the work they are doing and interested in seeing larger discussion that needs to take place. Should this go ahead, it would need to involve other areas. It sparks a very needed discussion,” commented Hamilton-Diabo on the NSA’s petition.

“I think we would definitely be looking at having a wide range of people that can be a benefit to the committee. [There will be] lots of opportunity for people to get involved. We will create working groups,” he said on the committee’s development.

For his part, Hamilton-Diabo is looking forward to exploring Indigenous language courses, which are currently offered at U of T. Courses teaching Indigenous languages were named in the 94 “Calls to Action” as an aspect of knowledge that post-secondary institutions should share and promote.

The committee is expected to present an interim report to Regehr and Gertler by July 1, 2016 and a final report by December 31, 2016.

Nominations for faculty, staff, and students to sit on the steering committee will close on January 25, 2016.

Calls to action and universities

The TRC Calls to Action that apply to post-secondary institutions include: asking universities to create degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages; requiring students at medical and nursing schools to take a course specifically related to Aboriginal health issues; requiring law students to take a course in Indigenous law; and educating future social and child welfare workers about the effects and legacy of residential schools for Aboriginal communities and families.

U of T currently offers courses related to Indigenous issues within these disciplines; however, not all programs require an Indigenous studies course to graduate.

The university also houses services for Indigenous students such as the First Nations House, the Council on Aboriginal Initiatives, the Indigenous Language Initiative, and the Indigenous Health Science Group. The most recent initiative is the newly established Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous health, a research institute dedicated to the health of Indigenous Canadians.

Working Group Update & Terms of Reference

Originally published as a note on our Facebook page, January 26, 2017

Native Students’ Association

University of Toronto

5563 Spadina Ave, Toronto ON, 4^th floor

nsa.utoronto@gmail.com

________________________________________________________________________

January 26, 2017

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

While we are celebrating Indigenous Education Week at the University of Toronto it is important to share knowledge and build awareness within our communities. The Native Students' Association (NSA) would like to thank all of our supporters and allies during our diligent work in petitioning the University of Toronto for more Indigenous content in U of T classes across all departments. We are pleased to share an update that our concerns were well received and supported by the university’s Undergraduate Faculty of Arts and Sciences. We are proud to announce our Crane Clan & Governance Leader Audrey Rochette was chosen to co-chair the Working Group for Indigenous Teaching and Learning (ITL), along with Professor Heidi Bohaker from the History Department. The committee, made up of faculty, staff, and students, is engaged in building on Indigenous teaching and learning opportunities within the Arts and Sciences to help us begin the process of reconciliation through education.

We are happy to announce that many of our NSA Clan Leaders are members of the Working Group for Indigenous Teaching and Learning. Our participation on this committee is integral to furthering our goals as members of the Native Students' Association, which center on the revision of undergraduate curriculum and increased opportunities for experiential, interdisciplinary, and inclusive learning.

The following are the Arts and Science ITL Working Group proposed terms of references the NSA is committed to as we move forward on this journey.

1. Existing and potential opportunities for students to explore courses, undergraduate research opportunities, and co-curricular opportunities taught from an Indigenous perspective or that incorporate Indigenous content.

2. Identifying ways to enhance support and services to Indigenous students to ensure that their academic, spiritual, mental and physical needs are being met effectively. These supports have a direct impact on their success and ability to participate fully in their programs.

3. Potential approaches to faculty and course development to support enhanced or expanded opportunities for engagement with Indigenous perspectives or the incorporation of Indigenous content.

4. Potential approaches for A&S faculty and staff training to improve their awareness of Indigenous perspectives and issues, and to better prepare them to meet the needs of Indigenous students.

5. Liaise with other university divisions with respect to curriculum, student research opportunities, and co-curricular opportunities taught from an Indigenous perspective or that incorporate Indigenous content.

6. Clarification and careful consideration of the present capacity of the existing Indigenous (formerly Aboriginal) Studies program (ISP) to support access to Indigenous knowledges across the Faculty, and recommendations on ways to strengthen this capacity if appropriate.

7. Recommended or potential responses to relevant TRC Calls to Action.

8. Responses to calls for information or recommendations emerging from the institutional TRC steering committee.

There is more work to be done by the Native Students’ Association and the University and this will be a journey in solidarity.

Chi-miigwech,

Native Students Association Clan Council 2016/17

Crane Clan, Loon Clan, Bear Clan, Hoof Clan, Fish Clan, Bird Clan, Marten Clan 

Petition for Indigenous course content at U of T: Introduction to Our Journey

Welcome to the official blog for the Native Students' Association at the University of Toronto. 

This blog is intended to provide information and updates on our journey in getting Indigenous course content included in program course curriculum at the University of Toronto.

Throughout you will find updates and releases published by our Association's Clan Council members as well as links to articles and other media from local outlets. The Clan Council thanks you for your interest in our cause and our journey! 

Ontario Chief Isadore Day signing the petition March 2015

We started our petition over a year ago with the following mandate:

"The Native Students' Association has been diligently working towards implementing a mandatory Indigenous studies credit across all levels of education for the past two years. We are pleased to announce that we have met with the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Premier of Ontario’s Office to support this cause. We are now asking that Canada’s largest University also support this project. Please help us begin the process of reconciliation through education."

We are proud to say that our official petition reached over 1500 signatories by its closing. Support for the petition came from across campus programs and divisions as well as from the wider community, reaching communities from Napanee to Vancouver.

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett 
signed the petition 
on Jan. 25, 2016

A  link to the original petition can be found at the bottom of this post.

Since launching this petition, council members have met with leaders in the Indigenous community, the University community, and broader community who have lent their support to our cause, including Wab Kinew, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett (Federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs), Chief Dean Sayers of the Batchewana First Nation of Ojibways, and Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day. We also appreciate the solidarity of the University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU) and the Arts and Science Students' Union (ASSU).

Our petition was successful in establishing a working group in partnership with the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University's St. George campus, under the name if the Working Group for Indigenous Teaching and Learning.  

NSA Council Member with 
Wab Kinew, Feb. 24, 2016

The Working Group was conducted over 12 weeks in the fall of 2016 and included NSA Clan Council members, University students, staff, and faculty members. The NSA was pleased that our Crane and governance leader Audrey Rochette was appointed as co-chair of the Working Group.

Chief Sayers signing 
Jan. 25, 2016

Our blog will feature upcoming posts on the proceedings and recommendations of the Working Group as well as media on the process of getting mandated Indigenous course content at the U of T.


Thank you for your interest in our cause and our journey. Stay tuned for new updates and media!




Chi-miigwetch,
Native Students' Association Clan Council 2016/17
Crane Clan, Loon Clan, Bear Clan, Hoof Clan, Fish Clan, Bird Clan, Marten Clan

Change.org petition page:
https://www.change.org/p/mandatory-indigenous-studies-course-at-the-university-of-toronto

Video Statement Re: Petition for Indigenous Course Content

Find out about our Council's mandate, vision, and goals for Indigenous education in this short video from the start of our petition process in 2016.

We can't believe it's been over a year since we started work on our petition for Indigenous course content! 

We've recently wrapped up the Working Group for Indigenous Teaching and Learning process with the University of Toronto Faculty of Arts & Science and are very excited about the progress we've made, in solidarity with the University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU) and Arts and Science Students' Union.

Native Students' Association Constitution

Constitution & Bylaws

Native Students’ Association (NSA)

October 21, 2014

Native Students’ Association

Constitution

Article I – Name

Article II – Objective

Article III – Authority

Article IV – Membership

Article V – Clan Leadership

Article VI – Authority of the Clan Leaders

Article VII – Annual General Meeting

Article VIII – Financial Year

Bylaws

Article 1 – Council of Clan Leaders

Article 2 – Values, Qualities and Responsibilities of Clan Leaders

Crane and Loon

Crane Clan Leader responsibilities

Loon Clan Leader responsibilities

Fish

Fish Clan Leader responsibilities

Bear

Bear Clan Leader responsibilities

Martin

Martin Clan Leader responsibilities

Hoof

Hoof Clan Leader responsibilities

Bird

Bird Clan Leader responsibilities

Article 3 - Clan Council Ethics and Conduct

Article 4 – Reviewing the Constitution and bylaws

Article 5 – Amending the Constitution and bylaws

Article 6 – Voting rights

Article 7 – Clan Council Meetings

Article 8 - Replacement of absentee Council members

Article 9 – Appointment and Declaration to the Council of Clan Leaders

Article 10 Swearing in Ceremony

Article 11 – Resignations

Article I – Name

The Name of this organization shall be the “Native Students’ Association” (NSA).

Article II – Objective

• The Native Students’ Association (NSA) at the University of Toronto is committed to the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well-being of the Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) student body.
• The NSA is committed to forging partnerships and community ties with non-Aboriginal student organizations within the University of Toronto.
• The NSA is committed to reaching out beyond the walls of the University of Toronto to forge partnerships and community ties with other universities and community organizations across Turtle Island.
• The NSA recognizes the need to preserve and protect our Indigenous heritages and distinct cultures through the use of tradition, teachings, language and celebration.
• The NSA is committed to reflecting and embodying the teachings of our Elders and the Seven Grandfathers in all NSA activities.

Article III – Authority

The NSA operates as a sovereign students’ association.

• The NSA is a self-governing First Nations council.
• This council shall operate under the Anishnaabe Clan System.

Article IV – Membership

Membership to the NSA shall be open to:

• All student, staff, faculty, and alumni of the University of Toronto.

To become a member of the NSA students can register by:

• Signing their name to the membership list
• Requesting membership by email at nsa.exec@utoronto.ca
• Requesting membership through a Clan Leader

Members shall:

1. Honour and respect the goals and objectives of the NSA.
2. Abide by the NSA constitution and bylaws.

Article V – Clan Leadership

1. In respect for our traditional teachings and in honor of the territory on which we operate, the NSA governance structure shall reflect the Anishnaabe Clan System.
2. The NSA Council of Clan Leaders shall be made up of seven members, elected through nomination, council consensus and/or general assembly. Clan Leader nominations shall take place annually. All NSA members are eligible for nomination. Clan Leaders from the prior year shall elect new Clan Leaders through a 60% consensus vote in general assembly, and shall evaluate nominated members based upon their abilities to uphold the spiritual aspects of each Clan Leader position.
3. Each Clan Leader shall be equally responsible for the leadership of the NSA.
4. Each Clan Leader shall represent one of the seven traditional Clans (Loon, Crane, Fish, Bear, Hoof, Martin and Bird) and shall be responsible for upholding the values and carrying out the duties associated with the Clan that they are representing.
5. In addition to representing one of the seven Clans, council members shall also strive to embody all of the seven teachings, and represent one by clearly role-modeling and speaking to that teaching in their duties as council and student representatives.

Article VI – Authority of the Clan Leaders

1. The Clan Leaders shall have control of the affairs of the NSA and the primary responsibility for achieving its objectives.
2. The Clan Leaders will exercise this control by committing to one holiday social, one Aboriginal Awareness Week social and one end of the year social.
3. Requests from other organizations for assistance and participation in all other events are contingent on Clan Leaders commitments to school and their availability.

Article VII – Annual General Meeting

1. Annual General Meetings:

The group shall hold general meetings at least twice per year, i.e. once per academic term.

The Council of Clan Leaders will announce these dates two weeks prior to holding the meetings. These meetings are intended to go over the group’s annual activity plan, financial health and propose or vote on constitutional amendments, if any. Motions will require 60% majority of registered members in attendance for a vote to be cast. The motion with the most votes will be passed.

2. Council of Clan Leaders Meetings:

The Council of Clan Leaders shall meet on a bi-weekly basis where date and times are to be set by an executive. The quorum of Clan Council meetings shall be 4 out of 7 Clan Leaders.

Article VIII – Financial Year

1. The Council of Clan Leaders shall annually elect one of the Clan Leaders by consensus vote to act as Financial Officer. The role of the Financial Officer shall include, but is not limited to:
1. Bookkeeping and accounting for NSA finances
2. Budget drafting
3. Presenting financial statements to the general membership at General Meetings
4. Keeping all receipts of expenditures authorized by the NSA
2. The Financial Officer shall keep records of all income and expenses. The Financial Officer shall present the group’s financial health at the annual general meetings. The Council of Clan Leaders will vote on expenditures of over $100.00 by consensus at Clan Council meetings.
3. The Council of Clan Leaders and general membership may not engage in activities that are essentially commercial in nature. This is not intended to preclude the collection of membership fees to cover the expenses of the group, or of charges for specific activities, programs or events, or to prohibit groups from engaging in legitimate fundraising. However, the group will not have as a major activity a function that makes it an on-campus part of a commercial organization, will not provide services and goods at a profit when that profit is used for purposes other than those of the organization, and will not pay salaries to some or all of its officers.
4. The designated year-end shall be August 31st. Annual financial statements shall be presented at the following general meeting.

Bylaws

Article 1 – Council of Clan Leaders

In order to fulfill the NSA objectives, the NSA Clan Council is structured around four areas:

1. Feasts and/socials.

2. Political events and/or partnerships.

3. Cultural promotion.

4. Administration.

Each Clan leader has responsibilities that touch on all four areas. Clan Leaders shall uphold and represent Indigenous culture and worldview through their duties outlined in the NSA constitution.

Article 2 – Values, Qualities and Responsibilities of Clan Leaders

Crane and Loon

Cranes and Loons are given the role of chieftainship and governance. It is their duty to ensure that the objectives set out by the constitution are fulfilled and to oversee the general management and coordination of the Clan Council government.

Crane Clan Leader responsibilities:

Feasts/socials

• Answering email questions
• Approving and sending out posters, sign-up sheets
• Coordinating food preparations
• Public speaking
• Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year

Endorsed political events and student partnership

• Choose at lease one political event or student event outside of regular NSA activities to manage, coordinate and participate in on behalf of NSA. This event can be one of your own making, or be a partnership with another student group or university program (upon approval from the other council leaders).
• Develop and maintain on-going networking and partnerships with University student groups and/or University organizations (such as TYP).
• Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students on an on-going basis in

Cultural promotion

• Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and student partnerships
• Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the University

Administration

• Planning and/or coordinating all NSA social events each year (upon approval of Clan Council)
• Emails answering emails, posting events, managing communications
• Organizing and inputting new membership applications
• Speaking on behalf of NSA
• Representing all NSA council decision to the public (as needed)
• Upholding NSA council decisions
• Presenting new NSA council members to the council
• Being present for one council meeting per month
• Being present for annual general assembly
• In charge of coordinating all political and governance correspondence

Loon Clan Leader responsibilities

Feasts/socials

• Overall coordination, ensuring that everyone is fulfilling their responsibilities
• Managing RSVPs
• Coordinating food prep
• Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year

Endorsed political events and student partnerships

• Choose at lease one political event or student event outside of regular NSA activities to manage, coordinate and participate in, on behalf of NSA. This event can be one of your own making, or be a partnership with another student group or university program (upon approval from the other council leaders).
• Develop and maintain on-going networking and partnerships with University student groups and/or University organizations (such as TYP).
• Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students on an on-going basis

Cultural promotion

• Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and student partnerships
• Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the University

Administration

• Planning and/or coordinating of all NSA social events each year (upon approval of Clan Council)
• Managing and coordinating council activities
• Planning meeting dates, and agenda
• Ensuing the timely running of council meetings
• Documentation of and annual review of NSA constitution
• Following up with council members and ensuring that they are fulfilling their duties
• Coordination of volunteers
• Being present for one council meeting per month
• Being present for annual general assembly

Fish 


Fish or Water Clan stands between the Crane and Loon. They act as mediators, teachers, philosophers and scholars.

Fish Clan Leader responsibilities

Feasts/socials

• Socializing, meeting and greeting members, informing people about up coming events
• Informing people about the NSA (i.e. our purpose and goals, recruitment of future leaders)
• Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year

Endorsed political events and student partnerships

• Attend at least two political and/or student based University events on behalf of the NSA per year.

Cultural promotion

• Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and student partnerships

Administration

• Being present for one council meeting per month
• Being present for annual general assembly
• Teaching council members about the use of websites, email, financial accounting system, governance structure and duties

Bear

The Bear Clan acts as medicine keepers, address matters of security, and are the upholders of established Clan Council laws.

Bear Clan Leader responsibilities

Feasts/socials

• Ensuring that smudge, medicine and feather are present at all socials
• Assist with gathering food for events and cooking
• Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year
• Prepare spirit plate

Endorsed political events and student partnerships

• Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students on an on-going basis in
• Addresses any breaches in security for student safety

Cultural promotion

• Assist Elders during feasts, ceremonies and social events as needed.
• Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and student partnerships
• Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the University
• Responsible for caring for medicines and feather
• In charge of arranging for a fire keeper during garden ceremonies

Administration

• Recruitment of potential NSA future council leaders
• Recruitment of volunteers
• Being present for one council meeting per month
• Being present for annual general assembly

Martin

The Martin Clan are protectors of the people. They are strategists, planners and warriors committed to upholding traditional ways of knowing and being.

Martin Clan Leader responsibilities

Feasts/socials

• Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year
• Gathering interest in political events

Endorsed political events and student partnerships

• Choose at lease one political event or student event outside of regular NSA activities to manage, coordinate and participate in on behalf of NSA. This event can be one of your own making, or be a partnership with another student group or university program (upon approval from the other council leaders).
• Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students on an on-going basis

Cultural promotion

• Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the University
• Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and student partnerships

Administration

• Being present for one council meeting per month
• Being present for annual general assembly
• Managing external complaints

Hoof

The Hoof clan are diplomats, interested in socializing, and connecting with people, they are gentle, pacifist and polite.

Hoof Clan Leader responsibilities

Feasts/socials

• Public speaking, presenting awards and notes of thanks
• Drafting posters, sign up sheets
• Preparing food
• Hosting events
• Socializing, meeting and greeting members, letting people know about up coming events
• Informing people about the NSA (i.e. sing up sheets, recruitment of future leaders)
• Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year

Endorsed political events and student partnerships

• Choose at lease one political event or student event outside of regular NSA activities to manage, coordinate and participate in on behalf of NSA. This event can be one of your own making, or be a partnership with another student group or university program (upon approval from the other council leaders).
• Develop and maintain on-going networking and partnerships with University student groups and/or University organizations (such as TYP).

Cultural promotion

• Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and student partnerships

Administration

• Answering emails, posting events, managing communications
• Recruitment of potential NSA future council leaders.
• Recruitment of volunteers
• Being present for one council meeting per month
• Being present for annual general assembly
• Maintaining website

Bird

Bird Clan are spiritual leaders, visionaries and philosophers.

Bird Clan Leader responsibilities

Feasts/socials

• Socializing, meeting and greeting members, letting people know about up coming events
• Informing people about the NSA (i.e. sign-up sheets, recruitment of future leaders)  
• Conducting smudge and/or assisting Elders
• Coordinating Elder participation and/or transportation
• Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year

Endorsed political events and student partnerships

• Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students on an on-going basis in accordance with their culture and worldview.

Cultural promotion

• Assist Elders during feasts, ceremonies and social events as needed.
• Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and student partnerships.
• Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the University.

Administration

• Arranging swearing in ceremonies for new council members
• Being present for one council meeting per month
• Being present for annual general assembly

Article 3 - Clan Council Ethics and Conduct

The NSA student Clan Council shall conduct itself in a manner that embodies Indigenous concepts of health and good living. This concept encompasses spiritual, emotional, physical and mental components as reflected in the seven teachings:

Respect:     Admiration and deference towards others

Love:        Affection and compassion for yourself and others

Courage:    Ability to face difficulty, and carry out one’s responsibilities

Humility:     To not think of oneself as above others, to walk in balance

Wisdom:     To better ones life through knowledge of life

Honesty:     To speak one’s truth and live with integrity

Truth:    To understand these teachings and embody them in all that we do

Further, the NSA Clan Council shall:

1. Maintain confidentiality of Clan Council meetings.
2. Hold all Clan Leaders to mutual standards of unconditional high regard.   
3. Ensure that meetings be opened with an acknowledgement of spirit (i.e. smudge or prayer).
4. Ensure that an offering plate and prayer be considered prior to the commencement of potlucks and feasts.
5. Ensure that the membership and council practice environmentally friendly standards during all events.
6. Pursue social, economic and political participation on issues affecting Indigenous students and our community at large.
7. Promote First Nation, Métis and Inuit culture and awareness on campus
8. Recognize the governing bodies of other student and/or youth councils at the University of Toronto.
9. Extend our support and endorsement to other Indigenous community groups and organizations as pending consensus from the current and active Clan council members.
10. Ensure that all Clan Council decisions be consensual during council proceedings. There will be a grace period of one week for any Clan council member who was absent, to be informed of the discussion and votes. Non-responses are considered a vote of confidence. The council vote can be accepted by phone, email or in person.

Article 4 – Reviewing the Constitution

4.1 The constitution and its by-laws shall be reviewed annually by the elected Council of Clan Leaders.

Article 5 – Amending the Constitution and Bylaws

5.1 Proposals for amending the constitution or its bylaws shall either be sent to the Council or discussed during general membership assemblies.

5.2 Voting on an Amendment

In the event of an amendment to the constitution or its bylaws, a general assembly shall be called. During this assembly, discussion of the amendment will follow the introduction of the amendment. Consensus vote is required for amending the constitution.

Article 6 – Voting rights

6.1 Clan Leaders may vote during Clan Council meetings, and all members may vote during general meetings. Voting will take place by public show of opinion (i.e. by show of hands).

Article 7 – Clan Council Meetings

7.1 During monthly council meetings the Council of Clan Leaders shall maintain a quorum of four out of seven in all decision making. Consent can be given in writing for those council members not at the meeting.

Article 8 - Replacement of absentee Council members

8.1 The Council of Clan Leaders maintains the right to replace any Clan leader who fails to attend three consecutive council meetings, fails to uphold their Clan responsibilities, or has broken their word on a commitment more than three times. Notification will be given in writing, and new candidates will be nominated, interviewed and appointed by the Council of Clan Leaders, or through a general assembly meeting. Both parties will have the right to an appeal before the general membership. The majority vote of the general membership shall have the final say on the matter.

8.2 Failure to be in contact with any Clan Leader regarding the NSA in three consecutive weeks will also result in notification of dismissal from the NSA.

Article 9 – Appointment and Declaration to the Council of Clan Leaders

9.1 All NSA members are eligible for nomination to the Council of Clan Leaders.

9.2 Acceptance of nomination must be confirmed by nominee, prior to nomination.

9.3 The candidates if elected to the council shall remain in office for the duration of one year to six years, pending annual review at the general assembly meeting.

9.4 Declarations during general meetings will be facilitated by University faculty, Elder, or Indigenous community member skilled in Indigenous governance. The facilitator will not be eligible to vote.

Article 10 - Swearing in Ceremony

10.1 Members who have been newly appointed to the Council of Clan Leaders will, as an act of acknowledgement and acceptance of the specific Clan responsibilities bestowed upon them through the NSA constitution will attend an obligatory swearing-in ceremony.

Article 11 – Resignations

11.1 Any person holding a position on the Council of Clan Leaders may resign at any time by providing written documentation to the Council of Clan Leaders.

2. The Council member who is resigning will make every effort to find a replacement.

11.3 If no replacement is found, within the same academic year, the Council of clan Leaders will meet to negotiate the sharing of duties.