Job Summary An Indigenous Partner Board Member provides cultural legitimacy, governance guidance, and strategic oversight while maintaining a low visibility, non-operational presence. They do not participate in daily management but ensure the organization's direction aligns with Indigenous values, community expectations, and ethical governance practices. This role is ideal for a respected Indigenous Elder, Knowledge Keeper, or community member who supports the organization's mission without engaging in active operational duties

Duties

- Cultural Stewardship & Alignment
- Ensure organizational decisions respect Indigenous values, teachings, and community expectations.

Governance Oversight (Non-Operational)

- Uphold core governance duties: duty of care, loyalty, and obedience.
- Review major decisions, policies, and strategic plans without engaging in daily operations.
- Ensure compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.

Strategic Guidance

- Offer high-level advice on long-term direction, community relationships, and cultural partnerships.
- Support evaluation of major initiatives, partnerships, or opportunities.

Community Legitimacy & Representation

- Serve as a cultural ambassador, enhancing trust with Indigenous communities, DFNAs, and Nations.
- Strengthen relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous organizations.

Risk, Ethics & Accountability

- Provide guidance on cultural, ethical, and community-related risks.
- Ensure decisions do not conflict with Indigenous rights, values, or community expectations.
- Provide cultural grounding to strategic direction, policies, and partnerships.
- Safeguard cultural integrity in programming, partnerships, and youth care.

Requirements 1. Indigenous Identity & Community Standing

- Must be a recognized Indigenous Elder, Knowledge Keeper, or respected community member.

2.



Cultural Knowledge & Guidance

- Deep understanding of Indigenous worldviews, cultural protocols, and community expectations.
- Ability to provide cultural legitimacy to organizational decisions, policies, and youth‑care practices.
- Comfortable offering guidance on cultural safety, ceremony, and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities.

3. Governance Awareness (Non‑Operational)

- Basic understanding of governance principles, including duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of obedience.
- Ability to review high‑level decisions, strategic plans, and major initiatives without participating in daily operations.
- Familiarity with ethical, legal, and regulatory expectations related to child and youth services.

4. Strategic & Advisory Capacity

- Ability to offer high‑level advice on long‑term direction, cultural partnerships, and community relationships.
- Comfortable evaluating major opportunities, risks, and initiatives from a cultural and community perspective.
- Supports alignment between organizational strategy and Indigenous values, rights, and expectations.

5. Community Legitimacy & Relationship Building

- Strong relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, DFNAs, and Indigenous organizations.
- Ability to serve as a cultural ambassador, enhancing trust and credibility with Indigenous communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to strengthening community partnerships and supporting culturally grounded service delivery.

6.



Ethical Judgment & Accountability

- Ability to identify cultural, ethical, and community‑related risks.
- Ensures organizational decisions do not conflict with Indigenous rights, cultural teachings, or community expectations.
- Maintains confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity in all governance matters.

7. Clean‑Cut Criminal Record Check

- Must provide a clear Criminal Record Check and, where applicable, a Child Intervention Record Check, ensuring alignment with safety standards for organizations serving children, youth, and families.
- Demonstrates a history of ethical conduct and trustworthiness suitable for a governance role.

8. Low‑Visibility, Non‑Operational Role

- Comfortable maintaining a non‑operational, non‑managerial presence.
- Does not participate in daily management, staffing, or program operations.
- Focuses solely on cultural legitimacy, governance oversight, and strategic guidance.

9. Commitment to the Organization’s Mission

- Genuine interest in supporting the well‑being of children, youth, and families.
- Alignment with the organization’s vision, values, and long‑term goals.
- Willingness to contribute meaningfully without requiring operational involvement.
- Demonstrates robust cultural grounding, lived experience, and connection to Indigenous teachings, traditions, and community values.
- Holds a reputation for integrity, wisdom, and ethical leadership within their Nation or community.

Join us in making a meaningful difference by leveraging your expertise, passion, and cultural insight. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to shape impactful initiatives while championing Indigenous perspectives at the highest levels of decision-making. Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fort McMurray, AB

📌 Indigenous Partner Board Member (Fort McMurray)
🏢 Tree Sprout Haven
📍 Fort McMurray