Terms of Reference
The 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Committee Terms of Reference outlines the Committee’s background, vision, mandate, scope, membership structure, guiding principles, operational values, and responsibilities related to the implementation of the MMIWG-2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan.
Background and Context
On June 3, 2021, the Core Working Group composed of national Indigenous organizations and stakeholders released the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.
The National Action plan comprises 10 Actions Plans from Federal, Provincial, Territorial and National Indigenous organizations and stakeholders. Sub-working groups made up the Core Working Group that included the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Sub-Working group, which was tasked and created MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA+ National Action Plan - Final Report.
The MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA+ National Action Plan - Final Report outlines several incremental priorities to reduce violence against 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. It is important that a 2SLGBTQQIA strategic approach be established that reaches across all federal Departments if 2SLGBTQQIA physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and systemic issues are to be addressed.
The immediate action of the MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA+ National Action Plan is to:
Ensure a 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Committee is established as part of the mechanism to design and implement the National Action Plan.
Implement National Inquiry recommendations on a priority-driven approach, which would include increased access to: 2SLGBTQQIA+ safer facilities; safe and affordable housing; safe health services, safe and accessible Indigenous and community organization programs and services; increased education supports, employment opportunities and safe transportation.
Completely rethink and re-structure historical approaches to ensure diverse and intersectoral approaches are adopted.
The Government of Canada, Provincial and Territorial Governments and National Indigenous Organizations are proceeding to address Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning, Queer, Asexual, Intersex plus people with their specific action plans.
At present, there is no dedicated forum with the capacity to continue to look at the implementation of the MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA+ National Action Plan. The terms and work of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Sub-Working Group have expired. The Sub-Working Group has been invited to continue in this role but focuses on implementing violence prevention, policy approaches, program design, data collection and supporting the development of a 2SLGBTQQIA+ community infrastructure contained within the MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA+ National Action Plan.
A 2SLGBTQQIA Committee (“The Committee) will be formed as the forum to begin looking into the implementation of the immediate actions contained with the MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA+ National Action Plan and other priorities deemed necessary.
Vision
The vision of the Committee is to incorporate and promote a decolonized approach to all Committee engagements, advice, implementation, and recommendations related to the MMIWG-2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan.
Mandate
The Committee aims to:
Provide direct input from the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to implement the MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA+ National Action Plan within the timeframe and capacity.
Ensure the voices of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in the implementation of the MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA+ National Action Plan.
Provide strategic direction to Federal departments providing programs and services to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.
Detail primary areas that need immediate focus contained in the MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA+ National Action Plan.
Develop a set of actional activities with goals to address gaps in systems, policies, procedures, and practices in 2S gender and sexual diversity.
Scope of Work
Building on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Sub-Working Group work, the Committee will work with Indigenous Services Canada, Canadian Heritage and other Federal departments addressing violence against the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members.
The scope of the Committee includes and is not limited to:
Presenting upon request briefings on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Chapter of the National Action Plan.
Being available to advise Indigenous Organizations on the inclusion and support of 2SLGBTQQIA+.
Participating as requested on National Action Plan Committee processes.
Providing advice on ways to engage the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.
Undertaking public education on history, status and needs of 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.
Identify areas and ways to support developing 2SLGBTQQIA+ infrastructure in the process.
Composition
The Committee is a non-appointed body that will act as a Committee of 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members, regardless of where they reside, to provide advice on addressing and preventing violence, policy, program, data collection, direct engagement as requested by Indigenous organizations, communities, federal departments and provinces and territories.
Membership in the Committee is by invitation only. Member must possess and display expertise and leadership in addressing ending violence and related issues.
Both current members and any future appointments will be reviewed to consider geographic, gender balance, residency, and Indigenous composition.
Roles and Responsibilities
Committee Members will review all membership, conduct themselves in cultural framework, protocols, responsibilities and ensure they are representative of First Nations, Metis and Inuit and as much as possible represent regions of the country.
Committee Members will confirm their leadership internally, consisting of speaker(s) who will represent the Committee externally. A second position made be defined and identified to act as an additional titleholder should the Committee wish. It is expected they will facilitate the meetings. The Contribution Agreement provides for the development of agendas, activities and travel as may be required.
Other Committee Members are identified as Helpers and represent distinct areas of skill, wisdom and responsibility needed to engage the work from their unique positions and experiences as Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA community leaders.
Committee Members are expected to dedicate up to 6 hours bi-weekly to address Committee and Committee work. Committee work will be capped at five people maximum.
Committee Members will be familiar with the 2SLGBTQQIA+ report in detail. Members will be accountable to review materials, come prepared to discuss matters at Committee meetings, assist in preparing PowerPoint presentations, prepare reports, and regularly attend meetings.
Committee Members must attend meetings to be scheduled every two weeks, generally on Fridays or as required. There will be a break from mid-December until early January. Members will be required to advise if they are not able to attend a meeting.
Speaker/2nd Title Holder - shall function as the meeting leader (chair) as confirmed by CIRNAC, as the responsible as the funding body.
Spokesperson - When required, the Committee will identify such representatives, depending on the situation.
Qualifications of Members
Members are Indigenous people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members and who are committed to improving the quality of life of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
Terms of Appointment
The timeframe for the Committee is from July 10, 2021, until March 31, 2026, subject to change as implementation of the National Action Plan evolved.
The Terms of Reference state that there are no proxies. Observers require pre-approval to attend.
Guiding Principles
To guide the Committee’s engagement, discussion or actions, the Committee members agree to abide by the following guiding principles:
Centering 2SLGBTQQIA+, as distinct from Women’s issues.
Strong commitment to ending the erasure of 2SLGBTQQIA history and experiences.
Growing a collective consciousness that understands the importance of returning 2SLGBTQQIA+ to our original power, place and cultural roles.
Respect for diversity, distinctions and delineations guiding principles with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures.
Promote and proposed creative approaches to implementing the MMIWG-2SLBGTQQIA report.
Engage and work together with 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, regional, Provincial-Territorial, and National groups, as resources permit.
Statements of Unity
Demonstrated commitment to practice our ceremonies and cultural ways.
Promote healing as part of process and vision.
Continue to promote Indigenous languages, especially with respect to non-binary approaches.
Promote and practice land-based activities.
Be trauma informed.
Statements of Operational Values
Show up on time and prepared for the meeting both with a private ceremony and having reviewed materials.
Advise Speaker of unavoidable absences in advance of the meeting.
Ensure summaries are provided when tasks have been assigned to individual members.
Seek clarification as required.
Accept that there are various forms of consensus, not all of which require unanimous consent.
Assist in creating a collegial environment.
Decision-Making
The Committee generally seeks to achieve consensus. Where consensus cannot be reached, options may be advanced. The Terms of Reference note that the Committee is not a formal decision-making body, and that most matters are described within the contract or contribution agreement directing the Committee’s work.
Conflict of Interest
Members are expected to identify when they are speaking about their own agency or organization. Members are also expected to avoid direct conflicts, particularly where their organization may directly benefit.
Resources and Constraints
Committee Members are contracted to set out reimbursement terms and conditions. Given the contribution agreement terms, no staff are provided to assist the Committee outside of taking minutes, setting up virtual meetings, and facilitating communication and meetings with federal departments.