Government of the Northwest Territories Aboriginal Employees Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
1. BACKGROUND The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Affirmative Action Policy was implemented in 1989. The Policy applies to all departments and agencies of the public service, and its aim is to increase the representation of eligible target groups, which are underrepresented in the public service. Target groups as per the Policy are indigenous Aboriginal persons, indigenous non- Aboriginal persons, resident persons with disabilities ( disabled persons ), and resident women. 2. OBJECTIVES The goal of the Aboriginal Employee Advisory Committee () is to increase the representation of indigenous Aboriginal people at all levels in the public service, and to create a working environment that supports and promotes Aboriginal people in the GNWT workforce. The advises and recommends initiatives to enhance Aboriginal employment within the GNWT public service, to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and community governments in the areas of human resource management and Aboriginal employment. 3. AUTHORITY The Committee is Co-Chaired by two Deputy Heads (or Associate, or Assistant Deputy Heads). The Committee reports through the Co-Chairs to the Deputy Ministers Human Resources Committee. s of the Committee are appointed by the Co-Chairs. 4. MEMBERSHIP The membership of the includes two co-chairs and one member from each of the five regions in the Northwest Territories (Beaufort Delta, Sahtu, North Slave, South Slave, and Deh Cho) plus one member to represent Yellowknife.
ship consideration should address the following factors: geographical representation; area of expertise; representation across GNWT departments, boards and agencies; gender balance; level of position; type of occupation; and level of individual commitment. An alternate membership list is maintained, with one or two alternate members for each region. In the event that a member resigns, an alternate member may be selected by the Co-Chairs to become a regular member. Alternate members are encouraged to attend teleconference meetings. Alternate members may attend face-to-face meetings by invitation of the Co-Chairs if the regular member is unable to attend. The appointment of members and alternate members is confirmed in writing by the Co-Chairs. Each representative reports to the Co-Chairs of the. 5. TERM For continuity, membership terms fall in line with the terms of s of the Legislative Assembly, which is for four years. Upon completion of term appointments, members may re-apply for a four year renewal. Following term endings, members may be invited by the Co-Chairs to stay connected to the committee for one year as mentors for new members. Mentors may be asked to attend meetings, as required. 6. SCOPE OF WORK Roles and Responsibilities: Chairpersons Act as champions and be accountable to uphold the mandate of the ; Chair quarterly meetings and teleconferences; Act as spokespersons for the media, the public, MLAs and the Minister; Bring recommendations to the Deputy Ministers Human Resources Committee; Secure resources as needed; Support the members; and
Ensure work of is linked to the 20/20: A Brilliant North, NWT Public Service Strategic Plan. Roles and Responsibilities: s Provide advice and recommendations to the Deputy Ministers Human Resources Committee through the Co-Chairs; Recommend initiatives to be incorporated into 20/20: A Brilliant North, Public Service Strategic Plan; Identify and recommend measures necessary to address challenges to the GNWT Affirmative Action Policy; Identify and recommend approaches to recruitment, retention, and promotion of indigenous Aboriginal people in the GNWT; Provide advice and recommendations on the role of the GNWT in working with other governments in areas of Aboriginal human resource development; Maintain contact with alternate members to ensure continuity; Consider any other matter the Deputy Ministers Human Resources Committee refers to the committee; and Act as role models, ambassadors and advocates for Aboriginal employees in the regions. Roles and Responsibilities: Department of Human Resources Appoint a dedicated, competent staff person to provide logistical support to the and to the Co-Chairs; Implement and review programs, policies and practices; Provide overall communications, and develop a communications strategy; Implement key programs, such as Orientation and Cross Cultural Awareness Training; Conduct research as needed; Provide tools to the as needed and attend the meetings as needed; Act as point of contact for, departments, boards, agencies, Aboriginal governments and organizations, employees and potential employees; and Manage the development, delivery and evaluation of programs and policies resulting from recommendations. 7. BUDGET The budget for the is provided by the Department of Human Resources and allows for two face-to-face meeting per fiscal year.
8. PROCESSES The Co-Chairs may establish meetings procedures and policies necessary for the operation of the and facilitate quarterly meetings and any additional teleconference meetings of the. The Co-Chairs report on the activities of the to the Deputy Ministers Human Resources Committee and prepare reports for the Minister of Human Resources as appropriate. Reports and findings of the are circulated to all Deputy Ministers. The Terms of Reference for the are evaluated by the Deputy Ministers Human Resource Committee every two years and/or as necessary. The meets in person whenever possible. Meeting locations may be rotated throughout the regions. A two-third majority of members present constitutes a quorum. 9. DELIVERABLES The identifies and suggests actions designed to increase representation of indigenous Aboriginal people and to improve recruitment and retention of Aboriginal people in the public service.
Organization Chart Deputy Ministers Human Resources Committee Co-Chairs Department of Human Resources ( Logistical Support ) Beaufort Delta Region Sahtu Region North Slave South Slave Deh Cho Region Yellowknife