Notice of opportunity for ministerial appointment to the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk (NACOSAR)

Context

The Species at Risk Act (SARA) recognizes the essential role of Indigenous Peoples of Canada in the conservation of wildlife. Section 8.1 of SARA calls for the creation of a National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk (NACOSAR) to provide advice and recommendations on its implementation to the federal Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, and the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council (CESCC).

Intent

In the spirit of reconciliation and Indigenous engagement, Environment Climate Change Canada (ECCC) seeks Expressions of interest from Indigenous women, men and gender-diverse individuals from local, regional, and national levels (including Communities and Bands) to serve as NACOSAR members for the 2021 term.

ECCC is adopting a staggered approach for renewable terms of no more than three or five years for six (6) members, to promote continuity in membership during term rollovers. Three (3) members representing First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities are being sought through this Notice of Opportunity, and an additional three (3) members will be appointed based on direct nominations from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Métis National Council (MNC) and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).

The federal government’s Duty to Consult is not achieved through this forum. Members do not become a part of the Public Service of Canada as a result of this Ministerial appointment. Members are not representative of any organization or special interest group; they offer their expertise based on their experiences and knowledge.

Suitability

NACOSAR members contribute their experience and expertise to serve as advisory body to SARA-competent Ministers (ECCC, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Parks Canada Agency (PCA)), and their associated departments/agencies. Suitable members should have:

• knowledge and experience implementing the Species at Risk Act
  • knowledge and experience of Canada’s Fisheries Act and the National Parks Act are an asset
• Indigenous Knowledge related to wildlife and species at risk
• strong understanding of community engagement in SARA
• a demonstrated ability to work effectively in committee

What to expect

NACOSAR is a Council of great importance to federal departments, offering a crucial indigenous perspective on SARA administration and implementation. Operating on a consensus basis, the Council is responsible to:

• develop and implement an annual work plan to support NACOSAR’s priorities (contracting research and analysis to inform recommendations, letters, and reports)
• analyse SARA-related documents, reports, etc., as requested or relevant to provide advice and guidance on SARA processes and issues related to conservation and preservation of species at risk (terrestrial, aquatic and marine)
• coordinate and work collaboratively with other relevant councils and committees where common issues or mandate priorities may exist; and
• foster respectful, positive, and cooperative relationships

In order to carry out its work, NACOSAR is supported by a dedicated Secretariat, housed in the Canadian Wildlife Service of ECCC. A Coordinator provides support to the Council for any administrative or operational functions (e.g. meeting minutes, workplan and milestone tracking, contracting needs, meeting organization, etc.) In addition, the Council has access to a facilitator (external to Government of Canada) and an Indigenous Elder. 

All members must commit to:

1. attend multiple meetings per year, including 1-2 face to face meetings; tele/videoconferences every 2-3 months (1-3 hours in length); monthly co-chair calls; and ongoing working group meetings*
2. review materials and prepare in order to meaningfully contribute in each meeting
3. ensure ongoing communication among members, to keep Council informed of progress, discussions, opportunities, etc. (e.g. debrief when attending meetings on Council’s behalf/in capacity as a Council member)
4. consistently represent the interest of the full Council’s collective priorities and perspectives
5. maintain transparent engagement with its partners to advance priorities collaboratively, respectful of federal processes
6. participate in working groups to carry out special projects and/or functions related to workplan priorities on behalf of the Council

Members do not represent the position of any organization or special interest group.

*Considering the current pandemic, face-to-face meetings are replaced by videoconferences until safe to resume.

Remuneration

In accordance with Departmental and Government of Canada Treasury Board guidelines, members will receive participation fees, as outlined in NACOSAR’s Terms of Reference.

Eligibility factors and conditions of employment

Members must comply with the ethical, political activity and conflict of interest guidelines applicable to federal Ministerial appointments, and are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.

We encourage you to share this posting widely throughout your networks and with those, you feel may have an interest to serve as a council member.

Application process

How to apply

This appointment process aims to ensure diversity and improve equity of Indigenous Nations’ (First Nation, Inuit and Métis) representation. We encourage and value the inclusion of all Indigenous people including members of the 2SLGBTQQIA community. Based on their personal preference to do so, candidates are welcome and encouraged to self-identify in their cover letter.

Any interested candidates must provide the following, in the official language of their choice:

1. letter of support from an Indigenous organization, government or community (local, regional, and/or national level)
2. curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
3. a cover letter that specifically addresses at least two of the criteria in the Application Template, including whether you have a preference for 3 or 5 year membership term*
4. names and contact information for two references

*to be determined by the Minister

Email your expression of interest with a subject line indicating “Expression of Interest - NACOSAR Membership” to the NACOSAR Secretariat at ec.canep-nacosar.ec@canada.ca

If you do not have access to email, you may contact the NACOSAR Secretariat by phone at 819-700-3352 to confirm alternate arrangements.

Submissions will be reviewed by ECCC, DFO and PCA prior to being forwarded to ECCC’s Minister for consideration. Once the ECCC Minister confirms the appointments, a communication will be sent to successful applicants.

All documents must be received by April 9, 2021. Late Expressions of Interest will not be accepted.

We encourage you to share this posting widely throughout your networks and with those, you feel may have an interest to serve as a council member.

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Application template

In a cover letter, please demonstrate how you meet at least two (2) of the following criteria:

1. knowledge of the Species at Risk Act and its respective processes (e.g. the SARA cycle)
   • Asset (but not mandatory): Knowledge of Canada’s  Fisheries Act and/or Canada National Parks Act, and their respective processes
2. knowledge of conservation, stewardship, and/or preservation of wildlife and species at risk
3. knowledge of species at risk issues in Canada (locally and nationally)
4. experience in Indigenous Knowledge pertaining to wildlife and species at risk
5. experience in Indigenous community engagement on SARA
6. experience working with federal government
7. experience/understanding of the development and implementation of species recovery strategies, management plans and listings
8. ability to contribute to discussions, summarize results, and formulate objective recommendations regarding species at risk

References will be asked to verify how candidates meet the following personal attributes:

• working effectively with others
• demonstrating initiative and being action-oriented
• demonstrating reliability; and
• demonstrating good judgement

Provide the names and contact information for two references:

Reference #1

Name	insert information here
Email	insert information here
Phone	insert information here

Reference #2

Name	insert information here
Email	insert information here
Phone	insert information here

Please indicate your preference in length of term duration by checking an X beside the one that matches your needs. The selection committee will do their best to accommodate.

I would like to join the NACOSAR Council for a 3-year term.	check here
I would like to join the NACOSAR Council for a 5-year term.	check here