Apply to join the Indigenous Women’s Circle

Learn about the Indigenous Women’s Circle (the Circle) and apply to join.

Objectives

Members of the Circle provide strategic guidance and expertise to Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). Its members:

• discuss existing Indigenous knowledge and provide advice and experience on gender-based violence, economic insecurity, and Indigenous leadership
• participate in discussions on emerging and promising domestic and international practices, and on strategies to engage men and boys
• engage with their networks to find key stakeholders, gaps, emerging issues, and opportunities
• share knowledge (e.g., reports, studies, tools, stories, Indigenous knowledge, and experience) that could shape Government of Canada initiatives

Time commitment

Each fiscal year, members meet up to six times:

• One in-person meeting: 1.5 days (roughly 16 hours, including preparation time)
• Virtual meetings: 5 hours each (including preparation time)

Compensation

WAGE recognizes that participation in the Circle takes time and attention. It also acknowledges that members are being asked to share their expertise and experience. Circle members engage in significant work that can be emotionally and spiritually demanding. However, this work improves the knowledge, critical thinking, and confidence of decision makers within WAGE.

For these reasons, members will be paid as follows:

• $250 per hour, to a maximum of $1,250 for each virtual meeting they attend
• $250 per hour, to a maximum 16 hours of paid time, for the in-person meeting
  • This includes travel time, meeting time, and time for reviewing materials for up to one in-person meeting per fiscal year
  • Travel costs for the annual meeting will be covered separately

How to apply

To apply, submit the following documents:

1. a biography (up to 400 words)
2. a one-page cover letter that includes:
   • which Indigenous organization you represent or, if you do not represent an organization, which community you represent – note that verification may be needed
   • your areas of expertise on women and gender equality
   • your lived experiences and how they relate to the Circle’s goals
3. the diversity criteria you identify with and how
   • First Nations, Métis, or Inuit
   • living on a reserve; in an urban area; in an Inuit community; on a settlement; or in a remote, rural, or northern community
   • geographic area – Ontario, Quebec, North, East, or West
   • 2SLGBTQI+
   • youth
   • language representation

Email all documents to FEGC.Cercledesfemmesautochtones-IndigenousWomensCircle.WAGE@fegc-wage.gc.ca. Use the subject “Seeking new members for the Indigenous Women’s Circle.”

Application deadline: September 27, 2024, at midnight Pacific Daylight Time

Application review process

The Circle’s current chair and WAGE will review applications. They will recommend new members to the Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth. New membership recommendations will consider:

• the diversity of Indigenous women in Canada to reflect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, including the perspectives of:
  • those living on reserves; in urban areas; in an Inuit community; on a settlement; or in remote, rural, and northern communities
  • 2SLGBTQI+ people
  • youth
  • those in different geographic areas
  • those speaking different languages
• different levels of experience and expertise on women and gender equality
• lived experience

The selected members will be contacted by the end of October 2024.