About the National Council for Reconciliation
The National Council for Reconciliation will be an independent, Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization with a mandate to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.
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About the National Council for Reconciliation
The National Council for Reconciliation will advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. On April 30, 2024, the National Council for Reconciliation Act received Royal Assent and on July 2, 2024, it came into force, fulfilling Call to Action 53. The legislation ensures that the National Council for Reconciliation will be an independent, Indigenous-led organization mandated to advance reconciliation in Canada. The establishment of the Council is an important step in the reconciliation journey.
Budget 2019 announced a total of $126.5 million to support the establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation, which includes a $125 million endowment and $1.5 million to support the first year of operations.
The Transitional Committee and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations will jointly select the Council's first board of directors as stipulated in the Act. The Transitional Committee will then incorporate the Council under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. This will establish the National Council for Reconciliation as an independent, Indigenous-led, non-political organization, working to advance reconciliation.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will provide the Council with an annual status report on indicators relating to children in care, education, health, youth in custody, criminal victimization, and justice and correctional systems. The Government of Canada will table the Council's annual report in both houses of Parliament and publish a response.
Opportunities: National Council for Reconciliation Board of Directors
The National Council for Reconciliation will be governed by an Indigenous-led board of directors, including diverse Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices in Canada, and will play an important role in advancing reconciliation.
The Transitional Committee for the National Council for Reconciliation and the Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations are looking for candidates to serve on the first board of the Council who have:
- extensive experience advancing reconciliation efforts in Canada
- strong existing networks and relationships in the area of reconciliation
- experience on a national board of directors
- experience related to the impacts of realities and histories of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Selection will be based on individual merit and the overall composition of the first board. The board will be comprised of 9 to 13, with at least two-thirds being Indigenous, and will take into account the requirements in the National Council for Reconciliation Act.
Type: Non-governmental.
The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is required through the National Council for Reconciliation Act to select the first board of directors jointly with the Transitional Committee for the National Council for Reconciliation. Future boards will be elected according to the Council's bylaws and the minister will have no role.
Remuneration: This is a volunteer position. The Council will determine its policy regarding travel expenses incurred in the performance of duties.
Duration: 18 months
Eligibility criteria
In your application package you must:
- highlight how your knowledge, experience and abilities will contribute to the establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation
- describe how you would contribute to the representativeness of the board of directors. The selection committee will be looking for qualified individuals who are:
- First Nations
- Inuit
- Métis
- non-Indigenous Canadians
- Elders
- Survivors and their descendants
- youth
- women, men, or gender diverse
- Indigenous People whose first or second language is French
- from various regions throughout Canada
- confirm you meet the following essential requirements:
- you are over the age of 18
- your primary role is to represent the interest of the National Council for Reconciliation when serving on the board of directors
- you do not hold political office
- you will be able to dedicate up to 20 days per year for board meetings, including preparation and travel
- you are willing to travel within Canada to a minimum of four scheduled board meetings that may each last up to 2 days
How to apply
Interested applicants can submit all required documents:
- by email to NCR-applications-CNR@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca. You will receive an email confirming the receipt of application
- by mail to:
- Attention: National Council for Reconciliation Application
Reconciliation Secretariat at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Terrasses de la Chaudière
10 Wellington
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H4
- Attention: National Council for Reconciliation Application
Required documentation
Please note that there is no formal application form. Please include your name and the subject "National Council for Reconciliation Application" on all of your application documents.
- a cover letter that addresses your interest in sitting on the board, the skills or areas of expertise you can contribute and eligibility
- resumé
- a maximum of 2 letters of support which include complete contact information of your references
- proof of residency
- proof of Indigenous identity if applicable (this may include, for example, enrolled as a beneficiary of an Inuit land claims agreement.)
For shortlisted candidates the following will also be required:
- a criminal record check
- bankruptcy and insolvency records check
Deadline
This call for applications is now closed. The deadline to submit an application was October 27, 2024 at 11:59PM PST.
All applications and applicable documentation must be received by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada by the deadline.
Selection process
Updates on the status of applications will not be provided. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please ensure that your contact information is accurate.
Following an assessment of your application, it may be retained by the Council for future consideration.