Expression of Interest: National Children’s Chiefs Commission Negotiation Team

The National Children’s Chiefs Commission (“NCCC”) is seeking expressions of interest from qualified individuals to serve on a negotiation team tasked with ending Canada’s discriminatory practices in First Nations child and family services (“FNCFS”) and Jordan’s Principle. This team will work under the direction of the NCCC to negotiate long-term reform agreements that uphold First Nations’ Inherent, Aboriginal and Treaty rights and responsibilities and advance the physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive well-being of First Nations children and families. The NCCC is committed to a transparent process that includes the voices of all First Nations.

Key Objectives:

1. Eliminate systemic discrimination in FNCFS and Jordan’s Principle, ensuring it does not reoccur. This includes addressing structural inequities and adhering to all applicable Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) orders.
2. Establish needs-based funding arrangements that are evidence-informed and defined by First Nations.
3. Ensure that any long-term reforms are First Nation-led and reflect the needs of First Nations children and families.
4. Uphold the sacredness of First Nations children, youth, and families.
5. Preserve First Nations decision-making in governance structures, including the guidance of youth and FNCFS experts.
6. Implement a step-approach to ending CHRT jurisdiction over long term reform implementation.

Responsibilities:

1. Negotiate a long-term reform final agreement(s) for FNCFS and Jordan’s Principle.
2. Ensure that the agreement is in accordance with the Assembly of First Nations Resolutions 40/2022, 60/2024, 61/2024, 88/2024, 89/2024, and 90/2024.
3. Work collaboratively as part of a team, sharing responsibility for negotiation efforts, planning, coordination, and updates.
4. Provide regular progress reports to the NCCC and First Nations leadership.
5. Present key deliverables to the NCCC for review and consideration.
6. Ensure transparency and maintain independence from external influences that conflict with First Nations’ self-determination.

Required Expertise and Qualifications:

1. Commitment to human rights and dignity, and the principles of reconciliation.
2. Advanced knowledge of Indigenous law, Aboriginal and treaty rights, constitutional law, administrative law, human rights law, and complex multi-party negotiations.
3. Experience in First Nations child well-being matters.
4. Proven ability to engage meaningfully with Elders, youth, and community leaders, ensuring their voices are reflected.
5. Demonstrated experience in facilitating dialogue and consensus-building among multiple parties.
6. Proficiency in articulating complex legal, policy, and technical concepts in accessible terms.
7. Experience conducting negotiations within the context of active litigation and existing legal orders.
8. A record of ethical conduct, free of conflicts of interest.
9. Understanding of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
10. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
11. Understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
12. Knowledge of Jordan’s Principal implementation.
13. Experience with the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada et al. v. Attorney General of Canada (for the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) CHRT orders, particularly 2016 CHRT 2, 2018 CHRT 4, 2021 CHRT 41, and 2022 CHRT 8.
14. Demonstrated cultural and linguistic competency, including a deep understanding of First Nations governance structures, protocols, languages, and decision-making processes.

Team Roles: The negotiation team will include:

1. Rotating Spokesperson: To communicate the team’s positions and progress.
2. Negotiation Team Members: To share responsibility for negotiation efforts.
3. NCCC’s Legal Team: To provide legal advice.
4. Technical Experts: To offer specialized knowledge, data, analysis, and evidence-based information.
5. Support Team: To provide strategic support.
6. Secretarial Support: To manage administrative and logistical functions.

Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to submit an expression of interest that includes:

1. A concise resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
2. A concise cover letter outlining your interest in the position and demonstrating how you meet the required expertise and qualifications.
3. Contact information for three references.

Submission: Please submit your expression of interest to [email protected] by February 14, 2025.

The NCCC is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive team that represents the interests of all First Nations. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

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