The Aboriginal Action Circle
of the
National Capital Regional Council (NCRC) of the
Public Service Alliance of Canada
1. Name
The name of this Committee of the National Capital Region Council shall be the Aboriginal Action Circle, which is part of the National Aboriginal Peoples’ Circle (NAPC) of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
2. Aims and Objectives
To assist the PSAC, the National Capital Regional Council (NCRC) and the Locals that compromise the council in carrying out the actions outlined in the PSAC Statement of Principles on Aboriginal Peoples’ Rights.
- To work with organizations representing Aboriginal persons and other like-minded organizations to advocate and network at all levels for recognition of the right to self-determination, the fulfillment of historic treaty obligations and the timely settlement of all land entitlements.
- To advocate for more effective legislation through tools such as education, lobbying etc., on Employment Equity in all workplaces and to support said programs.
- To act as a resource to the PSAC in negotiating EE on behalf of all Aboriginal members for whom we are certified.
- To help build and participate in a strong network of Aboriginal Union members within the PSAC, the Canadian labour movement and the International labour movement as a whole.
- To provide the PSAC, the NCRC and the locals that comprise the Council with advice and guidance on issues of importance to Aboriginal members and the impact these issues have on Aboriginal members.
- To assist the PSAC in identifying, developing and negotiating contract language that is of particular concern to Aboriginal members.
- In collaboration with other NCR Committees, provide input to the development of educational materials for Alliance members concerning race relations, cultural diversity and Aboriginal issues.
- To promote inclusiveness and actively oppose racism, racial harassment and cultural stereotyping in the workplace and in the PSAC.
- To encourage access to elders at all union and workplace events.
- To promote and encourage participation in the AAC of all PSAC Aboriginal members.
3. Membership
The Aboriginal Action Circle is open to all PSAC members in good standing in the National Capital Region who have self-identified as Aboriginal. Aboriginal people in other unions, organizations, communities etc, are welcome to attend our meetings as guests.
4. Organization and Structure
From amongst its members the Circle shall choose people to serve as:
Chairperson
The Chairperson shall be responsible for the affairs of the Circle between meetings. The Chairperson will facilitate any meetings of the Circle held during their term. The Chair will ensure that issues of importance are communicated to the members of the Circle in a timely fashion. This position does not have any executive decision making powers outside of the normal decision making process of the Circle.
The Chairperson will be responsible for the agenda and the callout for agenda items at least one week before the meeting date. The membership must be given as much advance notice as possible to allow for optimum participation.
If the Chairperson is unavailable, the Secretary, Treasurer or NCRC Representative may assume the duties of the Chairperson for AAC activities.
Secretary
The Secretary shall be responsible for all non-financial administrative functions of the Circle including: the production and distribution of Minutes of all regular and special meetings of the Circle.
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all the financial affairs of the Circle including: The presentation of a financial report at each meeting of the Circle; The preparation and presentation of an annual financial report to the Circle and to the NCRC; The presentation of an annual budget – to be approved by the Circle before it is presented to the NCRC for approval.
National Capital Region Council Representative
The NCRC Representative shall represent the Aboriginal Action Circle on the NCRC. They will report on the Circle’s activities to the NCRC at each regular meeting of the NCRC and report back to the Circle on NCRC activities and requests. This position does not have any executive decision making powers outside of the normal decision making process of the Circle.
If the NCR Representative is unavailable, the Chairperson, Treasurer or Secretary may assume the duties of the Chairperson for AAC activities.
5. Meetings
During the months of September to June (inclusive) the Circle shall meet at least once each month.
During the Months of July and August the Circle will meet on as as-needed basis.
The Annual general Meeting of the Circle shall be held in the last quarter of the calendar year. The purpose of the AGM shall be: To select its officers; to table and discuss activity reports of the Circle; To review the year’s achievements, challenges and activities; to review financial statements of the Circle’s expenditures and to plan the next year’s activities and budget.
Special meetings of the Circle may be called by the Chair at the request of a significant number of members of the Circle or by the NCRC. The Circle encourages its members to invite guests and speakers who encompass our aims and objectives. As such, members are asked to provide at least one week’s advance notice to the Chair.
PSAC policies on harassment, child care and other policies that may be required are in force at all times during all Circle activities and meetings.
6. Selection of Officers
The officers of the Circle will be elected at the Annual General Meeting, providing consensus on the positions cannot be reached. The Chairperson, the Secretary, the Treasurer and the NCRC Representative will hold their position for a period of 1 year.
Should any of the officers be unable to fulfill their duties the other officers can select a replacement pending the next AGM.
7. Finance
The Circle shall not exceed an unbudgeted expense of more than $100.00 without a consensus of its members.
All receipts for expenses must be sent to the Treasurer to be recorded, then forwarded to the NCRC for their action.
8. Decision making
The Circle will honour the traditional values of Aboriginal Peoples by using consensus in its decision making process.