Urban Indigenous Peoples' Advisory Committee

Terms of reference

The committee will: 

• Ensure that effective communication and consultation of Vancouver's Urban Indigenous communities play a major role in the efforts of the committee to fulfill its mandate
• Strive to develop and maintain a positive relationship with other individuals, groups, agencies, and others, who are addressing issues of concern to Vancouver Urban Indigenous Peoples
• Advise Council and staff on the City of Reconciliation Framework as it is developed, implemented and updated

The committee may:

• Assist the efforts of other agencies, organizations, and others who are addressing issues of concern to Vancouver Urban Indigenous Peoples
• Research, study, or investigate areas of concern for Vancouver Urban Indigenous Peoples in order to develop advice and make recommendations
• Solicit input and receive advice, recommendations, reports, or concerns from individuals or groups addressing issues of concern to Vancouver Urban Indigenous Peoples, and recommend appropriate action
• Facilitate decision making on municipal matters, such as community services, planning and design to regularize the consultation process

Policy advice

The committee:

• Provides input to City Council and staff about issues of concern
• Considers any matters which may be referred to the committee by Council or staff
• May take positions on policy initiatives from other levels of government within the mandate of the committee

Collaboration

The committee:

• Works co-operatively with other agencies whose activities affect constituent communities, including initiating and developing relevant projects
• Acts as a resource for staff doing public involvement processes and civic events

Awareness and outreach

The committee:

• Exchanges information with the constituent communities and the general public about relevant programs and issues of interest
• Engages in outreach to disseminate information and encourage participation from constituent communities

Planning and reporting

The committee:

• Produces an annual work plan with specific objectives by no later than April of each year, in consultation with Council and staff liaisons, for distribution to Council and civic departments for information
• Presents accomplishments and progress to date at the annual Council of Councils event
• Submits an annual report to Council describing its accomplishments for the year, including reference to each objective set out in the work plan and any arising issues to which the committee has responded

Subcommittees

Will be announced when they are created by the committee.

Meeting frequency

The committee meets six times a year and does not meet in August. Generally, the committee meets once a month on a Monday at City Hall.

Time commitment

Committee meetings last approximately 2 hours. About 2 additional hours a month is spent on email and other correspondence, meetings, research, and networking. Preparation for all meetings is required.

Attendance requirement

Members may miss no more than two consecutive meetings without obtaining leave of absence from the committee. Membership will be terminated following the second such absence.

Membership

• Claudette Abraham
• Suzette Amaya
• Cinnamon Bhayani
• Nicole Cardinal
• Lorraine Jack
• Shadae Johnson
• Robbie Knott
• Brandon Macleod
• Cheryl Marion
• Alana Obey
• Yvette Stephenson

Persons appointed to an advisory body shall meet the following essential criteria:

• Not be employed by the City of Vancouver
• Live or work in Vancouver, or have a significant body of experience with issues in Vancouver
• Be able to demonstrate relevant experience or knowledge, abilities and skills related to the mandate of the advisory body

Composition:

• 15 members (8 is quorum) who represent Urban Indigenous Peoples with at least three members identifying as Métis
• 1 non-voting Council liaison
• 1 non-voting Council liaison
• 1 non-voting Park Board Commission liaison
• 1 Vancouver Public Library staff liaison
• 1 Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council liaison
• 1 non-voting School Board Trustee liaison
• 1 non-voting staff liaison
• The appointment of civic members to each advisory committee shall meet the composition objectives set out in the Diversity on Advisory Bodies policy.

Length of term:

• Committee members are appointed until November 6, 2022.
• No member of the public shall serve for more than four consecutive years on the same advisory body. A former member is eligible for reappointment after one year out of office.

Liaisons​

• Council Liaison: Councillor Christine Boyle
• Council Liaison: Councillor Adriane Carr
• Park Board Liaison: vacant
• School Board Liaison: Trustee Janet Fraser
• VPD Liaison: Insp. Terry Yung
• VPL Liaison, Indigenous Planner: Lindsay Grant
• Staff Liaisons: Shabna Ali & Rachel Wuttunee, Social Policy & Projects
• Park Board Staff Liaison: Spencer Lindsay
• MVAE Council Liaison: Diana Day
• Policy Support for MVAE Council Liaison: Joel Laycock

All Regular Meetings are open to the public.

In addition to the Regular Meetings listed here, the Committee also meets several times per year for informal working sessions. Please contact the Meeting Coordinator for more information.

2022 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2021 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2020 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2019 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2018 meetings, agendas, and minutes

The meetings listed below are open to the public. 

2017 meetings, agendas, and minutes

The meetings below are open to the public.

2016 meetings, agendas, and minutes

The meetings listed below are open to the public.

2015 meetings, agendas, and minutes

The meetings listed below are open to the public.

2014 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2013 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2012 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2021 - 2022 Work Plan

The 2021-2022 Work Plan summarizes the high priority objectives for the committee term and establishes an action plan to achieve those objectives.

• View the Work Plan

2019-2020 in review

An overview of the committee's accomplishments in 2019-2020, along with future goals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no Council of Councils event was held.

• View the poster

July 7, 2020

The City of Vancouver's Urban Indigenous Peoples' Advisory Committee Calls for Meaningful Action on Anti-Racism and Reconciliation by Mayor, Council and Civic Departments.

Read the news release PDF file (45 KB)

2017 in review

An overview of the committee's accomplishments and recommendations for continuation of the work was presented at the Council of Councils October 12, 2017.

• View the poster PDF file

2017 - 2018 Work Plan

The 2017-2018 Work Plan summarizes the high priority objectives for the committee term and establishes an action plan to achieve those objectives

• View the Work Plan PDF file

2016 in review

An overview of the committee's 2016 accomplishments and future goals as presented at the Council of Council's on November 9, 2016.

• View the poster PDF file (295 KB)

2012 - 2014 term in review

An overview of the committee's closing term accomplishments and recommendations for continuation of the work was presented at the Council of Council's December 2014.

• View the committee's presentation PDF file (618 KB)

Year of Reconciliation

The Urban Aboriginal Peoples Advisory Committee worked closely with staff providing advice and support during the Year of Reconciliation.

• View Year of Reconciliation details

Documents

• Letter to Mayor and Council, May 19, 2022 ("Keeping our Sisters Safe")