Last updated: May 26, 2006

 

Our Mission

 

‘The mission of the NBAPC Youth Council is to represent, promote, advocate, empower, protect and educate young, off-reserve, Aboriginal Youth of New Brunswick; and further to encourage unity and the growth of the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well being of oneself, family and community.’

 

Our Vision

 

To inspire, motivate, and empower Aboriginal Youth

To promote healthy lifestyles by incorporating our traditions, cultures, spirituality and language

To ensure the voices of Aboriginal Youth is heard through a Provincial Youth Representative and a position on NBAPC’s Board of Directors

 

The NBAPC-YC will be comprised of one Aboriginal Youth from each of the seven Zones and a Provincial Youth Representative. Each Zone will also have an Alternate.

 

The NBAPC-YC will operate in a manner consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of NBAPC.

 

Selection Process

 

Zone Youth Directors and Alternates

 

Zone Youth Directors are elected through their respective Zones, should a vacancy arise, an appointment will be made until the next Zone meeting..An alternate is required in the event that the Zone Youth Director is unavailable or unable to complete his/her term. The term of the Youth Directors and Alternates is two years.

 

NBAPC Youth Director

 

The individual who sits on NBAPC’s Board of Directors is elected at the Annual General Meeting each year. This person must meet the requirements set out in the NBAPC’s Constitution and Bylaws.

 

Provincial Youth Representative

 

The Provincial Youth Representative is elected from within the Youth Council.

 

 

 

Roles and Responsibilities

 

Zone Youth Directors/Alternates

 

Responsible to keep their Community Zone informed of NBAPC-YC activities and initiatives

Carry the views, perspectives, concerns and interests of their Community Zone and respective Youth to the provincial level through the NBAPC-YC

Be available for in-between meetings and consultations

One director will be appointed to the UMAYC Steering Committee, and keep the Youth Council informed on current events.

 

Provincial Youth Representative

 

Will represent the NBAPC-YC on the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ Youth Council

Attend meetings, as assigned

With the NBAPC-YC, shall evaluate NBAPC Youth initiatives

Shall report back to the Youth Council on National activities and information

 

NBAPC Youth Director

 

Serve as official representative of the NBAPC-YC on the NBAPC Board of Directors

Will provide written reports to the NBAPC board of directors, as required, and to the NBAPC’s Annual General Meeting

Shall report back to the Youth Council on NBAPC activities and information on current NBAPC initiatives

 

Meetings

 

Youth AGM will be held in conjunction with the NBAPC Annual General Meeting

NBAPC-YC will meet quarterly

Other meetings as funding permits

Two weeks notice will be given.

Rules of Order will be adopted by the NBAPC-YC

A minimum of 50%+1 of existing Youth council is required to conduct business

Decisions to be reached by consensus, if a decision cannot be reached, a majority vote will decide.Only in the event of a tie is the chair entitled to vote.

 

The frequency of meetings will depend on the availability of resources. It is recommended that the NBAPC-YC and NBAPC utilize cost saving approaches such as synchronizing NBAPC AGMS with YC Gatherings and using conference calls and other electronic communications (internet chat) whenever available.

 

 

Costs

 

NBAPC rates for travel, accommodation and expenses

Cost saving measures are to be taken, whenever possible

Participation on the NBAPC-YC is on a volunteer basis

 

Amendments

 

Amendments to the Terms of Reference will be decided by consensus at Youth AGM. If consensus cannot be reached, a 2/3 vote will be required to amend the Terms of Reference

The NBAPC Executive and Board will be notified of any changes to the Terms of Reference for ratification

 

Codes of Conduct

 

All Youth Council members are to:

 

Attend all NBAPC-YC meetings and other meetings as assigned

Report to the Youth Council when attending meetings on the Youth Council’s behalf

Report back to their Community Zone on Youth Council activities

Refrain from drug, alcohol and substance abuse during all youth functions

Conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner

Work in the best interest of all off-reserve Aboriginal Youth

 

Members in violation of this code may face immediate removal from the NBAPC-YC. The member will also have an opportunity to appeal this decision by stating their case to the NBAPC-YC. Removal will be subjected to a 2/3 vote by the NBAPC-YC.