Indigenous Advisory
SaskMusic's Indigenous Advisory is a permanent, advisory standing council.
Current Advisory members are (October 2024):
Brad Bellegarde, Dale McArthur, Aaron Tootoosis, Cheryl L'Hirondelle, Lindsay Knight, Thomas Roussin
Knowledge keeper: Joseph Naytowhow
SaskMusic board observers: Marian Donnelly, Jackie Kroczinski
Volunteer advisory members come from Saskatchewan Indigenous communities. Representatives may also come from national, regional or community-based organizations to give fair and equal voice to the diverse cultural perspectives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples from Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10. SaskMusic aims to be inclusive of diverse voices, where Indigenous Advisory members can contribute based on their professional and personal experiences as well as from artists and musicians in the music industry within Saskatchewan.
- Appointments are for 2-year terms, with appointees to serve a maximum of 3 consecutive terms at the discretion of the SaskMusic Board. Advisory members who are not SaskMusic members are provided with complimentary SaskMusic memberships for the length of their Advisory term.
- If you are interested in being considered for a position on the Advisory, please read the Advisory's Terms of Reference to get started, then complete this form.
SaskMusic Indigenous Advisory
Terms of Reference
Mandate/Purpose:
SaskMusic’s Indigenous Advisory provides advice and makes recommendations to the SaskMusic Board of Directors regarding the activities and direction of SaskMusic. The Indigenous Advisory nurtures long-term trust in the Saskatchewan music community by offering guidance based on the experience, expertise, values and worldviews of its individual members.
Scope:
The Indigenous Advisory can be called upon to advise on the development, scope and priorities of SaskMusic as an organization and any matters related to the music created by Saskatchewan First Nations, Inuit or Métis people, including initiatives, export missions, educational programs, and services related to the recognition of Indigenous music, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and the revitalization of Indigenous cultures within Saskatchewan.
Responsibilities:
- To facilitate engagement and assist SaskMusic’s Board of Directors in connecting with Indigenous networks and music communities.
- To engage with Indigenous, First Nations, and Métis artists, including increased and equitable outreach and service to members by being aware of barriers which may be present.
- To be a resource for SaskMusic’s Board to consult with when guidance is necessary on process, content, access, control, education, representation, and strategic planning.
- To guide and advise SaskMusic’s Board in developing cultural competencies.
- To guide SaskMusic’s Board on cultural appropriateness and protocols.
- To counsel SaskMusic’s Board in adopting and applying best practices for engaging with diverse communities.
- To provide historical and cultural context and specifics to SaskMusic’s members and actions.
- To make suggestions to SaskMusic regarding funding options which can then be presented to FACTOR and Creative Saskatchewan on behalf of SaskMusic.
- When requested, help determine organizational priorities for incoming sponsorship/ partnership requests, and assist in setting realistic final reporting requirements of same.
The Indigenous Advisory Chairs will gather the Advisory’s recommendations/comments and report to SaskMusic’s Board on behalf of the Indigenous Advisory. We acknowledge that consensus of the Advisory does not imply unanimous agreement but rather respectful deference to the majority based on fair and open discussions. All Indigenous Advisory members should have equal opportunities to participate, contribute and be heard.
The Indigenous Advisory serves an advisory capacity and does not have executive decision-making powers. The Indigenous Advisory is not accountable for results or outcomes of SaskMusic. That responsibility falls to the SaskMusic Board of Directors.
Meeting Management and Administration:
- It is recommended that the Indigenous Advisory meet quarterly, as well as at the behest of the board, and when the Advisory deems it necessary.
- Meetings can be held in person and/or with participants on conference call.
- Actions, takeaways, priorities, decisions and planning must be reflected in the Advisory’s meeting minutes, which are then presented to the SaskMusic Board by the Indigenous Advisory Chair(s).
Advisory Composition:
This is a permanent, advisory standing council. It will be comprised of a minimum of five members (who may also be SaskMusic Board members) plus up to two SaskMusic Board members present as observers. Two co-chairs will be appointed by the SaskMusic Board, one of whom will be a SaskMusic Board member, in order to facilitate communications between the Advisory and the board.
The SaskMusic Board will seek and select Advisory members from Saskatchewan Indigenous communities through general calls of interest as well as one-to-one outreach. Representatives may also come from national, regional or community-based organizations to give fair and equal voice to the diverse cultural perspectives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples from Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10. SaskMusic aims to be inclusive of diverse voices, where Indigenous Advisory members can contribute based on their professional and personal experiences as well as from artists and musicians in the music industry within Saskatchewan.
Terms of Members:
Advisory members (not including board observers) will be appointed for two-year terms, for a maximum of three consecutive terms. Advisory members who are not SaskMusic members will be provided with complimentary SaskMusic memberships for the length of their Advisory term.
Observers and co-chairs will be appointed annually at the same time as SaskMusic Board committee appointments.
If you are interested in being considered for a position on the Advisory, please complete this form.