The Oẏateki Partnership

WHO WE ARE

The Oẏateki Partnership consists of four distinctive and collaborative groups of leaders that help determine the vision of the initiative.

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE:

The Oẏateki Leadership Circle provides high-level oversight for the Oẏateki Project as per the MOU signed between the three institutions: Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), and the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). This oversight is guided by the principles and practices of the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) in its capacity as the primary funder.

• Oversees strategic planning, including approval, implementation, and progress updates surrounding projects,
• Regular review of action plans to inform and approve the annual and multi-year Project Plan and Budget,
• Oversight and approval of external collaborations and contract work that supports the projects,
• Accountability to Mastercard Foundation and stakeholders more generally for timely submission of reporting and compliance-related activities,
• Working through any discrepancies across institutional policies to achieve necessary alignment,
• Striking of ad hoc or standing subcommittees as needed,
• Provides high-level direction to Director, Strategic Projects.

Membership

Each Institution will designate two representatives to participate in the Leadership Circle. In addition, the Vice President, Finance at SIIT will participate in the Leadership Circle.

KAHTÉ-AYAK (KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS) ADVISORY CIRCLE:

The role of the Kahté-ayak Advisory Circles is to provide ‘Kahté-ayak-guided’ advice to the Oẏateki Partnership as they plan and implement activities designed to transform the education and employment systems to better service Indigenous youth.

Membership

Membership is open to those Kahté-ayak recognized by their communities for their wisdom and knowledge.

One member will be referred by each of the Institutions and will include the Kahté-ayak who gifted the Project vision, which provides high-level guidance to the work.

It is the recommendation of the Kahté-ayak thus far consulted, to ensure that others will be brought into the circle to share their journeys and advice for the Oẏateki Project. This we will do.

YOUTH ADVISORY CIRCLE:

The role of the Youth Advisory Circle is to support youth in their pathways through education and on to meaningful work and livelihoods reflecting their values, traditions, and aspirations.

• Provide the perspective of youth, support and encourage their engagement in Oẏateki programming.
• Provide advice and recommendations on the policies, services and programs that may impact youth.
• Assist in the identification of gaps/barriers and suggest solutions to better support youth on their journeys.
• Support the development of spaces and events that inspire dialogue between youth, partner institutions, communities, education practitioners and employers.

Membership:

• Members must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years
• Members are appointed by one of the three partner institutions: GDI, USask, SIIT
• Members can be a student, a recent graduate or be considering furthering their education/training
• Member term will be 2 years, and members can be re-appointed by the nominating institution.
• Members missing 3 consecutive meetings (without notice) will be replaced by their nominating institution or an approved waiting list of youth.

STAFF:

The staff of the Partnership continues to grow sustainably and effectively. New team members are steadily being integrated into the initiative to ensure stability and enhance the offerings of the project.

The Oyateki Partnership staff group consists of:
Director
Departmental Assistant
Learning Lead
Project Specialist
Marketing Specialist
Planning and Development Analyst
Curriculum Writer