A recently obtained access-to-information request reveals the consultant agreement between Memorial University and NATION FPG INC d.b.a. First Peoples Group.
The contract between the parties is for “consulting services related to an Indigenous-led, impartial consultation process in respect of verifying Indigenous identity for Indigenous-specific opportunities at Memorial.”
The contract includes the agreement, the schedule of deliverables, rates, specific provisions, and the standard terms and conditions. It was signed by Memorial’s Vice-President (Indigenous) Catheryn Andersen and First Peoples Group Chair and Founding Partner Guy Freedman.
The total amount payable by the client to the supplier under the contract cannot exceed $96,000, excluding agreed expenses and applicable taxes. Allowable expenses include flights, overnight accommodation, and meals. Any travel-related expenses greater than $5,000 requires the prior approval of the client.
The contract took effect on November 10, 2023, and will remain in effect for six months. The client has the option to extend the term for one month.
The scope of work includes acknowledging the diverse histories and cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador and recognizing their connection to their traditional territories. The client also agrees it is “incumbent on the institution to make space, both literally and figuratively, to Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge, pedagogies, perspectives, and more, within the academy.”
In 2021, the Board of Regents adopted a Strategic Framework for Indigenization, outlining four strategic priorities: leadership and partnership, teaching and learning, research, and Indigenous student success.
The contract states that the client “is committed to reflecting Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in teaching and learning, research, and administration at the University. At the core of Indigenization is having the capacity to verify Indigenous membership and citizenship.”
The client is working to develop verification protocols/guidelines to address issues as they pertain to internal processes such as targeted hires, designated seats, and other Indigenous-specific opportunities.
The timeline for work in November 2020 includes a project initiation meeting, Indigenous Governments, meeting with client, and liaising with contacts internal to the university to understand existing relationships. In December 2023, the tasks include outreach and engagement, strategic planning session with client, and engagement outreach and communications. From January to March 2024, tasks include engagement with host nations and “What We Heard Reports,” engagement with Indigenous Organizations and “What We Heard Reports,” and engagement with Indigenous community and “What We Heard Reports.” In April 2024, the task is a series of presentations to the Vice-President’s Advisory Committee on Indigenous Affairs on “What We Heard Reports.”
The total fee of $96,000, excluding applicable taxes, is paid in three instalments: the first 1/4 of the total ($24,000) upon completion of Task 2: Strategic Planning, then the second at 1/2 of the total ($48,000) upon completion of Task 3: outreach and engagement, and the final 1/4 of the total ($24,000) upon completion of Task 4: final report.
Download the contract below:
Matt Barter is a fourth-year student in the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty at Memorial University of Newfoundland, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. He enjoys reading thought-provoking articles, walks in nature, and volunteering in the community.
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