Job Posting

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST OR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

March 19, 2025

ISSUED BY:

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)
120 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, QC J8X 2K1
www.nwac.ca
Email: reception@nwac.ca

1. PURPOSE

NWAC invites qualified organizations to submit expression of interest or preferably a proposal for the delivery of Community Service, Support and/or Indigenous Cultural focused Programming at its New Brunswick Lodge and Gathering Centre, as well the overall management and care of the property. The proposals should be non-commercial in nature, with a clearly defined Community benefit, where preference is given towards supporting Indigenous Communities and/or individuals.

NWAC would also consider proposals from qualified Indigenous Organizations for ownership of the property that must align with the intended purpose in which NWAC received public funds related to above. Additional information may be requested by eligible and verified Indigenous Organizations who sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) who qualify as a potential owner and demonstrable capacity that would satisfy both NWAC and the Government.

2. BACKGROUND

NWAC is a national Indigenous organization that advocates for Indigenous women in all their diversities. NWAC defends the rights and amplifies the perspective of Indigenous women in all their diversities in Canada – inclusive of First Nations (on and off reserve), Metis and Inuit. NWAC was founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of Indigenous women in all their diversities within their respective communities in Canada.

NWAC New Brunswick Lodge and Gathering Centre was initially purchased, renovated and built with the intention of NWAC offering Culturally Grounded Healing Services for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-divers individuals in Canada.

Due to funding constraints as well as an organizational re-prioritization of core advocacy work, NWAC is unable to offer the above noted programming.

NWAC is seeking organizations interested in using this property for community focused programming at a cost-recovery and/or in-kind agreement to include management and care of the property overall.

NWAC is also open to receiving proposals which include purchasing the property.

3. DESIRED INDIGENOUS PROGRAMMING / USERS / FEES

Desired Indigenous Programming:

• Programming should be focused (principally) on improving the health and well-being of the local and/or provincial Indigenous community, either through support for community focused organizations and/or services directed to Indigenous women, girls and their families or broader Indigenous community.
• Ideally, programming would be focused on assisting Indigenous communities address root causes/systemic barriers to happy, healthy, prosperous living.
• Examples could include;
  • Helping Indigenous women and their families deal with trauma and trauma related healing,
  • Sharing Indigenous cultural teachings, reconnecting with Indigenous culture, building Indigenous cultural confidence
  • Indigenous employment training, career coaching and building confidence
  • Providing respite for Indigenous caregivers, healers and Elders
• Programming should aim to make use of the property throughout the year, with staff, participants and/or property managers on site a minimum of 4 days per week.

Users:

• Programming must be primarily focused on supporting Indigenous community organizations or members.
• Alternatively, programming that is broader and more inclusive - with special focus and inclusion of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

User Fees:

• Ideally, programming is offered at no charge, nominal fee and/or targeted subsidies/sponsorship to Indigenous peoples.
• Reasonable fees, for cost recovery of direct expenses and overhead are acceptable.
• Fees for non-Indigenous Users can be priced according to comparable offerings and where fees charged could be used to help offset costs for Indigenous users.

4. FACILITY DETAILS

The facility is located 45 mins outside of Fredericton, New Brunswick. The facility is located on 16-acre former apple orchard with waterfront access to the Gagetown River.

• The property contains 6 buildings including;
• Lodge
  • Sleeps up to 10
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Family-style Kitchen
  • 3 Living Rooms
  • Craft Room
  • 5 Parking spaces
• 2 Bunkies (2 units per)
  • Sleeps up to 8
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
• Gathering Centre
  • 140 person capacity
  • 10 Parking
  • 2 (3 stall) Washrooms
  • 10 Parking Spaces
  • Church-style community Kitchen (non-commercial grade appliances)
• Gardening or Traditional Medicine Hut
• External Garage
• 1 Large community fire pit with seating
• 2 smaller camp style fire pits in natural settings

The property also includes;

• Recreational equipment.
• Property maintenance equipment – gardening, landscaping and more.

5. BUDGET AND INDIGENOUS PREFERENTIAL PROCUREMENT

NWAC does not have a set budget or costing for this RFP. The intention is for the programming offered to be self-sustained by the selected organization, without NWAC contributing financial or other resources.

If the selected organization is not able to offer in-kind property management services, in exchange for use of the property, NWAC and the organization will discuss suitable cost-recovery rent structure.

Preferential consideration will be given to Indigenous organizations in assessing the received proposals. Preference will also be given to those organizations whose clients include a high proportion of Indigenous people.

Proponents can request a copy of NWAC’s Indigenous Preferential Procurement policy.

6. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Interested organizations should submit a proposal that includes the following:

1. Overview of the organization, its leadership and governance including identifying as Indigenous if applicable.
2. Overview of relevant experience in delivery of community focused programming.
3. Overview of the organization’s experience support Indigenous communities or individuals.
4. Overview of the organization’s experience in property and/or facility management.
5. Overview of the proposed program offering, primary audience and expected impact/outcomes for clients.
6. Overview of the timeline for program development, start date and frequency of offering.
7. Profiles of staff, volunteers and leadership who will be directly involved in the delivery of the programming and/or management of the property.
8. General budget, including any user fees associated with the program, as well as confirmed sources of revenue for the sustainability of the program.
9. Most recent audited financial statements (compiled financial statements are also accepted if applicable).
10. All submissions must be sent in English.

7. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Proposals must be submitted electronically to mredfern@nwac.ca no later than April 16th 11:59pm EDT, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

8. INQUIRIES & REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

We appreciate your interest in supporting NWAC in this important endeavor. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Madeleine Redfern at mredfern@nwac.ca with written questions. NWAC will attempt to respond to inquiries within 48 hours or two business days.

9. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Organization’s experience and expertise program delivery.
2. Organization’s experience in property management.
3. Organization’s financial position as well as the financial sustainability of the program.
4. Qualifications and experience of key staff, volunteers and leadership associated with the program.
5. Demonstrated understanding of the needs and challenges of Indigenous communities/individuals.
6. Preference is given to programs which support Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse individuals.
7. Preference is given to Indigenous-led and operated organizations (please identify Indigenous leadership and staff who will work and deliver on program).
8. Preference is given to proposals which include property management and care.
9. Preference is given to proposals which include an intention to purchase the property.

10. TIMELINE

Proposals received will be evaluated by the NWAC Senior Leadership with recommendations presented to the NWAC Board of Directors.

Initial reviews will be completed within two (2) weeks after the submission deadline closes.

Those proposal short listed during the initial review will be invited to discuss further details, clarifications and possible amendments with NWAC Senior Leadership. This process may take up to a month or longer.

In the event, there are any eligible Indigenous organizations who express interest in acquiring the property, there is no set timeline. However, given the restrictions related to any potential transfer of ownership will go through a more rigorous process including with the Government of New Brunswick and/or the Government of Canada.

11. SELECTION PROCESSS

After reviewing all proposals, NWAC will shortlist the top executive search firms for further evaluation, which may include interviews and/or presentations to NWAC’s Personnel Committee.

NWAC is not bound to proceed with any organizations who submitted a proposal including the lowest proposal.

NWAC Senior Leadership will provide the screened, detailed, costed and finalized proposals to the NWAC Board of Directors for review, discussion and possible final approval. This process may take up to a month or longer.

12. GOAL

NWAC intends to have program delivery active by June or July 2025.