Constitution & Bylaws
Native Students’ Association (NSA)
October 21, 2014
Native Students’ Association
Constitution
Article
Article
Article
Article
Article
Article
Article
Article
I – Name
II – Objective
III – Authority
IV – Membership
V – Clan Leadership
VI – Authority of the Clan Leaders
VII – Annual General Meeting
VIII – Financial Year
Bylaws
Article 1 – Council of Clan Leaders
Article 2 – Values, Qualities and Responsibilities of Clan Leaders
Crane and Loon
Crane Clan Leader responsibilities
Loon Clan Leader responsibilities
Fish
Fish Clan Leader responsibilities
Bear
Bear Clan Leader responsibilities
Martin
Martin Clan Leader responsibilities
Hoof
Hoof Clan Leader responsibilities
Bird
Bird Clan Leader responsibilities
Article 3 - Clan Council Ethics and Conduct
Article 4 – Reviewing the Constitution and bylaws
Article 5 – Amending the Constitution and bylaws
Article 6 – Voting rights
Article
Article
Article
Article
Article
7 – Clan Council Meetings
8 - Replacement of absentee Council members
9 – Appointment and Declaration to the Council of Clan Leaders
10 Swearing in Ceremony
11 – Resignations
Article I – Name
The Name of this organization shall be the “Native Students’ Association” (NSA).
Article II – Objective
o The Native Students’ Association (NSA) at the University of Toronto is
o
o
o
o
committed to the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well-being of
the Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) student body.
The NSA is committed to forging partnerships and community ties with
non-Aboriginal student organizations within the University of Toronto.
The NSA is committed to reaching out beyond the walls of the University
of Toronto to forge partnerships and community ties with other
universities and community organizations across Turtle Island.
The NSA recognizes the need to preserve and protect our Indigenous
heritages and distinct cultures through the use of tradition, teachings,
language and celebration.
The NSA is committed to reflecting and embodying the teachings of our
Elders and the Seven Grandfathers in all NSA activities.
Article III – Authority
The NSA operates as a sovereign students’ association.
o The NSA is a self-governing First Nations council.
o
This council shall operate under the Anishnaabe Clan System.
Article IV – Membership
Membership to the NSA shall be open to:
o All student, staff, faculty, and alumni of the University of Toronto.
To become a member of the NSA students can register by:
o Signing their name to the membership list
o Requesting membership by email at nsa.exec@utoronto.ca
o Requesting membership through a Clan Leader
Members shall:
1. Honour and respect the goals and objectives of the NSA.
2. Abide by the NSA constitution and bylaws.
Article V – Clan Leadership
1. In respect for our traditional teachings and in honor of the territory on
which we operate, the NSA governance structure shall reflect the
Anishnaabe Clan System.
2. The NSA Council of Clan Leaders shall be made up of seven members,
elected through nomination, council consensus and/or general assembly.
Clan Leader nominations shall take place annually. All NSA members are
eligible for nomination. Clan Leaders from the prior year shall elect new
Clan Leaders through a 60% consensus vote in general assembly, and
shall evaluate nominated members based upon their abilities to uphold
the spiritual aspects of each Clan Leader position.
3. Each Clan Leader shall be equally responsible for the leadership of the
NSA.
4. Each Clan Leader shall represent one of the seven traditional Clans (Loon,
Crane, Fish, Bear, Hoof, Martin and Bird) and shall be responsible for
upholding the values and carrying out the duties associated with the Clan
that they are representing.
5. In addition to representing one of the seven Clans, council members shall
also strive to embody all of the seven teachings, and represent one by
clearly role-modeling and speaking to that teaching in their duties as
council and student representatives.
Article VI – Authority of the Clan Leaders
1. The Clan Leaders shall have control of the affairs of the NSA and the
primary responsibility for achieving its objectives.
2. The Clan Leaders will exercise this control by committing to one holiday
social, one Aboriginal Awareness Week social and one end of the year
social.
3. Requests from other organizations for assistance and participation in all
other events are contingent on Clan Leaders commitments to school and
their availability.
Article VII – Annual General Meeting
1. Annual General Meetings:
The group shall hold general meetings at least twice per year, i.e. once per
academic term.
The Council of Clan Leaders will announce these dates two weeks prior to
holding the meetings. These meetings are intended to go over the group’s
annual activity plan, financial health and propose or vote on constitutional
amendments, if any. Motions will require 60% majority of registered
members in attendance for a vote to be cast. The motion with the most
votes will be passed.
2. Council of Clan Leaders Meetings:
The Council of Clan Leaders shall meet on a bi-weekly basis where date and
times are to be set by an executive. The quorum of Clan Council meetings
shall be 4 out of 7 Clan Leaders.
Article VIII – Financial Year
1. The Council of Clan Leaders shall annually elect one of the Clan Leaders by
consensus vote to act as Financial Officer. The role of the Financial Officer
shall include, but is not limited to:
a. Bookkeeping and accounting for NSA finances
b. Budget drafting
c. Presenting financial statements to the general membership at
General Meetings
d. Keeping all receipts of expenditures authorized by the NSA
2. The Financial Officer shall keep records of all income and expenses. The
Financial Officer shall present the group’s financial health at the annual
general meetings. The Council of Clan Leaders will vote on expenditures of
over $100.00 by consensus at Clan Council meetings.
3. The Council of Clan Leaders and general membership may not engage in
activities that are essentially commercial in nature. This is not intended to
preclude the collection of membership fees to cover the expenses of the
group, or of charges for specific activities, programs or events, or to
prohibit groups from engaging in legitimate fundraising. However, the
group will not have as a major activity a function that makes it an oncampus part of a commercial organization, will not provide services and
goods at a profit when that profit is used for purposes other than those of
the organization, and will not pay salaries to some or all of its officers.
4. The designated year-end shall be August 31st. Annual financial statements
shall be presented at the following general meeting.
Bylaws
Article 1 – Council of Clan Leaders
In order to fulfill the NSA objectives, the NSA Clan Council is structured around
four areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Feasts and/socials.
Political events and/or partnerships.
Cultural promotion.
Administration.
Each Clan leader has responsibilities that touch on all four areas. Clan Leaders
shall uphold and represent Indigenous culture and worldview through their
duties outlined in the NSA constitution.
Article 2 – Values, Qualities and Responsibilities of Clan Leaders
Crane and Loon
Cranes and Loons are given the role of chieftainship and governance. It is their
duty to ensure that the objectives set out by the constitution are fulfilled and to
oversee the general management and coordination of the Clan Council
government.
Crane Clan Leader responsibilities:
Feasts/socials
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Answering email questions
Approving and sending out posters, sign-up sheets
Coordinating food preparations
Public speaking
 Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year
Endorsed political events and student partnership

Choose at lease one political event or student event outside of regular
NSA activities to manage, coordinate and participate in on behalf of NSA.
This event can be one of your own making, or be a partnership with
another student group or university program (upon approval from the
other council leaders).
 Develop and maintain on-going networking and partnerships with
University student groups and/or University organizations (such as TYP).
 Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students
on an on-going basis in
Cultural promotion
 Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and
student partnerships
 Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the University
Administration
 Planning and/or coordinating all NSA social events each year (upon
approval of Clan Council)
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Emails answering emails, posting events, managing communications
Organizing and inputting new membership applications
Speaking on behalf of NSA
Representing all NSA council decision to the public (as needed)
Upholding NSA council decisions
Presenting new NSA council members to the council
Being present for one council meeting per month
Being present for annual general assembly
In charge of coordinating all political and governance correspondence
Loon Clan Leader responsibilities
Feasts/socials
 Overall coordination, ensuring that everyone is fulfilling their
responsibilities
 Managing RSVPs
 Coordinating food prep
 Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year
Endorsed political events and student partnerships
 Choose at lease one political event or student event outside of regular
NSA activities to manage, coordinate and participate in, on behalf of NSA.
This event can be one of your own making, or be a partnership with
another student group or university program (upon approval from the
other council leaders).
 Develop and maintain on-going networking and partnerships with
University student groups and/or University organizations (such as TYP).
 Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students
on an on-going basis
Cultural promotion
 Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and
student partnerships
 Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the University
Administration
 Planning and/or coordinating of all NSA social events each year (upon
approval of Clan Council)
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


Managing and coordinating council activities
Planning meeting dates, and agenda
Ensuing the timely running of council meetings
Documentation of and annual review of NSA constitution
Following up with council members and ensuring that they are fulfilling
their duties
 Coordination of volunteers
 Being present for one council meeting per month
 Being present for annual general assembly
Fish Fish or Water Clan stands between the Crane and Loon. They act as mediators,
teachers, philosophers and scholars.
Fish Clan Leader responsibilities
Feasts/socials
 Socializing, meeting and greeting members, informing people about up
coming events
 Informing people about the NSA (i.e. our purpose and goals, recruitment
of future leaders)
 Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year
Endorsed political events and student partnerships
 Attend at least two political and/or student based University events on
behalf of the NSA per year.
Cultural promotion

Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and
student partnerships
Administration
 Being present for one council meeting per month
 Being present for annual general assembly
 Teaching council members about the use of websites, email, financial
accounting system, governance structure and duties
Bear
The Bear Clan acts as medicine keepers, address matters of security, and are
the upholders of established Clan Council laws.
Bear Clan Leader responsibilities
Feasts/socials
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Ensuring that smudge, medicine and feather are present at all socials
Assist with gathering food for events and cooking
Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year
Prepare spirit plate
Endorsed political events and student partnerships
 Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students
on an on-going basis in
 Addresses any breaches in security for student safety
Cultural promotion
 Assist Elders during feasts, ceremonies and social events as needed.
 Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and
student partnerships
 Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the University
 Responsible for caring for medicines and feather
 In charge of arranging for a fire keeper during garden ceremonies
Administration
 Recruitment of potential NSA future council leaders
 Recruitment of volunteers
 Being present for one council meeting per month
 Being present for annual general assembly
Martin
The Martin Clan are protectors of the people. They are strategists, planners and
warriors committed to upholding traditional ways of knowing and being.
Martin Clan Leader responsibilities
Feasts/socials
 Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year
 Gathering interest in political events
Endorsed political events and student partnerships
 Choose at lease one political event or student event outside of regular
NSA activities to manage, coordinate and participate in on behalf of NSA.
This event can be one of your own making, or be a partnership with
another student group or university program (upon approval from the
other council leaders).
 Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students
on an on-going basis
Cultural promotion
 Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the University
 Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and
student partnerships
Administration
 Being present for one council meeting per month
 Being present for annual general assembly
 Managing external complaints
Hoof
The Hoof clan are diplomats, interested in socializing, and connecting with
people, they are gentle, pacifist and polite.
Hoof Clan Leader responsibilities
Feasts/socials
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Public speaking, presenting awards and notes of thanks
Drafting posters, sign up sheets
Preparing food
Hosting events
Socializing, meeting and greeting members, letting people know about up
coming events
 Informing people about the NSA (i.e. sing up sheets, recruitment of future
leaders)
 Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year
Endorsed political events and student partnerships
 Choose at lease one political event or student event outside of regular
NSA activities to manage, coordinate and participate in on behalf of NSA.
This event can be one of your own making, or be a partnership with
another student group or university program (upon approval from the
other council leaders).
 Develop and maintain on-going networking and partnerships with
University student groups and/or University organizations (such as TYP).
Cultural promotion

Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and
student partnerships
Administration






Answering emails, posting events, managing communications
Recruitment of potential NSA future council leaders.
Recruitment of volunteers
Being present for one council meeting per month
Being present for annual general assembly
Maintaining website
Bird
Bird Clan are spiritual leaders, visionaries and philosophers.
Bird Clan Leader responsibilities
Feasts/socials
 Socializing, meeting and greeting members, letting people know about up
coming events
 Informing people about the NSA (i.e. sign-up sheets, recruitment of future
leaders)
 Conducting smudge and/or assisting Elders
 Coordinating Elder participation and/or transportation
 Attend at least 2 NSA sponsored socials per year
Endorsed political events and student partnerships

Political advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal issues and Aboriginal students
on an on-going basis in accordance with their culture and worldview.
Cultural promotion



Assist Elders during feasts, ceremonies and social events as needed.
Promote Indigenous knowledge in all NSA endorsed political events and
student partnerships.
Initiate and/or support cultural programs or partnerships at the
University.
Administration
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

Arranging swearing in ceremonies for new council members
Being present for one council meeting per month
Being present for annual general assembly
Article 3 - Clan Council Ethics and Conduct
The NSA student Clan Council shall conduct itself in a manner that embodies
Indigenous concepts of health and good living. This concept encompasses
spiritual, emotional, physical and mental components as reflected in the seven
teachings:
Respect:
Admiration and deference towards others
Love:
Affection and compassion for yourself and others
Courage:
Ability to face difficulty, and carry out one’s responsibilities
Humility:
To not think of oneself as above others, to walk in balance
Wisdom:
To better ones life through knowledge of life
Honesty:
To speak one’s truth and live with integrity
Truth:
To understand these teachings and embody them in all that we do
Further, the NSA Clan Council shall:
1. Maintain confidentiality of Clan Council meetings.
2. Hold all Clan Leaders to mutual standards of unconditional high regard.
3. Ensure that meetings be opened with an acknowledgement of spirit (i.e.
smudge or prayer).
4. Ensure that an offering plate and prayer be considered prior to the
commencement of potlucks and feasts.
5. Ensure that the membership and council practice environmentally friendly
standards during all events.
6. Pursue social, economic and political participation on issues affecting
Indigenous students and our community at large.
7. Promote First Nation, Métis and Inuit culture and awareness on campus
8. Recognize the governing bodies of other student and/or youth councils at
the University of Toronto.
9. Extend our support and endorsement to other Indigenous community
groups and organizations as pending consensus from the current and
active Clan council members.
10.Ensure that all Clan Council decisions be consensual during council
proceedings. There will be a grace period of one week for any Clan council
member who was absent, to be informed of the discussion and votes. Nonresponses are considered a vote of confidence. The council vote can be
accepted by phone, email or in person.
Article 4 – Reviewing the Constitution
4.1 The constitution and its by-laws shall be reviewed annually by the elected
Council of Clan Leaders.
Article 5 – Amending the Constitution and Bylaws
5.1 Proposals for amending the constitution or its bylaws shall either be sent to
the Council or discussed during general membership assemblies.
5.2 Voting on an Amendment
In the event of an amendment to the constitution or its bylaws, a general
assembly shall be called. During this assembly, discussion of the amendment will
follow the introduction of the amendment. Consensus vote is required for
amending the constitution.
Article 6 – Voting rights
6.1 Clan Leaders may vote during Clan Council meetings, and all members may
vote during general meetings. Voting will take place by public show of opinion
(i.e. by show of hands).
Article 7 – Clan Council Meetings
7.1 During monthly council meetings the Council of Clan Leaders shall maintain
a quorum of four out of seven in all decision making. Consent can be given in
writing for those council members not at the meeting.
Article 8 - Replacement of absentee Council members
8.1 The Council of Clan Leaders maintains the right to replace any Clan leader
who fails to attend three consecutive council meetings, fails to uphold their Clan
responsibilities, or has broken their word on a commitment more than three
times. Notification will be given in writing, and new candidates will be
nominated, interviewed and appointed by the Council of Clan Leaders, or
through a general assembly meeting. Both parties will have the right to an
appeal before the general membership. The majority vote of the general
membership shall have the final say on the matter.
8.2 Failure to be in contact with any Clan Leader regarding the NSA in three
consecutive weeks will also result in notification of dismissal from the NSA.
Article 9 – Appointment and Declaration to the Council of Clan Leaders
9.1 All NSA members are eligible for nomination to the Council of Clan Leaders.
9.2 Acceptance of nomination must be confirmed by nominee, prior to
nomination.
9.3 The candidates if elected to the council shall remain in office for the duration
of one year to six years, pending annual review at the general assembly
meeting.
9.4 Declarations during general meetings will be facilitated by University faculty,
Elder, or Indigenous community member skilled in Indigenous governance. The
facilitator will not be eligible to vote.
Article 10 - Swearing in Ceremony
10.1 Members who have been newly appointed to the Council of Clan Leaders
will, as an act of acknowledgement and acceptance of the specific Clan
responsibilities bestowed upon them through the NSA constitution will attend an
obligatory swearing-in ceremony.
Article 11 – Resignations
11.1 Any person holding a position on the Council of Clan Leaders may resign at
any time by providing written documentation to the Council of Clan Leaders.
11.2 The Council member who is resigning will make every effort to find a
replacement.
11.3 If no replacement is found, within the same academic year, the Council of
clan Leaders will meet to negotiate the sharing of duties.