The Ribbon Indigenous Committee

 

Over the past few years, Ribbon has established an Indigenous Committee. This is one of the ways Ribbon works towards relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities, and helps our organization meet the needs of Indigenous people in our community. Indigenous Committee members are volunteers who receive a small honoraria for their time. The Committee has lots of space to explore priorities based on the cultural knowledge, needs, and capacity of the membership. Some things the Committee can take on include:

  • Share input as to how Ribbon can better support and empower Indigenous people in our programs, including ideas to change and adapt our current programs, and for new ways to connect with Indigenous Communities   
  • Identify and host programs and events that focus on Indigenous community building 
  • Provide Indigenous perspective on initiatives at Ribbon such as public statements, internal policies, and program development  
  • Communicate with Indigenous community members about opportunities at Ribbon, and encourage and welcome new ideas from community members 
  • Welcome Indigenous community members to Ribbon by supporting programs and events  

The Committee is looking for new members to continue the work in 2025. The Committee will choose up to six Indigenous people to join the Committee for the coming year.

 

We will consider new members whether or not they are living with HIV, who are Indigenous, and who are interested in helping us put Ribbon's purpose into action among Indigenous communities.

 

Paper applications are available at Reception, or you can email [email protected] with answers to the following questions:

  • What is your connection to Ribbon Community?
  • Who are the people who recognize you as an Indigenous leader, knowledge keeper, or Elder? 
  • Are you available to meet in-person twice per month at Ribbon? 

The current Committee will review all applications and invite selected participants to meet the Committee and determine if this is a good fit based on Indigenous ways of knowing, Indigenous community leadership, the scope of the Committee, and Ribbon's purpose and values.