(As of March 31/09)

Note: Although board members are each nominated by a Southern First Nations CFS Agency, they are advocates on behalf of all of those served by the Southern First Nations Network of Care and not specific geographic areas, southern First Nations Agencies, and/or interest groups. Currently, there are 3 vacancies on the Southern Network’s board which are in the process of being filled.

Activities of the Board of Directors

The Board utilizes a policy governance model (Carver) to conduct its business. This includes:

• Policies about monitoring organizational performance through outcomes/results
• Policies about monitoring executive performance through executive limitations
• Policies about how the Board carries out the governance function
• Policies about the Board – CEO relationship

Throughout the year, board meetings were held quarterly and all Board members were active participants. The Board takes a proactive approach in shaping a southern First Nations CFS service delivery system that is culturally appropriate and improves the quality of life for First Nations children and families.

The Board develops an annual work plan to assist in managing its work. This work plan was updated at every Board meeting. Highlights for 07/08 included:

• Fulfilling the functions of an audit committee, including receiving regular financial reports, appointing the auditor, and receiving and accepting the annual audit report
• Participating in Board training, which included:
  
  • Overview of various legislation that applies to agencies and the Authority
  • Policy governance
• Completing a self assessment of board performance
• Reviewing / revising board policies
• Approving a mandate to the Sandy Bay CFS Agency
• Receiving / reviewing regular monitoring reports from the Authority executive
• Completing CEO performance review
• Monitoring of the work of the Authority in agency reviews that were undertaken
• Ongoing development of a work plan to promote and enhance input from community members (Ownership linkage)
• Begin planning for a CFS “Think Tank” and Forum to be held in 08/09
• Participation in meetings and briefings with the AMC Grand Chief
• Attendance at agency events
• Working on areas requiring policy development such as requests for new agencies

The Board plans for 08/09 include:

• CFS Think Tank in October 2008
• CFS Forum in February 2009
• Work on Outcome / Results measurement
• Continue working to build links with the communities served by the Southern Network
• Quality Assurance Review of the Southern Network
• Policy work