First Peoples Child & Family Review
A Journal on Innovation and Best Practices in
Aboriginal Child Welfare Administration, Research, Policy and Practice

Editorial Board Terms of Reference

Draft October 30th, 2007

Purpose Statement

The main purpose of this advisory committee is to provide advice to the Coordinating Editor in all administrative, reviewing, editing, layout, copyright and publishing matters associated with the First Peoples Child & Family Review online journal (hereafter called the “First Peoples Journal”).

The First Peoples Journal is a unique and innovative peer reviewed online e-journal which respects Indigenous intellectual property rights and ensures the work is available without fee to all Canadians. The First Peoples Journal is published jointly by the First Nations Research Site of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada (Caring Society) and the Centre of Excellence for Child Welfare (CECW). This e-journal focuses primarily on First Peoples and Aboriginal child welfare administration, practices, policies, and research. It is a journal that privileges the “voice and perspectives” of First Peoples and Aboriginal child welfare scholars, researchers, practitioners, policy makers, trainers, students, parents, foster parents, volunteers and community developers. The journal is published twice a year and is available for free by visiting www.fncaringsociety.ca/pubs/onlineJournal.html.

Editorial Board Mandate

Members of the Editorial Board provide advice ensuring effective achievement of all matters regarding publication of submissions made to the First Peoples Journal, led by the Coordinating Editor. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Development and approval of journal image;
• Development and approval of publication policies;
• Development of an Indigenous peer review framework and process;
• Development and approval of download policies, submission instructions, reprint policies for contributing authors, and citation policies for other authors;
• Voluntarily assisting in reviewing manuscripts at the first stage of the review process, including evaluating content submissions for relevancy to the journal;
• Identification of ethical issues and processes that may impact on the review process;
• Identification of other individuals from the community and other academic fields who can assist in reviewing manuscript submissions as part of the second stage of the review process;
• Development and identification of themes for the journal’s upcoming Call for Papers on a bi-annual basis;
• Meeting annually in person or by teleconference to review the proposed annual editorial calendar as prepared by the Coordinating Editor of the journal;
• Meeting annually in person or by teleconference with the Coordinating Editor to provide feedback on the last three published issues and provide input on proposed strategies for future issues;
• To carry out it’s mandate in the interests of the journal;
• To review, annually, the Editorial Board’s Terms of Reference and forward to the Caring Society and ensure terms are posted online;
• To review annually, the costs associated with printing the journal;
• To review annually, the amounts charged for purchasing printed copies of the journal;
• Amendments to the terms of reference can be made upon approval from the Editorial Board as needed.

Composition

The Editorial Board will be composed of at least ten members from provinces and territories across Canada. The Coordinating Editor will serve as the chair of the Editorial Board until such time as the Editorial Board has appointed a designated chair. Future appointments to the Editorial Board shall be made collectively by all members of the Editorial Board in conjunction with the Coordinating Editor.

Term of membership

Members of the Editorial Board may serve unlimited terms. If there has not been any involvement or review contributions made by any Editorial Board Member in over 2 years then the member’s commitment to the journal will be reviewed collectively by the Editorial Board.

Quorum

A quorum will be comprised of a majority – that is, Fifty (50) per cent plus one of the total Editorial Board membership, present in person or by phone.

Process

Decisions will be made by consensus where possible. The Coordinating Editor will prepare information, an agenda and minutes to the Chair first for approval. Agenda and meeting material will be distributed at least 3 working days in advance to all Editorial Board members. The Chair shall NOT have a vote. Any tie will give the Chair a casting vote.

Technical advisors

Technical advisors may attend Editorial Board meetings where necessary in the opinion of the Editorial Board members. (Technical advisors may have expertise on research methods, ethical issues, copyright matters, etc.). Technical advisors may sit through one or more meetings upon invitation by the Editorial Board and/or Coordinating Editor.

Meeting Format/Frequency

The majority of meetings will take place via teleconferences in order to facilitate the inclusion of members residing in various locations across Canada. The Editorial Board shall meet as often as necessary to accomplish the required tasks in relation to the publication of each issue of the First Peoples Journal. In person meetings should take place at least once a year provided there are funds in place to permit opportunities to come together.

Reimbursement for Expenses

Each member of the Editorial Board will serve without remuneration but shall be reimbursed for any necessary expenses incurred while engaged in official duties associated with the First Peoples Journal. Reimbursement of expenses including travel will be in accordance with the rates established and approved by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.