Employment type: full time Request for Proposals: Jane Finch Community Development Plan- Indigenous Implementation Plan 1. Invitation United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) invites Indigenous consultants with demonstrated experience in community-based research to respond to this Request for Proposals (RFP). The ideal consultant will bring a strong understanding of the lived realities of urban Indigenous communities across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including housing, health, arts and culture, economic opportunities, infrastructure, public spaces; have a proven ability to gather community insights in ways that are respectful, culturally grounded, and collaborative. The consultant will lead the development of a concise Indigenous Implementation Plan for the Jane Finch Community Development Plan. This work will support meaningful Indigenous engagement, uphold Indigenous self-determination, and translate earlier insights into actionable next steps, that will be guided by an Indigenous advisory circle with a relationship to the Jane Finch community and City of Toronto’s approach to implementation. 2. Background The Jane Finch community is entering a period of significant transformation with the opening of the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT), bringing both opportunity and risk. The area has long been shaped by a vibrant community with rich stories, experiences, talents, and leadership. It also reflects a colonial history of structural underinvestment, systemic inequities, and ongoing experiences of displacement and disruption to the ecosystem. For Indigenous Peoples, who have longstanding relationships to these lands and whose presence in Tkaronto continues to grow—urban development processes have too often failed to reflect First Peoples knowledge systems, ways of doing, and priorities. Building on Indigenous engagement work undertaken in 2022, this initiative that will be guided by an Indigenous advisory circle with a relationship to the Jane Finch community and in collaboration with the City of Toronto seeks to advance a renewed and intentional approach that centers Indigenous self-determination, strengthens relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and supports the co-creation of a future grounded in holistic wellbeing, and guided by Indigenous teachings, including the concept of Mino Bimaadiziwin (the “good life”) and the Great Laws of Peace. This work recognizes wellbeing as deeply interconnected—across individuals, families, communities, and the land—and calls for development that is restorative, culturally grounded, and community-led. 3. Purpose The purpose of this RFP is to retain an Indigenous-led consultant to develop a clear, responsive and practical Indigenous Implementation Plan that aligns community-identified priorities grounded in Indigenous Principles and supports a pathway toward Indigenous-led participation in the long-term community development process grounded in the traditional teachings of the territory. 4. Key Activities UWGT will rely on the consultant(s) to propose methods and tools to complete the deliverables of this project. •Review prior Indigenous community consultation findings (2022) and validate what still holds true. •Using desk research and engaging in community engagement process to conduct an analysis and draw conclusions about the trends in each priority and issue area as articulated in previous consultations. •Develop a culturally grounded interview guide and question set with input from UWGT staff/Advisory Circle. •Lead and conduct engagement circles, gatherings and key informant interviews •Engage Indigenous leaders, Elders, youth, and local FNIM residents to refine and validate insights. •Identify immediate and long-term implementation priorities informed by Indigenous knowledge. Indigenous community partners, Indigenous Leaders, Elders, Youth and local FNIM residents. •Summarize findings, themes, and insights emerging from engagement circles, gatherings, and key informant interviews. 5. Consultant role and relationship with UWGT The consultant(s) will report directly to Michelle MacDonald, Senior Manager, Indigenous Collaboration, and Sadora Asefaw, Executive Lead, Reconciliation and Equity. In addition, they will work in partnership with the Jane Finch Indigenous Advisory Circle and collaboratively with City of Toronto partners and members of the community. The consultant(s) will be asked to attend meetings with the Project Team and the Jane Finch Indigenous Advisory Circle (as necessary). 6. Deliverables and Timelines The selected consultant will be responsible for delivering the following: • Project Workplan and Methodology A detailed workplan outlining approach, timelines, engagement methods, and alignment with Indigenous knowledge systems and protocols. • Ongoing Collaboration and Reporting Participation in project meetings, updates to Project Team and advisory structures, and incorporation of feedback throughout the engagement. • Honoraria: Proposals must include resources for Elders/Knowledge Keepers and youth, with honoraria and protocols budgeted. • Engagement Plan and Tools Design and implementation of a culturally grounded, trauma -informed engagement approach, including key informant guides, outreach strategies, and facilitation methods. • Summary of Validated Insights A synthesis of findings from engagement activities, desk research and the 2022 engagement findings identifying key priorities, opportunities, gaps, and emerging issues. • Learning Brief / Findings Summary A concise community accessible assessment, that synthesizes key themes, including community -identified priorities, barriers, opportunities and learnings that captures insights from this initiative and emerging learnings to support future decision making , knowledge sharing, and related initiatives. • Indigenous Implementation Plan (10 –15 pages) A clear, action -oriented roadmap that includes: a) Strategic priorities and focus areas b) Recommended actions (short - and lon