The ICA Team
In 2022 ICA developed a “pod” organizational structure rooted in a holistic approach to leadership and decision making. Our organizational chart was originally modelled with a flower but with some reflection on the temporary nature of a flower we shifted to a tree. We recognize the reciprocal and cyclical nature of a tree system and how it works in symbiosis from its roots to its trunk, branches and leaves to make a structure that is interdependent from the parts to the whole. Our Pods weave our work together to create an organization that is strong, flexible and rooted in community.
Stewardship Pod
The Stewardship Pod is responsible for ensuring the organizational health & well-being, the Vision, Mission and Values of ICA are nurtured and upheld to support clear lines of intersection, mentorship and guidance throughout the entire organization.
This pod works closely with the Heart & Soul Pod, especially the Board of Directors, Healing Justice team and Development team to support and guide strategic planning, fundraising, mentorship, organizational growth and the overall strategies and evaluation processes of ICA to enable success for all the Pods.
Explore & Blossom Pod
Exploration & blossoming of ideas is necessary for any growing team or organization. The Exploration & Blossom Pod will be responsible for research and exploration of programs and building out offerings from ICA to support the vision, mission and values of ICA to grow Indigenous leadership in climate justice.
This pod collaborates as a team, engaging with the Inform and Connect Pod, and the Heart and Soul Pod, to encourage intersections for existing and emergent programs of ICA including the Climate Leadership Training, Just Transition, Youth Engagement, International Climate Justice, Divestment and Research Projects.
Inform & Connect Pod
Inform and Connect Pod are the leads for maintaining the brand of ICA. This includes amplifying the offerings from ICA programs, coordinating strategic events including ICA’s attendance at COP27, and ensuring ongoing strategies for promotion and community engagement.
They prioritize reaching out to Nations, community members and other groups that complement the offerings from the Education and Programming Pod. This pod includes the work of the Youth Engagement Coordinator to ensure involvement of youth in ICA’s strategies and program offerings.
Nourishment Pod
The Nourishment Pod is responsible for ensuring the team is provided with what they need to thrive and nurture team morale. This team prioritizes refining and maintaining best practices for organizational policies, internal team engagement, program management softwares and financial management.
This pod works closely with all staff to provide effective processes, templates and software (IT) for team coordination and culture building and support and guide the management of budgets for programs and the overall organization. As well they hold the responsibilities to support Human Resources including professional development plans, hiring, onboarding, benefits, and payroll for staff and contractors.
Heart & Soul Pod
This is a critical part of ICA’s heart and soul. It was through our community advisories that ICA’s vision, mission and mandate was created. Much of our work is guided and directed by the National Steering Committee (SC) and Board of Directors (BoD) who we update and request input and support from on a quarterly basis ensuring full transparency in our respective work areas. The SC and BoD supports the full scope of work at ICA ensuring we are accountable to our vision, mission, and values.
As we have continued to grow we have begun to nurture new advisory committees including the Youth Leadership Council and the Decolonizing Climate Policy Advisory Council to provide guidance to our community engagement process for the respective projects and programming.
Board of Directors
National Steering Committee
Youth Leadership Council
Decolonizing Climate Policy Advisory Council
