Miziwe Biik - Community News

Employment Counsellor-JOB POSTING

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

JOB POSTING

Employment Counsellor

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist unemployed clients in the GTA to obtain employment and training
• Conduct Intake interview for all new registered clients to determine suitability for access to services
• Build relationship with client to obtain employment history, educational background and career and training goals and develop Service Plans for eligible clients who are job searching and job ready
• Identify barriers to employment and assist clients to develop job readiness skills and job search strategies
• Assess the need for assistance, such as rehabilitation, financial aid; housing; or further vocational training and refer clients to the appropriate services.
• To be current on relevant community services to assist clients with the range of needs including mental health; physical and mental disabilities; involvement with the criminal justice system; street and shelter involvement.
• Advise clients of training opportunities and institutions that are available to them within the GTA.
• Referrals of clients to specific employment and training opportunities.
• For Assisted Clients - responsible for inputting interventions, action plans, updating, closing client’s case management files in E.O.I.S. – CaMS Database.
• Responsible for ongoing follow-up with clients who are actively job searching and participating in training programs
• Participate in Employment Counseling Services Department’s work planning and evaluation
• Participate in organization’s planning and activities as required upon request
• Attend and act as a representative of Miziwe Biik at community meetings and events upon request

Qualifications:

• Ability to assess client information needs and make appropriate referrals
• Previous employment counseling experience and training an asset
• Knowledge of employment and training programs offered within the Greater Toronto community
• Excellent interpersonal, community and teamwork skills
• Ability to assess client strengths and areas of improvement to assist them with their job searching or training requests
• Excellent computer knowledge and ability to adapt in a PC environment which includes the use of Employment Ontario Case Management Software
• Ability to respect confidentiality
• Sensitivity to and understanding of issues of concern with Social Assistance clients
• Expertise in Internet Resources
• Knowledge and experience in facilitating job search strategies, employability skills, and individual counseling, including job retention
• Experience in effective job search tools (resumes, cover letter, references, interview skills)
• College Diploma in Counseling or Career Counseling an asset.

How to Apply: Attn: Ruby Dreger, Employment Manager
Fax: (416) 591 3602 Email: rdreger@miziwebiik.com
Mail: Miziwe Biik, 167 Gerrard St. East, Toronto, Ontario M5A 2E4

JOB DEVELOPER JOB POSTING

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

MIZIWE BIIK
ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment & Training - Job Opportunities
Title - Job Developer

Duties:
• Develop and implement a strategy for marketing Employment Resource Centre (ERC) clients to employers in the GTA.
• Implement a prospecting strategy to generate the types of jobs needed by the caseload of the ERC.
• Develop employer leads through cold-calls, direct mail, personal contacts, and networking.
• Develop presentation and information package for employers on the benefits and considerations of hiring ERC Clients.
• Promote incentives and strategies to encourage employers to ERC clients, such as wage subsidy programs, job shadowing, job placements, on-the-job training, volunteering, creation of subsidize training position.
• Coordinate information sessions and promotional luncheons for employers to present their services and employment opportunities to ERC clientele.
• Conduct assessment of employer’s workplace capacity to provide a positive experience and workplace training.
• Facilitate work placements including volunteer, job test and hire, work experience and on-the-job training opportunities.
• Monitoring and supporting the placement with the client and employer to facilitate success
• Negotiate placement agreements and contracts with clients and employers.
• Administer the contract with the employer, including the timely processing and payment of financial incentives and managing the “flow through” employment and training incentives and supports.
• Provide mentoring and coaching support to both the client and employer before, during and after the placement.
• Coordinate and promote to Miziwe Biik Employment counselors job leads, as well as gathering resumes, preparation of letter and faxing of qualified client resumes to job opportunities.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationship with employers even when there are no available positions and opportunities.
• Prepare promotional materials, information session, etc. to be mass distributed to Miziwe Biik clientele and the GTA Aboriginal community pertaining to employment or training opportunities.
• Collaborate with employers to develop training plans for newly-hired employees.
• Participate in overall organizational planning as required and requested.
• Participate in network meetings and coordination of job fairs with other community organizations, employment agencies and youth employment service providers in the GTA.
• Participate as Miziwe Biik’s representative on external committees that are relevant to the position and may be deemed appropriate by supervisor.

Qualification:
• A minimum of two years successful experience in job development or equivalent experience;
• Excellent marketing, sales and negotiating skills;
• Must be a team player;
• Must be self-motivated;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent presentation skills;
• Experience in developing presentation and information packages;
• Good computer skills, specific software applications such as data base, word processing, power point, and ability to use the Internet;

Ruby Dreger, Manager
167 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5A 2E4
Fax: (416) 591-3602 or Email rdreger@miziwebiik.com

Deadline Date for Applications: open until filled.

Canada Summer Jobs-Call for Proposals

Monday, March 29th, 2010

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

C A N A D A S U M M E R J O B S

Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training is now accepting applications for Canada Summer Jobs 2010

Canada Summer Jobs is a program that encourages employers to create career related summer jobs for students

**Applicant(s) must be attending a Secondary or
Post-Secondary institute and be returning to school in the fall.
Also must be between 15 -30 years of age**

Sponsors and individuals are encouraged to apply by April 9th, 2010.

For more information, please contact:
Eileen Meawasige – Project Officer
416-591-2471
eileenm@miziwebiik.com

Applications are available online at www.miziwebiik.com or available at the front desk at Miziwe Biik.

“Subject to Availability of Government Funding”

Extension of AHRDA and Transition to ASETS

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

February 17, 2010

Dear Community Stakeholders,

Re: Extension of AHRDA and transition to ASETS

As I reported to you on September 22, 2009, the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement (AHRDA) which funds employment and training initiatives through Miziwe Biik in Toronto is being replaced by Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS).

To accommodate the transition to ASETS, the AHRDA is being extended for six months - from April 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010.

The current programs offered by Miziwe Biik under the AHRDA will be available for the six-month extension period. This includes the Canada Summer Jobs allocation. For more information about the programs and the application form, please see our website at www.miziwebiik.com.

We know that 3 strategic priorities will be the foundation of the ASETS program:
1. Employer demand driven skills development
2. Partnerships with Aboriginal organizations, industry, sector councils, provinces, municipalities, federal government that will improve employment outcomes and use of resources
3. Accountability for improved results-this refers to employment upon completion of training and meeting reporting requirements

In preparation for ASETS, Miziwe Biik is developing a strategic business plan for review and assessment by Service Canada. I will keep you updated.

If you have any questions, you may contact me or your Project Officer Eileen or Vickie.

In Friendship,

Nancy Martin, Executive Director

NGINDAASIN ACADEMIC UPGRADING PROGRAM

Friday, January 8th, 2010

NGINDAASMIN ACADEMIC UPGRADING PROGRAM

For adults that did not complete high school but want to upgrade.

Ngindaasmin is an Academic Upgrading Program and Miziwe Biik Employment & Training is offering this program Tuesdays – Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. starting in February 2010.

Are you looking to:
• Obtain a Grade 12 education?
• Increase your prospects for employment opportunities or register for apprenticeship programs?

If your answer is yes, Ngindaasmin can assist you. Our Academic Upgrading Program offers:
• Small teacher-student ratio
• Free entrance assessment and courses to qualifying students
• Flexibility – self paced learning environment with interactive classroom instruction

What courses are offered?
• Communications – English
• Math
• Self Management/Self Direction Program
• Native Studies

How do you apply?
• An intake interview and entrance assessment will identify qualified applicants.

For more information, contact:
Literacy Coordinator
Miziwe Biik Employment & Training
167 Gerrard Street East
Toronto, ON, M5A 2E4

416 591 2310 Ext. 2257
Email: carol.white@miziwebiik.com

CALL FOR PROPOSALS 2010-2011

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

C A L L F O R P R O P O S A L S

Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training is currently accepting applications from individuals and organizations for Employment and Training funding for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Participants who are on Employment Insurance or have been on Employment Insurance within the last three years are encouraged to apply, however all applicants will be considered.

Priorities

1. Urban/Off-Reserve Priority # 1 – Skilled Trades
Within five years, Ontario's skilled trades anticipate that they will face skills shortages in their industry. There are Aboriginal persons who are desirous of achieving their goal of economic self-sufficiency and well being through gaining meaningful employment. There is a need to match the Aboriginal Labour force with the anticipated Labour market shortage/ongoing demand in the trades.

2. Urban/Off-Reserve Priority # 2 - Community Capacity Building
Many urban Aboriginal people are unemployable or are chronically unemployed because of barriers that include a lack of basic employment skills, or they are experiencing problems such as homelessness or addictions, or they are single mothers or youth who have never worked. As a result, they are prevented from achieving economic independence and have a dependency on social assistance or have no income whatsoever.

3. Urban/Off-Reserve Priority # 3 – Economic Development
There are varied Labour market demands in the large urban environment. Aboriginal people need to be prepared to meet these varied demands and to match their talents and aspirations to the demands. Training needs to be provided in many areas, including hospitality industry, community services, legal services, graphic arts, computer technology, media, arts, professions.

4. Urban/Off-Reserve Priority # 4 – Self Employment
Many urban Aboriginal people lack the skills and resources to succeed economically and realize their dream of self-sufficiency by establishing and operating a viable business.

Applications for the First Round of proposals must be received on or before: January 21, 2010 at 12:00p.m.

All applications after this date will be considered as first come, first served basis.

For further information please contact:

Vickie Labranche - (416) 591 8916
Eileen Meawasige - (416)591 2471
Karine Ottawa – 416-591-2310 x2270

“Subject to Government Funding”

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2009-2010

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Miziwe Biik is now accepting
New Employment and Training Proposals.
This new call for proposals will be for funding from
January 2010 to March 31, 2010.

There are training dollars available to assist with
short-term projects under $50,000.00
& individual requests
for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
Proposals will be reviewed on a 1st Come, 1st Served Basis.

Individuals and Sponsors may apply.
First Nations- Status or Non-Status, Metis or Inuit people.

“Subject to Availability of Government Funding”

For further information, please call:
Eileen Meawasige (416) 591-2471
Vickie Labranche (416) 591-8916
Karine Ottawa (416) 591-2310 Ext. 2270

COMMUNITY FOCUS GROUP

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

On Tuesday, September 29, 2009
3:00pm - 6:30pm

Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training is hosting a
COMMUNITY FOCUS GROUP

to discuss future Employment and Training Needs for
Aboriginal people residing in the G.T.A.

LOCATION
Native Canadian Centre
16 Spadina Road
Toronto, ON
Talking Room

For your
participation
a dinner and
incentives
will be provided

Please confirm attendance by: Monday September 28, 2009 @ Noon
To register please contact Kevin Sandy at (519) 732-0387
or via email: kvsandy@rogers.com

RFP for ACCE Business Plan

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Request for Proposal

Development of a Comprehensive Business Plan for the Aboriginal Arts, Culture and Entrepreneur Centre (ACCE)

Objective

   The Miziwe Biik Development Corporation (MBDC) wishes to engage the services of a program development consultant (or team) to undertake the preparation of a business plan for a sustainable Aboriginal arts, culture and entrepreneur centre to be to be located in Toronto. The work, which is expected to take place over an eight-month period, is to be delivered in four stages.

Miziwe Biik Development Corporation (MBDC)

   MBDC was established in 2004 by Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training as a vehicle to facilitate the economic advancement and self-sufficiency of the Aboriginal community in the GTA. The MBDC engages in activities that focus on access to business development and training, business loans/grants, access to affordable housing and any other opportunities that will economically advance the members of the GTA Aboriginal community.

    The MBDC operates the Aboriginal Business Resource Centre (ABRC), which offers a micro-loan fund, training and development for Aboriginal entrepreneurs, and recognizes entrepreneurial excellence through the Toronto Aboriginal Business Association and its annual Business Awards.

    Noticing a trend in its membership and client base, nearly half of the Aboriginal entrepreneurs identified by the ABRC through its Toronto Aboriginal Business Association (TABA) are artists of one form or another, MBDC began to develop the concept of an arts, culture and entrepreneur centre. The centre would promote a sustainable cultural economy through showcasing the excellence of Aboriginal artist entrepreneurs through the arts and culture. The proposed centre would include space for art galleries, artist work spaces, events programming (e.g. conference rooms, auditoriums, restaurant/catering), classrooms, artist live-work studios and retail spaces that will support and promote local, provincial, national and international Aboriginal art and culture.

    MBDC has already held a number of artist forums to access how artists would envision such a space. As entrepreneurs and as creative individuals and groups there was an emphasis on supply side requirements. These findings will be most valuable when shaping the centre and designing spaces that will both inspire and promote the arts community. The need now is for a detailed Business Plan that will address the demand side of the project and will lay out a strategy for sustainability and success. Market trends, revenue sources, operational costs, tourism evaluations, the viability of certain cultural products and services and other such elements need to be thoroughly examined.

    AACE is to be operated as an economically sustainable entity based on its ability to generate revenue from myriad sources (e.g., events, festivals, rentals, retail) as well as ongoing corporate and philanthropic gifts and government granting programs.

Contract Requirements

1. The contractor will provide a written proposal and separate costs for Phases I, 2, and 3 of work described below.

2. The contractor will report to a designated MBDC staff member and work with MBDC staff and consultants currently engaged on the project.

3. The schedule of work will commence at the time of the contract award.

4. The contractor will complete Phases 1,2 and 3 within ten (10) months of the commencement of the contract.

Relevant Experience

1. The Contractor will have a demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal arts and culture issues as well as Aboriginal history specific to Canada—demonstrated world indigenous knowledge is an asset.

2. The contractor will have demonstrated knowledge and proven success in the development of governance, marketing and business plans for similar cultural/business centres with the mandate of sustainability.

Business Plan Development

The purpose of this agreement will be to determine the financial viability of ACCE and to develop a comprehensive Business Plan for the development and operation of the newly established Aboriginal Arts, Culture and Entrepreneur centre (ACCE). This plan must include a complete analysis of the ACCE from concept to ongoing operations on several levels, which are outlined below.

The contractor will work with representatives of the MBDC, designated staff and the organization’s consultants and other stakeholders in defining how ACCE can come into existence, raise capital funds to build ACCE and evolve strategies for long-term sustainability of AACE.

The contractor will research the challenges and opportunities of creating AACE and how best to meet them and define for all stakeholders the funding approach that will be necessary to make the building of AACE successful. Key to this will be researching the programming AACE can highlight, e.g., cultural productions, classes on offer, the feasibility of artists work/live studios, the viability of a restaurant operations, facility rental, retail operations, participation in Toronto festival circuit, etc. The forecast of a financial pro forma for ACCE will be of vital importance to the planning process.

The contractor will actively engage with designated MBDC staff in a mentoring role as part of the transfer of knowledge to the Aboriginal community.

Business Plan Components:

Feasibility Assessment
Communication and Marketing Plan
Governance and Management Plan
Fund Development Program for Design and Construction
Fund Development Plan and Financial Pro Forma for Ongoing Operations

Scope of Work

1. Estimate site-based capital development costs

2. Estimate program based organization and development costs, including soft cost estimates for organization and staffing, covering:

start up phase of operations
adjustments to staffing and organization plan for build out
assemble comparative organization cost data from similar operations

3. Estimate project revenues from operations and other sources, such as:

operating revenues from admissions, concessions, special events
visitor volume and prevailing fee structure data at similar operations to estimate annual operating revenues
other revenue sources such as grants, government programs at all levels

4. Pro forma statements of operating for five years and financial position:

pro forma statements structured for comparison to similar institutions

evaluate range of financial operating ratios reflective of industry practices

operating, balance sheet, cash-flow measures

alternative financing structures for visitor volume, fee structure alternatives, program and staffing alternatives

test impact of development and phasing

5. Final report, including document findings and recommendations as well as site-specific recommendations, program and phasing plan options

Phase 1: Feasibility Assessment (June 09—September 09, four months)

The consultant will provide the MBDC board with relevant and reliable business planning data and recommendations on the feasibility of moving forward with the development of the AACE Centre.

Using data from a variety of sources (e.g., City of Toronto’s Tourism Office, university studies) and from comparable entities in the Canada and the United States, the consultant will:

Research the financial viability and likely demand for the AACE concept and its objectives. This data will build the concept from the ground up based on factors such as the statistical probability of visitor contacts, versus the ‘build it and they will come’ approach. AACE must be a viable, sustainable entity.
Build a profile of just who the target audience being sought will be.
Identify the social, economic, cultural and community benefits to Aboriginal people and the people of the City of Toronto as a whole.
Estimate the site-based capital development costs.
Estimate the program-based organization and development costs, including staffing on an annual basis projected over five years.
Project revenues estimated from operations and other sources as well as costs associated with the operation of AACE on an annual basis projected over five years.
Final feasibility assessment report with recommendation to proceed or not to proceed.

Early Termination Clause

Note: Should MBDC determine that, based on the contractor’s preliminary findings during the feasibility assessment phase that the project is not viable, MBDC reserves the right in its sole discretion to terminate the project. In this event, the consultant will provide a wrap-up plan and an adjusted project fee.

Phase 2: Communication and Marketing Plan (October 09—November 09, two months)

The consultant will be generate a Communication and Marketing Plan, which will include:

Development of the ACCE brand
Development of clear messaging on the goals of ACCE especially with regard to potential funders
Development of a strategic plan for communications and marketing
Development of public relations and advertising
Development of event planning
Development of marketing partnerships and collaborative efforts

Phase 3: Fund Development Plan (December 09—January 10, two months)

In this phase, the consultant will:

Identify fundraising objectives
Identify public, private, and philanthropic sources of funding for the capital campaign
Develop fully a fund-raising strategy and message
Define fundraising methodologies that are likely to be the most successful for AACE, e.g., membership program, sponsorship, earned income sources, investment revenue potential, planned gifts, events
Define the of roles and responsibilities an AACE board regarding a funding development for design and construction, as well as the long term fiscal sustainability of AACE
Identify additional annual appropriation needs and funding potential including identification of revenue generation opportunities
Identify endowment size and sources to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability over a 20 year period

Phase 4: Governance and Management Plan (February 10—March 10, two months)

The consultant will then conduct the following:

Define the Organizational Structure (Note that the charitable foundation status for ACCE has already been filed)
Define the governance structure of the ACCE, its relationship with MBDC, and the role of any other stakeholders, e.g., the Aboriginal community of Toronto generally and Aboriginal artists and entrepreneurs specifically
Define the ACCE board composition and its roles and responsibilities in terms of: funding development; finance and investment management; administration; communications/marketing; operations.

Develop a staffing plan in conjunction with MBDC board, designated staff and consultants to determine a long-term staffing plan for ACCE with positions descriptions and a salary grid as well as an operations plan for ACCE and a volunteer program.
Define management issues including:-artistic, culture programming template; entrepreneur development;; artist live/work studio space as part of ACCE. maximum use of facilities as a profit centre.

Copy of this PDF is available here.

Responses and inquiries to this RFP can be forwarded to:

Kenn Ross, Manager,
Miziwe Biik Development Corporation
167 Gerrard Street East
Toronto, ON M4C 2E5
email: kross@miziwebiik.com
Tel: 416.591.8727
Fax: 416.591.3602

RFP submission deadline: Friday May 15th, 4.00 p.m.

Job Posting: GTA Aboriginal Housing Program

Monday, March 30th, 2009

Miziwe Biik Development Corporation,
Toronto, ON
Program Director,
GTA Aboriginal Housing Program
Closing Date: June 16, 2009

The Miziwe Biik Development Corporation (MBDC) is responsible for facilitating the economic advancement of Aboriginal people in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). An agreement with the Province of Ontario will enable the MBDC to administer the Off-Reserve Housing Trust Fund for the GTA. An exciting opportunity exists for a results-oriented and experienced professional with outstanding leadership, management and communication abilities to head the GTA Aboriginal Housing Program. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Program Director will work with a staff team to deliver the Program.

Key Responsibilities:

Overall implementation, ongoing monitoring, and financial and human resource management of GTA Aboriginal Housing Program, including Affordable Rental Housing grants, Down Payment Loans, and Home Repair Loans;
Ensuring compliance with established policies, procedures and systems;
Development and implementation of marketing and promotion strategy for GTA Aboriginal Housing Program components as well as related community education strategies;
Liaison with Aboriginal service-providers, provincial, federal and municipal governments and other key stakeholders;
Preparation of reports for funding agencies;
Advocacy in areas including Aboriginal housing and homelessness.

Competencies Required:

Post-secondary degree in Business Administration/Public Administration (or equivalent) combined with five years experience in housing program management or non-profit corporation management; or minimum of ten years experience in managing non-profit corporation or social enterprise;
Demonstrated competence and experience in managing multi-million dollar budget;
Minimum five years experience working in urban Aboriginal community;
In-depth knowledge of challenges in urban Aboriginal housing and knowledge of government housing policies and programs, usually gained through hands-on experience in the field;
Demonstrated knowledge of challenges and aspirations of urban Aboriginal people; good understanding of Aboriginal culture; commitment to socio-economic advancement of Aboriginal people;
Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills; proficiency with computer; valid Ontario Driver’s license.

Applications containing resume and contact information for three references will be accepted by regular mail or email. Please apply to:

Barbra Nahwegahbow
MBDC – Board of Directors
30 Rushbrooke Avenue
Toronto, ON M4M 3A9

Email address: bn.mbdc@sympatico.ca.

This position is pending final approval of Agreement with Province of Ontario.

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

RFP for DESIGN SERVICES - Deadline EXTENDED

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

MIZIWE BIIK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Design Services

Aboriginal Arts Culture and Entrepreneur Centre AACE

Issue Date: March 02, 2009

PROPOSAL DUE

The RFP Closing has been extended until 4 PM on Friday May the 8th, 2009.

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

1 Proposal Copy

1 Digital Portfolio Disk

1 Print Sample Package

DELIVERY ADDRESS

Miziwe Biik Development Corporation MBDC
167 Gerrard Street East
Toronto ON M5A 2E4
416.591.2310

QUESTIONS

aacelogo@rogers.com

Electronic copy of this RFP available in PDF (right click, and select 'save as' to save locally)

Aboriginal Arts Culture and Entrepreneur Centre

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Design Services

1. REQUIREMENT

Miziwe Biik Development Corporation (MBDC) is looking for an Aboriginal Graphic Designer to create a logo for the Aboriginal Arts Culture and Entrepreneur (AACE) centre.

2. BACKGROUND

The AACE Centre is an initiative by MBDC. AACE will be located in downtown Toronto but it will represent local, national and international Aboriginal art and culture. The Centre will be designed by renowned architect Douglas Cardinal.

The intent of the centre is to promote the work of Aboriginal painters, print makers, artisans, media artists, musicians, performers and writers. The Centre will also provide Aboriginal artists the opportunity to develop their work through support services such as the presentation of workshops, networking with other artists, linkages with events, festivals and organizations, and the provision of studio space, live-work studios and education facilities.

Through its artist services and programs the AACE centre will assist with the development of a cultural economy based on entrepreneurship. Retail, restaurant, conference, seminar and other service and delivery areas will also provide opportunities for revenue generation and work training. Employment will be available in a wide range of fields including professional (e.g. curators, event planners), technical (e.g. A/V technicians, preservation/registration) and service positions (e.g. catering and restaurant).

3. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this RFP is to find an Aboriginal graphic designer to produce an effective logo for the new AACE centre. The logo that will eventually be developed should be stylish and should represent the Centre’s dynamic cultural identity. The logo should also be a clean and precise representation of the professional identity of the project agency.

4. WORK STATEMENT

The successful graphic designer will be asked to create a logo, suitable for the development of an identity package for the AACE centre. The logo will be used in all forms of branding including, identity materials (letterhead, business cards, business forms), print work, web, media projects (video, PowerPoint, etc.), and promotions (pens, pins, t-shirts, etc.)

5. REQUIREMENTS and QUALIFICATIONS

The selected graphic designer must meet the following requirements and qualifications.

5.1. The graphic designer must be of Canadian Aboriginal descent. The successful designer will be asked to provide supporting documentation.

5.2. The graphic designer must affirm that he/she will be involved in 100% of the logo creation.

5.3. In the case of a submission by a design firm or a partnership, it must be affirmed that the logo will be the creation of a Canadian Aboriginal designer(s) and that they will be responsible for creating 100% of the work.

5.4. The graphic designer must have a graphic design/arts degree and/or at least 3 years of related experience.

6. SOFTWARE CAPABILITIES

The graphic designer shall have at their disposal and should have an in-depth knowledge of the following software packages: QuarkXpress (preferably version7 or later) and/or In Design (preferably CS3 of later), Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop (CS2 or later) and Acrobat Pro (6 or later). The designer should also have a working knowledge of web software such as Dreamweaver and Fireworks.

SUBMITTAL REQUIRMENTS

The proposal must follow the outline below. All information requested must be submitted

7. PROPOSAL DOCUMENT

Proposal documents (7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and info sheet for 7.4) must be submitted as a print document on 8.5” x 11” (letter) size paper. You should also send a back up file in any standard file format (pdf, doc, indd, qxd, ai), on the portfolio disk.

7.1. Cover Letter: The cover letter must include the designer’s complete contact information including address, phone number, email and website (if available). The cover letter must be signed by the designer or in the case of a partnership or design firm, the person who is legally authorized.

The Cover Letter must include the following affirmations:

1. In submitting this Proposal, I agree to all of the Requirements and the Terms and Conditions of the Request for Proposal

2. I confirm that I am of Canadian Aboriginal descent and if I am the successful designer, I will be creating 100% of the AACE logo that will be submitted to MBDC for approval.

3. In the case of a design firm: I confirm that the (insert name) is of Canadian Aboriginal descent and if we are selected as the successful design firm, that (insert name) will be responsible for creating 100% of the AACE logo that will be submitted to MBDC for approval.

7.2. Designer’s Resume

The designer’s resume must include academic qualifications related to the requirement (if applicable), work experience related to the requirement, software capabilities and a list of clients including a short description of the work that was done for them.

7.3. Costing Sheet

1. Submit the designer’s hourly rate for design services. Please provide additional information if you charge based on any kind of scale or other form of adjustment (e.g. “rush charge”).

2. Please list any additional fees or costs that you charge on top of your hourly rate (e.g. GST). If you are a design firm, please list any additional fees or costs that your charge (e.g. administration %).

3. Submit a fixed cost for developing a logo for AACE. Detail what is covered under your fixed cost e.g. number of designs to be submitted for client approval, number of client requested revisions before incurring additional design charges, taxes, overhead/admin, etc.

4. Include a statement affirming that: “Design fees and costing are guaranteed for 120 days following the closing of the RFP.”

7.4. Portfolio Disk

The portfolio disk should only include work completed by the designer. Works should focus on client commissioned projects but they may also include personal works (e.g. self-promotion pieces). The portfolio disk must be accompanied by an information sheet (added to Proposal document) with the following information: 1) file name; 2) file description (medium, size, format, etc); and 3) description of the work.

The portfolio disk must include:

1. At least 2 native Illustrator files (.eps /. ai)

2. A maximum of 8 work samples saved as multiple pages in a single Acrobat (.pdf) document. If you are unable to create a multi-page Acrobat document, submit single pdf pages or single jpegs.

7.5. Print Samples

Provide a maximum of 6 samples for which the designer did all design and layout work, and that best represents the capabilities of the designer. Samples must be examples of work that was commercially printed. Samples must be no larger than 11”x17” inches folded final size. Samples will not be returned unless requested by the designer. For returns, local designers may arrange to pick-up their work and out-of-town designers must provide postal reply coupons or prepaid courier slips with adequate coverage.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

8. RESERVING RIGHTS

MBDC reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as a result of this RFP, in its sole discretion, and to re-advertise for new proposals. If a proposal is selected, it will be the most advantageous regarding price, quality of service, the designer’s qualifications and other factors which MBDC may consider. MBDC reserves the right to consider proposals for modifications at any time before a final contract is awarded to the selected designer, and negotiations would be undertaken with the party whose proposal is deemed to best meet MBDC’s specifications and needs, as determined by MBDC.

9. OWNERSHIP

9.1. All samples and digital portfolio materials submitted for review under this RFP remain the property of the designer/design firm.

9.2. All design work developed under contract for MBDC becomes the property of MBDC and may be used or modified in any way deemed appropriate.

EVALUATION AND AWARD

10. EVALUATION

Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria: 1) Quality and creativity of the samples of work; 2) Level of experience and training of the designer; and 3) Pricing structure.

No single objective will constitute the basis for selection. During the selection process, the evaluation panel may wish to interview bidders. Interviews will be for clarification purposes only. No new material will be permitted at this time.

11. AWARD OF CONTRACT

An evaluation panel comprised of MBDC representatives and third party art/design industry professionals will evaluate all proposals to determine responsiveness to this RFP. The panel will recommend or not recommend the selection of a candidate for final approval by the MBDC Board and the negotiation of a design contract.

AACE LOGO Competition (closed)

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

Miziwe Biik would like to thank all of the artists and designers who submitted works to the AACE logo competition. We appreciate the work and thought that went into the submissions.

A decision has been made that an award will not be made at this time. We reviewed a number of art works that were very creative, but it was determined that their painterly qualities did not translate easily enough into a logo. Other works had sufficient production values that would allow them to be developed into branding and identity packages, but none of them received the unanimous support required to be forwarded on to the Board for approval. The fact that no works were selected does not suggest that the submissions were anything less than exceptional in their vision and uniqueness.

As there is still a need for a logo to be developed for AACE, Miziwe Biik will again go out to the Aboriginal community and it will issue a "Request for Proposals" (RFP) for graphic design services. The request should be available shortly on the Miziwe Biik website and at other online locations.

Again, we would like to thank all of the artists who submitted works to the competition.

Please note that all rights to the works submitted are retained by the artists/designers and will not be used or reproduced by Miziwe Biik without the consent of the artists/designers.

Toronto Aboriginal Housing Consultation

Tuesday, February 5th, 2008

Please see the Press Release issued by
Toronto Council Fire Cultural Centre on January 31, 2008.
(This is an Adobe PDF and opens in a new window, please enable pop-ups or right-click and "save as..." to download.)

TORONTO HOUSING SUMMIT
Wednesday January 23, 2008
4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
City Hall, Council Chambers

Housing is an International Human Right

Our community deserves more than substandard living conditions. We want affordable, safe and quality housing that our families, seniors, youth, women and men can call home.

Come out:
~Learn more about the Housing Consultation,
~Hear Community members tell their stories,
~Add your voice to the housing needs of our Community.

A light meal and refreshments will be served

In partnership with
Council Fire

AACE Logo Competition

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

February 19, 2009

Miziwe Biik would like to thank all of the artists and designers who submitted works to the AACE logo competition. We appreciate the work and thought that went into the submissions.

Again, we would like to thank all of the artists who submitted works to the competition.

Please note that all rights to the works submitted are retained by the artists/designers and will not be used or reproduced by Miziwe Biik without the consent of the artists/designers.

ELIGIBILITY: The competition is open to Canadian Aboriginal (see Rules and Regulations below) Artists and designers.

DEADLINE: This competition is now closed.

PRIZE: The winning qualified entry will be awarded $5,000.00. There are no secondary prizes.

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS - Designs submitted to the AACE Logo Contest:

must be original and not based on any pre-existing design
must include traditional and contemporary design elements
must not be representative of a single Aboriginal group
may not include any text/words other than the acronym “AACE”
should include silver and/or copper
should be designed with production in mind
- artwork designed in or that can be made readily adaptable in, Encapsulated Postscript (.eps) or Illustrator (.ai), will be given preference
- designs should be effective and easily reproduced in various
  branding/identity formats including print (e.g. letterhead, posters, banners) and digital (e.g. web, PowerPoint, video)
- designs must scale up/down depending on use
- designs should look good in different colour spaces for screen and print (RGB and CMYK). 1-3 colour Pantone designs are acceptable
- original uncompressed and or layered production quality files will be required from the winning entry.

If this interests you, you'll need to download the Rules and Regulations.

Job Posting-Employment Counsellor

Thursday, January 17th, 2008

MIZIWE BIIK ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

JOB POSTING

Employment Counsellor

Application Deadline: Until filled

Duties and Responsbilities:

Assist unemployed Aboriginal clients in the GTA to obtain employment and training
Responsible to conduct the common assessment process, intake interview for all new registered clients
Responsible for a return-to-work action plan for all active clients who are job searching and job ready
Interview clients to obtain employment history, educational background and career and training goals
Identify barriers to employment and assist clients to develop job readiness skills and job search strategies
Advise clients of training opportunities and institutions that are available to them within the GTA
Responsible for inputting interventions, action plans, updating, closing clients case management files in Contact IV Database
Responsible for ongoing follow-up with clients who are actively job searching and participating in training programs

Qualifications:

College Diploma in Counselling or Career Counselling an asset.
Previous employment counselling experience and training an asset
Knowledge of employment and training programs offered within the Aboriginal community
Excellent verbal and communication skills
Ability to assess client strengths and areas of improvement to assist them with their job searching
Excellent computer knowledge and ability to adapt in a PC environment which includes the use of Contact IV software
Capability to manage a caseload through the Contact IV Database
Able to work within and contribute to a team environment
Ability to respect confidentiality

How To Apply:

Attn: Ruby Dreger, Employment Manager

Fax: (416) 591 3602 Email: rdreger@miziwebiik.com

Mail: Miziwe Biik, 167 Gerrard St. East, Toronto, Ontario

M5A 2E4 JAN/08

GTA Aboriginal Housing Update

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

The Final Report from the Housing Summit is available online at the following web address:

www.gtaaboriginalhousing.com

GTA ABORIGINAL HOUSING CONSULTATION

CONSULTATION

Nishnawbe Homes in partnership with Chiefs of Ontario, Toronto Council Fire, Miziwe Biik, and the Wellesley Institute, wants to engage the Aboriginal community in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in a process designed to examine the relationship between housing and employment.