Join our
Team

About the Role

IWO Board Members provide governance, strategic guidance, and support to the organization. Board Members work collaboratively with the Executive Director, staff, volunteers, community members, and partners to help ensure IWO remains aligned with its mission, values, and long-term goals.

Board Members bring their experiences, perspectives, skills, and cultural knowledge to support IWO’s continued growth and sustainability. Priority will be given to Indigenous applicants.

Responsibilities

Governance & Strategy

• Participate actively in Board meetings, discussions, and decision-making.
• Support IWO’s mission, values, strategic direction, and long-term goals.
• Provide oversight of the organization’s financial health, policies, risk, and governance.
• Support the Executive Director through guidance, accountability, and strategic advice.
• Participate in strategic planning and organizational development.
• Ensure IWO complies with applicable laws, regulations, bylaws, agreements, and policies.

Community & Relationships

• Act as an ambassador for IWO within personal, professional, Indigenous, outdoor, and community networks.
• Help cultivate relationships with community partners, funders, sponsors, participants, and other stakeholders.
• Uphold respectful, reciprocal, and culturally safe relationships with people, communities, and the land.
• Bring diverse perspectives and lived experience to Board discussions and decision-making.

Fundraising & Organizational Support

• Support IWO’s fundraising and sustainability efforts through introductions, relationship-building, sponsorship opportunities, and other contributions.
• Participate in IWO fundraising events and initiatives, where possible.
• Support the organization in identifying opportunities for partnerships, grants, and community engagement.

Board Participation

• Attend and actively participate in regular Board meetings.
• Serve on Board committees or take on specific projects as needed.
• Review relevant organizational materials and financial information in advance of meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality and act in the best interests of IWO.
• Follow IWO’s policies, Code of Conduct, and governance practices.
• Participate in performance and succession processes, where appropriate. 

Qualifications and Experience

Required:

• Commitment to IWO’s mission and values.
• Strong understanding of and respect for Indigenous communities, cultures, and ways of knowing.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with diverse perspectives.
• Willingness to participate actively in Board responsibilities and decision-making.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Assets:

• Experience with non-profit governance or community organizations.
• Experience in fundraising, finance, communications, marketing, legal, human resources, operations, or strategic planning.
• Experience in outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, or land-based programming.
• Connections to Indigenous communities, outdoor organizations, funders, businesses, or other relevant networks.
• Knowledge of Indigenous languages, cultural practices, or land-based learning.

Commitment

Board Members are expected to:

• Attend regular Board meetings (4x year), ad hoc board meetings,  and the Annual General Meeting.
• Participate in committees, working groups, or Board projects.
• Contribute approximately 4-6 hours a month, recognizing that time commitments may vary throughout the year.
• Support IWO’s fundraising, events, and organizational priorities where possible.
• Bring curiosity, care, accountability, and a willingness to learn.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to an Indigenous-led organization creating greater access to outdoor recreation and leadership opportunities.
• A collaborative and values-driven Board environment.
• Opportunities to contribute your skills, knowledge, relationships, and perspective to IWO’s growth.
• Connection to a growing community of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people in the outdoors.
• Opportunities to participate in IWO events, community gatherings, and learning opportunities, where appropriate.

This is a volunteer Board position.