About

Governance & Organization

Mission & Purpose

The Northern Cascadia Institute of AI Governance is a BC Nonprofit Society (currently in pre-incorporation) dedicated to developing practical, accessible AI governance standards and frameworks for Northern BC and beyond.

Our mission is to create tools aligned with international standards like ISO 42001:2023, designed specifically for smaller organizations, remote communities, and regional businesses. We focus on making AI governance practical, accessible, and relevant to the unique context of Northern BC.

Organizational Structure

The Northern Cascadia Institute operates under a board-directed governance model with an initial board of 3-5 members. The board is responsible for:

  • Strategic direction and organizational oversight
  • Standards development and approval
  • Financial management and reporting
  • Stakeholder engagement and partnerships
  • Community consultation and public comment processes

Legal Status: Pre-Incorporation (BC Society Act)
Structure: Nonprofit Society with Charitable Purposes
Tax Status: Charitable registration pending (CRA)

Board of Directors

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Board member profiles will appear here once the board is fully formed

The Northern Cascadia Institute is currently forming its initial board of directors. We are seeking 2 additional board members to join our founding board.

Board members will include:

  • Chair/President
  • Vice-Chair/Vice-President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Member-at-Large (optional)

Interested in joining the board? We are looking for individuals with expertise in:

  • AI governance, ethics, or policy
  • Indigenous governance and data sovereignty
  • Municipal or regional government
  • Nonprofit governance and organizational development
  • Standards development and technical writing
  • Community engagement and stakeholder consultation

Board Recruitment:
Email: governance@kaizenstrategic.ai
Time Commitment: 4-8 hours per month | Board meetings: Quarterly

Governance Model

NCI operates with a stakeholder-based membership model, where members include Indigenous governments, municipalities, business organizations, professional associations, academic institutions, and individual contributors.

Decision-Making Structure:

  • Board Meetings: Minimum quarterly meetings
  • Quorum: 50% + 1 of board members
  • Voting: Majority rule, with special provisions for strategic decisions
  • Standards Approval: Board review and approval after public comment period

Geographic Focus

Our primary focus is Northern British Columbia, specifically the region north of Prince George. We acknowledge the unique geographic and economic context of the North, including:

  • Lower population density
  • Resource-based economies
  • Indigenous sovereignty and data rights
  • Remote community needs
  • Regional business requirements

Primary Service Area: Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Smithers
Indigenous Territories: Tsimshian, Gitxsan, Wet'suwet'en First Nations

Relationship to Kaizen Strategic AI

The Northern Cascadia Institute was initiated by Kaizen Strategic AI, a Terrace-based digital strategy consultancy. However, NCI operates independently as a standards-setting organization with:

  • Separate governance and decision-making
  • Independent financial management
  • Distinct organizational purpose (public interest vs. commercial services)

Kaizen Strategic AI may provide administrative support and resources, but NCI maintains complete operational independence. The relationship demonstrates Kaizen Strategic AI's commitment to responsible AI governance while ensuring NCI's standards remain focused on public interest rather than commercial objectives.

Contact

For questions about governance, board membership, or organizational structure:

Email: governance@kaizenstrategic.ai
Website: kaizenstrategic.ai