Terms of Service

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Echoes of Us – Terms of Service for Partner Organizations (Tenants)

1. Purpose and Scope

These Terms of Service ("Terms") define the rights and responsibilities between Educators Toolbox ("the Technology Provider") and the Partner Organization ("the Host" or "Tenant") that embeds the Echoes of Us chat widget on its website. The chatbot—including all user interactions, data processing, and storage—is hosted securely by Educators Toolbox. The Tenant's responsibility is limited to embedding the widget or link that connects users to the hosted Echoes of Us platform. These Terms ensure the service operates ethically, securely, and in alignment with OCAP® principles (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession).

2. Definitions

Technology Provider: Educators Toolbox, owner and operator of Echoes of Us.

Tenant / Partner Organization: A Friendship Centre, Band Office, or other approved organization that embeds the Echoes of Us chat widget or launcher on its website.

End User: An anonymous individual who engages with the Echoes of Us chatbot on the hosted domain.

Advisory Circle: The Indigenous governing body that manages, oversees, and owns all cultural and intellectual content related to Echoes of Us.

Governance Committee: The First Nations Data Governance Committee, established by the Advisory Circle and composed of 100% Indigenous members, responsible for oversight and OCAP® compliance.

3. Service Description

Echoes of Us is an anonymous, trauma-informed AI companion hosted and operated by Educators Toolbox. Partner Organizations do not host the chatbot but may display a secure widget or link that directs users to the Echoes of Us domain. Each Tenant is assigned a unique Tenant ID for billing and reporting. All user data and interactions occur exclusively within the Echoes of Us hosted environment.

4. Access and Licensing

Educators Toolbox grants the Tenant a non-exclusive, revocable, limited license to embed and display the Echoes of Us chat widget or link on its website. The Tenant does not host, operate, or modify the chatbot infrastructure. Educators Toolbox retains ownership of the software codebase, AI framework, user interface, and platform infrastructure. The Tenant agrees to embed the widget responsibly and securely, ensuring it appears on a secure (HTTPS) page and is not placed in any context that could compromise user anonymity.

5. Data Stewardship and OCAP® Compliance

All data generated through Echoes of Us remains under the ownership of First Nations users and communities. Educators Toolbox hosts, processes, and safeguards all user data in accordance with OCAP® principles and Indigenous data sovereignty. Tenants do not access, store, or process any user data. Tenants must ensure that their website does not include tracking tools, cookies, or analytics that could monitor or link to user interactions with the widget.

6. Billing and Fees

Each Tenant is billed according to the Anonymous Chatbot Billing Model, including a base subscription and usage-based charges. All usage data is collected internally by Educators Toolbox from the hosted platform. Tenants receive aggregate summaries for billing transparency. Invoices are due within 30 days unless otherwise agreed.

7. Security and Technical Standards

Educators Toolbox maintains full responsibility for encryption, hosting, and security of the chatbot platform. Tenants must ensure the webpage displaying the widget is served securely via HTTPS and free from tracking or third-party analytics scripts. Tenants must not alter or inspect widget code, nor interfere with its data flow. Educators Toolbox may review or request corrective action if widget deployment poses privacy or security concerns.

8. Responsibilities of the Tenant

The Tenant agrees to embed the Echoes of Us widget only in accordance with Educators Toolbox's published instructions. The Tenant must avoid modifying, reverse-engineering, or interfering with the widget's operation. The Tenant will not place the widget on any page that collects personal data or uses marketing analytics. The Tenant will inform staff that the widget connects to an anonymous, externally hosted platform and will present the widget in a manner consistent with privacy, safety, and cultural respect.

9. Suspension and Termination

Educators Toolbox may suspend or terminate a Tenant's access if the Tenant violates these Terms, embeds the widget insecurely, introduces privacy risks, or fails to meet billing obligations. Suspension or termination does not relieve the Tenant of any outstanding payment obligations.

10. Indemnification and Liability

Educators Toolbox assumes full responsibility for hosting, operation, and security of the chatbot. The Tenant is responsible only for proper implementation and ethical use of the widget. The Tenant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Educators Toolbox from any claims or damages resulting from negligent or improper use of the widget. Educators Toolbox's total liability is limited to the amount of fees paid by the Tenant during the 12 months preceding any claim.

11. Dispute Resolution

Disputes shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation, followed by mediation, and then binding arbitration in the Province of British Columbia, Canada. Legal proceedings may occur only after these steps.

12. Governance, Oversight, and Intellectual Content Ownership

Oversight is provided by the First Nations Data Governance Committee, established by the Advisory Circle (100% Indigenous members). The Advisory Circle manages, oversees, and owns all intellectual and cultural content, including Indigenous language, documentation, and content stored in the Echoes of Us Vector Library. This content is governed and owned by the Advisory Circle. Educators Toolbox acts as custodian of that content and retains ownership of the software, AI framework, design, and infrastructure.

13. Policy Integration, Review, and Updates

These Terms must be read alongside the Echoes of Us Privacy Policy. Both are reviewed annually with the Governance Committee and Advisory Circle. Updates will be communicated to Tenants 30 days in advance, and continued widget use constitutes acceptance.

14. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by and interpreted under the laws of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, with acknowledgment of First Nations sovereignty and OCAP® governance.

15. Acceptance of Terms (Digital Acknowledgment)

By checking the acknowledgment box during the sign-up or onboarding process, the Partner Organization (Tenant) confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service. This digital acknowledgment constitutes a legally binding agreement between the Tenant and Educators Toolbox. A copy of these Terms will remain accessible within the Tenant's onboarding and administration portal.