Advisor, Indigenous Relations

Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc.; Town of Athabasca; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension 7%

RRSP matching up to 3%

Dental benefits

Extended health benefits

Health spending account

Life insurance

Relocation assistance

Vacation 4 weeks

Job summary

Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) seeks an experienced Advisor, Indigenous Relations to support engagement with Indigenous communities near Athabasca, Alberta. The role focuses on building understanding within the organization about Indigenous Peoples’ history and encouraging inclusive practices across the operation.

You will lead consultations, maintain ROC records, and collaborate with government and the IR team to ensure regulatory alignment and successful engagement outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7–12 years in a related professional role with demonstrated expertise in community and stakeholder engagement, communications, and relationship management.
• Experience working with First Nations and Métis communities.
• Knowledge of forestry operations is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with rural, First Nations, and Métis communities within the Al-Pac Forest Management Area.
• Lead consultation activities and understand Métis and First Nations consultation requirements and provincial processes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Métis Nation of Alberta, including Métis Settlements.
• Engage proactively with diverse communities and identify risks to Al-Pac.
• Maintain understanding of FSC and CCIB certification frameworks.
• Build professional relationships with government representatives and the IR team.
• Deliver updates to internal audiences and monitor budgets and variances.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communications

Relationship management

Education

University degree in Business, Social Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Communications, International Relations, Environmental/Science, Regulatory, Stakeholder/Community Relations

Job description

Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) is seeking an experienced Advisor, Indigenous Relations to work out of ourMill Site location near Athabasca, Alberta. The successful candidate will be responsible for facilitating and building understanding within the organization about Indigenous Peoples and their history; encouraging inclusivity of the many Indigenous Peoples who reside on the various Alberta Treaty lands. The position supports consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities and collaborates with the broader community engagement in support Al-Pac’s existing operations. For us, it's not just about coming to work and doing a job - as soon as you walk through the door, your career has purpose.

Who Are We?

Al-Pac is the largest single-line kraft pulp producer in North America. Our mill is located near the communities of Athabasca, Boyle & Lac La Biche. We are leaders in our industry, from our quality products, mill operations and responsible forest management practices, to the way we grow and develop our team members and work with local communities. We are continuously exploring new and innovative ideas, while delivering premium products with a commitment to strong environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility - a commitment that is demonstrated by our long-standing Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification (FSC-C022642).

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with rural, First Nations, and Métis communities within, and surrounding, the Al-Pac Forest Management Area.
• Lead consultation activities and maintain a high level of knowledge of Métis and First Nations consultation requirements, including applicable provincial regulatory processes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the structure, history, culture, and governance of the Métis Nation of Alberta, including the distinct nature of Métis Settlements.
• Engage proactively with a wide range of communities while identifying and managing potential risks to Al-Pac.
• Maintain a strong understanding of relevant certification frameworks, including Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB).
• Establish and maintain professional, effective working relationships with government representatives and within the Indigenous Relations (IR) team.
• Deliver consistent updates to internal audiences across Al-Pac, ensuring awareness and understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ needs and perspectives.
• Prepare and maintain Records of Consultation (ROC) for engagement with a variety of communities.
• Comply with Government of Alberta consultation policies, procedures, and standards, ensuring all work aligns with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and deliver timely reports and updates to Senior Management and monitor budget considerations and report on variances as required.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to maintain compliance with evolving Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Principle 3 requirements.

Qualifications

• University degree in Business, Social Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Communications, International Relations, Environmental/Science, Regulatory, Stakeholder/Community Relations, or relevant field.
• Minimum of 7-12 years of progressive experience in a related professional role, with demonstrated expertise in community and stakeholder engagement, communications, and relationship management.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with First Nations and Métis communities.
• Experience or familiarity with forestry operations is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of Cree language considered an asset.

Other

• Comfort travelling across Northern Alberta (Al-Pac FMA)
• Knowledge of First Nation(s) and Metis communities
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively communicate to diverse audiences
• Ability to engage with stakeholders and the public with professionalism
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage activities efficiently to meet business objectives

What We Offer

You may wonder what makes us unique. Why would you want to work with Al-Pac? You will experience firsthand that our team-based culture values safety, open communication, productivity and quality, as well as a variety of other great perks including:

• A competitive annual salary including a company-paid pension at 7% and matching RRSP up to 3%.
• Company-paid dental and extended health benefits, including a health care and taxable spending account and supplemental life insurance.
• Compressed work schedule (Monday-Thursday)
• Four weeks annual vacation to start, increasing with years of service.
• Relocation Assistance Program
• Team-based culture that encourages work-life balance.

Applications for this role will close on September 28, 2026. We encourage your prompt application.

Al-Pac is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We wish to express our thanks to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

CLOSING DATE: September 28, 2026
REQUISITION: 545
POSITION TYPE: Permanent