Chawathil Administrative Officer (CAO)

With peaceful hearts and open minds, we stand together as one. Rooted in the strength of our ancestors, we honour our traditions while embracing a shared path forward. Through collaboration, understanding, and respect, we uplift our people and work toward a thriving future for Chawathil First Nation (CFN) and the generations to come.

A member of the Tiyt Tribe First Nations, our community is nestled in the breathtaking mountain landscape of the Fraser Valley, 140km east of Vancouver, BC. Our traditional territory once encompassed much of what is now the community of Hope and its surrounding areas. As part of the larger Stó:lō cultural and linguistic collectivity, the Tiyt Tribe is often referred to as the Upper Stó:lō, and consists of Chawathil, Seabird Island, Shxw'ōwhámel, Skawahlook, Peters, Popkum, Yale and Union Bar First Nations.

As Stó:lō people, known as the “river people,” our lives have always been intertwined with the river and the land. The Chawathil people depend on the land and river for their survival, maintaining a communal lifestyle and upholding the wisdom of their Knowledge Keepers and Elders. Governed by a Chief and six elected Councillors, the Chawathil First Nation follows the Chawathil Custom Election Code and Governance Policy, guiding their decision-making and daily functions. The Chawathil people share a common language, Halq’emeylem, and continue to rely on their natural resources for both economic and traditional purposes, preserving a way of life that has thrived for generations.

OUR NATION’S MISSING PIECE

Chawathil First Nation is searching for the right leader to bring our people, staff, and community together—to recognize our strengths, create opportunities, and bring our vision to life. We are looking for a Chawathil Administrative Officer (CAO) who is more than just a leader; we are seeking someone who is deeply committed to fostering a strong, united community while ensuring the effective and sustainable governance of our Nation. If you are a strategic leader, who builds others up, and who thrives on organization and teamwork, you may be the missing piece we have been looking for.

What We Need in Our Leader:

1. A visionary who sees the potential in people, programs, and community growth, bringing those possibilities to life.
2. A leader with a heart for the people—who listens, supports, and strengthens the team while making sound decisions.
3. A bridge-builder who fosters collaboration between staff, leadership, and community members.
4. A strategic thinker with strong organizational skills who ensures efficient administration, operations, and governance.
5. A leader with integrity who is transparent, accountable, and committed to the long-term success of our Nation.

AREAS OF OVERSIGHT

Community Programming & Services

Work with and guide your senior leadership team to:

1. Support the development and implementation of programs and initiatives in key areas such as Recreation, Health, Housing, Lands, Culture, Education, Social Development, Emergency Services, and Governance.
2. Facilitate transparent and inclusive community engagement and involvement in decision making processes related to the evolving needs of the Nation while maintaining alignment with funding agreements and legislation.
3. Establish, preserve and promote cultural programs and initiatives that honour both traditional and contemporary governance practices.
4. Identify risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies to protect the well-being of the community and organization.
5. Improve community capacity and promote a culture of continuous learning by encouraging further education, training, and professional development opportunities.

Care for our People & Resources

Maintain a respectful and encouraging work environment to:

1. Support staff by creating, implementing, and upholding clear and fair policies, procedures, and performance standards, all grounded in a strong and respectful workplace culture.
2. Oversee all facets of people leadership, ensuring alignment with the Nation's needs, values, and principles, while fostering a collaborative environment.
3. Manage the Nation's financial health, ensuring all functions of finance, including budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, end-period reporting, purchasing, and payroll, are supported and have oversight, while ensuring up-to-date knowledge of budget and funding requirements, relevant government financial legislation, and internal policies and procedures.
4. Ensure financial transparency and accountability by overseeing the maintenance of internal controls, fulfillment of funding requirements, and ensuring responsible spending practices.
5. Guide the management of Nation assets, programs, and staff while upholding community values and expectations.

Relationship Building

Lead with your head and heart to:

1. Maintain equitable and service-orientated relationships with community members, ensuring open and transparent communication related to Nation Administration.
2. Ensure a robust communication mechanism for CFN members to share their views, concerns, and needs relative to new or continuous programs, services, and initiatives of the Nation.
3. Collaborate to ensure regular and positive interactions between other government agencies and departments, private industry business and any other individuals, groups or agencies operating in the community, including our Economic Development entity.
4. Manage agreements, reporting requirements and build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Governance & Strategy

Collaborate with elected officials to:

1. Offer direction, advice and continual updates to Chief and Council regarding programs, services and potential opportunities.
2. Lead the development, implementation and maintenance of plans (i.e. resource plan, strategic plan, etc.) ensuring they reflect the vision and priorities of the community and leadership.
3. Facilitate a high degree of collaboration with Chief and Council to develop, implement and maintain the comprehensive community plan.
4. Coordinate the implementation of Council’s vision and direction by overseeing operations with collaboration, support and accountability being at the forefront.
5. Contribute to the creation of agendas and briefing notes and providing Council and its committees with proper support and information to enable sound decision making.
6. Create an annual plan in line with the CCP for attending local, regional, and national events on behalf of the Nation, ensuring a balanced approach between time spent at these events and time in the office, fostering relationships and championing the community’s interests.

LIVED & LEARNED EXPERIENCE

We value the unique perspectives and skills that come from both lived and learned experiences and we acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and knowledge contribute to the richness of our community. We recognize that qualifications extend beyond formal education and professional achievements, encompassing the wisdom gained through personal journeys and cultural heritage. Here, we celebrate the holistic experiences that shape our team members and their ability to contribute meaningfully to our organization. Our ideal candidate may encompass a combination of the following:

1. A Bachelor (or equivalent) degree in a related field in business, finance, Aboriginal studies, or another related field.
2. Minimum of 5 – 7 years of related leadership experience, ideally in a management role for a First Nations organization, with responsibility for one or more of the following areas: financial management, budgeting, human resources management, program management, delivery and evaluation, policy development and implementation OR an equivalent combination of lived experience and learning.
3. Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM), Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) or relevant certifications are considered an asset.
4. A demonstrated record of successfully building effective relationships with community members and external participants.
5. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Stó:lō Nation, including its history, culture, governance, and community priorities, with experience in engaging and collaborating with Stó:lō community members and leaders.

WHAT WE OFFER

Along with the opportunity to work alongside a compassionate, like-minded team, we provide a compensation package which includes:

1. 14 Observed Statutory Holidays
2. 3 weeks vacation after one year of service
3. Professional & Cultural Leave
4. Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Dental & Extended Health Care Benefits
5. Group Pension Plan

GET IN TOUCH WITH US

If you are aligned with our vision and are committed to supporting our community, please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Careers.jouta@mnp.ca

By April 18, 2025.

We encourage applicants to submit applications as soon as possible, as applicants will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Persons of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference. s16(1) CHRA.