Consultant, Indigenous Policy (Federal)

Blackbird Strategies; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Hybrid work schedule

Professional development

5 weeks PTO

Job summary

Blackbird Strategies in Ottawa is seeking a consultant with deep expertise in federal policy affecting Indigenous Peoples to advise First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments and organizations on how to engage with the federal government.

You will monitor developments, develop advocacy materials, and support clients on claims, self-government, and partnerships, focusing on building genuine relationships and delivering strategic policy advice.

Qualifications

• Experience in federal Indigenous policy.
• Strong writing and briefing abilities.
• Ability to translate policy into actionable strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic policy advice on federal legislation, budgets, programs, and funding.
• Monitor federal developments affecting clients and central agencies.
• Develop advocacy materials, submissions, and committee testimony.
• Support clients in claims, self-government, and treaty implementation.
• Collaborate with First Nations to advance priorities with the federal government.
• Explain consultation, social license, and relationship risks to clients.
• Contribute to business development and thought leadership.

Skills

Indigenous policy

Policy analysis

Strategic communications

Stakeholder relations

Writing skills

Public affairs

Job description

About Blackbird

Blackbird Strategies was founded in 2019 to deliver government relations, public relations, and political advisory services differently, and to challenge an industry that too often fails to understand the realities of its clients. Our team is deliberately diverse: consultants from across the political spectrum, with varied backgrounds and lived experiences, united by one conviction: our skills should serve those whose voices are rarely heard at boardroom tables or on Parliament Hill, and those committed to being good corporate citizens.

We have been recognized by Queen Street Analytics as one of Canada’s top firms representing Indigenous groups and organizations. Our team works alongside First Nations, Indigenous governments, and organizations from coast to coast to coast, as well as clients in energy, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and healthcare. Our consultants have been named among Canada’s Top 100 Lobbyists and are recognized as policy experts by leading think tanks.

The Role

We are looking for a consultant with deep expertise in federal policy affecting Indigenous Peoples to add to our Indigenous affairs practice. You will advise First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments and organizations, as well as proponents and investors seeking to build genuine partnerships with Indigenous communities, on how to advance their priorities with the federal government.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic policy advice to clients on federal legislation, regulations, programs, and funding, and translate complex policy into clear strategies for action.
• Monitor and analyze federal developments relevant to clients, including federal budgets and fiscal updates, and priorities at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and central agencies.
• Develop advocacy strategies, briefing materials, submissions, and committee testimony that position clients’ priorities with ministers, political staff, parliamentarians, and senior officials.
• Support clients in areas such as specific and comprehensive claims, self-government and modern treaty implementation, child and family services, infrastructure and clean water, economic reconciliation, and major project participation.
• Work alongside First Nations to make the case to Canada for resolving claims and righting historical wrongs.
• Help non-Indigenous clients understand matters related to consultation, social licence and relationship risks and opportunities.
• Contribute to business development, thought leadership, and the firm’s reputation as a trusted voice on Indigenous policy.

What You Bring

• 3+ years of experience in federal public policy related to Indigenous Peoples, gained in government, a minister’s office, Parliament, an Indigenous government or organization, or a public affairs firm.
• A strong working knowledge of how Ottawa works: the Cabinet and budget process, Treasury Board, the legislative process, and the relationship between political and public service decision-makers.
• Solid understanding of the distinct rights, priorities, and governance structures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, including the constitutional framework under Section 35 and the Crown’s duty to consult.
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce sharp, persuasive briefs and submissions quickly.
• Sound political judgment and the ability to work effectively across party lines.
• Cultural competency and a relationship-based approach to working with Indigenous clients.

Assets

• Lived experience as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuk person.
• Experience with a national or regional Indigenous organization or rights-holder government, or with the Government of Canada.

What We Offer

• Health and dental benefits, a hybrid work schedule, professional development, five weeks annual paid time off (three weeks throughout the year and two weeks when we close over the December holidays.)
• The opportunity to do meaningful work for clients whose success matters.
• Flexible leave policy for Canadian Armed Forces reservists.

Blackbird Strategies is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit candidates, women, and members of equity-deserving groups.

Blackbird Strategies is a With Glowing Hearts employer. Canadian Armed Forces reserve members are encouraged to apply.