Oodakwahamo (Navigator) Manager

Wawatay Native Communications Society; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An Indigenous-led organization in Northwestern Ontario is seeking an Oodakwahamo Manager to coordinate First Nations Relations and Engagement. This full-time permanent position focuses on enhancing Indigenous Participation, employment, and cultural recognition. The ideal candidate will understand Indigenous Peoples' culture and have experience working with First Nations. The role includes travel to remote locations and requires a demonstrated ability to speak relevant Indigenous languages. A comprehensive compensation package is offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation package

Health & Wellness reimbursements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Respect confidentiality requirements and maintain to preserve information.
• Member from one of the 24 Participating First Nations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate First Nations Relations, Engagement, and Communication.
• Advance Indigenous Participation, employment, and cultural respect.

Skills

Demonstrated ability to speak Anishinaabe and Anishinninuwug

Understanding of Indigenous Peoples culture and traditions

Experience working with First Nations

Ability to travel to remote locations

Job description

Become a team member for the largest Indigenous-led infrastructure project in Canada, which will connect 17 remote First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario with cleaner, more reliable, and accessible grid power! First Nation leadership owners of Wataynikaneyap established the Guiding Principles, endorsed by its partners, that set out expectations for the Company’s development, including respect for the land and First Nation way of life.

Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FortisOntario Inc., acts as the Project Manager of Wataynikaneyap Power LP (“Wataynikaneyap Power”). Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission entity, majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nation communities in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors. The partnership is an unprecedented undertaking and has constructed 1,800 kilometres of 230 kV, 115 kV, and 44 kV transmission lines and 22 substations in northwestern Ontario. Located near Thunder Bay in our Fort William First Nation, ON office, Wataynikaneyap Power is currently recruiting for a talented:

Full-Time Permanent Position

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Oodakwahamo Manager will lead and coordinate a number of key functions as they relate to First Nations Relations, Engagement, Participation, Communication, Ceremony, and Land Access. This role will have a primary focus on advancing the Company’s Indigenous Participation, employment, and cultural respect and recognition for the Land Keepers, including Anishinaabe and Anishinninuwug First Nations. This role will facilitate and support service provider requirements between Wataynikaneyap and Opiikapawiin Services LP. The Oodakwahamo Manager will ensure all practices are consistent with Wataynikaneyap Power’s Vision, Mandate and Guiding Principles.

• Demonstrated ability to speak the language - more specifically Anishinaabe and Anishinninuwug.
• Respect for and understanding of Indigenous Peoples culture, traditions, language and way of life.
• Experience working with or for First Nations – direct experience working with Land Keepers would be considered an asset.
• Understanding of First Nation approaches to genealogy, including the importance of kinship and community relationships, with the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals and communities in matters involving family lineage and cultural identity.
• Respect confidentiality requirements and maintain to preserve and protect information provided from the First Nations and individuals themselves.
• Ability to travel to remote locations to support duties of the role
• A valid Ontario “G” driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract preferred.
• Member from one of the 24 Participating First Nations, preferred.

What we Offer:

• Comprehensive compensation package, pension & benefits plan, paid time off and Share Purchase Plan option.
• Health & Wellness and Education reimbursements.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.

Application deadline is January 16, 2026

We are proud to partner with 24 First Nation communities and are committed to building an Indigenous workforce for the future of Wataynikaneyap Power. Reflecting this commitment, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as a member of the following participating First Nations:

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] and we will work with you to meet your needs.