Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor

Comox Valley Redional Disctrict; Courtenay; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Comox Valley Regional District is seeking a permanent full-time Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor to lead Indigenous engagement, policy development, and cultural safety initiatives across CVRD departments. The role focuses on truth and reconciliation, treaty structures, and building strong relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

The Senior Advisor will work with K’omoks Administration, support service agreements, MOUs, and advance reconciliation efforts, including

Qualifications

• Experience with First Nations, Métis, Inuit governance and engagement
• Background in government relations or policy development
• Experience writing briefing notes and letters
• Ability to facilitate group sessions and meetings
• Knowledge of UNDRIP and TRC Calls to Action

Responsibilities

• Lead development of programs addressing Calls to Action and UNDRIP/DRIPA
• Advise on Indigenous engagement across CVRD departments
• Guide staff on culturally safe meetings and events
• Work with K’omoks Administration on treaty government structure protocols
• Support partnerships with K’ómoks First Nation
• Advance service and partnership agreements and MOUs
• Collaborate with CVRD staff on Indigenous Relations Framework
• Build relations with local Indigenous communities
• Develop Indigenous Learning Journey Curriculum and related cultural initiatives
• Coordinate engagement with Indigenous groups and councils

Skills

Relationship building

Indigenous engagement

Policy development

Facilitation

Stakeholder collaboration

Organizational change guidance

Education

Undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies / related field

Job description

Stage 3 Water Restrictions Now in Effect for Comox Valley and Royston Water Local Service Area More information

We are accepting applications for a permanent full-time Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor (Senior Advisor) to join our team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives, the Senior Advisor brings firsthand knowledge of Indigenous traditions, values, and worldview to advise, guide, and help the CVRD build organizational capacity through the development of education programs and operational practices that reflect our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

The primary responsibilities of this exciting new role include:

• Providing leadership in the development of new programs and policies that address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA);
• Providing advice and guidance to support respectful and reciprocal Indigenous engagement across CVRD departments;
• Guiding CVRD staff on protocol and best practices to integrate Indigenous perspectives and deliver meetings and events in a culturally safe manner;
• Working with K’ómoks Administration to develop the necessary protocols and procedures to guide staff to work under the new treaty government structure;
• Assisting CVRD departments in the implementation of projects involving partnership with K’ómoks as a treaty nation;
• Supporting the Office of the CAO to advance service agreements, partnership agreements, memorandums of understanding, and initiatives of mutual interest;
• Working with K’́ómoks First Nation to establish appropriate procedures for engaging with Hereditary Chiefs and Knowledge Keepers;
• Establishing, building, and maintaining working relationships with Comox Valley Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous community groups and First Nations with overlapping territory;
• Continuing to develop and implement the CVRD’s Indigenous Learning Journey Curriculum and supporting Indigenous Cultural Awareness Initiatives at the CVRD;
• Acting as a liaison to the Comox Valley Reconciliation Advisory Table;
• Overseeing updates to the CVRD’s Indigenous Relations Framework;
• Collaborates with the Human Resources department on new policies and procedures that support reconciliation and cultural safety.

We are looking for someone who has the following skills, but we recognize there are many ways to acquire knowledge. If you believe you can thrive in this role — even if your experience does not perfectly match every requirement listed — we encourage you to apply. Relevant lived experience, volunteer, and community work will be considered.

• A relationship builder and collaborator with direct experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous communities and groups;
• Familiar with First Nations governance structures, consultation, and engagement processes;
• Educated in Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Business Leadership, Community Development, Public Administration, Communications, Planning, Social Science, or a related field of study with an undergraduate degree of four years, or equivalent;
• Experienced in working with First Nation, Inuit, Métis, or Indigenous organizations in a government relations, senior administration, policy, facilitator, community development, community engagement, or related role, with over four years of related experience (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered);
• Able to facilitate group sessions and meetings;
• Comfortable providing guidance to senior leadership about initiatives that can lead to organizational change with a good understanding of the United Nations Declaration and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action;
• Knowledgeable in Indigenous ways, traditions, values, communication styles, historical context and trauma-informed practices;
• Experienced in writing a range of documents such as letters, presentations, briefing notes, and speaking notes;
• Experienced in preparing and developing policy recommendations;
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to balance multiple priorities;
• Able to work flexible hours as necessary to meet the requirements for engagement and attending community, committee and Board meetings, and events.

Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (Status or Non-Status First Nations, Métis and Inuit). Applicants are encouraged to include this information in their applications.

A valid BC Class 5 driver’s license is required for this role. Successful candidates will be required to consent to a Canadian Criminal Record Check.

Notice of Collection The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information. Any personal information you provide to us is collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other applicable legislation. We keep your personal information confidential. Collected personal information will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected or to obtain feedback regarding the delivery of this service. If you have any questions, please contact the Privacy Coordinator at 770 Harmston Ave, Courtenay, BC; or [e-mail]; or 250-334-6070.