Job Opportunity: Indigenous Knowledge Lead
Who We Are
The Mikisew Cree First Nation (Mikisew) has lived on the ancestral lands of the Athabasca Delta and Wood Buffalo National Park in northeastern Alberta since time immemorial. The lives of our members are linked to the land and to a close understanding of traditions, history and a natural way of life. Many of our members live in the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, and our traditional lands range over a large portion of Athabasca oil sands deposits. For nearly 30 years, Mikisew Group, our wholly owned business arm, has worked toward the long-term, sustainable economic progress of our Nation and its members through employment and significant investments in education, training, social programs and infrastructure.
Who You Are
We are currently seeking an Indigenous Knowledge Lead who will be responsible for administering and/or supporting Indigenous Land Use / Indigenous Knowledge Studies and the collection of land and resource use information, participating in special projects and the general administration of areas of responsibility. The Indigenous Knowledge Lead will also be responsible for the coordination of IK studies, help identify appropriate interviewees for various studies, lead workshops and support Guardians activities.
Please note that this position is based in Fort Chipewyan, AB.
Budget Development:
• Provide support in the development of an Indigenous Knowledge budget.
Community Engagement:
• Communicate and engage with Elders and community members of the MCFN on land use planning, wildlife management, and various other regional issues and concerns.
Data Collection and Analysis:
• Develop, conduct, and/or schedule surveys and interviews with MCFN members to collect Indigenous Knowledge information.
• Draft reports, analyze data, and summarize project work for sharing with the community and GIR team.
Information Management:
• Analyze Indigenous Knowledge, historical data, and traditional land-use information and produce comprehensive reports.
• Upload Indigenous Knowledge information into the Community Knowledge Keeper database.
Project Support:
• Support and supervise technical consultants when needed.
• Research, recommend, and manage third-party contracts and/or projects.
Coordination and Communication:
• Coordinate translation and transcribing of written materials and oral presentations.
• Ensure visual tools, including maps, are available as needed.
• Assist industry, government, and/or technical consultants in understanding Indigenous knowledge for incorporation into projects and planning processes.
Procedure Development:
• Develop and implement procedures for collecting land and resource use information.
• Contribute to revising Indigenous Knowledge Collection Protocols/Guidelines.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Schedule meetings, take accurate minutes, and distribute and report accordingly.
• Represent MCFN at external meetings, forums, and workshops.
• Assist in developing annual budgets and report monthly to the Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Manager.
• Perform all duties in accordance with MCFN policies, standards, and procedures.
• Contribute effectively as a team member to the overall plans and objectives of MCFN.
Contribution to GIR Team:
• Assist the Director in developing the annual GIR strategic plan.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with MCFN staff members.
• Participate in applicable initiatives, workshops, conferences, and meetings.
• Contribute to MCFN communication initiatives.
Qualifications
• Diploma or Certificate in Indigenous Studies, Geography, Anthropology, Humanities, Social Studies, or a related field of study.
• At least 5 years experience in matters related to Indigenous Consultation, Wildlife Management, Cultural Impact Assessments, Indigenous Knowledge Studies, or Traditional Land-Use.
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience in the areas of Indigenous Knowledge, community engagement, communications and community organizing,
• Community engagement facilitation skills and public speaking
• Ability to record accurate notes, minutes, action items and record keeping,
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong active listening skills,
• Proven planning, prioritizing, organizing and coordination skills,
• Proven leadership, team building, conflict resolution and project management skills,
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain successful and effective relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts,
• Excellent judgement and ability to make decisions and communicate in a way that advances the best interest of the organization at all times,
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain successful and effective relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts,
Other Requirements
• Possess a valid Class 5 AB driver’s license and own or access to a vehicle.
• Willingness and ability to travel to Fort Chipewyan as required.
• Willingness and ability to work after hours and/or weekends when required.
• Willingness to submit to an oath of confidentiality.
• Willing to work flexible schedule.
• Ability to speak and/or understand the Cree language (or another applicable First Nation language) would be beneficial.
How to Apply
If you or someone you know is interested, please send your resume to coo@mikisewcree.ca
Application deadline is until a suitable candidate is found.
We thank all who apply but we will only be contacting those selected for an interview. Thank you!