Indigenous Relations Advisor

**This posting is for 1 temporary full-time position for 3 months (with the possibility of extension)**

Strathcona County Council is committed to building relationships with the Indigenous community within and outside of Strathcona County to advance Reconciliation. This position will facilitate building understanding within the organization about Indigenous Peoples and their history in Strathcona County; encourage inclusivity of the many Indigenous Peoples who reside on the land now known as Strathcona County; while recognizing the structure of the Confederacy of Treaty Six, the unique culture and history of the Métis people, the governance of the Métis Nation of Alberta, and the unique Métis Settlements as distinct groups.

Working with different orders of government, specifically those of First Nations and Métis Nations, and amongst departments, this position will support the Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Chief Commissioner, Mayor, and Council with the development and implementation of a framework to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action that are directed to municipal governments and support an increase in Indigenous cultural competency throughout the organization.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Participate in Indigenous and other outreach activities, representing the County’s perspective, while supporting the development of a variety of partner driven initiatives
- Act as the key liaison with the Indigenous Advisory Committee. This includes supporting this administrative committee through meetings, projects, and activities to achieve the committee’s goals and purpose.
- Lead/participate in the delivery of internal and external initiatives/projects as assigned
- Identify and support opportunities for staff to learn and understand the history of Indigenous peoples and help identify opportunities for meaningful acts of reconciliation
- Identify synergies and alignment with Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives on corporate initiatives related to diversity, inclusion, racism, systemic barriers, biases, and accessibility for all
- Facilitate and invite conversations to build relationships and partnerships with Indigenous community members, Leaders and/or Elders, and associated organizations
- Establish and lead working teams and related activities to advance the County’s strategic goals and priorities
- Broker the development and implementation of responses/resolutions to issues/opportunities identified through discussions with internal and external working groups
- Provide content expertise and support to Council and Administration in the development and delivery of strategies and initiatives which improve the liveability of Indigenous Peoples in Strathcona County
- Provide advice and guidance to County departments in the development of work plans and associated activities to encourage incorporating Indigenous perspectives
- Provide input in the development of strategy/policy development for Indigenous initiativesLiaise with other municipalities and jurisdictions and foster information-sharing and collaboration where applicable

**Qualifications and Skills**:

- Post-Secondary Diploma or Degree in Arts, Humanities, Community Development, Native/Indigenous Studies, or an equivalent recognized Degree
- Minimum seven years progressively responsible experience in Indigenous relations and engagement, working with or in Indigenous communities.
- Master’s degree is considered an asset
- Ability to speak an Indigenous language is an asset
- Ability to work independently in both thought and action, in research, analytical techniques, consulting and policy interpretation and development, issue identification, and problem solving are required
- Ability to research, analyze, and put into context complex regional, provincial, and national issues and influence senior administration to understand and identify strategic opportunities
- Extensive knowledge of Indigenous history and culture, significant knowledge of cultural protocols, with Indigenous communities (i.e., First Nations, Métis and Inuit settlements and reserves)
- Knowledge of current legal climate and landmark cases affecting rights-based arguments
- Significant skills and understanding in communication tools which includes the use of social media
- Significant level of political acumen and ability to navigate varying levels of bureaucracy
- Excellent project and process management skills; ability to effectively gather, synthesize, integrate, and interpret multi-faceted information from a wide range of sources/perspectivesExcellent relationship building, communication, report writing, facilitation, presentation and interpersonal skills required, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

**Conditions of Employment**:
Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence and ability to obtain business auto insurance for personal vehicle use on County business

**Who we are**:
Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart