Department of Governance Specific Claims Researcher

**The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq**
**Department of Governance Specific Claims Researcher**

**About The CMM**
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq (The CMM) is a Tribal Council representing the eight Mi'kmaq

**Position Overview**
The Specific Claims Researcher is responsible to gather all relevant historical documents related to a Claim and format the documents on behalf of the CMM member bands to meet the minimum standard as set out by the Specific Claims Branch (SCB). The Claims Researcher will be expected to use in-house and public resources and information repositories to find relevant historical documents on Claims.

**Overview of Responsibilities**:

- Identify gaps in knowledge and assist the Research Manager in creating a narrative of the Claims to be incorporated into a legal argument to meet the minimum standard, as defined by the SCB.
- Develop the necessary background research to begin a Claim.
- Research and prepare research documentation to determine basis for specific claims.
- Gather historical documents and information relevant in the creation and support of a Claim.
- Follow-up research to meet the minimum standard required by the Specific Claims Branch (SCB).
- Draft documents required for the proper formatting of a Claim.
- Monitor and control the research data and the claims process.
- Assist in developing presentations of the Claim to CMM member bands.
- Assist with public inquires for research materials
- Provide suggestions on which direction/strategy in which to best research and present a claim.
- Attend/participate in community liaison opportunities, education, community information sessions, community workshops, and community strategy development.
- Scan and transcribe historical documents to be legible and accurate.
- Transfer completed Claims files to digital medium for distribution to SCB and member bands.
- Create hardcopy documents from microfilm reels that meet the minimum standard of the SCB.
- Printing and binding hardcopies of a Claim for submission to the SCB.
- Develop a working knowledge of Docushare database system to retrieve and archive documents.
- Assist with annual inventory of CMM research materials.

**Position Requirements**:

- Minimum of a high school diploma. Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Experience would be an asset.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience working with various forms of research methodologies.
- Knowledge of and experience working with First Nation / Indigenous communities, First Nation service delivery organizations, and applicable government programming etc.
- Experience in field of historical research and data entry.
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture and the member communities.
- Understanding of the Indian Act and Mi'kmaq Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
- Skilled in areas of research, planning, analysis, report writing and presentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and communication mediums.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to develop relationships.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Valid driver's license as travel within Nova Scotia will be required.
- Some familiarity with the Mi'kmaw language (an asset) or willingness to learn Mi'kmaw greetings.

**Why work with us?**
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq (The CMM) is well known throughout Canada as a professional organization that is committed to providing a pleasant and healthy working environment for all its employees. As an organization, we understand that a great work/life balance is essential to success. As a full-time employee you can expect:

- An atmosphere that is both professional and family oriented.
- Enrollment in the organization's benefits packages on your first day of employment with no waiting period, which includes Health Dental, and Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
- Generous amounts of paid time off (Paid Statutory Holidays plus St. Anne's Day and Aboriginal Day, Summer Shutdown (2 weeks), Christmas Shutdown (roughly 2 weeks), plus 1 week of discretionary vacation time (up to 2 weeks with 10 years of service).
- Social Committee, Staff Days, Staff Knowledge Days, etc.

Salary/Employment Term:
Salary Range: $45,000 to $55,000 per year. This is a Permanent Position (pending successful one-year probationary contract).

Application Deadline: Open until position is filled

Submit Cover Letter AND Resume to: Human Resources
c/o The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq
PO Box 1590, Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 5V3

We are an equal opportunity employer; however, qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given priority in accordance with the