Indigenous Relations Associate

**Description**:
Thompson Construction Group is committed to fostering strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities across Canada. As an **Indigenous Relations Associate**, you will lead our Indigenous relations and community engagement efforts, ensuring meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities, organizations, clients, and internal stakeholders. This role is instrumental in implementing Thompson’s Indigenous Engagement Policy and driving initiatives that support both Indigenous communities and our business objectives.

At Thompson, we strive to be a positive contributor to the well-being of Indigenous Peoples by fostering respectful partnerships, supporting economic opportunities, and investing in skills development initiatives. Our national Indigenous Engagement Policy ensures a consistent and culturally informed approach that aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92. If you are passionate about meaningful Indigenous engagement and making a lasting impact, we invite you to join our team.

**Responsibilities**:**
- Provide strategic guidance to our business units on Indigenous relations and engagement strategies.
- Develop and implement culturally appropriate engagement strategies that align with the rights, values, and aspirations of Indigenous communities.
- Lead the development, execution, and operationalization of Indigenous Engagement Plans to support business development and project delivery.
- Offer advice on corporate policies and processes related to Indigenous relations.
- Represent Thompson at community events, ceremonies, and career fairs to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.
- Provide expert guidance to senior management and project teams to ensure alignment with our Indigenous engagement commitments.
- Prepare and manage the annual budget for Indigenous relations initiatives.
- Oversee the tracking and reporting of key Indigenous engagement metrics, including employment, spending, and partnership ratios.
- Foster a company-wide culture of Indigenous reconciliation, education, and awareness.
- Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely with Business Development, People and Culture, Estimating, and Project Delivery teams to integrate Indigenous relations into business operations.
- Advise on agreements with Indigenous communities and enterprises, including Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), Alliance Agreements, and Incorporated Partnerships.
- Contribute to strategic planning initiatives to further advance Indigenous engagement at Thompson.

**Qualifications**:**
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in Indigenous relations, community engagement, or a related field.
- In-depth knowledge of Indigenous cultures, histories, rights, and contemporary issues, with direct experience working with Indigenous communities.
- Strong ability to balance corporate responsibilities with meaningful Indigenous engagement.
- Proven track record of building and maintaining strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and leaders.
- Exceptional negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across diverse audiences.
- Strategic thinker with experience leading initiatives and influencing change within an organization.
- Ability to travel as required to engage with communities, attend events, and support project teams.

**Additional Information**:**
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Opportunity to work with a collaborative and innovative team.
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- A culture that values creativity, diversity, and inclusion.

The above statements describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel.