Indigenous Partnerships Coordinator

**Michael Smith Health Research BC**

Michael Smith Health Research BC, funded by the Government of British Columbia, is BC’s health research agency. We strengthen the province’s health research system by supporting the people, institutions and activities that generate and use research-based knowledge to promote, restore and maintain the health of British Columbians. Our ambition is to inspire and connect curious, creative and passionate minds to drive discovery and innovation in health research. And we’re driven by the belief that health-related decision making should be informed by high quality research produced in an equitable, diverse and inclusive research system.

We are a team of dedicated professionals who care deeply about each other and our work. We believe in embracing diversity as a strength and core value, creating spaces that are inclusive of all peoples, and are grounded in our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and respect for Indigenous self-determination. We value and support a diverse workforce, reflective of different backgrounds, skillsets, perspectives and life experiences.

We have a hybrid work model. When you are in the office, our beautiful space offers views of False Creek, an outdoor patio (think summer BBQs) and a fitness centre, and it’s walking distance to restaurants and other amenities. Our social committee, Team Good Times, organizes events throughout the year.

If you are looking for meaningful work in a supportive environment, and you are inspired by making a difference in BC’s exceptional health research community, read on to learn more.

**Length of term/hours**:
Funding for this role is based on a term of 5 months at 37.5 hours per week. There is flexibility in performing the duties of this role on a part-time basis over a longer period of time.

**Position Summary**:
Health Research BC is enacting organizational commitments to help accelerate the self-determination of Indigenous peoples in health research, contribute to Indigenous cultural safety in the health research system, and learn from Indigenous research and ways of knowing for the benefit of our work overall. This work is grounded in respect for Indigenous self-determination and awareness of reconciliation as an active and ongoing process.

As BC’s health research agency, we acknowledge the negative impact of health research historically upon Indigenous peoples. Our organizational accountability to Indigenous peoples arises from the principles contained in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action.

We are committed to approaches that promote Indigenous cultural safety and anti-Indigenous racism in health research and that advance the capacity of Indigenous peoples in their work; we recognize this is a long, complex journey requiring cultural humility and strong relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities in BC. Our work continues to be guided by Indigenous partners and advisors. Key among these relationships are the BC Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR) and the First Nations Health Authority.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Indigenous Partnerships, the Indigenous Partnerships Coordinator supports the development of a timeline of cultural safety and humility activities at Health Research BC, documenting key milestones, Indigenous advisors and partnerships, and organizational commitments to Indigenous reconciliation. Working together with the Manager, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Senior Manager, Indigenous Partnerships, the role will conduct interviews within the organization and with Indigenous partners, document events and developments in reconciliation both within Health Research BC and across the health system in British Columbia and contribute to the design of a timeline. The timeline will demonstrate Health Research BC’s relationships and work towards commitments to reconciliation and cultural safety.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Gathers and reviews information about Health Research BCs’ existing or historical Indigenous partnerships, funding relationships, events and training from our website and Teams channels, including data from both previous organizations, the BC Academic Health Science Network and Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.
- Drafts an initial timeline of milestones, relationships, and developments.
- Researches the setting for Indigenous reconciliation in the health system in BC, including defining moments that affect Indigenous health such as the establishment of Indian Residential Schools, Indian Hospitals, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the adoption of UNDRIP, BC DRIPA, publication of key documents such as OCAP® principles, In Plain Sight, and the availability of training such as OCAP® and San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training.
- Builds out timeline with environment for Indigenous peoples in the BC