Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator

**Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator**
The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association’s (VBGA) work takes place on the unceded Ancestral shared lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil
- Waututh) Nations. We are honoured to be on the lands where these Nations have lived since time immemorial, and where they continue to maintain stewardship.

Our mission of connecting people to plants is rooted in place-based education. We work to honour our host
Nations’ knowledge and protocols and will continue to build relations on trust and respect for the caretakers and knowledge keepers of the land that supports us. In the true spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize that our work of promoting environmental sustainability and stewardship would not be possible without
Indigenous perspectives and knowledge.

**The Role**:
Working at both VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory, The Indigenous Initiatives
Coordinator will engage with various audiences including, but not limited to, children, adults, teachers, VBGA and Park Board staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners. They will contribute to maintaining and building new meaningful and reciprocal relationships with the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
(Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil **-**Waututh) Nations, on whose unceded land our work takes place AND they will liaise with Indigenous lead organizations serving Indigenous communities. They participate in the development and implementation of educational resources, training and tours and incorporate relevant natural and cultural heritage.

**Responsibilities**
- Become familiar with VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory collections, including collections related to Indigenous heritage.
- In collaboration with the education team, develop and lead educational programs, tours and activities for various audiences including children and adults.
- Contribute to maintaining and building new relationships with Indigenous communities based on respect, understanding and mutual trust with a respect for protocol, custom, culture, and history.
- Identify potential areas for improved Indigenous inclusion and collaboration.
- Coordinate quarterly medicine wheel ceremonies with ceremony leaders.

**Qualifications and Eligibility**
- Experience and/or training with Indigenous perspectives, an appreciation of generational knowledge, and understanding of the distinct and unique connections Indigenous Peoples have with the land and environment
- Comfortable delivering educational programs to diverse audiences including children and adults
- Strong customer service and communication skills

**Assets**:

- Familiarity with Indigenous focused programs in the Lower Mainland
- Knowledgeable and interested in plants, botany, ecology and/or gardening

**What we offer**: A competitive salary with a comprehensive health benefits plan and 3 weeks paid vacation
(prorated for PT work) and an additional bonus week the last week of the year. We offer free adult education courses, a staff discount for Truffles Café and VanDusen Gift Shop, and access to our 55-acre Garden and tropical Conservatory.

**Start Date and Hours**:This permanent role is anticipated to begin as soon as possible. Part-time (17.5 hours per week). Business hours are Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm, however some work may be required on select evenings or weekends for events and programs.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain open until filled.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 17.5 per week

**Salary**: $24.00-$27.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1