First Nations Legal Counsel

Competition #

Category: Full-Time – Permanent

Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Children and Families, the First Nations Legal Counsel for the MOU Project
will assist First Nations in Manitoba by providing legal support for the restoration of First Nations jurisdiction related to children and families. The Legal Counsel will provide legal advice and support to advance the rights and interests of First Nations children, families, and Nations, with a strong focus on advocacy, policy development, and legislative analysis.

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide legal support to First Nations asserting jurisdiction under An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children, youth and families or any other mechanism determined by the First Nation.
• Assist First Nations with the drafting, review, and implementation of their own laws and legal frameworks related to children and families.
• Advise on legal pathways to jurisdiction recognition, including processes with federal and provincial governments.
• Support the negotiation, development, and legal review of coordination agreements between First Nations, Canada, and Manitoba, as requested by the First Nation.
• Work directly with First Nations leadership, legal teams, and Elders to ensure their laws reflect their traditions, customs, and values.
• Conduct legal research and comparative analysis of First Nation, federal, and provincial legislation related to child and family services.
• Draft legal documents, governance policies, and plain-language summaries to support engagement and ratification of laws.
• Engage with First Nations to identify strengths and gaps to help inform their laws respecting children and families.
• Assist First Nations in developing First Nation legal systems, governance structures, policies, regulations, standards and procedures as it relates to their laws respecting children and families.
• Assist in developing and implementing work plans for law development respecting children and families to identify milestones and objectives to ensure successful planning.
• Provide recommendations and guidance with First Nation efforts in drafting their laws respecting children and families.
• Provide legal briefings to the Director of Children and Families.
• Other legal duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience 

• A Juris Doctor Degree.
• Knowledge of First Nation issues related to the child welfare system.
• Knowledge of federal, provincial, and First Nation laws related to child welfare.
• Knowledge of International Declarations and Covenants pertaining to Indigenous Peoples.
• Experience in drafting First Nation laws related to child welfare.
• Knowledge of traditional First Nation philosophy, culture, and contemporary practices.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal skills and written skills and time management skills.
• Must be able to work flexible hours and able to travel upon request.
• Adhere to AMC policies and procedures with specific attention to attendance, and professional ethics.
• Must have a valid Class 5 driver's license and a reliable vehicle.
• Must have a current satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Clear Child Abuse Checks.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position title and quote competition number applying for, qualifications, and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (including a most recent employer reference) to:

Human Resources

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

14th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3

Quote Competition # in your application.

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Preference will be given to First Nations people. If successful, applicants will be asked to provide verification of citizenship documentation issued by a First Nation or government-issued documentation or affirmation from Inuit, Métis, or non-status Indigenous community with which they identify. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

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