Relationship Lead, Indigenous Relations

Job Description :

RELATIONSHIP LEAD, INDIGENOUS RELATIONS

Victoria or Nanaimo

BC Ferries recognizes that we operate in the territory of over 80 First Nations who have cared for the land and waters up and down the coast of British Columbia since time immemorial.

The Opportunity

As a critical member of the Indigenous Relations team, the Relationship Lead supports ongoing dialogue and negotiations and respond to new requests for engagement from BC Ferries to realize economic benefits and cultural recognition resulting from activities occurring within their territories.

The Role

Under the direction of the Indigenous Relations Manager, you work directly with First Nations and BC Ferries staff to plan and facilitate reconciliation and relationship building activities.

You also support senior leaders in the negotiation and implementation of business-to-business and relational agreements that contribute to sustainable and mutually respectful relationships with First Nations.

Reporting to the Indigenous Relations Manager, you add value and are energized by key areas of oversight such as:

• Acting as first point of contact for First Nations and representing the organization in a culturally sensitive manner
• Leading and facilitating meetings with First Nations, and proactively meeting in-person up and down the coast, as well as virtually
• Corresponding regularly by email and telephone with First Nations to establish contacts and relationships
• Sharing knowledge and providing advice and guidance to other departments within BC Ferries to support engagement activities or policy development
• Supporting the development of cultural awareness and capacity building within the organization by developing workshop materials and presenting at workshops or lunch & learns, including speaking to areas of expertise
• Leading coordination of cultural recognition or community events to celebrate milestones and achievements or to further relationships
• Drafting correspondence, briefing materials, and meeting materials
• Documenting outcomes of meetings with First Nations, including identifying potential risks, opportunities, and areas of interest
• Drafting, researching and engaging with First Nations to support the Indigenous Relationship Manager in developing engagement and consultation plans, corporate policies, and other Indigenous relations strategies
• Participating in project-related engagement and consultation, in collaboration with the Project Lead and Terminal Construction, to support meaningful engagement and construction project timelines

What you bring to the team

• Degree in Indigenous studies, anthropology, public administration, or related field
• 5 years of experience managing relationships with or on behalf of Indigenous communities
• Exceptional in building cultural awareness, understanding and capacity within an organization
• Experience working in government or large organizations

Preference will be given to candidates who identify as Indigenous.

Join us

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by December 3, 2025.

Additional information

The target salary range: $83,500 - $104,300 per annum. The starting salary is determined based on the successful candidate's knowledge, experience and internal equity. Starting salary may exceed the target range on exceptional basis.

"We connect communities and customers to people and places important in their lives"

At BC Ferries, our employees are our most important assets in delivering our commitment to customer safety, service and satisfaction. We support employment equity and diversity in the workplace and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.