Indigenous Relations Coordinator

Job Summary

The Indigenous Relations Coordinator provides specialized knowledge, coordination, and advisory support to advance Indigenous engagement, strengthen organizational capacity, and support Halton Region's Reconciliation commitments. The position supports the implementation of the Indigenous Relations Workplan and related initiatives through engagement, education, reporting, and advisory services, including actions related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Duties & Responsibilities

Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation Implementation

• Support the implementation of the Indigenous Relations Workplan and associated initiatives to advance Council direction and corporate Reconciliation commitments.
• Provide culturally informed support to Indigenous engagement activities, ensuring approaches uphold cultural safety, respect Indigenous protocols, and reflect Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
• Assist with the coordination of Indigenous engagement activities, ceremonies, teachings, meetings, and community-based events in collaboration with Indigenous partners, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of respectful, reciprocal relationships with First Nations, Indigenous Communities and Peoples.
• Monitor and identify emerging Indigenous issues, priorities, opportunities, and partnerships relevant to Halton Region.

Education, Training & Internal Capacity Building

• Coordinate and support the delivery of Indigenous cultural awareness, Indigenous rights, cultural competency, and Reconciliation training for Regional staff.
• Collaborate with internal partners, Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous consultants to co-develop learning opportunities that are culturally appropriate, accurate, and responsive to Indigenous and Regional priorities.
• Contribute to the development of educational materials, presentations, resources, and internal communications related to Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
• Promote awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, rights, and protocols across the organization.
• Support organizational efforts to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #57 related to public sector education and training.

Research, Reporting & Knowledge Mobilization

• Gather, organize, track, and maintain information required to report on progress related to Reconciliation commitments, TRC Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and Indigenous engagement activities.
• Prepare summaries, briefing notes, reports, research findings, data tables, presentations, and progress updates for leadership and cross-departmental partners.
• Conduct research and environmental scans on Indigenous-related legislation, policies, programs, leading practices, and emerging issues.
• Support policy review and development by providing research, analysis, and recommendations related to Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
• Assist in the development and implementation of reporting and monitoring mechanisms that measure the effectiveness of Indigenous Relations initiatives.
  
  

Coordination & Advisory Support

• Assist Regional departments in integrating Indigenous perspectives, cultural considerations, and Reconciliation objectives into programs, policies, projects, and services.
• Review internal materials and gather departmental inputs to support compliance with Indigenous Relations practices, engagement approaches, and cultural protocols.
• Develop and maintain tracking tools, documentation systems, databases, templates, and records for Indigenous Relations initiatives.
• Provide day-to-day coordination and logistical support to the Indigenous Relations team while exercising sound judgment in culturally sensitive situations.
• Liaise with Regional departments, municipalities, community organizations, academic institutions, and Indigenous partners to support collaboration and the achievement of shared objectives.

Skills & Qualifications

• College diploma in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Business, or a related field with an Indigenous focus, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience working in or with First Nations, Inuit, Métis communities, Indigenous organizations, or Indigenous Relations initiatives.
• Experience applying Indigenous knowledge, cultural protocols, and community engagement practices.
• Ability to work effectively in environments involving multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and culturally sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, rights, governance structures, worldviews, and contemporary issues in Canada.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
• Ability to establish and maintain respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners.
• Understanding of culturally appropriate engagement approaches and Indigenous consultation protocols.
• Strong written and verbal communication, report-writing, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Effective research, analytical, organizational, and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated cultural competency, sensitivity, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
• Training in Indigenous cultural competency, anti-racism, decolonization, trauma-informed practice, or related areas is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a municipal, public sector, Indigenous organization, not-for-profit, community service, or government environment is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of an Indigenous language (e.g., Anishinaabemowin/Ojibway, Mohawk, Cree, Michif) is considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Working/ Employment Conditions

• Hybrid work arrangement with a combination of office and community-based work.
• Regular use of computer technology and virtual meeting platforms.
• Attendance at meetings, events, ceremonies, community engagement sessions, and training activities.
• Occasional travel within Halton Region and surrounding areas may be required. A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation is required.