ʔ****a·knusti Manager

Full-Time, Permanent
Cranbrook BC

Strong, healthy citizens and communities, speaking our language and celebrating who we are and our history in our ancestral homelands, working together, managing our lands and resources, within a self-sufficient, self-governing Nation.

The term ʔa·knusti can be translated into English to include guarding over, watching out for, and tending to Ktunaxa people, land, plants, animals, water, and fish. It can also refer to being a sentry or watchman and to women relating to the rituals and practices of midwives during childbirth. ʔa·knusti is a critical component of Ktunaxa life, survival, and responsibilities to ʔa·knumuȼtiⱡiⱡ, and ʔakxam̓is q̓api qapsin (all living things), through ʔukiniⱡwitiyaⱡa (working with one heart).

This position will be responsible for the development and implementation of the ʔa·knusti strategy, which will guide annual planning and evaluation of the ʔa·knusti team. This includes the need for managing the program budget, writing funding proposals and completing associated reporting. As a part of strategic and annual planning, there must be a balance between the engagement, mentoring, and learning from Ktunaxa Elders and Knowledge Holders and western methodologies. A large part of the work for ʔa·knusti will come from the Lands & Resources sector, but will also include all other sectors and the four Ktunaxa First Nations. The incumbent will work with a team to ensure on-the-ground protection and stewardship of Ktunaxa resources, including fish, wildlife, and archaeology, applying policy and procedures established by KNC, as well as applying Ktunaxa worldview and methods.

This is a full-time permanent position with full benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and oversee field staff schedules, equipment and training in a continually changing environment while managing conflicting interests.

• Oversee timelines, objectives and deliverables

• Oversee budget and resources for ʔa·knusti and any associated projects

• Advise on data collection and management methods and procedures

• Participate in data collection as required

• Ensure ʔa·knusti are working with Ktunaxanint̓ik, knowledge holders and Elders to document cultural and important sites and monitor impacts

• Ensure monitoring processes and procedures are developed, followed and reported on a regular and timely basis.

• Coordinate responses to reports of concern on the land by ensuring the ʔa·knusti team and/or other Lands Sector staff

• Respond professionally and safely to violations by appropriately approaching resource users and documenting relevant information

• Observe, record, and report to appropriate authorities

• Respond to community reports regarding illegal or suspicious activities in ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa

• Work proactively with the Province of BC, industry partners, the Ktunaxa First Nations, and other stakeholders to increase collaborative monitoring and stewardship of resources in ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa

• Ensure that the ʔa·knusti team members are building relationships with provincial and federal enforcement agency staff

• Participate in development and implementation of policies and procedures for the ʔa·knusti team

• Mentor, support, and guide ʔa·knusti in their work, including conducting community outreach and education

• Maintain a presence throughout the territory on behalf of the Ktunaxa Nation.

Key Requirements:
We recognize the value of diverse educational experiences including cultural, academic, work, and lived experience. We encourage those who closely match the qualifications listed below to apply.

• Bachelor degree - theoretical proficiency in a specialized field

• Degree related to fish & wildlife, environmental studies, archaeology/anthropology, resource management or other.

• Necessary first aid and safety training.

• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

• 5+ years supervisory/management experience

• A minimum of 3 years of experience coordinating programs and projects in collaboration with Indigenous or local governments/organizations

• Strong knowledge of Ktunaxa Nation, ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa, and Ktunaxa values, stewardship principles and standards

• Demonstrated comfort in the outdoors

• Strong information management skills – especially dealing with complex qualitative and spatial data in a document-rich digital environment

• Proficient computer skills, including Word, Excel, email, and hand-held devices

• Experience working with Indigenous populations and governments

The Ktunaxa Nation Council is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all Employees and the People, Communities, and Bands that we serve.

Proof of Covid Vaccination is required as per the KNC Vaccination Policy.

Ktunaxa candidates are encouraged to apply. All applications will be reviewed, however preference will be given to Aboriginal applicants.

How to apply:
Please submit your application through our website.
https://www.ktunaxa.org/careers/current-postings/

The closing date for this opportunity is January 2, 2026

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Experience : 5 years or more