Position Summary:

Reporting to the Natural Resources Manager, the Regulatory Engagement Coordinator is responsible for assessing referrals for potential impacts to ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation’s Title and Rights, and for potential environmental, cultural, or socio-economic impacts, and assign a priority for response. This includes: receiving, triaging, researching, coordinating, responding and data entering all outside agency and private referrals involving projects and initiatives in ʔakisq̓nuk territory that requires a permit or regulatory approval with the duty to consult and/or that may lead to unacceptable impacts to ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation and its members.

Specifically, the Regulatory Engagement Coordinator will receive all land or resource development referrals, respond to referrals from the provincial government, and information sharing requests from industry proponents regarding proposed activities in AFN territory.

Identifies issues, reviews project proposals, and assists in the development of referrals responses to facilitate timely and incisive responses on all matters relating to environmental assessments and project referrals. The types of referrals this position is responsible for are:

• Inquiry Resolution

• Procurement Introductions

• Negotiation Referrals

The Regulatory Engagement Coordinator will respond to land referrals and is responsible for facilitating and resolving inquiries from government regulators, procurement introductions and negotiation referrals for companies seeking mutual benefit agreements. This position is supported by a group of expert advisors to help guide decision-making.

This position will support the Lands department with multiple tasks including but not limited to registration, database management, process and form development, and referrals. This will be primarily administrative but will also involve research and community engagement.

**ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation (ʔAFN)**is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. ʔAFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the ʔAFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan “Our Thinking” and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Note: This position is full-time with a set weekly schedule (35 hrs/week, Monday - Friday) working onsite at AFN’s offices.

Major Position Responsibilities**:**

Using Traditional Use Study, Lands Committee work and Council initiatives as guides:

• Respond to consultations and referrals and organize meetings with relevant stakeholders i.e. First Nations, logging companies and ranchers, municipal, provincial and federal authorities, civic leaders, social scientists, lawyers, land developers, the public and special interest groups: Describe AFN policy to proponents and persuade proponents to adopt AFN policy using knowledge of the policy environment and good faith tactics.

• Use the referral software system to ensure:

  • Correspondence is received, filed, and disseminated in a timely manner.
  • Meetings are scheduled.
  • Research and other data are easily available.
  • Maps are prepared and accessible.

• Maintain electronic and hard copy land referrals from government and industry proponents, including data input and management in the Referrals Tracking System, and organization of corresponding spatial data.

• Liaising with provincial government and proponents regarding referrals and information sharing files.

• Coordinate review of referral material and project details by outside technical experts.

• Providing scheduled reports to LRID detailing referral requests, activity proposals, and AFN’s recommendations to requests received, and producing other reports as requested by supervisor and Director.

• Work independently and with the colleagues in formulating and approving responses to referrals, involving political, legal, environmental, and community perspectives.

• Assisting in the development of partnerships with industry working in AFN territory.

• Executes review and analysis related documents for land and water referrals.

• Supports Lands and Environmental Manager in administrative tasks, file organization, file review, meeting coordination, community engagement events and communications, etc.

• Assist in the update of referral policies and procedures and improvements to the referral system.

• Assess referral for potential impacts to AFN Title and Rights, incorporating Indigenous interests, knowledge, and values into the assessment of impacts to inform decision-making and Indigenous/collaborative stewardship and for potential environmental, cultural, or socio- economic impacts, and assign a priority for response

• Coordinate site visits to referral location(s), complete environmental assessments to determine impacts of proposed actions, and develop recommendations to decrease level of impact.

• Review and make recommendations on permit applications.

• Register lands instruments in the First Nation Lands Registry.

• Support with member Lands inquires.

• Support with other lands and natural resource projects as required.

Collaboration and Public Relations

• Meet with Elders, Lands Committee and community knowledge holders as required to gather relevant information to inform referral responses

• Participate in community engagement meetings and events – supporting Manager and Director

• Participate in inter-governmental meetings, ensuring AFN interests are being upheld and considered within policies, regulations and laws

• Occasionally working with neighboring First Nations to identify and address areas of concern.

• Participate in a variety of internal and external committees and working groups

• Receive and respond to community input, feedback and concerns.

• Participate in working group meetings and interacts with technical representatives of project proponents and regulators.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of AFN’s Land Use Plan and strategic work plans.

• Assists in the formulation of monitoring and compliance activities associated with environmental reviews and other initiatives.

• Analyze technical reports to identify potential issues, questions, and concerns and make recommendations to the as needed.

Administration

• Ensures effective operation of the Land Use Referral Committee, including coordinating regular meetings, preparing meeting agendas, and ensuring meeting minutes are kept.

• Work with Natural Resources Manager on preparing program budget(s).

• Track and report on program budgets (s) and report to Natural Resources Manager.

• Support programs and the implementation of projects from internal control perspectives.

• Create and maintain a standard system of document management and database of Community Knowledge Keeping.

• Create and maintain an electronic lands inventory of all the AFN Lands; demonstrates to lands staff to update and maintain database

• Work with Communication to create a Lands webpage and maintain on an as needed basis

• Carry out general clerical and administrative duties.

• Drafts briefing notes and makes recommendations to Natural Resources Manager on issues relating to environmental assessments, proposed projects and environmental monitoring activities.

• Liaise with relevant stakeholders to support key responsibility areas.

• Perform other related duties assigned by Lands and Environmental Manager.

• Apply to grants or negotiate funding to support the consultation and engagement activities.

• Prepare reporting documents and other technical memos.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Natural Resource Management, Political Science, Forestry, Anthropology, First Nations Studies, Environmental Science, Political Science, Governance, and/or Geography.

• Working knowledge and experience in sustainable land use and resource management and planning.

• Familiarity with the 1997 Treaty Land Entitlement Northern Framework Agreement.

• Extensive knowledge of federal, provincial and local government regulations, including familiarity with the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Section 35 of the Constitution Act, and the Provincial Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).

• Experience interpreting and administering complex legislation and regulations, preferably related to land management.

• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, grants, and funding agreements.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deliver measurable results.

• Strong facilitation and communication skills.

• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and cultural awareness.

• Ability to work collaboratively with leadership, community members, and external partners.

• A collaborative spirit and proactive approach to problem-solving, negotiation, and strategic thinking.

NOTE: A criminal check will be conducted on the successful applicant

What we offer:

• Starting salary between $60,000 to $70,000, depending on education and experience

• Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as determined by the Council each year

• Paid annual vacation and sick days

• Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, health spending account, Employee Assistance Program, Disability coverage, available after 3 months of service

• Matched pension plan with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee’s salary, available after 4 months of service

• Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with our commitment to reconciliation and employment equity, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. We encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their application.