About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca 

Position Summary

The Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist is responsible for leading the development and oversight of mostly Provincial files related to Musqueam’s inherent title and rights. This role ensures Musqueam’s strategic priorities and interests guide all work by sharing information and engaging with relevant internal departments. 

This role serves as a primary point of contact for external parties and represents Musqueam in matters involving consultation and accommodation, as well as legislative and policy change. The position also provides support on projects and relationship agreements, including managing deadlines, records, correspondence, and deliverables for various files. This role also involves representing Musqueam at forums with other Nations and ensuring the protection of Musqueam’s title and rights at those tables.  

This role may also take on additional duties as required to advance Musqueam’s interests and there will also be points of intersection with federal and provincial files. 

Roles & Responsibilities 

Representation, engagement and consultation in various G2G circles 

• Represent Musqueam in alignment with its mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. 
• Strengthen Musqueam’s position through government-to-government and nation-to-nation engagement; foster positive relations at all G2G tables. 
• Provide strategic advice and briefings to management and council.  
• Identify issues and assist in developing negotiation strategies and support agreement negotiations. 
• Participate in working groups and forums, ensuring decision-makers have accurate information. 
• Assist in creating departmental tools and documentation. 
• Manage conflict resolution and issues management. 
• Other duties may be assigned as the department evolves. 

File & Project Management 

• Act as main point of contact for Musqueam on assigned files and oversee agreement obligations and implementation. 
• Represent Musqueam in Environmental and Impact Assessment processes, including reviewing applications, liaising with regulators and proponents, understanding and communicating impacts to Musqueam title and rights and participating in Technical Advisory Committees. 
• Assist in developing mitigation measures and conditions and in negotiating benefits that advance Musqueam’s interests including in reference to Environmental Assessments, Impact Assessments, permitting and other regulatory processes. 
• Review referrals, set priorities, and coordinate internal teams to meet timelines and obligations. 
• Identify impacts and community interests; facilitate engagement and communication with stakeholders. 
• Manage deliverables, and complex timelines; ensure milestones are achieved. 
• Prepare meeting notes and correspondence; maintain detailed records for legal and organizational purposes. 
• Adhere to and design work plans and project management tools for internal and interdepartmental coordination. 
• Responsible budgets & capacity funding agreements, financial tracking, and invoicing. 
• Interface with other departments to advance files or share information. 
• Support and contribute to an overarching Government Relations strategy. 
• Other duties may be assigned as the IGA department evolves. 

Training & Supervision 

• Train, supervise, and delegate tasks to team members, co-op students, or interns. 
• Directly manage assigned IGA staff. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Skill and knowledge attained by successful completion of a post-secondary degree in Political Science, First Nations Studies, or a related field. Possession of a master’s degree is preferred (or equivalent life/work experience). 
• A minimum of three years’ experience in a closely related field (or equivalent life/work experience). 
• Strong understanding of Indigenous politics and law. 
• Cultural competency and knowledge of Musqueam culture and interests or the ability to develop this. 
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Understanding project management methods and skills and the ability to lead files. 
• Exceptional communicator with excellent writing skills. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Ability to be discrete, use tact, and good judgment. 
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, be self-directed, and complete tasks/project in accordance with stated deadlines. 
• Criminal record check is required. 

Working Conditions 

• The work is performed in an office environment with some meetings offsite. 
• Flexibility for evening work is required. 

Why work for Musqueam? 

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused. 

• Competitive salary 
• Training and career development 
• Business casual environment 
• Community fitness and gym access 
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan 
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails on Musqueam territory and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.