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 Musqueam Indian Band (MIB) requires a termed full-time Relationship Specialist Assistant for a 2 year period who, under the direction of the Relationship Specialist and Musqueam In-House Legal Counsel, is responsible for carrying out work to support the organization. The purpose of this position is to support the Senior Relationship Specialist in the 4 year development of the 2024-2028 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Action Plan.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Senior Relationship Specialist in negotiations to affirm Musqueam’s inherent rights to self-determination, traditional lands, territories, and resources, as well as the right to maintain and strengthen Musqueam’s distinct cultural, political, economic and social systems.
• Works collaboratively with Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Squamish Nation on UNDRIP Early Actions and a 5 year Action Plan for implementing UNDRIP in the City of Vancouver.
• Attends all meetings, takes notes, reviews Action Plan timeline and ensures MIB is meeting Action Plan Requirements.
• Represents Musqueam Indian Band at the MSTV Steering Committee to implement the City of Vancouver’s UNDRIP Strategy, while reporting back to MIB.
• Assists in providing information and recommendation in consideration of existing MIB Laws, policies, priorities, capacities, principles and community sentiment.
• Assist in planning and delivering MIB community engagement and informational events as determined necessary by MIB with support from City of Vancouver as needed.
• Builds relationships with crown governments, private sector, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, proponents and other First Nations.
• Assists in scheduling and coordinating MIB’s participation in Action Planning process such as Intergovernmental Meetings, MST Caucus meetings, internal MIB engagement meetings and approvals, and Council engagement and approvals.
• Responsible to create reports as per Senior Relationship Specialist direction.
• Must be able to attend meetings outside regular working hours
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Demonstrate an understanding of Musqueam’s historical context and support the work of the Musqueam Indian Band;
• Have strong writing and analytical skills;
• High level experience in Musqueam history and culture
• Highschool Diploma or greater educational background.
• Have experience working with First Nations or First Nations provincial/territorial/national organizations in the areas of policy analysis;
• Be creative, adaptable and flexible to meet the circumstances of shifting and evolving work priorities;
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• Demonstrate a general understanding of broad issues impacting First Nations in BC;
• Exercise cultural respect and sensitivity, diplomacy and tact at all times;
• Be able to be self-motivated and work independently as necessary;
• Maintain strict confidentiality
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office and video conferencing platforms and technology;
• Have the ability to work flexible hours by attending evening or weekend sessions

Working Conditions

• The work is performed in an office environment.

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.

• 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 at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.