Nisga'a Nation In-House Legal Counsel Job in British Columbia
Nisga'a Nation In-House Legal Counsel Job in British Columbia (3-4 YOC)
The Nisga'a people have lived in the Nass River Valley since time immemorial. In 2000, the landmark Nisga'a Final Agreement came into effect, the first modern day treaty in British Columbia. The Nisga'a Treaty recognizes Nisga'a Lands and the Nisga'a people's right of self-government. Built on the foundation of traditional culture, Nisga'a Lisims Government is the modern, democratically-elected government of the Nisga'a Nation.
The Nisga'a Lisims Government (NLG) is seeking an in-house counsel to work as part of their leadership team, based primarily in scenic New Aiyansh. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will work closely with the Nisga'a Nation’s executive in delivering a wide variety of legal services. Your responsibilities will include advising on administrative procedures, local government practices and commercial relationships. You will consider constitutional issues, property issues and issues arising in the context of the Nisga'a Treaty. Also, you will become knowledgeable about the Nisga'a Nations’ laws and will advise on their application by officials of NLG. In addition to handling matters in-house, you will assist in identifying matters to be handled by external counsel.
The successful candidate will be qualified to practice as a lawyer in BC, and will have at least four years of experience in one or more practice area relevant to the position, including corporate commercial, resource, administrative, constitutional, municipal and employment law. Experience in indigenous law and in addressing governance issues is an asset.
Preferably, you are willing to relocate to the Nass Valley / Terrace region of British Columbia, though the Nisga’a Lisims Government is prepared to consider a remote working arrangement for the right candidate in order to best serve the long term interests of the community. As the ideal candidate, you are business minded and dedicated to learning and becoming a knowledgeable expert in the space of indigenous and administrative law. The region boasts a community rich in natural resources and offering a range of recreational activities including hiking, biking, kayaking and skiing, which has been highly attractive to other key executives who have relocated to the region over the past few years.
This is an exceptional opportunity to work with renowned experts on indigenous issues and to experience, firsthand, a successful model of indigenous self-government that will set the precedent for future First Nations.
This is an exclusive search.
For more information, or to apply for this position, please contact Jeremiah Hunter at Jeremiah@smithlegalsearch.com or Warren Smith at warren@smithlegalsearch.com, or visit www.smithlegalsearch.com.
