Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement
Come join our team! If you are looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, with an organization that values diversity, equity and a shared sense of purpose, look no further.
We are proud to say that we’ve been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for 2022 and 2023! The Law Society of BC offers work/life balance, a collegial atmosphere, and an excellent benefits package, including: extended health benefits, a dental plan, a generous health care spending account, and more.
The Law Society of BC is seeking a full-time, permanent Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement. The Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement will work with key stakeholders to develop initiatives to:
Advance the Law Society and the legal profession’s reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;
Provide support for Indigenous members of the British Columbia legal profession; and
Advance cultural competency development within the Law Society and the legal profession.
To accomplish these objectives, the Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement will play a key role in advising the Law Society on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and be a bridge builder between the Indigenous community, the wider legal community, and the Law Society. Reporting to the CEO/Executive Director, the Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement will work with all departments across the Law Society and will assist the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee.
This position is open to persons of Indigenous ancestry. Candidates for the position will be required to provide proof of Indigenous ancestry.1
The key duties, accountabilities and responsibilities of the position
Operating under the general oversight and with support of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, this position will work with Senior Leadership Team members and Directors throughout the organization to advance projects, implement initiatives, and ensure responsibilities are met.
Through the development of relationships with Indigenous people and communities, engage Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers to build a foundation of knowledge of Indigenous history and cultures in British Columbia to inform the Law Society’s reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Lead the development, delivery and coordination of Indigenous Initiatives as set out in our Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan and the ongoing work of the Law Society’s Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee and implementation of the recommendations of the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Measures Task Force.
Work collaboratively to enhance understanding within the profession and the Law Society of justice issues affecting Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.
Coordinate meetings, activities, projects, and strategies of the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee.
Support the Law Society in national and inter-provincial initiatives with respect to reconciliation issues.
Plan, research, write and edit materials related to the Law Society’s Indigenous reconciliation efforts.
Qualifications
We are searching for an Indigenous person who has the following qualifications, skills, and experience:
Strong understanding of Indigenous history, laws, and cultures in British Columbia.
Strong knowledge and respect for Indigenous cultural traditions, languages, ceremonies, and protocols involving Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous communities.
Strong connection to the Indigenous legal community and the wider Indigenous community across British Columbia.
Understanding of access to justice, restorative justice and/or social justice issues in the context of Indigenous communities.
Capacity to work with diverse groups with patience, composure and compassion.
Ability to form collaborative relationships with diverse groups.
Ability to manage effectively a portfolio of projects.
A law degree or previous experience in a legal or justice position is an asset.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to personnel@lsbc.org with the subject “Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement.” We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
All Law Society employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless approved for an accommodation.
The Law Society of BC supports hybrid work schedules. This position is located at the Law Society of British Columbia office in the Yaletown area of Vancouver, BC.
845 Cambie Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 4Z9
1 Proof of Canadian Indigenous ancestry includes, specifically, a photocopy of either a status, citizenship, membership, registration, or enrolment card issued by: The Registrar of the Federal Government’s “Indian”
Register; A Band within the meaning of the Indian Act that has control of its membership list; An Indigenous group under a modern land claims agreement; An Inuit organization that is recognized by the Government of Canada; An Inuit organization that is recognized by the Government of Nunavut; One of the Métis Settlements in Alberta; A provincial organization that is a member of the Métis National Council, which includes the Métis Nation of British Columbia, the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and the Métis Nation of Ontario; or A Métis organization that is recognized by the Government of Canada.
A non-status First Nation person is required to submit a front and back copy of their parent’s Indigenous card and the student’s long form birth certificate or baptismal certificate. Both documents must list the student’s name and the parent’s name showing the link between the student and the parent.