The Qwelmínte Secwépemc (QS) is a collective of eight (8) Secwépemc communities working together to strengthen its government-to-government (G2G) relationships with the Province of British Columbia (BC) and respective ministries. Through a shared commitment outlined in the QS-BC Skú7pecen’s Journey Letter of Commitment (SJ LoC), QS Signatories are working to transform how decisions are made about their Ancestral territories / Areas of Responsibility and resources.
Supported by the QS Secretariat Office (QSO), the collective draws on generations of Secwépemc knowledge, values and leadership, to build respectful partnerships that honour both Indigenous (Secwépemc) and western approaches to stewardship. The collective Areas of Responsibility includes the Fraser River (including the Thompson/Shuswap and Fraser Headwaters) and Columbia River basins.
Inspired by the Skú7pecen (Porcupine) story / telling, the SJ LoC is grounded in four (4) core principles, including the principle of Walking on Two-Legs – bringing together Indigenous and western knowledge systems to guide decision-making and land stewardship. Together, the QS is working to move beyond from outdated consultation practices and toward a new era of shared responsibility, revitalization, and collaboration.
Position Profile: The QS Yecwminulecw (Stewardship) Coordinator will support the coordination, development and implementation of land and resource stewardship plans across QS Signatories Areas of Responsibility. The QS role involves working closely with QS Staff, Signatories, respective Campfires, provincial partners, and community members to advance restoration projects and planning, policy development and co-governance efforts. The Coordinator will contribute to technical planning, relationship building, and capacity development in alignment with the SJ LoC.
Key Responsibilities:
Stewardship & Planning
- Assist in the development of Forest Landscape Planning initiatives, including interim measures and long-term strategies.
- Support the creation of land and water stewardship plans that reflect Secwépemc values, priorities, and knowledge systems.
- Contribute to the design and delivery of territorial restoration projects, including habitat rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation and watershed protection.
- Collaborate with QS Signatories to identify stewardship priorities and integrate them into regional planning process.
Technical & Policy Support
- Prepare technical reports, policy briefs and planning documents to support decision-making and advocacy.
- Conduct research and analysis on land use, resource management, and environmental policy relevant to QS Signatories Areas of Responsibility.
- Assist in the development of co-governance frameworks such as a resource co-management board and associated protocols with provincial ministries and other partners.
Relationship Building & Engagement
- Coordinate meetings and engagement sessions with QS Signatories, provincial agencies, local governments, and other partners.
- Facilitate respectful dialogue and collaboration between QS and BC partners.
- Represent QS, where directed, at regional and provincial forums related to stewardship, land use, and natural resource management.
Capacity Building & Mentorship
- Provide guidance and mentorship to the Knowledge Builder’s Program (KBP) participants, supporting skill development in stewardship, administration, and governance.
Share best practices and promote professional growth within cultural grounded framework.
Support QSO and QS Signatories capacity-building initiatives related to stewardship and planning.
Funding and Resource Development
- Identify funding opportunities and prepare applications to support QS stewardship initiatives.
- Track and report on project budgets, deliverables and outcomes.
- Support the development of partnerships and collaborative projects that enhance capacity.
Communications
and
Reporting
- Prepare regular updates, presentations, and reports for the Joint Leadership Council and other tables.
- Ensure clear and consistent communication between the QS Secretariat Office (QSO), QS Signatories and respective Campfires.
- Engage with Industry, Stakeholders and the public as required.
- Maintain records of meetings, decisions, and project progress.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree (First Nations Studies, governance/political science, environmental or natural resource management, candidacy may be seen as sufficient) or equivalent experience;
- Minimum 3-5 years working in Aboriginal Title and Rights or Lands & Resources Management.
- Minimum 3-5 years of administrative experience;
- Experience working in an Indigenous / First Nations setting or organization;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office & Windows systems;
- Project management training an asset;
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s License;
Work Schedule, Compensation, Benefits
Hours of Work: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm with flexible hours and remote working ability, where operations provide.
Compensation: Level 2- $26.63 – $37.27 (commensurate with experience and education)
Reports to: Stewardship Manager
Working Conditions:
Primarily in-office at the QS Office (QSO), flexibility for remote work negotiable.
Term: Fixed-term, Full Time.
Additional Benefits:
- Extended health, dental and vision care.
- Pension Plan.
- Pursuant to the QS Hr Policy, a generous annual and sick leave, four (4) cultural leave days, and winter holiday break.
- Professional and cultural development opportunities.
- Community-centered workplace with observation of National Indigenous Peoples Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Sir Wilfrid Laurier Memorial Day.
The QS Office thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, it is QS Office Policy to practice preferential hiring for Indigenous Peoples. Preference will be given to members of the Secwépemc Nation or individuals of Indigenous ancestry. Indigenous applicants for the position will be required to provide proof of Indigenous ancestry1. Applicants should have a strong understanding of Secwépemc culture, tradition and history. Preference will also be given to individuals who display a cohesive, progressive vision for reconciliation and co-governance of tmicw.
APPLICATION FOR DEADLINE: Open until filled.
Submit cover letter, resume, and three references to Administrative Manager,
Mary Mackenzie, at [email protected] or at our
QS Office #200- 345 Chief Alex Thomas Way.
