Indigenous Relations Coordinator
Who we are. Mercer Peace River Pulp is an integral part of the Canadian forest products industry, providing the northwest Alberta region with approximately 300 jobs while sustainably managing the forests. A career at Mercer Peace River offers an opportunity for growth, meaningful work, and a collaborative learning environment. Throughout your career, you will be supported by a team of skilled professionals and provided a self‐motivating environment to make your goals achievable. At Mercer: One Team ‐ One Goal.
What we believe. We believe that a culture of diversity and inclusion is critical in making the best decisions for our people and achieving sustainable business success. Together, we encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices of our team members. We strive to provide an inclusive culture by fostering an environment of mutual respect and fairness and providing opportunities to contribute and grow.
Our Acknowledgment. We recognize and honour the traditional lands and territories of the Indigenous peoples who have cared for these lands since the time immemorial. We are situated on Treaty 8 territory, which is also the historic regional homeland of the Metis, including the Peace River Territory, the Lesser Slave Lake Territory, and the Lower Athabasca Territory.
We acknowledge and respect the rich histories, languages, and diverse cultures of the First Nations, Metis and all Indigenous peoples who have been stewards of this land. We express our gratitude for their enduring contributions, which continue to strengthen and enrich our communities today.
The role: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Indigenous Relations Coordinator to join our team. This is a full-time position reporting to the Woodlands Manager. The successful candidate will play a key role in building relationships between our organization and local First Nations and Metis communities. As an Indigenous Relations Coordinator, you will travel to local communities and act as a liaison to promote understanding, foster positive relationships, and align organizational strategies with Section 35 of the Constitution and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Key Responsibilities
- Identify programs (i.e. culture, rights, traditional values, education, training, employment, etc.), and where appropriate, contribute to and assist in the preparation of submissions, funding applications, grants and tenders.
- Prepare and present business and performance reports as MPR’s Indigenous Relations Committee Chair.
- Work directly with local Indigenous communities, people and partners to foster positive and progressive relationships.
- Develop and facilitate cultural awareness training, including knowledge and understanding of local Indigenous histories, languages, and cultures.
- Work collaboratively with the Indigenous Consultation Coordinator to identify community interests and concerns and ensure meaningful participation in decision-making.
- Ensure MPR policies and practices align with the principles of UNDRIP and the TRC Call to Action 92.
- Guide Indigenous engagement best practices, and perspectives on issues related to resource development.
- Assist with the development of policies and practices that prioritize Indigenous employment and procurement.
Qualifications and Experience
- 5+ years of experience in a related role.
- Post-secondary Diploma or Degree in Forestry, Business, Indigenous Studies or related fields.
- Experience working in the pulp and paper and/or forestry industry would be considered an asset.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous peoples, culture, history, governance, and protocols.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent presentation skills, with the ability to engage audiences.
- Proven ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of accuracy.
- A valid Class 5 driver's license with a willingness to travel to communities located in remote areas using a company-provided vehicle.
- The ability to work outside of scheduled working hours when required.
Featured Benefits of Working with Us
- We offer our full‐time team members a comprehensive benefit plan, as well as a defined benefit pension plan with company-matched RRSP and flexible pension plan options. We also offer an employee assistance program, life insurance, and short - and long‐term disability.
- Compensation is based on experience, qualifications and competency
- You will start with three weeks (120 hours) of annual vacation, prorated based on your start date.
Application Process: Submit your resume, including copies of your educational qualifications, to our HR Dep’t via email: quoting competition number CN2627.
The competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Education:
- Secondary School (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
