JOB OVERVIEW

To review project descriptions, environmental impact statements, and other regulatory documents related to the use of natural resources in the Treaty 3 Territory, and provides advice to Treaty 3 leadership on potential impacts and accommodation measures. Guided by Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (MAI), the Communication & Consultation Coordinator supports the facilitation of a coordinated consultation process with Treaty 3 First Nations, as appropriate, and ensures legal obligations have been met by project proponents and the Crown.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Facilitates and supports coordinated consultation processes in the Treaty 3 Territory as appropriate and manages these processes by developing a consultation and decision making framework consistent with MAI, establishing working relationships with Treaty 3 First Nations communities, organizing consultation sessions as required, and providing technical advice to GCT3 leadership that is grounded in Anishinaabe knowledge and culture.
Guides consultation/engagement processes by informing First Nations of proposed projects or developments and to request information about their interests and/or concerns.
Responds to issues relating to Treaty 3 First Nations’ economic, social, land, water, or resource management interests.
Conducts research and assesses each First Nations’ interests and rights (as appropriate) and develops reference materials, tools, and systems to document information on Treaty 3 First Nations’ issues, case law, consultation requirements, and cultural resources and provides advice to GCT3 Leadership based on this research or assessments.
Builds and maintains relationships with Treaty 3 First Nations and other First Nation organizations in Treaty 3 to stimulate information sharing and encourage future economic opportunities and/or partnerships.
Coordinates and leads information sharing on behalf of GCT3 with Treaty 3 First Nations and other First Nation organizations in Treaty 3 in order to consolidate work and avoid duplication of effort.
Coordinates and leads information sharing sessions with Treaty 3 First Nations to explain federal and provincial legislation, ministry policies and procedures, aboriginal rights and accommodation/ consultation obligations, and other topics identified through the Wiitanokiindiwin Policy Working table.
Documents consultation processes and decisions in a legally defensible manner to document engagement, consultation, and/or accommodation between project proponents and Treaty 3 First Nation communities.
Identifies opportunities to optimize and improve the consultation processes between Treaty 3 First Nations, forestry, mining, energy, and other sectors, and the various provincial ministries, including MNDM, MNRF, and MTO.
Prepares briefing notes, presentations, and reports on land use or resource issues and develops options to assist GCT3 leadership with decision making.
Advises GCT3 leadership on consultation requirements.
Develops and maintains consultation databases and prepares statistical reports.
Assists in the implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of all TPU activities in accordance with funding agreements, identified work plans, and organizational plans and priorities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Post-secondary education in a discipline related to First Nations studies, public administration, natural resources, political or social sciences, law, or communications.
Experience conducting research and analysis related to land use, resource management, and social or economic development issues.
Strong ability to understand technical details and convey complex information to non-technical audiences.
Good understanding of Anishinaabe culture and Aboriginal and treaty rights related issues.
Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
Must possess or obtain a valid Ontario drivers license (equivalent to Class G).

Preference will be given to those applicants with:

Significant experience working with First Nations communities and facilitating First Nations consultations.
Demonstrated experience in facilitation, mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Send resume and cover letter to:

Jeffrey Ross, TPU Director
Grand Council Treaty #3
P.O Box 1720
Kenora, Ontario P9N 3X7
Fax: 807.548.5041
tpu.director@treaty3.ca