Manager, Indigenous Relations

Direct message the job poster from Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is an arm’s-length federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Our mandate, as outlined in the Canada Marine Act, is to enable Canada’s trade objectives on behalf of all Canadians, ensuring the safe movement of goods through the Port of Vancouver while protecting the environment and considering local communities.

As an organization with a significant impact on communities and businesses across Canada, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. We strive to create a workplace that mirrors the richness of our community, empowering all employees to achieve their full potential.

The Manager, Indigenous Relations is responsible for the development and implementation of Indigenous relations and reconciliation programs and initiatives. The role leads the implementation of relationship agreements, ongoing efforts to build relationships with core First Nations, and the port authority reconciliation programs, including training and community investment. The role works in collaboration with managers within the Indigenous programs and strategic partnerships department and teams across VFPA to support building productive relationships and advancing collaborative opportunities in support of the achievement of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s purpose and corporate strategy.

The Manager, Indigenous Relations ensures that interactions with Indigenous groups are delivered in a manner consistent with the guidance from federal government, Transport Canada, and port authority’s policies and with Indigenous programs, consultation and engagements across the VFPA, or other requirements as appropriate.

• Manages the development and implementation of Indigenous relations strategies and initiatives in collaboration with other port authority departments to enable achievement of strategic priorities and milestones
• Works closely with the port authority leadership and departments across the port authority to advance relations with Indigenous groups to build on areas of mutual interest, shared benefits and facilitate collaboration
• Manages implementation of relationship agreements and seeks relationship agreements, or equivalent with core First Nations (Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, Tsawwassen First Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation and other Indigenous communities, as appropriate)
• Fosters relationships with Indigenous groups. Identifies potential port-related initiatives that can be pursued between Indigenous groups and the port authority and, if appropriate, the broader port community, in support of mutual interests, benefits and productive relationships with Indigenous groups
• Collaborates with External Communications department and Indigenous groups to profile collaboration, Indigenous contributions and partnerships with port community and port authority
• Leads on VFPA reconciliation action plan development and implementation, in alignment with Transport Canada and federal guidance
• Leads in partnership with training and development on Reconciliation workshops held to provide cultural awareness training, training programs, and spotlight sessions
• Builds working relationships with representatives of other organizations, including port community, industry, government agencies to share knowledge and best practices in support of Indigenous relations, procurement, business and economic development opportunities
• Develops and implements community investment initiatives that support Indigenous interests and leads the port authority’s participation in Indigenous community events
• Participates in the development of departmental plans and is responsible for the development and implementation of activities and programs designed to meet the intention of specific strategic priorities
• Provides advice and support Indigenous engagement regarding port authority procurement approaches…