Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) Coordinator

Summary of Organizational Responsibilities:

The Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) Coordinator will play a critical role in advancing the creation and implementation of an IPCA within Nlaka'pamux Traditional Territory. The IPCA Coordinator will have, or will gain, an understanding of Nlaka’pamux traditional teachings along with a strong commitment to Indigenous-led conservation, to protecting and preserving natural resources within the Traditional Territory, and to upholding the rights of Nlaka’pamux peoples’ access to these resources. This position is in person, is primarily office based, and may require occasional travel within Nlaka'pamux Traditional Territory, including priority conservation area site field visits. Office work will include long periods of sitting, while field visits may occur in a variety of weather conditions. Evening or weekend work may occasionally be required to accommodate community events or meetings.

The primary duties include organizing and managing community engagement activities, creating community engagement materials, supporting the LNIB IPCA Steering Committee, coordinating with and seeking out project funding, organizing field visits, and performing administrative duties related to the IPCA project as necessary. This position may require coordination with external organizations including Provincial ministries, First Nations governments and service agencies, and non-governmental organizations, and may include travel to relevant meetings related to IPCAs.

Duties and Tasks:

Community Engagement:

· Plan and facilitate community engagement sessions to update membership and gather feedback on the IPCA project;

· Coordinate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and stakeholders to incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into the IPCA project; and

· Develop communication materials (e.g., newsletters, flyers, and social media updates) to inform and engage the community.

Lower Nicola Indian Band IPCA Steering Committee Support:

· Organize and schedule Committee meetings, including agenda preparation, notetaking, and action item follow-up;

· Support the communications between LNIB IPCA Steering committee, community members, and LNIB Chief and Council;

· Maintain detailed meeting records and track action items to ensure accountability; and

· Draft Committee motions, Council update reports, and Council briefing notes as necessary.

Administrative Duties:

· Manage project timelines, deliverables, and budgets in collaboration with the supervisor;

· Draft reports, funding proposals, and updates for leadership and other stakeholders; and

· Coordinate with external consultants, agencies, and partners as needed.

Project Development and Coordination:

· Work with GIS technicians, biologists, and other experts to gather and analyze relevant data; and

· Ensure alignment of the IPCA initiative with LNIB Strategic Plan, Cultural Heritage Policy, and LNIB’s stewardship and economic goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (Mandatory);

· Knowledge and experience of similar program delivery in the context of First Nations culture and history;

· Understanding of Indigenous-led conservation initiatives;

· Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse groups;

· Commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and environmental stewardship;

· Flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the project; and

· Motivated to grow project through implementation.

Qualifications:

· Post-secondary degree in environmental science, natural resource management, Indigenous studies, or a related field preferred;

· Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education;

· Experience working with Indigenous communities and an understanding of Indigenous governance and cultural protocols; and

· Previous experience in project coordination, community engagement, or conservation initiatives is preferred.