The Trails Society of British Columbia (Trails BC) is seeking an Indigenous Program Manager for sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł. The Indigenous Engagement Manager will engage and build relationships with First Nations in Metro Vancouver. Activities include developing a shared vision and planning the route for sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł,  the Great Blue Heron Way. 

They will also help build partnerships with First Nations and Indigenous organizations in Metro Vancouver on future projects to help address barriers that Indigenous people face when accessing their land via active transportation and using trails. This includes the impact climate change is expected to have on trails and those using trails and active transportation and possible policies and programs to help address those impacts. 

As well, the Manager will led or assist in the planning and delivery of the Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł component of the Tsawwassen First Nation Summer Youth Program during July and August depending on their experience in leading youth programs. This will involve leading cycling and walking tours and leading the youth on a project that includes signage and or art. The participants in the Summer Youth Program will assist with engaging the community including other youth and Elders on the GBHW nearby including art, signage, native plants, wildlife, maps and other amenities as well as organizing land-based educational tours and career development planning opportunities related to trails. If you are solely interested in coordinating the Summer Youth Program, here is more information on that position: https://trailsbc.ca/youth-coordinator/

The Manager will also assist in engaging Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) members and staff as well as government agencies regarding an overpass crossing Highway 17 that will help reconnect the land and provide people walking, cycling and rolling with a safe route.

Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł is a proposed network of trails connecting First Nations and other communities in Metro Vancouver that are accessible via transit. Development of the vision for sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł is led by Tsawwassen First Nation Elder xʷasteniya working with the Great Blue Heron Way Committee and Trails BC personnel. Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł will help provide healthy and green basic mobility, recreational and tourism opportunities for people and communities. 

Activities

• Connect, engage and build relationships with First Nations in Metro Vancouver.
• Engaging First Nations in Metro Vancouver on native plants for food, medicine and ceremony; access to the land for fishing and hunting; and areas in need of restoration and stewardship
• Engaging  First Nations and Indigenous organizations on how their members use or would like to use on trails, active transportation and transit to access their land
• Engage First Nations and Indigenous organizations on barriers, including those caused by climate change, their members face in accessing their land via trails, active transportation and transit then work with them to develop policy solutions
• Learn more on the cultural significance and traditional use of land, waterways and trails from First Nations Elders 
• Scout relevant trails
• Engage TFN members and staff as well as government agencies regarding an overpass crossing Highway 17
• Engage First Nations and Indigenous organizations in potential partnerships and future projects including events and activities including land based education, walking and cycling tours, webinars and community meetings

Terms

• Salary: $33 per hour
• 25 to 30 hours per week. 30 hours for applicants 30 years or younger as we have youth employment funding available for the position. 30 hours or more if currently unemployed and thus eligible for a Work BC Wage Subsidy.  
• For applicants who 30 years old or younger, as there is likely youth employment funding available, we will likely be able commit to the higher number hours per week and or a longer initial period of employment
• Position starts July 1. An earlier start may be possible
• Interviewing starts May 7. Position will remain open until filled
• The position is currently funded for 1 year from the starting date
• Additional funding is being pursued and will likely available to extend the position longer

Requirements

• Live within or near Metro Vancouver preferably in or close to Tsawwassen
• Must have a computer/laptop and a cellphone

Skills and Experience

If you have passion for Indigenous culture, the land and trails, please consider applying for this position even if you don’t have all of the experience below.  We are committed to working with the Coordinator to provide training and mentorship in areas that will assist in ensuring success in this position and will support personal and professional development goals.

1. Knowledge of First Nations’ culture, art and traditions
2. A strong commitment to reconciliation, equity and inclusion
3. A strong commitment to gender equality
4. Project leadership and management experience
5. Self-motivated with proven listening, writing and communications skills
6. Experience will Google Drive and Google Docs
7. Experience in building relationships First Nations communities
8. Some knowledge of local Indigenous languages an asset
9. Experience instructing or supervising youth 13 to 19 years old an asset
10. Experience in leading walking and cycling tours an assent
11. Experience working remotely with a team an asset
12. Knowledge of the land, trails, greenways and other active transportation and recreation routes in Metro Vancouver an asset
13. Knowledge of active transportation, recreation, trails, urban planning, transit & road safety an asset
14. Fundraising experience an asset

How to Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to Sage Kruger, Indigenous Engagement Manager at sagekruger@trailsbc.ca with the subject “Indigenous Program Manager – sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł”.