Indigenous Relations Specialist

The Indigenous Relations Specialist will support the execution of an overall strategic program, reflective of a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, focused on opportunities for IO to engage with the Indigenous communities of Ontario. You will play a specific rolein the oversight of the procedural aspects of Duty to Consult. In addition, you will support Indigenous literacy and education and implement processes to enable IO employees to understand the unique legal,historical and cultural significance of Indigenous peoples, for the purpose of promoting appreciation, understanding and effective relationships.

• Partner withthe
  
  Director, Indigenous Initiativesandthe Manager, Indigenous Initiatives, to oversee Duty to Consult and Indigenous engagement on a portfolio of projects.
• Establish andmaintainstrategic relationships with consultation offices, and on occasion,elected officials, of the Indigenous communities across Ontario.
• Serve as subject matter expert and liaison to the business to ensure appropriate partnerships, communications, efforts and track the impact of our commitments as well as driving marketplace efforts within the Indigenous Communities within Ontario.
• Develop andmaintainstrategic relationships with other Indigenous Relations leads within government agencies, economic developmentorganizationsand businesses which IO partners with.
• Execute IO's Indigenous Action Plan based on the guiding commitments and targets under the pillars of Education, Employment, Inclusion and Economic Empowerment.
  
  Ensure timeappropriate execution, sustained actions and working with different areas within IO to ensure the plan’s initiatives are adopted.
• Assistin the development and delivery/procurement ofequity and diversityeducation programs and policiescontributing to the development of programs and initiatives focused on Indigenous affairs, embedding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in all processes for IO internally.

Before reviewing the qualifications listed below, we want you to know that we understand you may not meet all the qualifications described, but still encourage you to apply, as you may have other relevant expertise and experience that you can bring to the role.

• Candidates who self-identify as Indigenous with lived experience preferred and are encouraged to apply.
• A few years of progressive work experience, in culturally appropriate Indigenousrelations and engagement, stakeholder relations, land or environment.
• In-depth knowledge of the history of Crown-Indigenous relations,treatiesand relevant case law. Knowledge of the regulatory process as it pertains to Indigenous engagement would be an asset
• A keen understanding of Indigenous communities, relevant cultural and business awareness, with ability to collaborate effectively with community partners to build lasting relationships.
• Ability to intuitively understand/anticipate how specific actions/messages willimpacton different
  
  Indigenousrightsholders.
• Experience with Indigenous knowledge systems and values and the ability to provide guidance and support on cultural context and protocol across IO.
• Develops andmaintainsclose internal relationships with the Human Resources, Legal, Procurement and other interdisciplinary groups that can affect and influence Indigenous relations.
• Knowledge of an Indigenous language would be an asset.

• Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that promotes a sense of belonging and represents and reflects the needs of the communities we serve.
• A defined contribution pension plan, where IO contributes the equivalent of 5% of a full-time employee’s annual salary, with an option for IO to match an additional 5% contribution made by the…