Who We Are

The Mikisew Cree First Nation (Mikisew) has lived on the ancestral lands of the Athabasca Delta and Wood Buffalo National Park in northeastern Alberta since time immemorial. The lives of our members are linked to the land and to a close understanding of traditions, history and a natural way of life. Many of our members live in the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, and our traditional lands range over a large portion of Athabasca oil sands.

Are you interested in joining our Mikisew Government Industry Relations Department (GIR)? Our Mikisew GIR department is directed by the MCFN Leadership and acts as a liaison between resource developers, operators, government agencies and the community. The Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) Government & Industry Relations (GIR) office is a leading-edge office with several key initiatives underway such as the Wood Buffalo Nation Park - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Action Plan , Albertas Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) 10 year review and Federal Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination processes and developing shared governance and co-management options for parks and places of interest to the MCFN. Alongside these key initiatives, the MCFN GIR undertakes review and formal consultation on several Federal, Provincial and Municipal legislation and policy review processes engaging with all levels of government and with multi-departmental formal consultations.

Reporting to the COO, and up through Chief and Council, the Director, Government and Industry Relations (GIR), plays a pivotal role in overseeing the comprehensive development and management of the GIR department's operations, finances, human resources, programs, and administrative activities. This position holds a key responsibility in providing essential support to the Chief and Council. This role oversees natural resource development activities within the MCFN territory, with a specific emphasis on oil sands development. This involves a thorough review and assessment of all aspects related to resource development, contributing to informed decision-making. The Director is also responsible for overseeing the department and its team, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and engaging with various levels of government to influence policy and development decisions.

This position is based in Fort McMurray, AB

Roles & Responsibilities

Perform all duties in accordance with GIR policies, standards, and procedures, as directed by Chief and Council.

Represent the First Nation's interests and ability to make informed decisions while maintaining confidentiality in GIR affairs.

Provide information, leadership, and support for GIR Strategy, Plan, and Policy development and implementation in accordance with GIR mission statement, vision and values.

Assist in orientation, training, and communication with Chief and Council.

Develop meeting agendas and reports; ensure directives are communicated and implemented. Attend council meetings as required.

Generate regular and special reports for the Chief and Council.

Keep Chief and Council informed of internal and external matters affecting GIR operations.

Ensure that all resident records files are maintained in an accurate manner and stored in a secure space.

Lead development, review, and management of GIR Strategic and Financial Plans.

Implement First Nation Consultation Protocol, Policies, and Bylaws.

Develop and oversee relations with external sources such as industry, governments, and other stakeholders.

Monitor industrial activities in the Region and educate stakeholders on aboriginal rights, lands, culture, and interests.

Foster meaningful engagement of MCFN members in the consultation process.

Oversee and execute consultation with Industry and Government stakeholders.

Develop and implement agreements, work plans, and action plans with Industry and Government.

Provide information, leadership, and support for GIR Strategy, Plan, and Policy development and implementation.

Assist in orientation, training, and communication with Chief and Council.

Develop meeting agendas and reports; ensure directives are communicated and implemented.

Organize communications with MCFN members, including meetings, websites, newsletters, and reports.

Respond to MCFN membership inquiries regarding GIR operations.

Oversee participation in studies, assessments, and forums supporting GIR initiatives.

Maintain confidential Personnel Files for GIR employees.

Oversee various Human Resource Management Programs, including performance appraisal, training, compensation, and safety.

Manage organizational design, recruitment, and hiring of GIR employees and contractors.

Establish and communicate performance standards and supervise and evaluate employees.

Lead and monitor the performance of the GIR team in achieving plans, goals, objectives, and standards.

Develop and manage GIR financial plans and budgets, provide regular financial reports.

Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and requirements; represent GIR at external meetings.

Review monthly and annual financial statements.

Develop industry proposals and monitor funding agreements.

Ensure accurate financial records are maintained and oversee annual audits.

Report on GIR financials to grant-providing organizations.

Develop and review GIR Financial Policies and Procedures.

Oversee day-to-day administration affairs and record-keeping.

Monitor private sector and government interests influencing GIR operations.

Ensure compliance with applicable government laws, regulations, and requirements.

Represent GIR at external meetings, forums, and workshops as required.

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Chief and Council.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a related discipline; Leadership, Environmental Sciences, Business Administration etc.
• Masters degree would be an asset.
• Related Secondary Courses preferable, such as general business management, human resource management, financial management, strategic planning, conflict resolution, leadership and supervision, aboriginal leadership, report writing and communications.
• Ten (10) years related experience including Four (4) years experience in the overall management of a business with a preference to a First Nation business.
• PMP and/or APEGA designation is an asset.
• Previous experience leading a team.
• Familiarity with project management platforms, i.e. Monday.com
• Project management experience.
• Familiarity with finance software such as Xyntax.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Document management including how to protect indigenous knowledge (sacred and important to community) protected and secure.

All applications will be reviewed, although only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Mikisew Cree First Nation is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Final candidates for this position will be required to complete a security screening, which includes a criminal background check.

kinanskomitin (Thank you) for your interest.