If city councillors agree on Monday, the City of Sault Ste. Marie will create a new position for an Indigenous policy and process renewal advisor.
"The position will carry on the history and tradition of sharing knowledge of the area, as has been the tradition since the time of first contact," says Tom Vair, the city's chief administrative officer.
The successful applicant, Vair says in a report prepared for Monday's council meeting, will "provide expertise and guidance... in developing, enhancing, and implementing effective municipal policies, programs, services and/or other initiatives to advance the city's commitments to reconciliation and the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada."
"The role establishes and builds upon existing relationships between the city and area First Nations, Indigenous groups, organizations, agencies, and individuals in the community and will provide advice and guidance to support equality of opportunity, proper training and education, and to recommend improvements to systems and processes to improve outcomes."
The new hire will earn between $84,692 and $100,834, and will report to Travis Anderson, the city's director of tourism and community development.
The Bawaating Indigenous Advisory Circle has asked to be consulted as part of the hiring process.
Here, as described in the proposed job description, is who they'll be looking for:
Education, experience and knowledge
- university degree in a political, social science, or humanities field, or similar related field, and three years of experience working with Indigenous peoples, government and/or community organizations in roles that support community development processes, capacity building, collaborations, partnerships and organizational change; or
- college diploma in a political, social science or humanities field, or similar related field, and five years of experience working with Indigenous peoples, government and/or community organizations in roles that support community development processes, capacity building, collaborations, partnerships and organizational change
- must be proficient in the use of computers and current related software
- knowledge of and understanding of indigenous, lived experience and commitment to support truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is preferred
- experience that may include knowledge gain from Indigenous knowledge keepers and elders
- in-depth knowledge of the history and present-day context of Indigenous governments, organizations and peoples in Sault Ste. Marie (Bawaating) and region
- experience building partnerships and working with Indigenous governments, organizations and peoples to improve access to services and employment in a complex political environment
- experience in implementing strategies to increase Indigenous inclusion (i.e. education, intervention, programs)
- knowledge of Canadian and international human rights legislation, Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- has a relationship with traditional elders, knowledge keepers and language keepers
- knowledge of Indigenous agencies and organizations in the community
- knowledge of municipal governance structures, services and programs, and municipal relationships with other levels of government
Skills / abilities
- superior ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing in a cross cultural environments
- superior ability to deliver presentations to a variety of audiences and to skillfully handle on-the-spot questions from senior officials, members of city council, special interest groups, and the media
- political acumen and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations, and manage advisory and consultation processes, with members of city council, private and public officials, subordinates, co-workers, and the general public
- proven ability to think and act strategically and identify opportunities to develop and implement initiatives to encourage cultural change
- excellent ability to display sensitivity and commitment to human rights and equity issues
- proficient project/time management, analytical/critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- effective leadership skills, together with the ability to motivate, evaluate, and recognize staff; proven ability to share skills and knowledge with others
- proven conflict management abilities and mediation skills
- ability to analyze complex issues and develop practical solutions/strategies
- ability to take initiative and be agile and responsive to changing priorities and circumstances
- position requires the ability to work and attend meetings outside of core business hours
- travel to various work locations utilizing own transportation and travel out of town (by land and air) from time to time
Monday's city council meeting will be live-streamed on SooToday starting at 5 p.m.