The Lax Kw’alaams Band and the Lands and Resources Department have an immediate opening for a permanent full-time Culture Heritage Coordinator. As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for developing a new Cultural Heritage Program. The coordinator will ensure a mandate to preserve, restore, and enhance Lax Kw’alaams cultural heritage resources and practices. The establishment of a program will include reviewing all archeology permits, working with the provincial archeology regulator, developing policy, inventorying cultural heritage resources, and identifying opportunities for the program to positively contribute to the operations of all departments and initiatives and the greater membership.

Primary operational activities will include ongoing recording and organizing of traditional use data through a library for the Band, and archival research, leading initiatives for access to and repatriation of Lax Kw’alaams cultural resources, establishing and directing specific programs to foster an appreciation for and awareness of the Band’s traditional and  cultural values, and working for the revitalization and further development of Lax Kw’alaams cultural traditions. Working with external agencies and liaising between departments, the Cultural Heritage Coordinator will ensure the preservation and promotion of various aspects of cultural heritage and the territory, including key documents and regulatory permit application, resources, language, and traditional use activities and values in the territory. 

Duties and Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Develop a long-term Cultural Heritage Plan, including developing a policy and identifying key areas of short and longer-term focus.
• Complete any outstanding review, recording, and organization of archived traditional use information, including updating the Lax Kw’alaams global TUS GIS database and correlating with the library.
• Support future Environmental Assessment reviews and studies (supporting project reviews and traditional use studies).
• Liaise with external governments and proponents to develop policies for accessing and treating Lax Kw’alaams heritage resources.
• Liaise with archaeologists and attend site visits and fieldwork to support the cultural heritage program and guide ongoing archaeological research in Lax Kw’alaams territory.
• Liaise with departments to support the exercise of Lax Kw’alaams rights and title in the territory, and conduct research and reporting, as required.
• Develop a long-term strategy to repatriate remains and artifacts and support establishing facilities to house cultural resources.
• Author Cultural and Heritage guidance and policy to direct activity in the territory and review policies authored by development proponents and governments.
• Perform all other tasks within the scope of the position, as assigned.

Education, Experience and Knowledge:

• Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or related discipline with at least 5 years of experience or commensurate education and experience.
• Familiarity with handling and managing traditional use information and archaeological/heritage resources. ▪ Familiarity with data management systems and software.
• Knowledge of Coast Tsimshian culture and practices and a demonstrated ability to work successfully with First Nation communities.
• Understanding of the First Nations legal and political environment and sensitivities and a proven ability to function effectively within that environment.
• A good knowledge of federal and provincial governments’ programs, regulations, procedures, and funding.
• Ability to work individually with little supervision and as part of a dynamic team.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with government, industry, First Nation members and the general public.
• Comfortable and competent at public speaking.
• Proficiency in using current office productivity software (Microsoft Office suite of products). ▪ Valid BC drivers’ license with clean driver’s abstract.
• Provide a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Screening as a condition of employment.

Compensation & Benefits

▪ Salary $ 85,000 per year

▪ This is Union position and is open to all genders.

Submission Deadline: July 24, 2024

• Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry.
• We invite all interested parties to reply in the strictest confidence to the Human Resources
• Email: [email protected]