Relationship Legal Specialist

at  Musqueam Indian Band

About Musqueam
We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca
Position Summary
The Musqueam Indian Band (MIB) is seeking a termed full-time Relationship Legal Specialist for a 2-year period, to work under the direction of Musqueam In-House Legal Counsel. This individual will be responsible for supporting the organization by building, managing, and maintaining relationships, drafting and reviewing associated agreements, and preparing communications for internal and external stakeholders, including other Indigenous Nations. A significant aspect of this role involves representing Musqueam Indian Band on the MSTV Committee to contribute to the development of the 2024-2028 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Action Plan and Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA)with the New Relationship Trust (NRT). The ability to collaborate closely with colleagues both internally and externally is crucial in this role.

Responsibilities

• Assist in negotiations to affirm Musqueam’s inherent rights to self-determination, traditional lands, territories, and resources, as well as the right to maintain and strengthen Musqueam’s distinct cultural, political, economic, and social systems.
• Provide recommendations for the implementation of UNDRIP Action Plan, and the NRT implementation of the DRIPA Action Plan.
• Offer information and recommendations considering existing MIB Laws, policies, priorities, capacities, principles, and community sentiment.
• Act as an MIB Lead to shape the UNDRIP and DRIPA Action Plan’s and its processes to ensure MIB values and priorities are reflected.
• Collaborate with Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Squamish Nation on UNDRIP Early Actions and a 5-year Action Plan for implementing UNDRIP in the City of Vancouver.
• Participate with Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Department Managers, and Leadership on boards with First Nations and other governments, private sector, and non-governmental organizations.
• Represent Musqueam Indian Band at the MSTV Steering Committee to implement the City of Vancouver’s UNDRIP Strategy, while reporting back to MIB.
• Lead as a representative for MIB in necessary meetings, tables, and discussions related to the completion of the work, particularly in standing tables (MSTV Leadership Table, UNDRIP Steering Committee, Subcommittees, MST Caucus, DRIPA, and government-to-government meetings).
• Provide regular feedback to Chief and Council on milestones and receive necessary materials for review and/or approval and agreed milestones.
• Responsible of oversight of associate budget of this project, ensure all budgetary information is shared with the Musqueam In House Legal Counsel
• Build relationships with crown governments, private sector, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, proponents, and other First Nations.
• Must be able to attend meetings outside regular working hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong writing and analytical skills.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.
• University Degree in Law or related field preffered. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience working with First Nations or First Nations provincial/territorial/national organizations in policy analysis.
• Creativity, adaptability, and flexibility to meet shifting work priorities.
• Understanding of Musqueam’s historical context and support for the work of the Musqueam Indian Band.
• General understanding of broad issues impacting First Nations in BC.
• Cultural respect, sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently as necessary.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and video conferencing platforms and technology.
• Ability to work flexible hours by attending evening or weekend sessions, meetings as necessary.
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Working Conditions

• The work is performed in an office environment.

Why work for Musqueam?

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.

• Training and career development
• Business casual environment
• Community fitness and gym access
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.

• Assist in negotiations to affirm Musqueam’s inherent rights to self-determination, traditional lands, territories, and resources, as well as the right to maintain and strengthen Musqueam’s distinct cultural, political, economic, and social systems.
• Provide recommendations for the implementation of UNDRIP Action Plan, and the NRT implementation of the DRIPA Action Plan.
• Offer information and recommendations considering existing MIB Laws, policies, priorities, capacities, principles, and community sentiment.
• Act as an MIB Lead to shape the UNDRIP and DRIPA Action Plan’s and its processes to ensure MIB values and priorities are reflected.
• Collaborate with Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Squamish Nation on UNDRIP Early Actions and a 5-year Action Plan for implementing UNDRIP in the City of Vancouver.
• Participate with Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Department Managers, and Leadership on boards with First Nations and other governments, private sector, and non-governmental organizations.
• Represent Musqueam Indian Band at the MSTV Steering Committee to implement the City of Vancouver’s UNDRIP Strategy, while reporting back to MIB.
• Lead as a representative for MIB in necessary meetings, tables, and discussions related to the completion of the work, particularly in standing tables (MSTV Leadership Table, UNDRIP Steering Committee, Subcommittees, MST Caucus, DRIPA, and government-to-government meetings).
• Provide regular feedback to Chief and Council on milestones and receive necessary materials for review and/or approval and agreed milestones.
• Responsible of oversight of associate budget of this project, ensure all budgetary information is shared with the Musqueam In House Legal Counsel
• Build relationships with crown governments, private sector, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, proponents, and other First Nations.
• Must be able to attend meetings outside regular working hours.
• Other duties as assigned