Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor

Comox Valley Regional District

Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor

Permanent Full-time (35 hours per week)

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) operates on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. For thousands of years, K’ómoks First Nation ancestors harvested and managed the rich natural resources of these lands and waters that supported thousands of people who developed a rich and sophisticated culture. Acknowledging and respecting the history of the Comox Valley plays an important role in the work of the CVRD and Indigenous Relations is one of the key strategic drivers through which our services are delivered.

From incorporating traditional knowledge into our environmental protection initiatives, as well as emergency, land use and parks planning, we continue to work to embed Indigenous relations in our operations. This includes ensuring the protection of cultural heritage as part of our capital projects, ensuring the sufficient allocation of grant funds for capacity building, collaboration and partnerships and ensuring that engagement is meaningful and happens at the start of the project cycle.

The CVRD is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, equitable and diverse workplace which is representative of the community we serve. Our core values—collaboration, service, accountability and sustainability—help guide us in everything we do. If you share our commitment and values and view reconciliation as an important part of your work, please consider applying with us.

Working at the CVRD provides work/life balance through flexible work options, competitive salary and wages, employer-paid benefits package, and municipal pension plan. To learn more, visit our website at

We are accepting applications for a permanent full-time Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor (Senior Advisor) to join our team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives, the Senior Advisor brings firsthand knowledge of Indigenous traditions, values and worldview to advise, guide and help the CVRD build organizational capacity through the development of education programs and operational practices that reflect our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

The primary responsibilities of this exciting new role include

• Providing leadership in the development of new programs and policies that address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA)
• Providing advice and guidance to support respectful and reciprocal Indigenous engagement across CVRD departments
• Guiding CVRD staff on protocol and best practices to integrate Indigenous perspectives and deliver meetings and events in a culturally safe manner
• Working with K’ómoks Administration to develop the necessary protocols and procedures to guide staff to work under the new treaty government structure
• Assisting CVRD departments in the implementation of projects involving partnership with K’ómoks as a treaty nation
• Supporting the Office of the CAO to advance service agreements, partnership agreements, memorandums of understanding and initiatives of mutual interest
• Working with K’ómoks First Nation to establish appropriate procedures for engaging with Hereditary Chiefs and Knowledge Keepers
• Establishing, building and maintaining working relationships with Comox Valley Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous community groups and First Nations with overlapping territory
• Continuing to develop and implement the CVRD’s Indigenous Learning Journey Curriculum and supporting Indigenous Cultural Awareness Initiatives at the CVRD
• Acting as a liaison to the Comox Valley Reconciliation Advisory Table
• Overseeing updates to the CVRD’s Indigenous Relations Framework
• Collaborating with the Human Resources department on new policies and procedures that support reconciliation and cultural safety

We are looking for someone who has the following skills but we recognize there are many ways to acquire knowledge

If you believe you can thrive in this role—even if your experience does not perfectly match every requirement listed—we encourage you to apply. Relevant lived experience, volunteer, and community work will be considered.

• A relationship builder and collaborator with direct experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous communities and groups
• Familiar with First Nations governance structures, consultation and engagement processes
• Educated in Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Business Leadership, Community Development, Public Administration, Communications, Planning, Social Science or a related field of study with an undergraduate degree of four years, or equivalent
• Experienced in working with First Nation, Inuit, Métis or Indigenous organizations in a government relations, senior administration, policy, facilitator, community development, community engagement or related role, with over four years of related experience (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered)
• Able to facilitate group sessions and meetings
• Comfortable providing guidance to senior leadership about initiatives that can lead to organizational change with a good understanding of the United Nations Declaration and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
• Knowledgeable in Indigenous ways, traditions, values, communication styles, historical context and trauma-informed practices
• Experienced in writing a range of documents such as letters, presentations, briefing notes and speaking notes
• Experienced in preparing and developing policy recommendations
• Self-motivated, organized and able to balance multiple priorities
• Able to work flexible hours as necessary to meet the requirements for engagement and attending community, committee and Board meetings, and events

Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (Status or Non-Status First Nations, Métis and Inuit). Applicants are encouraged to include this information in their applications.

A valid BC Class 5 driver’s license is required for this role. Successful candidates will be required to consent to a Canadian Criminal Record Check.

This is a CUPE Local 556 position with a current wage rate of $47.08 per hour (interim rating).

To review the complete job description and to apply go to .

The closing date for this position is September 8, 2026 at 3:00 pm. Applications for available positions with the CVRD must be received prior to the indicated closing date and time. We appreciate all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted in a timely manner to arrange an interview. Virtual or in-person interviews are available.