First Nations Relations Advisors / Indigenous Relations Advisors

Last updated on October 18, 2023

Overview

As a First Nations Relations Advisor you will be responsible for reviewing proposals for the use of natural resources on Crown Land and determining the impact on First Nations or potential traditional use areas. You will also be responsible for planning and leading the facilitation of the First Nations consultation process, ensuring legal obligations have been met, finding creative solutions to problems where all parties benefit in some way, and overall recommending whether proposed work should proceed.

You will work independently but rely on the expertise of co-workers and communicate across different sectors and ministries. You'll provide insight and creative solutions to different sectors to ensure the delivery of a consistent message to First Nations and proponents. Much of your time will be spent in the office, but you'll have the opportunity to travel between offices and to visit work sites. In the summer, there are opportunities to go out in the field, and you may even hop on a helicopter once or twice. Typically, there are many projects to work on at the same time, and there is always something new to initiate. Several consultations can often take place at once which can provide a great challenge and an interesting variety.

Entry level qualifications

To apply for entry level First Nations Relations Advisor positions, you will typically need post-secondary education in a relevant discipline (including but not limited to: forestry, resource management, biology, environmental science, communications, political science, agrology, planning, archaeology, or anthropology).

Having experience conducting research and analysis related to land use, resource management, and/or social economic development issues would be beneficial. In addition, working with Indigenous Peoples and/or communities and participating in consultation processes with First Nations would be considered an asset.

Other important qualities include strong communication skills, the ability to relate to and allow for differing cultural perspectives, and an openness to experience a personal shift in perspective.

Highlights of a First Nations Relations Advisor career

Indigenous Relations Careers, Ministry of Forests & Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Career development opportunities

This role has many opportunities for career development including but not limited to on-the-job training in GIS mapping, conflict resolution, administrative law, negotiations, cultural awareness, and Indigenous law. In this role you will gain exposure to a wide array of natural resource sector authorizations including forestry, lands, water, fish and wildlife, and mining.

The skills and experiences you will develop as a First Nations Relations Advisor translate into multiple other career paths within the BC Public Service including:

Moving into more senior consultation program positions as a Senior First Nations Relations Advisor/First Nations Relations Manager
Coordinating land and resource initiatives with Indigenous Peoples as a Land and Resource Coordinator/Senior Land and Resource Coordinator with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Supporting government to government negotiations as a Senior Resource Coordination Officer/Negotiator with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Leading natural resource initiatives on behalf of the Ministry of Forests as a Director of Strategic Initiatives

Tips from current employees

Spend time with case law during your first few weeks. It will pay dividends later on when you have a lot of files on the go
There are many opportunities to gain experience on the job. Try to learn the acronyms as soon as possible
Work with the business lines that you support to gain a strong understanding of the province’s pieces of natural resource legislation
Find opportunities to contribute to government-to-government forums to help advance through the career path opportunities outlined above

Testimonials

“The best part of my job is the continuous learning and the variety in my day-to-day work. It is an evolving role that has introduced me to a diverse range of files, business lines, discussions, and most importantly, people. Every day is different which has taught me to be flexible and adaptive. I am always striving to learn and better understand things so I love that I can continue to learn and grow personally and professionally within this role.” – Janelle Paulson, Senior First Nations Relations Advisor (Burns Lake)

Did you find what you were looking for?

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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