Municipal Reconciliation Liaison

Municipal Reconciliation Liaison

Position: Municipal Reconciliation Liaison

Reporting to: Manager of Knowledge Mobilization

Location: 70 Brookfield Road, St. John’s

Contract Duration: 1 year with potential for extension

Summary

First Light is a registered non-profit organization that serves the urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous community alike by providing programs and services rooted in the revitalization, strengthening and celebration of Indigenous cultures and languages in the spirit of trust, respect, and friendship. Guided by fostering community and culture at the core of everything we do, First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre supports and empowers the community through a broad range of programs, including housing, justice and social supports, health services, childcare, and advocacy.

Established in 2024 under the umbrella of the First Voice Urban Indigenous Coalition, the Joint Coordinating Committee on Indigenous Rights (JCCIR) is a joint initiative between First Light and the City of St. John’s. The JCCIR serves as a platform for collaboration between urban Indigenous people and policymakers to advance positive systemic change grounded in the principles of truth and reconciliation. The JCCIR’s purpose is to guide implementation of the First Voice Community Action Plan in all areas that implicate municipal jurisdiction in St. John’s.

Working to support the JCCIR, the Liaison will ensure that diverse voices are heard and integrated into decision-making processes. This includes fostering relationships among rights-holders, stakeholders, and government representatives to advance the operations of the JCCIR, the First Voice Community Action Plan, and the municipal-level Calls for Change. Through strategic coordination and advocacy, the Liaison will collaborate with staff across First Light and municipal officials throughout the St. John’s Metro Area to advance our long-term vision of reconciliation and equity within the Metro and beyond.

Based out of and working as a part of First Light, this position is funded by the City of St. John’s.

Core Skill Set

  • Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Advanced project management and strategic planning capabilities.
  • Proficiency in stakeholder engagement, particularly with elected officials and municipal staff.
  • Knowledge of reconciliation frameworks, cultural humility, and Indigenous cultural practices.
  • Ability to identify and address systemic barriers and promote inclusive decision-making.
  • Skilled in facilitation, public engagement, and advocacy.
  • Ability to adapt to diverse work environments.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Collaborate with municipal departments to identify opportunities for integrating reconciliation initiatives into their operations and governance.
  • Provide strategic direction and actionable advice for addressing systemic barriers and fostering equity.
  • Provide leadership coordinating efforts across municipal departments, elected officials, and First Light’s Core Services to ensure effective implementation of annual JCCIR work plans.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as the primary liaison between First Light and municipal officials in the St. John’s Metro Area.
  • Build and maintain relationships among rights-holders, stakeholders, and government representatives, including elected officials, to foster a shared commitment to reconciliation.
  • Facilitate open communication and collaboration among JCCIR members to identify priorities, set objectives, and establish timelines for reconciliation initiatives.
  • Promote and champion JCCIR priorities and objectives in meetings of municipal working groups, advisory committees, and steering committees.

Coordination and Support

  • Provide logistical and administrative support for JCCIR meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, minute-taking, and follow-up actions.
  • Actively support municipal staff and elected officials in implementing reconciliation initiatives that respond to the First Voice Calls for Change.
  • Maintain a regular presence at both First Light and municipal offices to provide on-site support and coordination for reconciliation-related activities.

Advocacy and Knowledge Mobilization

  • Collaborate with the Manager of Knowledge Mobilization and the rest of the First Light Advocacy Team to integrate research and findings into reconciliation strategies, advocacy efforts, and policy development.
  • Assist in planning and facilitating public events, workshops, and training sessions focused on reconciliation awareness and capacity-building.
  • Monitor and report on progress on the First Voice Calls for Change, identifying opportunities for improvement and sharing successes with stakeholders.

Data Collection and Documentation

  • Maintain accurate records of JCCIR activities, communications, and outcomes.
  • Support the development of frameworks and policies to guide reconciliation efforts at the municipal level.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Public Policy, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, project coordination, or advocacy roles, preferably in a municipal or governmental setting.
  • Deep understanding of Indigenous histories and cultures in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Knowledge of the TRC Calls to Action, the MMIWG Calls for Justice, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
  • Familiarity with municipal policy-making and governance processes would be an asset
  • Proven ability to build relationships with elected officials and navigate governmental systems.
  • Proficiency in project management tools, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office. (Experience with Salesforce or another CRM is an asset.)
  • Lived experience, cultural knowledge, and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers is highly recognized and valued for this role.

Apply now by sending your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by February 16th