
Term Position | Alert Bay
Lead Research Investigator
Deadline: Position will remain Open until Filled.
Term: One Year with possibility of extension
Summary:
Ne’nagwa’nakwala (formerly the St. Michael’s Indian Residential School Project) has an immediate opening for Full Time Lead Research Investigator. This position, reporting to the Project Manager is responsible for collecting records, impact statements, and shared truths that pertain to the former St. Michael’s Residential School in Alert Bay, BC. The Lead Research Investigator will provide support to the technical team. This position is a one-year term position with possibility of extension.
This Lead Research Investigator is instrumental in managing the activities of the research team, including data entry, research, engagement, coordinates survivor interviews, land scanning support, and managing follow up with survivors and team members.
The goals of the Ne’nagwa’nakwala Project are:
- To locate missing former students of St. Michaels Residential School
- To investigate potential burial, grave and other sites of human remains connected to the former St. Michael’s Indian Residential School; and,
- Strive to ensure Wellness and Cultural Support to the former Students, Intergenerational, Multi-generational Residents, and Employees of St. Michael’s Indian Residential School who we interview leading up to, during, and following the investigation.
- Create healing and cultural supports for inter-generational residential school survivors.
Major Duties & Responsibilities:
- Directs research activities including the development and implementation of research plans.
- Create a work plan for the Ne’nagwa’nakwala research team to guide the team through to completion.
- Coordinate and manage a data entry system, which can be accessed by team members for the duration of the project.
- Assists in community engagement sessions.
- Coordinates Statement Gathering.
- Responsible for orienting, providing scope of work and training to research team members.
- Ensures Ne’nagwa’nakwala research is done in an ethical manner, following the Tri-Council Policy statement: Ethical Conduct for Research involving Humans- TCPS2.
- Directly contribute to and manage creation of research reports and presentations.
- Assist with communication regarding Ne’nagwa’nakwala findings and announcements.
- Coordinate with specialty services to provide technical expertise from ground penetrating radar consultants, other scanning tools, archaeologists, communications, legal, excavation and other professional services as required.
- Attends project team meetings, and other meetings of technical working groups, as requested.
- Prepares written reports as required.
Qualifications:
- University degree in Humanities with a preference in History, Indigenous Studies, Anthropology. (MA degree an asset).
- Minimum 5 years experience in research team leadership and supervision.
- Experience in Indigenous research methods and an understanding of the First Nations Principles of OCAP
- Advanced analytical skills including the ability to read historical evidence and arguments closely and critically, to synthesize material from a broad range of sources, and to independently apply knowledge of changing contexts to solve problems.
- Comprehensive understanding of archival research methodologies.
- A strong interest in and preferably knowledge of Indigenous history and cultural traditions an asset.
Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills marked by professionalism, teamwork, and courtesy. Ability to relate to a wide range of users to provide the appropriate resources and/or services.
- Ability for being organized and must have good coordination and monitoring skills and able to keep good recording system.
- Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proven ability to establish rapport with people of all educational and occupational backgrounds.
- Ability to maintain a healthy working relationship with staff, community representatives/members and representatives of other organizations.
- Time management and organizational skills, including the ability to plan and prioritize workload, ensure timelines are met and respond to demands of a dynamic environment.
- Strong communication skills.
- Maintain a strong sense of professional judgement, tact, ethics, sensitivity, integrity and confidentiality.
- Work cooperatively and productively with others to achieve common goals; demonstrate respect, cooperation, and collaboration.
- Strong commitment to cultural safety and ability to use authority in a respectful manner.
- Ability to work collaboratively within the organization and external services and organizations.
- Knowledge of Indian Residential Schools and their impact on First Nations.
- Proven abilities to maintain the confidentiality of information and materials; and able to always display sound judgment and exercise discretion.
Other Requirements:
– Must provide a clear Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen
– Must have a valid driver’s License, access to a vehicle and the ability to travel.
– The ability to work overtime, evenings and weekends as required.
Starting rate: $38.24 – $44.92 per hour depending on experience.
If interested, please submit your covering letter and resume to:
‘Namgis First Nation, PO Box 210, Alert Bay, BC V0N 1A0, or
by email to: humanresources@namgis.bc.ca
Closing Date: August 5, 2024
(We thank you for your interest, however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted)