Indigenous Food Ways Community Outreach Facilitator

About ISFS

ISFS is an applied research and extension unit at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). We investigate and support regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities, focusing predominantly on British Columbia but also extending our programming to other regions. Our applied research focuses on the potential of regional food systems in terms of agriculture and food, economics, community health, policy, community development, and environmental integrity. Our extension programming provides information and support for farmers, communities, business, policy makers, and others. Community collaboration is central to our approach and we routinely work with community activists and agencies, leaders, Indigenous Nation governments, settler governments and other academics. In alignment with long held ISFS values, objectives and programmatic foci, we have prioritized serving and supporting Indigenous Nations and communities to achieve their food sovereignty aspirations. Similarly, we strive to manifest reconciliation into all our work. More about us and our work is at www.kpu.ca/isfs

SUMMARY

The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is seeking a full-time outreach facilitator to work with and advance Indigenous Nations food system aspirations.

Indigenous Food Ways Community Outreach and Development Specialist will support ISFS to build and nurture relationships with First Nations, develop programs around food sovereignty and regenerative agriculture, and increase our capacity to prepare grants along with and in support of our First Nation partners. The employee will be expected to represent ISFS and effectively work with and support Indigenous Nations and communities respectfully, sensitively and demonstrating proper protocol. The position will involve but not be limited to relationship building, grant writing, community engagement, planning, program development, project management, and report preparation. Agriculture and food system knowledge is a plus.

Position Overview

• Contract: Full-time (35 hours/week) for one year, with the opportunity to renew on an ongoing, annual basis dependent on funding and performance
• Position start date: ASAP
• Application deadline: Open until satisfactory candidate is found
• Location: Flexible (a combination of working from home, partner community visits, and in-office meetings as necessary), in British Columbia

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibility of the facilitator will be to develop and nurture relationships and support project development and action with our Indigenous partners.

Key tasks include:

• Outreach to and within Indigenous communities
• Relationship building
• Partnership development
• Grant and report writing
• Project development and matching of ISFS staff expertise as fit.
• Facilitate Nation to Nation discussion and project collaborations.
• Project management

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful applicant for this position should:

• Have knowledge of Indigenous, First Nations, Metis or Inuit communities and cultural protocols from lived experience or significant experience collaborating with First Nation communities. Have the ability to prepare grants and reports
• Have the ability to (co-) develop and manage projects
• Have the ability to work as a team member and independently
• Have an interest and ability in working with a diversity of people and a multidisciplinary team
• Familiar with cultural safety/reconciliation
• Have training and experience in trauma-informed practices
• Be able to travel; have a car and valid driver's license
• Have an interest in food system development work
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada

The following will be highly desirable:

• Identify as Indigenous/First Nations/Metis/Inuit
• Knowledge of Indigenous Nations and communities whose traditional territories are located in what is colonially known as BC and culturally appropriate protocols
• Group facilitation experience is a plus
• Food systems and organic/regenerative agriculture knowledge

Salary Information

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $32.41 - $41.03 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience

We at Kwantlen Polytechnic University respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and study in a region that overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral First Nations territories of the Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem, and with the lands of the Kwantlen First Nation, which gifted its name to this university.

Proudly sharing the name of the Kwantlen First Nation, the word 'Kwantlen' means Tireless Runner, and is reflected in the university's motto: "through tireless effort, knowledge, and understanding." The representation of a wolf and salmon in KPU's Coat of Arms, was created by former KPU Fine Arts student, Brandon Gabriel, nephew of the hereditary Chief of the Kwantlen People, Chief Marilyn Gabriel.