Career Opportunity: Indian Residential School Project Manager

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Indian Residential School Project Manager

Winnipeg or Thompson
Term Position

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) will be supporting MKO communities with the search for missing children and unmarked graves at Indian Residential Schools (IRS) as identified in the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Through this project, MKO will provide support to families and communities in research, searches, repatriation, commemoration, and healing. As the nature of work is sensitive, MKO strives to provide a safe and trauma-informed lens that is supported and led by community, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Families and Survivors.

Under the direction of Senior Health Analyst and in collaboration with the Research Advisor, the Project Manager will oversee the delivery of the project objectives; maintain a consistent flow of information and supports to the families, Survivors, Chiefs and Councils, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and other stakeholders. The Project Manager will focus on the Missing Children, Unmarked Graves and Commemoration for children who did not return from Indian Residential Schools.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure the delivery of the project objectives;
• Obtain funding where required;
• Work with outside entities and sources in the identification and reclamation processes;
• Develop, maintain and protect the electronic databases that record project activities, decisions and processes of reclamation, and project financial expenses;
• Act as lead for be the point of contact for all matters relating to the IRS;
• Develop, implement, evaluate and report of workplans that align with the TRC Calls to Action;
• Serve as MKO representative on committees, working groups, planning tables and other stakeholders;
• Coordinate development of wellness supports, including cultural supports to assist families, relatives, Survivors, and community members;
• Develop and implement information and communication plans;
• Collaborate with National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCRT), Provincial Archives of
• Manitoba (PAM) and other institutions to gather and record data;
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate services i.e. archeology, forensic research, police, investigators, researchers, technicians (e.g. ground penetrating);
• Develop, coordinate and implement community engagement strategy;
• Support communities with the submission of federal proposals to support the search for missing children;
• Other duties as required.

Education and Experience

The position seeks a candidate preferably with post-secondary education. Considerations will be made for applicants who may not have full post-secondary accreditation. Considerations will be made for applicants who have extensive knowledge and experience working with Indigenous populations. Applicants are encouraged to identify with lived-experience and professional experience with IRS, Sixties Scoop, and/or project management, in their cover letter.

• Undergraduate degree in social sciences, Indigenous studies, business, or related field. Combinations of education and experience will be considered;
• Understanding of effects of colonization in relation to IRS, MMIWG, 60’s Scoop, Child Welfare System and forms of intergenerational trauma is essential;
• Minimum of two years of project management, or related experience;
• Knowledge of First Nation community engagement principles and strategies;
• Strong networking, public speaking, and advocacy support;
• Ability to facilitate community engagement sessions, focus groups, etc.;
• Ability to incorporate Indigenous worldviews into project delivery;
• Strong communication skills, verbal, written, networking, with high level of diplomacy;
• Ability to speak Cree or Dene is a definite asset.

Other Requirements

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check;
• Child Abuse and Vulnerable Persons Abuse Registry Check;
• Must have valid Manitoba’s Driver’s License and reliable vehicle;
• Available to evenings and weekends, as required;
• Must be able to travel throughout Manitoba with various methods, i.e. plane, boat, road, train. Travel outside of Manitoba may be required;
• Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and two (2) references by 4:00 PM on October 11, 2022 to Shawna Flett at [email protected].

We thank all applicants, only those applicants considered for further review will be contacted.