Do-gay-ka-na-nagoon-kay-wat
Guardian
Background:
For years now, Sagkeeng Anicinabe has been identifying concerns on the land and calling for the need to put boots on the ground to identify the sources of these problems and create plans for remedying them. To do this, Sagkeeng has been developing the Niigan Aki (“earth first”) Guardians Program with financial support from Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and the federal government’s First Nations Guardians Initiative.
A significant focus of the program is to carry-out a collaborative long-term environmental monitoring program for Whiteshell Laboratories, including but not limited to the proposed Whiteshell Reactor #1 (WR-1) Decommissioning Project. However, activities will also extend to broader Sagkeeng interests and territory where possible and according to community priorities. Niigan Aki will act as a vehicle for environmental monitoring and adaptive management related activities, and program staff are expected to act as trusted partners between the Sagkeeng community and Whiteshell Laboratories personnel.
We are in the process of developing this program and require Guardians with the knowledge and skills to begin to carry out land-based work for Niigan Aki, under the mentorship of the Aaway-ka-nigan-schum (Program Manager) and Chi Gaa Gaat Chi Naataamowint Mama Aki Chi Piminopiimatizing (Land-based Guardian Mentor).
The Niigan Aki Guardians have an important role to advocate for the environment and all that is living within it. Guardians are to be respectful towards the community, staff, themselves, and Mama Aki.
The Guardians will take on a land stewardship role and will have a wide range of duties, that include the following:
- Monitor priority areas and values through knowledge and wisdom of plants, trees, and animals
- Complete data collection and analysis work
- Record and report observations
- Be able to work as part of a team
- Follow safety measures on the land and water
- Lead by example and teach by doing
- Maintain relationships with Elders and spiritual leaders (i.e. knowledge keepers) to ensure that activities are carried out in a culturally appropriate manner and that ceremonies occur when appropriate
Detailed Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Development:
- Support community outreach activities (e.g. meetings, open houses, school events)
- Follow the Niigan Aki Operational Handbook to be the “eyes and ears” of Niigan Aki while out on the land
- Communicate with project contractors while on specific sites (e.g. environmental monitoring trainers, )
- Properly maintain Guardian program equipment
Environmental Monitoring:
- Participate in training opportunities for environmental monitoring
- Conduct daily monitoring activities during program implementation, with the support of other Guardians
- Prepare for fieldwork, under the supervision of the Land-based Guardian Mentor
- Collect data using management systems and tools on the land (e.g. note-taking, sample collection, support interviews, etc.) at the direction of the Land-based Guardian Mentor
- Fill out field logs and reports to support the Land-based Guardian Mentor in data management.
- Manage and maintain field equipment, with the support of other Guardians
- Follow health and safety requirements when out on the land
Communication & Collaboration:
- Communicate with the Program Manager, Land-based Guardian Mentor and CNL staff as needed to carry-out land-based monitoring activities
- Support the Program Manager and Land-based Guardian Mentor during workshops with the community, Sagkeeng staff and leadership
Minimum Qualifications:
- Previous experience working with Indigenous Nations and understanding of Indigenous Knowledge/Traditional Knowledge
- Physically fit, capable of frequently working outdoors for long hours in all weather conditions
- First-hand knowledge of the land and ability to carry oneself safely when outdoors
- Ability to maintain a community-first perspective and maintain relationships with community members (e.g. Elders and Knowledge Keepers)
- Strong oral and written communication
- Working knowledge of technology (e.g. GPS)
- Maintain respect and have strong teamwork skills
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Strong sense of initiative and good judgement
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
- Good at following instructions
- Willingness and openness to learn
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting the health of the land, and all that is living within it
- Education or experience in a relevant field such as environmental science, natural resource management, geography, or social science (or commensurate experience, including basic Traditional Knowledge and on-the-job experience)
- Experience in environmental monitoring
- Strong environmental field skills (e.g. mapping, sample collection, surveys, wilderness safety)
- Membership of an Indigenous Nation, or self-identifying as Indigenous
We will preferentially hire from within Sagkeeng Anicinabe membership.
To Apply:
In order to be considered for this position, you must submit a cover letter and resume outlining how you meet the above qualifications and how your previous experience will help you meet the job duties and responsibilities. Please also include the names and contact information for two references.
Sagkeeng is committed to respecting diversity, and specifically to increasing the number of Indigenous employees and gender equality within our workforce. As a result, we encourage all Indigenous applicants to self-identify in our recruitment and staffing processes; preference will be given to Indigenous applicants and Sagkeeng members who hold the qualifications needed.
Applications should be sent to:
By Email: Brenda Morrisseau, cemp@sagkeeng.ca
By Mail or In-Office:
Sagkeeng Human Resources Department
