Kinship Mentor

Organization Summary:

Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is responsible to 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

The BCFNJC is rapidly growing, and we are seeking team members who understand the gravity of this responsibility and are excited by the opportunity. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. We are seeking to hire staff who share our vision and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

Position Summary:

The BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is committed to ensuring that Indigenous Justice Centre (IJC) services and applicable employment opportunities are provided to those who genuinely meet the criteria for Indigenous identity. Confirming Indigeneity is crucial to ensure that culturally specific services and positions are provided to those who are entitled to them, safeguarding the integrity of resources intended for Indigenous peoples.

The Kinship Mentor works from a holistic, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed lens. Working collaboratively with the IJC Intake Team, the Kinship Mentor will use their lived experience as an Indigenous person and training in genealogical research methods to guide individuals through the process of confirming their Indigenous identity and reconnecting with their communities, if appropriate for the individual’s circumstances. Kinship Mentors will provide the support and guidance necessary for individuals to clarify their Indigenous ancestry in a manner that is respectful, thorough, and culturally sensitive.

The Kinship Mentor will collaborate with our Gladue Services Team to mentor the people we serve in researching their genealogy and building their cultural and community connections informing the development of culturally sound healing plans. The Kinship Mentor will also work closely with the Human Resources Team when verification support is required for applicants applying to employment opportunities seeking Indigenous candidates.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The Kinship Mentor is responsible for the following key functions:

Genealogical Research Support:

• Mentor Clients and Job Applicants who are unable to provide proof of Indigenous ancestry by guiding them through genealogical research and documentation processes.
• Use expertise in Indigenous family structures, lineages, and traditional knowledge systems to support Clients and Job Applicants in tracing their ancestry.
• Mentor Clients and Job applicants in understanding and reconnecting with their Indigenous cultures and communities.

Cultural Connections and Reconnection:

• Assist Clients and Job Applicants who are disconnected from their communities to re-establish connections with their Indigenous Nations.
• Support Clients and Job Applicants in navigating cultural protocols and understanding traditional knowledge and practices relevant to their identity and community.
• Facilitate connections with local Indigenous communities for individuals seeking to understand their roles and responsibilities within their Indigenous Nations.
• Evaluate the presence and actions of those seeking support ensuring they align with the principles of reciprocity. Their contributions should benefit the community, reflecting a balance of give and take.

Intake and Outreach Support:

• Support the IJCs and Gladue Services Team with screening questions at Intake.
• Support the Human Resources Team with screening questions at hiring stages.
• Work collaboratively with the Outreach and Wellness Elders to support Clients and Staff seeking to reconnect with their Indigenous Nations.
• Provide up to date information on available community resources to Clients and Staff to assist them with connecting with their Indigenous community.
• Compile and maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date electronic database of community resources and services, shared across the IJC network.
• Work closely with BCFNJC communications department regarding promotions and event planning in the community.
• Contribute to the collaborative approach of wrap-around services in the IJCs.
• Contribute to the Client experience (greeting clients, attending to the general office environment).

Collaboration with Gladue Services Team:

• Collaborate with the Gladue Services Team to assist Gladue Clients in researching and presenting their cultural and community connection pieces for their Gladue Reports.
• Provide mentorship to Gladue Clients in understanding the significance of their heritage and how it may relate to their legal matter and healing journey.
• Offer guidance on integrating historical and cultural context into Gladue Reports to ensure that they are comprehensive and culturally accurate.

Community Liaison:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
• Serve as liaison between the BCFNJC and Indigenous communities to ensure that the Justice Council’s verification processes are culturally appropriate and aligned with community standards.
• Stay up to date on best practices in genealogical research and Indigenous identity verification to maintain the integrity of the process.
• Consult with and be available to other IJC staff to provide information and services to ensure that services are delivered to Indigenous Clients.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain detailed and accurate records of the genealogical research and support provided to Clients, ensuring compliance with BCFNJC policies and procedures, confidentiality, and privacy standards.
• Provide regular reports on the progress of cases and any challenges encountered during the verification process.
• Assist in the development of culturally appropriate resource materials and training for other Staff on genealogical research methods and Indigenous identity verification.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant education or training in genealogical research methods and knowledge of Indigenous family structures and traditional knowledge systems.
• Must be an Indigenous person (preferably BC First Nations) with lived experience and a strong understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of Indigenous peoples in Canada, especially in B.C.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. Knowledge of the local Indigenous cultural environment and protocols for engaging with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of First Nations funding agreements and programs / services offered directly by First Nation Bands is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software.
• Experience in a mentorship, advocacy, or community support role, preferably within Indigenous communities or organizations where duties included: workshop facilitation, education program intake or delivery, health or wellness program delivery, advocacy, or other related duties relevant to satisfying the mandate of the BCFNJC.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with interpersonal skills and ability to foster and work within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong organization, research, file management, and stress management skills.
• Ability to foster relationships and build rapport while creating/maintaining a culturally safe environment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate a high level of professionalism with tact and good judgment in dealing with sensitive issues.
• Ability to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other Staff members, community partners, and Indigenous organizations.
• A clear criminal reference check (CPIC) will be a condition of employment.

Job Description: Kinship Mentor

Reporting: This position reports to the Regional Human Resources Directors with dotted line reporting to Gladue Services and the IJC Leadership Circle

Location: Any BCFNJC location, Hybrid or Remote, BC

Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans

Pay Range: Starts at $85,000-$95,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience and education.

Hours: Full-time (35hours / week); 8:30am - 4:30pm Mondays to Fridays

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.