1. food and drink

Coordinator, Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Six Month Term, 20 Hours Per Week
Possibility of Extension and Additional Hours Based on Funding
Tides Canada is dedicated to a healthy environment, social equity,
and economic prosperity for all Canadians.
We bring giving, investing and doing under a single roof so that we can
accelerate positive change, achieve greater impact and advance solutions across Canada.
Position Overview
BC Food Systems Network, a project of Tides Canada, works to create healthy, just and sustainable food systems in
British Columbia by strengthening connections, nurturing capacity, and supporting joined-up food policy at all levels.
The BCFSN works in partnership with farmers and ranchers, fishers, First Nations, and people in communities working
to rebuild their food systems from the ground up.
The Coordinator, Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty, will provide leadership and support for building
and strengthening cross-cultural relationships between Indigenous and settler communities in support of Indigenous
food-related action and policy reform.
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Any location in British Columbia. Requires ability to travel.
Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Key Responsibility Areas
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Leadership and support for building and strengthening cross-cultural relationships between Indigenous and
settler communities within the BCFSN and beyond
Shared leadership responsibilities with BCFSN Director (to be determined upon hire)
Coordination of the Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty (WGIFS)
Coordinate dialogue and educational activities within the Network, as well as with partners and communities,
to increase awareness of Indigenous food security issues and their potential solutions
Responsible for priority areas on Indigenous food sovereignty / Indigenous land and food systems as part of
Good Food Solutions for BC project. This involves:
Community/member/partner engagement
o Community-engaged research on Indigenous food systems priorities
o Writing (public communications materials, policy briefs, reports)
o Policy engagement
Collaborate with Gathering Coordinator to recruit and coordinate Indigenous participation and annual
WGIFS meeting at the Gathering
Facilitate cross-cultural understanding and relationship building between the BCFSN and the respective
tribes and nations on whose traditional territory the Gathering is being hosted
Actively participate in BCFSN staff team and development of related priorities including Annual Gathering
Assist with other tasks as assigned
Travel within B.C. may be required at times, occasional evenings and weekend work
Qualifications Required
Education:
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Masters degree in food systems, Indigenous studies, public health or other relevant field or equivalent
experience
General experience and skills:
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At least 5 years of experience effectively leading provincial or regional-scale projects with multiple and
diverse partners
At least 5 years of related experience that includes working or volunteering within the field of Indigenous
food sovereignty
Demonstrated ability to create networks and/or coalitions that share and work towards a common vision
Experience building cross-cultural relationships between Indigenous and settler communities
Knowledge around issues of Indigenous food systems and Indigenous food sovereignty
Proven leadership skills that support independent decision making based on stakeholder input
Ability to build bridges, create partnerships and achieve consensus among diverse groups and organizations
Background in research and policy in related to Indigenous food systems issues
Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, facilitation and computer skills
At least 3-5 years of project management experience that includes creating and managing project budget
and timelines
Well-organized with excellent follow-through on tasks
Good team contributor and a sense of humour
Demonstrated commitment to healthy, just and sustainable food systems and Indigenous food sovereignty
Grant-writing and fundraising experience an asset
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How to Apply
Together with your resume, please forward a cover letter which includes your responses to the following questions:
How did you hear about this position?
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What interests you most about this position?
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Based on our requirements, why are you a strong candidate?
3.
Briefly tell us about your current/most recent job. Why are you looking for a change?
4.
Tell us what your vision is for how the BC Food Systems Network and the Working Group on
Indigenous Food Sovereignty can support Indigenous food-related action and policy reform.
Please send your resume and cover letter with your responses to the above questions to Brent Mansfield at
director@bcfsn.org by midnight on Wednesday, June 10.
For more information about BC Food Systems Network and Tides Canada, please visit:
www.bcfsn.org and www.tidescanada.org/impact/initiatives/
As BC Food Systems Network is a Project of Tides Canada,
the selected candidate will be an employee of Tides Canada.
Our sincere appreciation to all those expressing interest in the position, however,
only those applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. No recruiters please.