Indigenous Relations Manager
Recovery
An Indigenous Relations Manager builds and maintains the relationships between a forest or restoration organization and the Indigenous communities whose territories it operates in. This is not a communications role or a compliance function — it's substantive relational and technical work that requires cultural competency, genuine respect for Indigenous rights and title, and the ability to navigate complex governance, policy, and land-based contexts. The role is increasingly central to how responsible forest and restoration work gets done in BC.
Advanced
Experience Level
Year-round
Seasonality
Low
Physical Demands
People in this role tend to be driven by a genuine belief that the forest sector needs to operate differently on Indigenous territories — and that meaningful, sustained relationship-building is how that change happens. It's work that requires navigating complexity with patience and integrity. When it goes well, it results in partnerships that improve ecological outcomes and create real opportunities for Indigenous communities. That's a meaningful professional contribution that very few roles in the sector can claim.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
No two days are the same, but the relational work is always the centre of it. You might spend a morning preparing for a government-to-government consultation meeting, an afternoon in a call with a Nation's resource management team about a project in their territory, and an evening reviewing a draft agreement. Field visits, community meetings, and internal education all factor in. The work is long-term — relationships that matter aren't built in a single meeting.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Primarily meetings, coordination, travel, and planning work — with field site visits periodically. The role requires comfort navigating government, community, and project environments simultaneously. It's not physically demanding, but it requires sustained relational investment and a high degree of cultural awareness.
CYCLICAL NATURE OF ROLE
Year-round, aligned with project timelines, consultation cycles, and community engagement schedules. Intensity varies with project activity and regulatory review periods.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & TRAINING
REQUIRED SOFT SKILLS
Cultural humility and genuine respect for Indigenous rights, governance, and knowledge systems
Relationship-building and trust development over the long term
Diplomatic communication across government, community, and organizational contexts
Navigating conflict and complexity with patience and integrity
Cross-cultural communication and facilitation
REQUIRED HARD SKILLS
Post-secondary education in Indigenous studies, political science, natural resources, law, or a related field is typically preferred
Direct experience working with or within Indigenous communities or governments is typically required
Understanding of BC Indigenous rights and title law, UNDRIP, and consultation obligations is required
Knowledge of BC forest practice and environmental regulation is an asset
Valid driver's licence is required
Lived experience within Indigenous communities is a significant asset
ON THE JOB LEARNING
Consultation and accommodation process management
Indigenous rights and title frameworks in BC
Long-term relationship-building with Indigenous governments
Cross-cultural facilitation and organizational change work
Land-based agreement development and stewardship
FUTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Indigenous relations experience in the forest and restoration sector is a pathway into senior government affairs roles, reconciliation advisory positions, Indigenous economic development management, and leadership within Indigenous organizations and resource companies. The expertise is increasingly critical and transferable across the natural resources sector.