Indigenous Stewardship Monitor

Position Summary: 

The Indigenous Stewardship Monitor (ISM) will represent ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation (AFN), Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) and other Ktunaxa First Nations (KFN) by carrying out cultural and stewardship-based observation and oversight grounded in ʔa·knumu¢tiǂiǂ (natural law), Ktunaxa kwiⱡiⱡwi·naʔt (values), and responsibility to ʔa·kxam̓is q̓api qapsin (all living things) throughout the BC Hydro - Revelstoke Generating Station Unit 6 Project (REV6). The ISM will ensure that Ktunaxa kwiⱡiⱡwi·naʔt, rights, and traditional knowledge are respected and protected throughout all stages of the project, from pre-construction surveys to construction, and through early operations.

Acting as the “eyes and ears” of the Nation, the ISM will monitor REV6 activities through a Ktunaxa cultural lens, while documenting conditions and changes through repeated site presence and observation. The ISM will verify compliance with cultural and ecological protection measures in addition to identifying signs of disturbance, imbalance, or risk to culturally significant ʔamak (land), wuʔu (water), connectivity, species and places.

The ISM will work closely with BC Hydro, the Independent Environmental Monitor (IEM), AFN/KNC technical staff, Elders and ʔa·knusti/Land Guardians to share observations, document findings, adapt management approaches and communicate results.

This position supports Ktunaxa-led monitoring and protection of culture, ʔamak, and wuʔu within ʔamak̓is Ktunaxa, with Western technical tools used only where they support ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation decision-making. Depending on experience, the ISM position may be filled by an experienced monitor or by someone who is newer to the field who has Ktunaxa cultural knowledge, and is motivated to learn, with training and mentorship available to support skill development.

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation (ʔAFN) is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. ʔAFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values.  As a team, through our own roles and departments, the ʔAFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan “Our Thinking” and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Note: This position is full-time with a set weekly schedule (35 hrs/week, Monday - Friday) working on-site in Revelstoke, BC.

Major Position Responsibilities:

Cultural and Environmental Monitoring

Conduct field monitoring at REV6 construction and operational sites (e.g., reservoirs, transmission lines, laydown areas).

Identify and assess potential impacts on areas surrounding the project site that are culturally significant including, but not limited to archaeological sites, viewscapes, wildlife and terrestrial habitat, fish and aquatic habitat, shoreline erosion, water flows, sedimentation, vegetation, invasive species, and overall ecosystem health.

Verify adherence to the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), Archaeological and Heritage Plan, and other regulatory documents.

Gather, record and report data through standardized field methods, including photo-monitoring and GPS tracking, to substantiate stewardship observations.

Conduct on and off-site inspections to confirm implementation of mitigation measures and assess their effectiveness while contributing to adaptive management strategies.

Stewardship and Knowledge Integration

Apply Ktunaxa knowledge systems, laws and teachings as the primary framework for stewardship, with Western science used selectively where it supports ʔakisq̓nuk objectives.

Uphold cultural protocols governing what can be recorded, what must remain confidential and when Elders must guide decisions.

Participate in heritage site assessments in collaboration with Elders and Knowledge Holders.

Participate in training and mentorship opportunities, both giving and receiving guidance.

Collaboration and Reporting

Communicate with project partners; e.g., BC Hydro, Environmental Assessment Office, Independent Environmental Monitor (IEM), KNC, Ktunaxa ʔa·knusti/Land Guardians, other neighbouring Nations ISM’s and project monitors.

Contribute to monthly, quarterly and annual reports, summarizing key findings and recommendations with the primary accountability to ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation and Ktunaxa Nation Council

Highlight concerns to KNC, AFN, and KFNs early, including when mitigation measures are culturally inappropriate even if technically compliant.

Cultural leadership with the authority to raise cultural concerns, recommend pause or adjustment to activities, and seek Elder guidance when thresholds are crossed

Community Engagement

Support community awareness of project related stewardship responsibilities, observed changes, and decision pathways.

Promote awareness of cultural and ecological stewardship practices through educational discussions and field-based learning.

Support integration of Ktunaxa traditional knowledge and cultural protocols within AFN’s community engagement initiatives.

Project Management & Funding

Support stewardship-related planning, coordination, reporting requirements and project deliverables to ensure effective program implementation.

Coordinate on-the-lands opportunities with Ktunaxa Elders and Knowledge Holders.

Establish contracts and partnerships with consultants, researchers, and technical specialists as needed.

Health, Safety, and Conduct

Adhere to all field safety protocols and site access requirements.

Willingness to complete and adhere to required safety training and mitigation measures (eg. wear personal protective equipment).

Maintain confidentiality, respect, and professionalism while representing the Nation.

Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Diploma or certificate in environmental science, Indigenous land stewardship, natural resource management, or a related field.

Working knowledge and experience in sustainable land use and resource management and planning.

Equivalent experience or a combination of education and knowledge of Ktunaxa traditional values and responsibilities will be considered.

Experience learned through land-based practice, family teachings or stewardship roles. 

Hands-on field experience collecting environmental data, conducting site inspections, and documenting impacts to cultural or ecological values.

Knowledge of environmental effects of construction activities, mitigation measures, and ability to recognize culturally significant species, seasonal patterns and signs of change.

Additional training or coursework in environmental monitoring, cultural heritage protection, or ecosystem management is an asset.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deliver measurable results.

Strong facilitation and communication skills.

High degree of professionalism, integrity, and cultural awareness.

Ability to work collaboratively with leadership, community members, and external partners.

A collaborative spirit and proactive approach to problem-solving, negotiation, and strategic thinking.

Safety or field certifications e.g., Power Systems Safety Protection (PSSP), Work Protection Practices (WPP), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and first aid are considered an asset, however candidates without the previously mentioned certifications will be supported to obtain them.

NOTE: A criminal check will be conducted on the successful applicant

What we offer:

Starting salary between $60,000 to $70,000, depending on education and experience

Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as determined by the Council each year

Paid annual vacation and sick days

Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, health spending account, Employee Assistance Program, Disability coverage, available after 3 months of service

Matched pension plan with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee’s salary, available after 4 months of service

Live and work in a beautiful place in British Columbia

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with our commitment to reconciliation and employment equity, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. We encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their application.