JOB OPPORTUNITY – UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS, VANCOUVER
Permanent Full-Time Historical Research Assistant

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is seeking a full-time, permanent Historical Research Assistant to support the work of our organization and assist in carrying out the mandates as directed by UBCIC’s member Nations. Reporting to the Senior Researcher and Research Director, the successful candidate will focus on the advancement of specific claims and UBCIC research initiatives involving education, support, advocacy, and outreach to the BC First Nations research community.

About the UBCIC

The UBCIC is a not-for-profit organization representing and taking direction from over 100 Indigenous Nations in BC. Our aim is to protect and advance the political and territorial rights of Indigenous people in BC. We support Indigenous Peoples at regional, national, and international forums. The UBCIC’s mandate is to work towards the implementation, exercise, and recognition of our inherent Title, Rights, and Treaty Rights, and to protect our lands, waters, and resources through the exercise and implementation of our own laws and jurisdiction. The UBCIC strengthens Indigenous Nations to assert and implement their Aboriginal Title, Rights, Treaty Rights, and Right of Self-Determination as Peoples.  The UBCIC upholds the principles and standards articulated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for the establishment and maintenance of a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being, and rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Creating and maintaining specific claims project files (both hard copy and electronic files)
• Identifying, obtaining, copying, scanning, labeling, and filing relevant documents and maps from public and private archives, government offices and university libraries
• Creating and maintaining bibliographies and bibliographic databases
• Assisting researchers in the preparation of research plans and written research reports
• Undertaking other research, educational and administrative tasks as required
• Providing support on related initiatives and projects as directed by the Research Director.

Qualifications:

• Strong comprehension of specific claims policy and understanding of reserve creation history in BC
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields or equivalent experience
• Excellent writing, editing and analytical skills and previous archival research experience
• Proficient computer skills, including internet skills
• Practical experience with specific claims research procedures is an asset
• Strong knowledge of the vision and goals of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive salary of $45,000-$60,000.00 per year, dependent on skills, experience and qualifications, along with a host of benefits including comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, RRSP matching up to 2.5% of your salary, 2 weeks’ vacation to start, 5 days flex-time, paid time off for statutory holidays and winter break office closure.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to the attention of the Research Director. If sending by email, please send to [email protected]. We thank all candidates for their interest and regret that only those candidates who are shortlisted for interviews will be contacted. Deadline to apply is July 31st, 2024.

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. However, qualified Indigenous applicants will be given priority.

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