Ulkatcho First Nation – Rights & Title Director

 

Ulkatcho First Nation (UFN) - Anahim Lake, BC | 1 Year Fixed-Term Contract

 

Position Summary

The Rights & Title Director will report to the Ulkatcho First Nations’ (UFN) Chief Governance Officer (CGO) and work to support all aspects of advancing and protecting Ulkatcho’ten rights and title interests.

The Director is instrumental in working across UFN departments to re-stablish Ulkatcho’ten language, rights and title responsibilities, and support and enhance the establishment of Ulkatcho’ten obligations and inherent jurisdiction across ancestral territories. The Director will work with the CGO to advance strategic government to government negotiations, frameworks, and policy.

The successful candidate will be a demonstrated leader with solid experience and training in Indigenous governance and law that is grounded in community and nationhood. The successful incumbent will have a deep understanding of UFN’s history, governance, laws and genealogy, as evidenced in strong relationships and experiences with Ulkatcho’ten elders, knowledge keepers, and leadership.

 A strategic and long-term visionary, the Director will work with the CGO and UFN leadership to ensure that rights & title work is not just legal – but also serves Ulkatcho’ten lands, ancestors, and future generations.

The successful candidate will have strong legal and policy literacy, be trauma-informed and politically aware, and enhance organizational and operational capacity of the UFN departments. 

Duties and Responsibilities

·       Develop and implement a comprehensive Rights & Title Strategy.

·       Provide expert analysis, policy guidance, and strategic advice to the UFN administration departments and Chief & Council on legal, political, and jurisdictional matters.

·       Lead negotiations with federal, provincial, local, and Nation governments that enhance Ulkatcho’ten sovereignty and self-determination.

·       Work with cross-departmentally to uphold the commitments and principles in UNDRIP (as implemented through DRIPA) and the UFN Strategic Plan to advance a strong UFN sovereignty, rights, and title agenda.

·       Develop and implement policy that applies to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of the UFN.

·       Protect and advance Ulkatcho’ten title and rights.

·       Develop comprehensive reports on use, occupancy and continuity of Ulkatcho’ten ancestral lands.

·       Lead Specific Claims, Class Action, and other UFN Rights & Title legal needs of the UFN.

·       Work closely with the UFN Natural Resource Department and Culture, Language and Heritage Department to advance UFN objectives related to land governance, Indigenous jurisdiction, legal claims, consultation processes, and stewardship frameworks.

·       Work cross-departmentally to advance the UFN’s reconciliation goals.

Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with UFN policies, laws, laws, bylaws, standards, and procedures as directed by the Chief Governance Officer. A combination of education, experience, and training will be considered for this position.

 Qualifications

·       Graduate level studies in Law, Indigenous Governance, Public Policy or a related field and up to 5 years related experience and demonstrated leadership in Indigenous rights, governance, and administration, or

·       A Bachelor of Law, Indigenous Governance, Public Policy or related field and 5+ years related experience and demonstrated leadership in Indigenous rights, governance, and administration.

·       Preference/priority given to those that self-identify as Ulkatcho’ten, and preference/priority given to those that self-identify as First Nations.

·       Experience in trauma informed practices and approaches and asset.

·       Experience in working within systemic and background factors such as intergenerational trauma, residential schools, child welfare involvement, poverty and discrimination.

·       Records Management Certification an asset.

·       Must have a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle.

·       Must successfully complete a criminal record check for vulnerable populations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·       Commitment to Ulkatcho’ten values, culture, and community well-being.

·       Deep knowledge of Aboriginal rights & title law in Canada.

·       Solid understanding of key First Nation Class Action Settlements in BC & Canada

·       Deep knowledge of the Specific Claims Process in BC (research, development and submission).

·       Knowledge of Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government processes and relevant statutes and regulations including regulatory frameworks and consultation and accommodation processes.

·       Strong political acuity and strategic thinking.

·       Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.

·       Excellent interpersonal and communication skills able to develop rapport and relationships with membership and personnel at all levels, and to conduct observations and interviews effectively.

·       Previous experience in ethical conduct and research, Indigenous research methods, and the First Nations Principles of OCAP.

·       Ability to practice sound judgement and ethics, and exercise discretion in confidential settings

·       Technically competent with various computer software programs such as word-processing, database management and file management software applications.

·       Ability to travel.

 Interview Process:

·       Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

·       Two step interviews (Interview & written assignment)

·       Criminal record check

·       Reference Check

·       Application Deadline: Open until filled.

 

Posting Date: April 10, 2026

Internally posted for one week until April 17, 2026

Externally posted on April 18, 2026

Application Closing May 8, 2026

 

Pay Grade: Salary range: $105,000 - $125,000 (Commensurate with total years of experience, specialized certifications, and license level.)

 

How to Apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter to hr@ulkatcho.ca. Please include “Rights & Title Director” in the subject line. Or drop off at the reception counter at the band office. Ulkatcho First Nation thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, it is UFN policy to practice preferential hiring for Aboriginal peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.