Justice Research Coordinator

General Job Description

Doig River First Nation is seeking a motivated and organized individual to support our Indigenous Law Development Initiative. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with Elders, community members, youth, and leadership to help revitalize, document, and strengthen Tsaaʔ C̨hě Ne Dane laws. The Justice Research Coordinator will support ongoing efforts to gather stories, teachings, language, protocols, and community knowledge that will inform and guide the Nation's law-making and justice initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Functions:

· Research and document the legal history, governance systems, treaties, laws, policies, and significant historical events related to Doig River First Nation.

· Collect, record, and preserve oral histories, traditional knowledge, historical documents, photographs, maps, recordings, and archival materials.

· Conduct interviews with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to support legal and historical research projects.

· Coordinate community engagement activities, historical documentation projects, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

· Develop and maintain historical and legal archives in accordance with community protocols and best practices.

· Prepare reports, research summaries, presentations, and recommendations for leadership and community stakeholders.

· Identify, apply for, and manage grant funding opportunities that support justice, legal history, cultural preservation, and archival initiatives.

· Identify funding opportunities and coordinate a community publication project documenting the legal history of Doig River First Nation.

· Work with community members, historians, researchers, legal professionals, and academic partners to ensure accurate and respectful documentation of Indigenous legal traditions and community history.

· Develop strategies to preserve valuable historical records and culturally significant materials held by community members.

· Secure funding and coordinate the purchase and distribution of fire-resistant and waterproof safes for community members who store important historical documents, photographs, recordings, family histories, genealogical information, and other community records in their homes.

· Establish guidelines and best practices for the protection, storage, digitization, and preservation of community historical records.

· Support the preservation, revitalization, and transmission of Dane-zaa legal traditions, community history, and cultural knowledge.

· Maintain confidentiality and ensure that all research and archival activities respect community ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP®) principles and local protocols.

Qualifications

· Diploma or degree in Indigenous Studies, History, Law, Anthropology, Archival Studies, Political Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, documentation, and reporting skills.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with discretion, confidence, and accountability.

· Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

· Interest in Indigenous governance, history, culture.

· Experience working with Indigenous communities is an asset.

· Experience conducting historical, legal, policy, or community-based research, as well as project coordination, program administration, or community engagement activities, is considered an asset.

· Experience identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and supporting funding proposals for community, cultural, research, justice, or heritage initiatives is an asset.

· Knowledge of Dane-zaa culture, traditions, and language is an asset.

· Demonstrates integrity, empathy, trust, respect, and professionalism.

· Strong teamwork abilities within a broader community context.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.

· Understanding of trauma-informed practice within justice and community settings.

· Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.

· Commitment to continuous learning related to Indigenous law, justice, and community needs.

· Valid Driver's Licence.

Working Conditions

This position requires the incumbent to:

· Office and community-based work

· Regular meetings with community members.

· Occasional travel required.

· Use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursed at $0.70/km.)

· Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00am–4:30pm.

· Benefits/Pension: Eligible after probation period.

· Other: Cell phone and laptop provided.