Nikani Awtiken Program Coordinator

Job title: Nikani Awtiken Program Coordinator 

Reports to: Communications & Outreach Manager 

Job location: 4102 Shore Road, Eskasoni, NS, Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Some remote work may be done, depending on situation.  Land-based learning initiatives will take place throughout Unama’ki. 

Wage: $19.00 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (15-week internship) 

Start Date: Expected May 13, 2024 

 

This position is designated and limited to applicants from the following groups:    

• Indigenous People (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) 

Employment Hiring 

Clean is committed to Employment Equity and our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes applications from qualified self-identifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Racialized Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ applicants. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on our registration form. 

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program 

The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects.  

Program Requirements 

• Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted refugee status in Canada or legally entitled to work in Canada;  
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of internship; 
• From and/or will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship; 
• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer; 

About the host employer 

UINR is a non-profit natural resource management organization that works on behalf of Cape Breton’s five Mi’kmaw communities toward a sustainable Unama’ki. UINR strengthens Mi’kmaw research and governance while maintaining traditional Mi’kmaw values and worldviews. Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources is Unama’ki’s Mi’kmaq voice on natural resources and the environment. By integrating Netukulimk (traditional Mi’kmaq management) with traditional and conventional ways of understanding, known as Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), UINR takes the lead on best-management practices in Unama’ki. We work closely with government and First Nations organizations toward equal participation in natural resource management.  UINR is responsible for aquatic research and stewardship, species management, traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge, conserved and protected areas, water quality monitoring and environmental partnerships. UINR represents the five Mi’kmaq communities in Unama’ki/Cape Breton, (Eskasoni, Membertou, Potlotek, Wagmatcook, We’koqma’q) on natural resources issues, contributing to an understanding and protection of Unama’ki’s ecosystem through research, monitoring, education, and management. Established in 1999, our Board of Directors is made up of the five Unama’ki Chiefs.  

Our 3 Goals: 

1. GOVERNANCE
   To provide resources for Mi’kmaq equal participation in natural resource management in Unama’ki and its traditional territory.
2. TWO-EYED SEEING
   To strengthen Mi’kmaw research and natural resource management while maintaining our traditions and world views.
3. PARTNERSHIPS
   To partner with other groups sharing the same desire to protect and preserve our resources for future generations. 

Summary of position  

In this position, you will be mainly responsible for organizing outreach opportunities regarding traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge, natural resources and management, and sustainability.  

You will organize public events with local Elders, knowledge holders and natural resource managers, and you will take leadership to coordinate our Nikani Awtiken Summer Program, an eight-day long cultural immersion program for Mi’kmaw youth ages 15-18. 

The successful candidate needs to have excellent interpersonal skills, be outgoing and enjoy learning, and have experience working with Mi’kmaq communities.  

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Organize outreach schedule for summer 2024;
• Liaise with community partners, Elders, knowledge holders, and natural resource managers;
• Participate in UINR field activities to learn about natural resources and management work;
• Plan outreach activities
• Prepare materials for events
• Promote events and recruit participants
• Coordinate activities and events (all details, including location rental, food, honorarium, etc.)
• Assist with Nikani Awtiken coordination (program details: site, activities, recruitment, etc.)
• Prepare education materials to be included in outreach events (2024 and future)
• Write final project report 

Requirements/Qualifications 

• Have an aptitude for safe work practices and the ability to multi-task in a busy work environment; 
• Be able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback; 
• Demonstrated interest in future employment in the environmental or clean sector is considered an asset; 
• Have organization skills 
• Have some experience with public outreach (public speaking, people skills, etc) 
• Have experience working with and within Mi’kmaq communities. 

Working Conditions
This position will require the intern to be available on site (Orangedale or St.Peters, still to be determined) for the entirety of the Nikani Awtiken program, which will take place mid-August.