Indigenous Policy Counsel

Legal Aid Saskatchewan (LAS) is seeking to fill the position of Indigenous Policy Counsel (IPC) to advance our commitment to reconciliation, access to justice, and meaningful partnership with Indigenous peoples and communities across Saskatchewan. This is a full time, permanent role for an individual who brings deep knowledge of Indigenous justice issues, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to drive systemic change within the justice sector.

Reporting to the Director, Indigenous Services and Relations (DISR), this position assists the DISR with the development and implementation of strategic priorities that support the effective delivery of legal aid services to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people and communities. Supporting Legal Aid Saskatchewan (LAS) in our commitment to reconciliation, The Indigenous Policy Counsel (IPC) will be responsible for policy development and oversight, building relationships with and among internal and external rightsholders and partners, facilitating justice services and improvements, and providing expertise on matters affecting Indigenous people.

The IPC will be responsible for supporting the DISR in advancing LAS’s strategic efforts to promote equitable access to justice for Indigenous peoples, advocate for Indigenous rights and the interests of marginalized communities and serve as a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change within the Saskatchewan Justice sector.

The position offers the opportunity to make a difference while working in an access-to-justice organization, together with a competitive salary and group benefits. The successful candidate must be based in Saskatchewan and willing to travel to LAS offices across the province as well as attend various conferences and community events as needed. Physical office will be dependent on where the candidate resides, and remote work may be an option.

Why work for us?

At LAS, we are committed to ensuring access to justice for all, and we believe in the power of advocacy to change lives. Joining our team means being part of a province-wide organization that values compassion, collaboration, courage and commitment. In addition to your competitive salary listed above, our generous and comprehensive benefit package includes employer’s paid extended health & dental family coverage; paid sick time; three weeks of paid vacation at the start, plus 12 scheduled days (SDOs); 14 Statutory holidays; pension match 6.35%; relocation assistance if applicable and more. For more information visit: legalaid.sk.ca/about/careers/

Position Responsibilities

• Supports the DISR in building and maintaining strong and effective working relationships with internal and external rightsholders and partners including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, LAS staff, contractors, community organizations, and justice sector professionals.
• Represents LAS on internal and external committees as directed by the DISR.
• Coordinates Indigenous consultation/advisory processes including arranging meetings and agendas.
• Supports and collaborates on Indigenous community engagement initiatives as directed by the DISR.
• Under the direction of the DISR, develops plans for communication with Indigenous and other communities.
• Monitors legislative, policy, and jurisprudential developments affecting Indigenous peoples and LAS.
• Prepares policy briefs, reports, and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Supports the DISR in conducting focused research and reviews on issues impacting Indigenous peoples in the justice system.
• Under the direction of the DISR, drafts and reviews policies and strategies to enhance Indigenous services and works within LAS to implement and measure change.
• Assists the DISR with monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory proposals/amendments to identify impact(s) on Indigenous peoples.
• Drafts high-quality submissions and other communications in plain language to Courts, justice partners, and governments.
• Supports the DISR in implementing the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and advancing LAS’s organizational commitments to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two- Spirit People Calls for Justice.
• Under the direction of the DISR, develops standard submissions and practice directives for use by lawyers across the organization, specifically in the area of Gladue rights and other materials relevant to advocating on behalf of Indigenous peoples in the justice system.
• Manages Indigenous programs and services and approved projects as directed by the DISR.
• Other duties as assigned by the DISR.

Core Competencies

• Dependability and Reliability: ability to independently handle duties and assignments in a committed, skilled and responsible manner.
• Client Service: promotes culturally informed and trauma informed approaches, and ensures alignment with LAS expectations and best practice.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: ability to express ideas respectfully, concisely and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
• Leading Self: is aware of personal strengths and weaknesses and their impact on others.
• Collaboration and Professionalism: Demonstrates integrity, respect, and professionalism in all interactions while fostering collaborative relationships to achieve strategic and organizational objectives.
• Leadership: willingness to accept responsibility, communicate respectfully, and show empathy and compassion for others.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of Indigenous social justice issues and Canada’s justice and legal system.
• Ability to communicate and relate with Indigenous peoples and their communities, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural and Nation differences.
• LL.B or JD Law Degree from a recognized university and a member in good standing of the Saskatchewan Bar
• Experience in criminal law
• Demonstrated conflict resolution, facilitation, and negotiating skills.
• Strong awareness of government laws and policies impacting Indigenous peoples.
• Demonstrated commitment in adhering to Indigenous protocols and cultural practices.
• Demonstrated effort to participate in community events, ceremony, and relationship building initiatives on behalf of LAS.
• Demonstrated distribution and use of Gladue submission guides as well as the utilization of Gladue reports during bail, trial, sentencing, dangerous offender and child apprehension hearings.
• Actively pursues alternatives to incarceration and court ordered child removal by utilizing restorative justice, sentencing circles, and other community led solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
• Considerable knowledge of administrative principles, practices, techniques, policies, and legislative development relevant to Indigenous programs, services, and activities.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and the ability to nurture and work within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts and to provide advice and assistance on matters related to the work.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently

Assets

• Knowledge of the justice sector and LAS services and structure.
• Knowledge of child protection.
• Intermediate to advanced technology skills, including SharePoint and electronic document management systems (EDMS) as well as Microsoft Office applications to support communication and knowledge sharing.
• Knowledge of and/or fluency in an Indigenous language.

Work Environment & Location

• The successful candidate must be based in Saskatchewan
• Province-wide mandate with travel to LAS offices and conferences as required
• Physical office location will depend on the candidate’s residence
• Remote or hybrid work may be an option

Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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