Executive Director, Territorial Resource Stewardship
(To be considered for this position you MUST HAVE considerable experience working with Canadain First Nations)
Skwlāx te Secwepemcúlecw (SteS) is seeking an Executive Director, Territorial Resource Stewardship (TRS) to provide strategic leadership for one of the Community’s four executive governance pillars. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Executive Director is responsible for advancing the stewardship, protection, and sustainable management of Skwlāx lands, waters, cultural resources, and territorial interests.
Grounded in Secwépemc values, traditional law, and Indigenous governance, the Executive Director provides executive leadership across the Nation's Territorial Resource Stewardship departments, ensuring environmental stewardship, cultural protection, and responsible economic development remain balanced for future generations. The role works closely with Chief and Council, the CAO, corporate leadership, government agencies, neighbouring Nations, industry partners, and community members to strengthen Indigenous jurisdiction, safeguard Title and Rights, and advance SteS priorities through collaborative leadership and strategic partnerships.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Executive Director contributes to organization-wide planning while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and culturally grounded workplace that supports long-term sustainability and community well-being.
THE ORGANIZATION
Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl'ecw (formerly Little Shuswap Lake Band) is a forward-thinking Secwépemc community known for its leadership, cultural strength, and bold approach to economic development. One of 17 bands of the Secwépemc Nation, Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl'ecw (SteS) is located in the Central Interior of British Columbia along the shores of Little Shuswap Lake near the Village of Chase.
Rooted in the traditional identity of Skwlāx, meaning Black Bear, the Nation has built a reputation for creating opportunities that honour culture while advancing long-term prosperity. SteS has adopted a progressive governance model that separates governance from business operations, allowing each to thrive while remaining strategically aligned.
Its diverse business interests include forestry, civil construction, aggregate operations, tourism, hospitality, and commercial development. The Nation continues to invest in community infrastructure while advancing significant initiatives, including the redevelopment of Quaaout Lodge following the 2022 fire.
Today, SteS continues to strengthen community well-being through four executive pillars:
- Health & Wellness
- Administration
- Economic Development
- Territorial Resource Stewardship
This integrated governance model reflects SteS' commitment to self-determination, sustainable growth, cultural revitalization, and responsible stewardship of Secwépemc lands and resources.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES
Vision
Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl’ecw brings forward our ancestral teachings to instruct us in advancing our people, language, and culture and protecting the environment. We take a proactive role to stimulate and lead the economy and protect Tmícw within Skwláxulecw as we move towards greater unity, self-reliance, and independence.
Mission
In pursuit of our Vision and alignment with our Values, we will:
- Lobby for the full recognition and implementation of our Title and Rights and the assertion within Skwláxulecw.
- Ensure our members enjoy a high quality of life through service delivery and the benefits of a safe, healthy, and prosperous community.
- Acknowledge that wealth generation, the stewardship of our lands and resources, and the advancement of our language and culture are foundational to our success.
- Deliver effective communication, management, and governance for an efficient administration.
Values
- We rely upon the wisdom of our ancestors, acting in the present and planning for the future.
- We believe that equity, reliability, empathy, integrity, and compassion are critical to the establishment and maintenance of healthy relationships.
- We are forthright in our dealings, embracing a philosophy of “do no harm” when engaging with others and the natural environment.
- We role-model respect through healthy two-way communication, speaking directly and honestly, and staying true to oneself.
- We are forward-looking, solution-oriented, and believe in the importance of collaboration and life-long learning for achieving success.
For more information, visit lslb.ca
THE ROLE
The Executive Director, Territorial Resource Stewardship provides executive leadership for one of the Nation's most significant strategic portfolios. Responsible for protecting and advancing SteS territorial interests, the role ensures natural resources, cultural heritage, lands, and environmental values are managed in accordance with Secwépemc traditional law while supporting responsible and sustainable economic opportunity.
Working closely with Chief and Council, the CAO, Executive Directors, corporate leadership, neighbouring Nations, and regulatory agencies, the Executive Director develops long-term strategies that balance conservation, community priorities, Indigenous jurisdiction, and economic development.
The Executive Director provides oversight for Guardianship, Fish and Wildlife, Cultural Heritage, Archaeology, Emergency Management, and On-Reserve Lands while guiding the continued evolution of SteS resource governance, consultation processes, permitting systems, and shared decision-making initiatives.
Success in this role requires an accomplished executive capable of navigating complex political, regulatory, environmental, and community interests while building strong relationships founded on trust, collaboration, transparency, and respect.
The Executive Director is expected to model ethical leadership, sound judgment, cultural humility, and accountability while supporting a high-performing multidisciplinary team committed to protecting SteS lands for future generations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Strategic Direction
- Lead the Territorial Resource Stewardship Pillar in alignment with Chief and Council priorities, organizational strategic plans, and Secwépemc values.
- Develop long-term stewardship strategies that protect environmental, cultural, and community interests while supporting sustainable economic opportunities.
- Translate organizational priorities into measurable operational plans, annual objectives, and departmental performance indicators.
- Provide strategic advice to Chief and Council, the CAO, and senior leadership on emerging legislation, Indigenous governance, resource management, and policy initiatives.
Territorial Stewardship and Secwépemc Governance
- Provide executive oversight for Guardianship, Fish and Wildlife, Cultural Heritage, Archaeology, Emergency Management, and On-Reserve Lands.
- Advance Indigenous jurisdiction over lands and natural resources through collaborative stewardship, shared decision-making, and innovative governance models.
- Guide territorial resource planning, permitting, monitoring, compliance, and stewardship activities while protecting environmental, cultural, and social values.
- Support recognition and implementation of Indigenous Title and Rights through effective policy development, planning, and relationship building.
Government, Industry, and Community Relations
- Build and maintain productive relationships with other Indigenous, federal and provincial governments, industry proponents, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
- Represent SteS in negotiations, committees, working groups, and regional initiatives affecting territorial stewardship and natural resource management.
- Lead collaborative partnerships that strengthen stewardship outcomes, support community priorities, and create long-term opportunities for SteS.
Financial Stewardship and Organizational Accountability
- Develop, administer, and monitor the Territorial Resource Stewardship budget in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer.
- Support sustainable revenue generation through responsible resource management, funding opportunities, partnership agreements, and revenue-sharing initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, funding agreements, organizational policies, and governance frameworks.
- Monitor departmental performance through reporting, strategic dashboards, and measurable outcomes.
Executive Leadership and Organizational Excellence
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and culturally grounded workplace that supports innovation. and professional growth.
- Provide executive leadership across the TRS Pillar by aligning departmental priorities with organizational strategy, collaborating with the CAO, Executive Directors, and SteS corporate entities to strengthen governance, organizational performance, and service delivery.
- Support succession planning, recruitment, performance management, and executive decision-making while modelling ethical leadership, professionalism, and organizational accountability to advance community planning, environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic opportunities.
THE CANDIDATE
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Executive Director, TRS will possess:
- Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Indigenous Governance, Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, or a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and senior leadership experience will be considered.
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive senior leadership experience within Indigenous governments, public sector organizations, environmental management, or complex natural resource environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams responsible for natural resources, environmental stewardship, lands, cultural heritage, or related functions.
- Experience working collaboratively with Indigenous governments, regulatory agencies, industry, and community partners.
- Experience managing complex budgets, strategic initiatives, negotiations, and organizational change.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of Indigenous governance, Title and Rights, resource stewardship, environmental management, and reconciliation initiatives.
- Understanding of natural resource disciplines including fisheries, wildlife, forestry, cultural heritage, archaeology, emergency management, and land administration.
- Demonstrated ability to balance environmental stewardship with sustainable economic development.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements and building collaborative partnerships.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and executive decision-making abilities.
- Financial acumen with experience managing operational budgets and funding agreements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive reports and presentations.
- Strong political awareness, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to culturally safe leadership and trauma-informed practices.
- Working knowledge of GIS, resource databases, and related information systems is considered an asset.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence.
- Ability to travel throughout British Columbia as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The Executive Director works primarily in an office environment with frequent travel throughout British Columbia to attend community meetings, government consultations, project sites, conferences, and regional partnership initiatives.
Regular interaction occurs with Chief and Council, Executive Directors, SteS corporate leadership, government representatives, neighbouring Indigenous Nations, consultants, industry proponents, and community members.
Flexibility is required to attend evening meetings, community engagement sessions, and travel for several consecutive days as operational needs require.
Due to the executive leadership nature of the position, professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and cultural respect are essential at all times.
SALARY RANGE
The position offers a starting salary of $125,000 to 150,000per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Following successful completion of the probationary period, the successful candidate will be eligible for the Management Excluded Remuneration and Compensation (MERCs) package, including extended health and dental benefits, pension participation, and additional executive benefits in accordance with organizational policy.
Apply on this site or by email to [email protected]
What we will provide:
- Full-time role with benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Competitive compensation package
Application Deadline:
Open until filled
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $125,000.00-$150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chase, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- management: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
