JOB POSTING

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) is a fast-growing vibrant organization committed to the development and progress of its Band Members and Community. As such, the TteS invites applications from qualified, highly motivated and dynamic individuals to fill the following position.

POSITION TITLE: Indigenous Food Sovereignty (IFS) Lead

DEPARTMENT: Community Services

SUPERVISOR: Community Services Manager

TERMS: Full Time, Permanent

REFERENCE #: 2026-070

Purpose of Position:

To lead, coordinate, and grow food sovereignty initiatives that promote community wellness, cultural revitalization, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability. The Food Sovereignty Lead supports access to traditional and local food systems through land-based learning, community gardens, food preservation, knowledge-sharing, and partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Coordination – 40%

• Lead the planning, coordination, and evaluation of food sovereignty programs, including gardens, harvesting initiatives, workshops, and seasonal events.

• Build and maintain relationships with community members, Elders, youth, and partner organizations.

• Integrate Secwépemc knowledge and cultural teachings into all programming.

Land-Based and Food Activities – 20%

• Organize and participate in planting, harvesting, hunting, fishing, foraging, and preservation activities.

• Oversee or support maintenance of community gardens, greenhouses, or traditional food storage facilities.

• Promote food sustainability practices rooted in cultural knowledge and environmental stewardship.

Education and Community Engagement - 15%

• Develop and deliver educational sessions on food sovereignty, food security, traditional food systems, and climate resilience.

• Work with schools or youth programs to support land-based learning and intergenerational knowledge exchange.

Partnership Development and Advocacy – 10%

• Build relationships with local farmers, organizations, funders, and Indigenous food networks.

• Advocate for community food access, traditional harvesting rights, and sustainable food practices.

Administration and Reporting – 10%

• Track budgets, prepare reports for leadership and funders, and support grant writing or funding applications.

• Maintain accurate records of participation, harvests, and program impacts.

Other Duties as Required 5%

Financial Responsibility:

• Participates in the planning, development, and follow-up of project or program budgets.

• May oversee spending related to gardens, equipment, supplies, and small contracts.

• May contribute to grant reporting or funding proposals.

Supervision or Training Duties:

• Supervises Indigenous Food Sovereignty (IFS) support staff, including seasonal workers, students, and volunteers.

• Coordinates involvement of Elders and Knowledge Keepers in a respectful, supportive manner.

Special Requirements:

• Clear Criminal Record Check and valid Class 5 Driver’s License (Class 4 may be an asset).

• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, Secwépemc cultural values and protocols.

• Occasional evening or weekend work required to support community events and seasonal timelines.

Professional Certification, Education and Experience:

• Certificate or diploma in agriculture, Indigenous studies, environmental science, food systems, community development, or a related field.

• 2–3 years of experience in food sovereignty, land-based education, gardening/farming, or community programming.

• Equivalent combination of education and lived or cultural experience will be considered.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Comfortable with hands-on, outdoor, and physical work.
• Ability to lead programs with cultural sensitivity and community care.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build trusting relationships.
• Grant writing, reporting, or budgeting experience is an asset.

Passion for community wellness, traditional knowledge, and food sustainability.

Benefits:

• Extended health, dental, and vision

• 7.6% Registered Pension Plan (RPP) matching and Life insurance

HOURS OF WORK: Normal Day shifts – 7 hours. Non-normal shifts may be required.

PAY GRADE: Starting at $30.53 to $33.72/hour depending on experience

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc 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 TteS Policy to practice preferential hiring for Aboriginal peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

Deadline for the Job posting is May 25, 2026 by 2:00pm

Submit Job Application Form, cover letter, resume, and references

online: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

or at our Human Resources office #320 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm &

closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

We require each applicant to fill out

an online application form which can be found at: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

Any late submissions or submissions without the job application form will not be considered.