About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Title, Rights and Government, the Government Relations Advisor supports the development and advancement of Musqueam’s government relations priorities by building and maintaining strategic relationships with Indigenous, municipal, provincial, and federal partners. The role provides policy, legislative, and strategic advice on matters that affect Musqueam’s title, rights, interests, and governance objectives.

Working closely with internal departments, leadership, and Council, the Government Relations Advisor leads or supports engagement, consultation, and advocacy initiatives; monitors emerging government policies and legislation; prepares briefing materials and correspondence; and helps coordinate key files, agreements, and intergovernmental initiatives. The role requires sound judgment, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to represent Musqueam effectively in complex and evolving political and regulatory environments.

Roles & Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of an overarching government relations strategy aligned with Musqueam’s priorities and strategic plan.

• Conduct planning sessions with department managers to identify priorities, goals, policy needs, and government-facing activities.
• Identify shared priorities across departments and develop a coordinated approach to government relations and advocacy.
• Help establish key advocacy priorities and engagement objectives for government and First Nations partners.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive engagement plan across Indigenous, municipal, provincial, and federal governments.
• Identify key decision-makers, relationship networks, and strategic points of influence relevant to Musqueam’s priority files.
• Define engagement goals, expected outcomes, and measures of success for priority relationships and initiatives.
• Support implementation of engagement plans by preparing briefings, correspondence, meeting materials, and strategic messaging in collaboration with internal teams.
• Attend meetings and maintain detailed records.

Monitoring, Intelligence, and Reporting

• Monitor government, legislative, regulatory, and political developments that may affect Musqueam’s interests.
• Track relevant votes, bills, committee activity, policy changes, funding opportunities, and budget cycles.
• Monitor public statements, official communications, and relevant developments among Indigenous governments and partner organizations.
• Assess risks, opportunities, and emerging trends, and provide timely analysis to support decision-making.
• Prepare regular briefings and updates for leadership and management summarizing key developments, implications, and recommended actions.

Training & Supervision

• Provide guidance, training, and task delegation to team members, co-op students, or interns, as assigned.
• Support a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing team environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in Political Science, First Nations Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A master’s degree is considered an asset.
• A minimum of three years of experience in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous politics and law.
• Cultural competency and knowledge of Musqueam culture and interests, or the ability to develop this.
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of project management methods and the ability to lead files.
• Exceptional communicator with excellent writing skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise discretion, tact, and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and complete tasks and projects within established timelines.
• Criminal record check is required.

Working Conditions

• The work is performed in an office environment with some meetings off-site.
• Flexibility for evening work is required.

Why work for Musqueam?

Musqueam’s success as a leading First Nations government is grounded in the traditional teachings of its people, as well as the initiative, commitment, and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Musqueam is committed to providing a strong, engaged, and member-focused government.

• Competitive salary
• Training and career development
• Business casual environment
• Community fitness and gym access
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails on Musqueam territory and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.