Are you passionate about community-led research and Indigenous Knowledge? Do you want to support meaningful projects that preserve and strengthen akisqnuk culture, stewardship, and decision-making? Join us as aCommunity Researcher and play a key role in advancing land-related studies and traditional knowledge for generations to come.

As the Community Researcher, you will lead and support research initiativesincluding the Traditional Use and Interest Study (TUIS)that explore the deep-rooted connections between the land and the akisqnuk people. Working closely with Elders, knowledge holders, youth, and community members, you'll gather stories, conduct interviews, analyze data, and produce reports that guide and inform stewardship, planning, and cultural continuity. This position reports to the Director of Lands and Resources and collaborates across departments, conducting research for both the Lands & Resources and Member Services departments.

akisqnuk First Nation (AFN) is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. AFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the AFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan Our Thinking and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Note: This position is full-time with a set weekly schedule (35 hrs/week, Monday - Friday).

The primary responsibilities include:

Research & Community Engagement

• Design and carry out research using interviews, surveys, focus groups, and literature reviews
• Organize and facilitate engagement sessions with Elders, youth, and other community members
• Promote research initiatives and share findings through reports, newsletters, and presentations
• Ensure ethical and culturally appropriate approaches to knowledge sharing

Project Participation & Coordination

• Serve as the community lead on research projects, including liaising with external consultants
• Develop workplans, schedule meetings, manage logistics, and support project reporting
• Monitor project progress and keep the Director and stakeholders informed
• Prepare and deliver presentations to diverse audiences

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Work closely with other departments and project teams
• Support the transfer and preservation of akisqnuk and Ktunaxa knowledge
• Contribute to a strong foundation for future stewardship and planning initiatives
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Diploma or certificate in anthropology, social sciences, indigenous studies, or something similar
• 2+ years of experience conducting community research and interviews
• Experience and interest in working with Ktunaxa citizens and a willingness to learn Ktunaxa research methodologies.
• Strong interest in Indigenous Knowledge, community-based research, and cultural preservation
• Cultural awareness and a respectful understanding of Indigenous communities, values, and protocols.
• Comfortable working with Elders, youth, and a range of community stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to build trust and maintain relationships across diverse groups.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Organized, dependable, and detail-oriented
• A collaborative spirit and proactive approach to problem-solving, negotiation, and strategic thinking.
• Experience working in Indigenous or culturally diverse environments is a strong asset
• Knowledge of language, history and culture of the Ktunaxa Nation is an asset
• NOTE: A criminal check will be conducted on the successful applicant

What we offer:

• Starting salary between $60,000 to $67,000, depending on education and experience
• Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Years Day, as determined by the Council each year
• Paid annual vacation and sick days
• Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, health spending account, Employee Assistance Program, Disability coverage, available after 3 months of service
• Matched pension plan with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employees salary, available after 4 months of service
• Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia

akisqnuk First Nation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with our commitment to reconciliation and employment equity, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Mtis, or Inuit. We encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their application.