COMPANY OVERVIEW

Creative Fire is not your typical strategy and communications firm. We are a proudly Indigenous-owned company, driven by a dual purpose – profitability and social impact. Our work is grounded in truth, reconciliation, and supporting Indigenous economic development across Canada. As part of the Des Nedhe Group, we are uniquely positioned to help businesses, governments, and organizations deepen their relationships with Indigenous communities, creating meaningful change and lasting partnerships.

And, at the heart of Creative Fire is, well, a heart. As a purpose-driven company, we believe we can contribute to a more progressive, inclusive, and diverse Canada. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our work and fostering it within our business. We encourage applications from applicants of all backgrounds and identities.

Job summary: As a Consultant at Creative Fire, you will have a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues, along with expertise in community development and engagement strategies. The consultant will be a key resource in facilitating communication between Indigenous communities and external organizations, ensuring that initiatives align with community values and priorities.

JOB TITLE:        Consultant – Indigenous Engagement

REPORTS TO:    Manager, Business Consulting & Engagement

TYPE:              37.5 hours/week

LOCATION:       We are a fully virtual team that is spread across Canada. We welcome talent from across the country.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A supportive environment that respects Indigenous worldviews and knowledge systems.
• A chance to directly contribute to reconciliation and Indigenous economic empowerment.
• Flexible work arrangements (remote/hybrid).
• Professional development opportunities to expand your skills and expertise in Indigenous relations and sustainability.
• A collaborative team that values your voice, ideas, and contributions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The culture at Creative Fire encourages all team members to be open to taking on tasks outside their official job roles when needed. This approach enables team members to experience new challenges, fosters and encourages collaboration throughout the company, enhances flexibility, supports exceptional client service, and builds skill sets beyond their approved roles.

• Working with our clients from a variety of sectors to assess needs and understand strategic goals.
• Working with the team to set and drive problem solving approaches for all client engagements for which you are involved.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, leadership, and organizations.
• Conduct community consultations, interviews, focus groups, and other engagement activities to gather input on key initiatives or projects.
• Advise on culturally appropriate methods of engagement, communication, and consultation.
• Provide guidance on respecting Indigenous governance structures and decision-making processes.
• Work with Indigenous communities and external stakeholders to develop engagement strategies that reflect community needs, aspirations, and priorities.
• Collaborate on the design and implementation of policies, programs, or projects to ensure they are culturally responsive and inclusive.
• Advise on the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems, worldviews, and values into organizational processes and initiatives.
• Provide training and resources to internal teams or stakeholders to increase cultural awareness and competency when working with Indigenous communities.
• Act as a liaison between Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous stakeholders, advocating for community interests and ensuring that their perspectives are heard and respected.
• Develop and deliver reports, presentations, and communication materials that reflect community input and recommendations.
• Advocate for Indigenous rights, land claims, and self-determination in the context of external initiatives.
• Track the progress of engagement initiatives, document key outcomes, and ensure accountability in reporting back to Indigenous communities.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, organizations, and government agencies.
• Ensure that feedback from Indigenous communities is incorporated into project designs or policy recommendations.
• Conduct research on Indigenous issues, legislation, policies, and practices to inform engagement strategies.
• Provide recommendations for policy development that align with Indigenous rights, cultural practices, and governance systems.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities related to Indigenous community development.
• Building relationships with clients at multiple levels.
• Providing support and mentorship to less experienced colleagues.
• Contributing to the growth and development of Creative Fire.
• Supporting and leading internal practice development (e.g., thought leadership/IP development).
• Finding opportunities for innovation and partnership.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A strong academic record with a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Community Development, Public Policy or comparable graduate degree preferred.
• At least 2-4 years of experience in professional services (e.g., consulting) or in an internal strategy/transformation role
• Past work experience in Community Engagement, Consultation, Reconciliation, Sustainability, ESG or Indigenous engagement preferred.
• Experience in facilitating cross-cultural communication and understanding in diverse environments.
• Illustrated past project management experience is expected.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Familiarity with Indigenous rights, treaties, and self-determination frameworks.
• Knowledge of local Indigenous communities, governance structures, and decision-making processes.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to navigate and respect Indigenous cultural protocols and traditions.
• Understanding of the importance of land, language, and spirituality in Indigenous cultures.
• Demonstrated commitment to decolonization and reconciliation practices.
• Cultural humility and respect for Indigenous worldviews.
• Fluency in an Indigenous language (where applicable) is considered an asset.
• Willingness to travel and engage with remote or rural communities as required.
• Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks pertaining to Indigenous rights and governance.
• Strong quantitative (e.g., financial analysis, business-casing, ability to work with data sets) and qualitative (e.g., stakeholder engagement, literature reviews, reporting writing) aptitude.
• Exceptional intellectual horsepower, including strong critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and the capacity for lateral/creative thinking.
• Experience with project problem diagnosis, solution development, client communications, managing client expectations, project delivery and team leadership.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and ability to work independently.
• Forward thinking and in touch with current sustainability and Indigenous engagement trends.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee
and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

At Creative Fire, diversity is more than a value – it’s our foundation. As an Indigenous-owned firm, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. Our recruitment process is equitable, accessible, and designed to ensure every candidate has the opportunity to shine.