BACKGROUND:

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

SCO provides competitive compensation and excellent pension and benefits, as well as a positive work environment.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) requires a Program Lead for our Survivors Healing Program. The Survivors Healing Program (SHP) supports Residential School/Day School, MMIWG2S+, 60’s Scoop, Child Welfare System and Intergenerational Trauma Survivors and their families in their journeys of healing and commemoration while honouring the Children Who Never Made it Home.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Service Delivery, the Program Lead is a senior role within SCO. The Program Lead is a valuable member of the SCO Team who provides leadership and oversight to a team consisting of staff in the areas of Residential School/Day School (RS/DS), MMIGW2S+, 60’s Scoop, Child Welfare System and Intergenerational Trauma Survivors and their families with culturally relevant supports.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a team consisting of an RS/DS Liaison, MMIWG2S+ and 60’s Scoop and Child Welfare System Survivor Liaison to support Survivors and their families.
• Identify gaps in services for Survivors and act as an agent of change to work with governments, police, and other systems and structures to advocate and address those gaps.
• Work to influence change to laws, policies, and programs to support Survivors, in line with the TRC Calls to Action as well as the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice.
• Serve on various committees, working groups, and task forces and participate in initiatives and projects to create positive change for Survivors and their families.
• Organize SCO commemorative events and conferences to honor RS/DS, MMIWG2S+, 60’s Scoop, Child Welfare System, and Intergenerational Trauma Survivors.
• Support and participate in community gatherings, events, and ceremonies of significance to RS/DS, MMIWG2S+, 60’s Scoop, Child Welfare System and Intergenerational Survivors and their families.
• Develop funding proposals to grow the program and continue to expand the supports and services offered to Survivors and families.
• Maintain records of program materials and activities to document milestones and monitor on-going work to make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Compile and analyze data and information to produce progress and annual reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s level education or University degree in Administration, Public Policy, Law, Health Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Development Practice, or other related field/discipline. A combination of equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five years’ experience leading or managing programs in the health and wellness or social services field.
• Experience in policy development with knowledge of advocacy principles and practices.
• Effective networking, relationship-building, and public speaking skills.
• Strong political acumen with the ability to work individually, collectively, and effectively with various types of organizations, levels of government and stakeholder partners.
• Extensive knowledge of systematic barriers, community resources, system navigation, and referral options.
• Knowledge of the impacts of colonization, Residential and Day Schools, the 60’s Scoop, MMIWG2S+, the Child Welfare System, and intergenerational trauma.
• Understanding of Anishinaabe and Dakota cultures and traditions and respect for community protocols as they pertain to traditional gatherings and events.
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations for diverse audiences and express ideas clearly, concisely, and respectfully.
• Experience writing funding proposals and managing contribution agreements and reporting requirements.
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills.
• Must be skilled in working with the internet, Windows platforms and Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must have demonstrated understanding of First Nations history, culture, and traditions.
• Must be attentive to detail with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently and under pressure.
• Must be a team player, challenged by working in an environment of change and a believer in excellence.
• Ability to speak Dakota or Anishinaabemowin language is an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, Adult Abuse Registry Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check.
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must have a valid class 5 Manitoba Driver’s License and reliable vehicle as travel will be required.
• If the candidate is a member of a registered profession, the candidate must be in good standing with their regulatory body.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: April 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM CST

                Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs’ Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5

Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.

Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.

Testing may form part of the selection process.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.