Youth & Elders Gathering Coordinator

(Internal/External Posting)
March 20, 2025

Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) is a vibrant Anishinaabe community located on the white sands (Northeast shores) of Lake Superior near Wawa Ontario. The registered population is approximately 1,400 with 70 citizens living on reserve. With a strong sense of community and cultural identity, Michipicoten First Nation strives to maintain harmony and balance with Mother Earth, neighbouring First Nations, and surrounding communities.

Michipicoten First Nation is seeking a temporary Event Coordinator to plan and oversee the implementation of Michipicoten’s 2025 Youth & Elders Gathering, scheduled for the beginning of August.  The Y&E Coordinator will work with an established committee to provide a variety of activities, workshops and entertainment that reflect Michipicoten’s culture, language, connection to the land, and wellness.  Although primary attendees are Citizens of Michipicoten First Nation and their families, the event is also open to the general public and past attendance has been in excess of 300 participants.  The target start date is March 31, 2025 with an end date of September 26, 2025.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Coordination

• Gather and review final reports from past gatherings to identify any problems or concerns
• Schedule and attend meetings with Y&E gathering planning committee
• Build relationships with MFN citizens and gather input from the community
• Develop a detailed work plan and budget, coordinate logistics, and manage all event operation

Administration

• Record and distribute minutes from committee meetings
• Assist with the creation and updating of a Work Plan that identifies all action items, deadlines, and individual(s) responsible.
• Establish and monitor project budget
• Coordinate payments for contractors and facilitators
• Provide Committee and Manager with weekly progress reports.

Entertainment and Activities

• Assist with the development of event activities that align with the cultural theme
• Contact potential facilitators to organize each workshop or activity
• Negotiate facilitator fees and arrange payment
• Identify equipment needs and order supplies
• Coordinate location for each activity
• Create a schedule of events outlining details of activities

Meals & Refreshments

• Create meal plan that caters to common dietary restrictions
• Contract Caterer to provide 3 meals per day and refreshments for 400+ attendees
• Ensure required equipment is available
• Order supplies

Volunteer Management

• Identify volunteer roles and create a draft schedule
• Recruit, instruct and supervise volunteers

Promotion and Marketing

• Creating promotional materials for inclusion on the website and in the Nation’s newsletter
• Work in conjunction with MFN’s Communication Coordinator to ensure effective promotion and communication about the event.
• Ensure the event is documented with camera, devices, or other recording devices

Event Week

• Attend the Youth and Elder’s gathering and assist with set-up and take down
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Address problems or challenges that arise during the event

Evaluation

• Collect and review participant feedback forms
• Organize a debriefing meeting for committee/organizers following event
• Complete a final report outlining details of the activities, # of participants for each activity/event, budget vs actual costs, challenges encountered and suggestions for improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Training

• Post-secondary education in a related field
• Project Management Certification preferred

Experience

• Minimum 2 years experience with planning and executing all aspects of large-scale events (300+ attendees)
• Previous experience working with a First Nation community

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient with MS Office programs
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage budgets and work within financial constraints
• Knowledge of Michipicoten’s culture, traditions and practices
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including community members, vendors, and volunteers.
• Ability to think on their feet and handle unexpected challenges.
• Flexibility to adapt plans as needed to ensure the event’s success.
• Skills in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers.

Other

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and own vehicle
• Current Criminal Record Check (if position offered)

LOCATION:  Michipicoten, ON

TERM:  Temporary, Full-Time

WAGE:  $32.00/hr

TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume as one document to hr@michipicoten.com with the position title in the subject line by April 4, 2025.

Michipicoten First Nation is dedicated to promoting equity and diversity and serving the interests of their citizens. The successful candidate will be primarily engaged in serving the interests of Michipicoten citizens and preference will be given to citizens and Indigenous candidates who possess the necessary qualifications.