Indigenous Employee Relations Advisor

Mikisew Group of Companies is seeking an Indigenous Relations Advisor to strengthen relationships, engagement, and workplace experiences for Indigenous employees across our organization. This role provides a trusted, culturally informed, and accessible point of contact for Indigenous employees, with a key focus on supporting Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) members throughout their employment journey. The Indigenous Relations Advisor will work closely with employees, operational leaders, Human Resources, Indigenous Workforce Development, and other internal partners to help employees navigate workplace processes, raise concerns, understand available options, and access the appropriate resources and supports.

The successful candidate will bring strong relationship-building skills, sound judgment, cultural awareness, and an understanding of workplace and operational environments.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain a particular focus on building relationships with and supporting Mikisew Cree First Nation employees, including proactive workplace check-ins, identification of employment barriers, connection to appropriate support, and assistance with opportunities that promote successful employment, development and long-term retention.
• Serve as a trusted, culturally informed and accessible point of contact for Indigenous employees across Mikisew Group of Companies.
• Provide confidential guidance and support to Indigenous employees seeking assistance with workplace questions, concerns, relationships or employment-related processes.
• Help Indigenous employees understand applicable workplace policies, procedures, expectations, collective agreement processes and available avenues for addressing concerns.
• Support employees in identifying practical options and determining the appropriate internal or external resource, including Human Resources, Labour Relations, Indigenous Workforce Development, management, union representatives, or other available supports.
• Support early and informal resolution of workplace concerns where appropriate by encouraging open communication, identifying common ground and facilitating constructive conversations between indigenous employees and leadership.
• Attending workplace meetings as an employee support and navigation resource where appropriate, while maintaining clear boundaries regarding representation, investigation and decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with Human Resources, Labour Relations, Operations and leadership to support positive workplace relationships and culturally informed and respectful approaches to employee concerns.
• Conduct proactive check-ins with Indigenous employees, particularly new hires and employees placed through Indigenous Workforce Development initiatives, to support successful onboarding, workplace integration and long-term retention.
• Identify barriers that may impact Indigenous employee engagement, attendance, development, advancement or retention and collaborate with appropriate departments to identify potential supports and solutions.
• Connect Indigenous employees with available training, apprenticeship, career development, mentorship and advancement opportunities.
• Support employees experiencing workplace or employment-related challenges by helping them understand their options and connecting them with appropriate resources before concerns escalate where possible.
• Identify recurring workplace themes, trends and systemic barriers affecting Indigenous employees and provide recommendations to IWD department and organizational leadership regarding opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain appropriate records of employee interactions, referrals and outcomes while respecting confidentiality, privacy requirements and organizational record-keeping practices.
• Support Indigenous Workforce Development initiatives aimed at improving the workplace experience, engagement, development, advancement and retention of Indigenous employees.
• Maintain clear role boundaries and refer matters requiring formal investigation, disciplinary action, grievance administration, legal interpretation or organizational decision-making to the appropriate Human Resources, Labour Relations, management or union representative.
• Perform other related duties that support the organization's Indigenous workforce development, employee relations and retention objectives.

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time, office-based position, typically working Monday to Friday, eight (8) hours per day based in Fort Mcmurray, AB.
• Regular travel may be required between Mikisew Group of Companies offices and various operational/site locations.
• Some flexibility in working hours may be required to connect with employees working varied shifts and schedules, including early mornings or evenings where appropriate.
• The role may require periodic presence at operational sites to build relationships, maintain visibility, and provide accessible support to Indigenous employees.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Indigenous studies, social work, conflict resolution, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• 5+ or more years of experience in employee relations, Indigenous employment, community engagement, workplace conflict resolution or a comparable role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous community relationships, cultural safety and the employment barriers experienced by Indigenous workers.
• Working knowledge of workplace policies, labour relations, collective agreements, occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and accommodation processes.
• Experience working in a unionized, industrial, construction, oilsands or multi-company environment is considered an asset.
• Training or certification in mediation, conflict resolution, or human resources is considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge of Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) culture, community and member priorities is a significant asset.
  
• Ability to travel to company offices, work sites or the community as reasonably required.

Benefits & Incentives

At Mikisew Group, we are committed to providing our employees with competitive compensation, meaningful benefits, and opportunities to grow their careers. Our total rewards package includes:

• Competitive wages
• Immediate Group Benefits coverage, including Extended Health, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance and Critical Illness coverage
• Participation in our Group Retirement Savings Plan, with company matching of up to 5%