Job Posting

Job Title: W̱SÁNEĆ Knowledge Weaver – Land Back & Reconnection
Direct Supervisor: Katie Blake, Lands Trust Manager
Senior Manager: Gord Elliott, Officer and Senior Manager
Hours: 30 – 40 hours per week
Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 (commensurate to experience)
Health Benefits: Yes, Co-Operators Group Benefit Plan
Work Location: Mixed, Part-time in office (Brentwood Bay) and part-time from home
Term: One year, fixed-term employment with ability to extend by agreement.

 

W̱SÁNEĆ Knowledge Weaver – Land Back & Reconnection

Are you passionate about land return and reconnection? Do you want to learn how to navigate Western land ownership and management systems to support the Land Back movement? We are looking for a dedicated and community-connected individual to join us as the W̱SÁNEĆ Knowledge Weaver – Land Back & Reconnection in this exciting and impactful role.

This unique position will be custom built around the successful applicant’s current skillset and learning goals, to help to build capacity within the WSÁNEĆ Nation for advancing land return and reconnection efforts. If you are connected to W̱SÁNEĆ communities, eager to learn, and driven to make a difference, we encourage you to apply. We encourage all W̱SÁNEĆ applicants to self-identify in our recruitment processes. Pursuant to Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act, preference will be given to W̱SÁNEĆ candidates.

The W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society (WLTS)

W̱SÁNEĆ have had a sacred obligation to care for the land and waters since the beginning of time. These obligations were given to the W̱SÁNEĆ by XȺLS (the creator) and were recognized through the creation of the 1852 Douglas Treaties.

The WLTS is a modern expression of that sacred obligation, by facilitating the return of land into W̱SÁNEĆ care and revitalising the reciprocal relationships between the emerging people, the land and all living beings. The WLTS is a registered charity, with the following core purposes: 

• to hold lands in trust for the benefit of W̱SÁNEĆ (the emerging people);
• to establish and maintain spaces for the sustainable exercise and enjoyment of W̱SÁNEĆ rights and title and Douglas treaty rights;
• to protect and care for sites of ecological, historic, and cultural value; and
• to protect and care for the natural and cultural heritage of W̱SÁNEĆ, to further reconciliation, to honour the Douglas treaties, and to respect W̱SÁNEĆ rights and title. 

Position Overview

As the W̱SÁNEĆ Knowledge Weaver – Land Back & Reconnection you will play a central role in supporting the Land Back movement and the W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society. This role will involve learning about technical and administrative aspects of land return, as well as working with community members and organizations to restore relationships with the land.

This is a highly adaptable position, with responsibilities tailored to your existing skills, interests, and knowledge. The role is primarily desk-based, but it will also include supporting community events, coordinating reconnection and restoration projects, and occasional fieldwork. On-the-job and formal training will be provided to ensure your success in this role.

Why Apply?

• Tailored Role: We will match responsibilities to your skills and interests.
• Training & Growth: Receive both formal and on-the-job training.
• Community Impact: Be part of a transformative movement to return land to Indigenous stewardship.
• Supportive Environment: Join a team committed to your success and to building capacity within the Nation.

Possible Responsibilities 

• Learning & Training: Gain knowledge of charitable lands trusts and other western land ownership and management systems in order to increase land return to W̱SÁNEĆ. 
• Community Engagement: Support event coordination, community outreach, and relationship-building with W̱SÁNEĆ community and other key stakeholders.
• Land Reconnection: Assist with reconnection and restoration projects, including planning, on-site activities, and collaboration with both W̱SÁNEĆ and western experts.
• Fundraising & Advocacy: Contribute to fundraising efforts to support land return initiatives, including grant writing where appropriate.
• Administrative Support: Use computer-based tools for research, documentation, and communication.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a WSÁNEĆ community member.
• Demonstrate a passion for land return and reconnection work.
• Be eager to learn and grow, with a focus on technical and practical skills.
• Show connection to community and an interest in fostering reciprocal relationships between W̱SÁNEĆ with the land.
• Have at least basic computer and writing skills and a willingness to develop administrative and writing abilities.
• Possess and/or be eager to develop your traditional knowledge in relation to land; 
• Be resilient and self-motivated,
• Be available to work during business hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday) with availability to work occasional evenings or weekends to support community events,
• Hold a valid BC Drivers Licence and have access to your own transportation. 
• Any relevant work or education experience (both WSÁNEĆ and Western systems are valued) will be considered. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

1. A brief statement about your connections to the WSÁNEĆ community, your passion for land return,  and why this role excites you. 
2. Your resume or a list of past work/education experiences (both formal and informal).

Applications can be submitted via email to info@wsanec.com. The deadline to apply is 14 February. If you have questions about the role, or how to apply please contact us by email and provide a phone number at which we can reach you.

We strongly encourage WSÁNEĆ community members of all levels of work experience to apply. Your passion and willingness to learn matter most. 

Together, let’s work to restore the land and the relationships that sustain us all.