Join the team!
#1. Position: In-House Legal Counsel
About the Opportunity
The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time In-House Legal Counsel to join our team, based in Vancouver or Prince George, with remote options available for candidates within BC.
Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Director, you will play a pivotal role in providing legal advice, research, and coordination across BCAFN’s policy priorities, while helping build internal capacity and reducing reliance on external legal counsel.
In this position, you will be primarily responsible for managing legal matters across BCAFN’s strategic files, reviewing legislative developments for alignment with the Declaration Act (DRIPA), and supporting both internal and external engagement from a legal perspective.
Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Providing legal advice, opinions, and research on portfolio areas including DRIPA, UNDA, environment, housing, justice, and policing
- Overseeing and managing external legal files and liaising with retained legal counsel
- Representing BCAFN in meetings with government, First Nations leadership, and partner organizations
- Reviewing and interpreting legislation for alignment with UNDRIP and First Nations' rights, title, and interests in BC
- Drafting legal documents including letters, contracts, memos, and briefing notes
- Coordinating legal deliverables with internal policy leads and external legal teams
- Supporting BCAFN leadership with high-level legal input for board presentations and negotiation sessions
- Contributing to legal strategy and capacity building across policy files and project work
More About You
To qualify, you will need to hold a law degree and be called to the bar (or be eligible and willing to register shortly thereafter), with 1–3+ years of experience in a legal or policy-focused role, ideally with exposure to First Nations governance, legal systems, or rights-based policy work. A combination of legal and policy experience will be considered.
The following skills and experience will be crucial for this role:
- Understanding of BC First Nations governance structures and legal frameworks
- Familiarity with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), UNDA, and UNDRIP
- Experience supporting Indigenous-led policy or legal initiatives
- Knowledge of legislative review and alignment of laws processes
- Ability to provide legal analysis, draft legal documents, and coordinate external counsel
- Previous work with or for First Nations organizations or leadership
- Capacity to manage multiple policy files across justice, environment, housing, and more
- Proven knowledge of First Nations historical, political, and legal issues, with an understanding of colonial impacts on child and family well-being
- Excellent time and project management skills to manage multiple priorities and produce results within tight timelines
- Familiarity with the political landscape and government policies affecting child and family matters
- Willingness and ability to travel as required
As our ideal candidate, you will possess strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to take initiative while working collaboratively within a high-performing team. Your adaptability, accountability, and eagerness to build trust across diverse stakeholders will make you a perfect culture fit.
This is a unique opportunity for a lawyer with a passion for Indigenous rights and governance, ready to support BCAFN’s mission while shaping the future of in-house legal capacity across First Nations advocacy in British Columbia.
Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nations ancestry.
About the Benefits
In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive annual salary of $95,000 - $105,000, negotiable dependent on skills, experience and qualifications, along with a great host of benefits, including:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- RRSP Matching of up to 6% of Your Salary
- 3 Weeks of Vacation to Start (Negotiable)
- Paid time off: Christmas Break, National Indigenous Peoples Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
If you are interested in progressing your career with a growing organization, apply today! Apply HERE
#2. Children & Families Policy Analyst
About the Opportunity
The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Child and Family Policy Analyst to join our team, based in Vancouver or Prince George, BC (hybrid), with remote options available for candidates within BC.
Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Director, you will play a pivotal role in advancing systemic change and supporting First Nations leadership on child and family well-being matters, ensuring alignment with BCAFN’s mission and advocacy goals.
In this position, you will be primarily responsible for providing policy analysis, strategic guidance, and collaboration to support transformative initiatives that promote First Nations child and family well-being.
Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Advancing jurisdictional and systemic change through the Tripartite Working Group on Children and Families (TWGCF), collaborating with federal and provincial governments
- Collaborating with the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), First Nations Summit, and other partners to address child and family well-being issues
- Coordinating initiatives and projects, including addressing Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) non-compliance motions with legal partners
- Facilitating and coordinating political and technical meetings to advance the work
- Supporting the BCAFN Regional Chief and First Nations Leadership Council on key issues, including Jordan’s Principle, child welfare jurisdiction, and compensation negotiations
- Conducting research and preparing speaking notes, reports, and briefs to support informed decision-making by First Nations leaders
- Facilitating partnerships with organizations such as the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, Our Children Our Way and other organizations and agencies as required
- Providing strategic recommendations to the First Nations Leadership Council
- Maintaining records of high-level meetings to ensure effective follow-through on action items
More About You
To qualify, you will need a university degree in a related field such as social work, law, public administration, or First Nations studies, with 3+ years of experience working on policy related to child and family issues, First Nations inherent rights, or within government agencies such as the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).
The following skills and experience will be crucial for this role:
- Background in law or legal expertise, particularly related to child welfare and systemic reform
- Proven knowledge of First Nations historical, political, and legal issues, with an understanding of colonial impacts on child and family well-being
- Experience with legislation, regulations and policy development in child welfare, including Jordan’s Principles, First Nations Child and Family Services Program and Canadian Human Rights Tribunal matters
- Strong analytical, research, and reasoning abilities to provide actionable recommendations
- Expertise in preparing reports, briefs, and speaking notes to support leadership decision-making
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with government agencies (e.g., MCFD), First Nations organizations, and communities
- Excellent time management skills to manage multiple priorities and produce results within tight timelines
- Familiarity with the political landscape and government policies affecting child and family matters
- Willingness and ability to travel as required
As our ideal candidate, you bring exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, paired with the emotional resilience needed to navigate the complex and sensitive realities of historical and current First Nations child welfare challenges. Your empathetic approach, cultural awareness, and unwavering commitment to advancing First Nations self-determination will set you apart. Additionally, your ability to recognize and navigate the high-stakes nature of this work, including its leadership and political dimensions, combined with your collaborative mindset, will ensure your success in this critical role.
This is a meaningful opportunity for a passionate professional with a legal or policy background to drive systemic change in child and family well-being, creating a lasting and positive impact on First Nations communities and families.
Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nations ancestry.
About the Benefits
In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive annual salary of $82,000-$88,000, negotiable dependent on skills, experience and qualifications, along with a great host of benefits, including:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- RRSP Matching of up to 6% of Your Salary
- 3 Weeks of Vacation to Start (Negotiable)
- Paid time off: Christmas Break & National Indigenous Day
- Moving Expenses (Negotiable)
If you are interested in progressing your career with a growing organization, apply today! Apply HERE
